Photo by Mary Smathers
Gabi Alfaro and Yami Carver, finalists in the Women's Division, focus on the match.

The Nosara Tennis Club held its eighth annual doubles tournament January 25th , 26th  and 27th  at the Pelada courts with 34 competitors participating in three divisions. 

Seven women’s teams competed for the trophy and two flights of men’s teams, A and B Class, battled throughout the weekend.  Sunday’s final match winners were Dee Haupt and Teresa Harris in the Women’s Division, Barry Oliver and Tyler Harris in the Men’s B Class, and Sam Carver and recent arrival tennis pro Peter Aarts in the Men’s A Class. 

Other finalists were Gabi Alfaro and Yami Carver in the women’s group, Doug Beveridge and Rolf Sommer in the B group and Aaron Willis and local pro Dan Mainzer in the A division. 

This year’s tournament included a large and varied group of players--Ticos, out of town visitors, long time expats and part time residents, spanning the ages from 13 to 86. 

"We came here to learn Spanish and never expected to find such great tennis here also.  The tennis community has been really welcoming and our whole family loved participating in the tournament,” said Teresa Hughes, who’s family is visiting from Utah for two months and who won the women's division.

“It is great to see so many people out enjoying tennis,” said Peter Unverdorben, Nosara Tennis Club President.  “The high level of play we have in Nosara is amazing for such a small community.  Nosara is becoming a real tennis hotspot in Costa Rica,”  Unverdorben said.