Steinour, Clark could meet in final

How about a Carl Clark-Sean Steinour showdown in the men's singles final of the Davenport City Tennis Championships?

That hasn't happened since 1999, but it looms as a possibility when the revitalized tournament gets under way at Byrd Park next month.

Steinour, who has captured eight city titles in the past 12 years, and Clark have confirmed their entries for the annual event, which is scheduled for May 11-18 at the refurbished courts at the end of the Boulevard.

Clark also is set to play doubles with former city champion Tom Cain, who plays more golf these days than tennis, but still swings a mean racket.

Clark, the head pro at the Country Club of Virginia, hasn't played in the city tournament since defeating Steinour nine years ago, but was enticed to enter this year with the chance to win a weekend trip to the Homestead resort in Hot Springs.

Ten of the leading pros in the area will kick off the tournament with a round-robin doubles exhibition May 10 at Byrd Park. The winners take home the top prize -- but each pro also has to commit to play singles or doubles in the Davenport to receive the Homestead stay.

Another strong entrant in the men's field is expected to be Kyle Parker, Mills Godwin High's top player, if something can be worked out with the Central Region high school tournament that week. Cris Robinson, Eddie Parker and Scott Steinour have entered, along with John Snead and Phillip Parrish.

On the women's side, defending champion Bridget Reichert will headline the field, which could also include Katie Blow, Godwin's No.1 player. Other early entries are Kristin Nimitz and Ginny Wortham.

The deadline for entries for the open and family (father-son, mother-daughter, etc.) divisions is May 5. Entry forms are available at most clubs and online by going to www.richmondtennis.org/davenport08.

The teams for the exhibition, which begins at noon, are Clark-Mark Bernstine, Robinson-Lynn Bybee, Scott Steinour-Damian Sancilio, Joe Cappellino-Ed Butterworth and Parker-Sean Steinour. Admission is free.

Gale takes third place in national tournament

Rachel Gale, director of special events at the Westwood Club, finished third in the National Women's 35s Clay Court Championships last month in Houston. Gale, a six-time winner of the city tournament, lost to second-seeded Julie Cass in the semifinals before winning the third-place match.

Gale will pass on the city tourney this year because she's playing in the National Women's Indoor 35s the same week as the Davenport.

Another Richmonder, Martha Condyles, finished sixth at the National Women's 45s Clay Courts in Houston. -- John Packett