Monday, February 24, 2020 marked the first night of the 2020 Calgary National Bank Challenger. Qualifying matches started right at 9am and the day was packed full of action until the final match concluded around 10pm. Two American players earned their way into the main draw in exciting qualifying matches. A. Rybakov (USA) defeated D. Novikov (USA) 75 64 and F. Corwin (USA) defeated H. Heliovaara from Finland 76(5) 62.
Main Draw Singles action saw 4 Canadian players take to the court and they were definitely cheered on by the hometown crowd. Despite great efforts, the only Canadian player moving forward into the second round is Filip Peliwo from Vancouver, BC.
The evening session was kicked off by the National Bank Opening Ceremony where the audience heard from Ron Ghitter, Chair of the OSTEN & VICTOR Albert Tennis Centre Board of Directors and Robert Hayes from National Bank. The Calgary National Bank Challenger would not be possible without their generous support and we are thankful for their generosity.
Day 2 of the tournament is Kid’s Day, presented by the OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre. School children from around the city will be transported to the Centre to watch the daytime session. Tournament organizers are very excited to provide what might be an introduction to professional tennis.
2018 Calgary National Bank Challenger Singles Champion Ivo Karlovic will take to the court as well on day 2 to start his campaign to defend his title. The Croatian athlete will take on Evan King from the USA at 6:30pm.
RESULTS
FEBRUARY 24, 2020 Men’s Singles – First Round
K. Zuk (POL) d R. Sarmiento (USA) 63 64
F. Peliwo (CAN) d J. Yamasaki (JPN) 61 75
[PR] B. Mott (AUS) d [WC] A. Galarneau (CAN) 36 64 61
E. King (USA) d R. Peniston (GBR) 63 64
B. Lock (ZIM) d S. Shimabukuro (JPN) 64 67(5) 62
C. Altamirano (USA) d F. Ornago (ITA) 63 76(8)
P. Niklas-Salminen (FIN) d J. Grills (AUS) 62 64
T. Simon (GER) d [WC] T. Baadi (CAN) 76(2) 62
Y. Takahashi (JPN) d Q. Robert (FRA) 64 64
N. Chappell (USA) d [WC] J. Peck (CAN) 61 64
Evan King (USA)
