Broderick/Palmer Defend Their Crown as the Atlantic Classic Champions

October 28-29, 2017
Summit, NJ

A strong field converged in New Jersey this weekend for the Atlantic Classic, with three-time defending National Champions Drew Broderick and Jared Palmer making their season debut.  Broderick/Palmer repeated as the Atlantic Classic champions, but the resurgent team of Martin Bostrom and Sebastian Bredberg gave them all they could handle in the finals.

The top seeded Broderick/Palmer cruised through the top half of the draw, defeating Karl Levanat and Bernard Schoeman in the quarters and Dan Regan and Mikk Irdoja in the semis, dropping a total of six games. Bostrom/Bredberg had a far more challenging path through the bottom of the draw. In the quarters, the match they played against second seeded Mark Parsons and Marc Powers was a classic, with Bostrom/Bredberg playing inspired paddle to grind out a long 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win. The Swedes continued their solid play in the semis, taking out Steve DeRose and Jon Lubow, 7-6, 6-4.

The rainy weather didn’t hamper the play of the four finalists. Bostrom/Bredberg again looked like a veteran team that has found a way to make major improvements in their game, pushing Broderick/Palmer to the limit. Bostrom/Bredberg had a match point, but Broderick/Palmer did what they have so often done in the past, and found a way to win. The fans watching at Canoe Brook Country Club and on the live stream were treated to an incredible match, with Broderick/Palmer ultimately winning, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (9-7).

Tournament Director Drew Broderick and the Canoe Brook Country Club hosted a great weekend of paddle and fun activities for players and fans. The tournament also had a high number of former APTA junior players in the draw, including Blake Anderson, Max Gumport, Justin Ucko, Whit Harwood, Pat Shallcross, Marc Powers, Jake Karetsky, Mike Stulac and Jay Schwab, demonstrating that paddle really is a sport for a lifetime.