Matt Hane and Hunter Kootnz Claim Games on the James

December 9, 2019
Richmond, VA

By Rob Oakes

Ideal weather set the stage for a fantastic day of paddle in Richmond. Played on The Country Club of Virginia’s three courts, Games on the James NRT/Viking PCQ is a highlight for paddle in Region VII. This year saw new champions as two members of CCV’s professional staff, Matt Hane and Hunter Kootnz, teamed up for the first time and relied on their competitive tennis backgrounds to defeat several more seasoned paddle teams in route to the title.

The main draw semifinals were highly competitive and entertaining, both ending in upsets of the top two seeded teams. Hane/Koontz defeated top seeds Peyton Lawson and Chris Snow in two tiebreakers to advance to the final, while brothers Andy Todd and Michael Todd came back to defeat second seeds Blake Gayle and Rob Oakes 6-3 in the third set. Ultimately, youth and firepower prevailed in the final with Hane/Koontz defeating Todd/Todd, 7-5, 7-5.

The APTA would like to thank first time tournament director Rob Oakes for running a top-notch event.

RESULTS:
Main Draw: Matt Hane/Hunter Koontz def. Andy Todd/Michael Todd, 7-5, 7-5
Quarter Reprieve: Eric Pearson/Kevin Rotty def. Eric Price/Steven Wright, 6-4, 6-0
Consolation: Matt Magner/John Snead def. Neville Brodie/John Colan, 7-6, 1-6, 6-3
Consolation Reprieve: Mark Bernstine/Scott Steinour def. Chris Conquest/Massie Meredith, default

Finalists, Andy Todd/Michael Todd Winners Hunter Koontz/Matt Hane