PTC Hosts ‘Shotgun 21’ July 26

The Palisades Tennis Center will host the second annual “Shotgun 21” unisex tournament on Sunday, July 26, at the public courts off Alma Real Drive. Men and women will play each other head-to-head in a drop-hit format sure to produce exciting rallies and tactical play rarely seen in today’s power game. Only underhanded serving is allowed, there are no “lets” or second serves and scoring is first to 21 points (you don’t have to win by two), hence the name “Shotgun 21.” Alex Bogomolov beat Phillip King on the winner-take-all final point to win the inaugural event last August, taking home $10,000 and a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. This year’s prize money will be a similar amount. “Last year’s “Shotgun 21″ was one of the greatest days I’ve seen in the Palisades,” tournament organizer and PTC founder Steve Bellamy said. “Seeing 50 pro tennis players fighting it out on our local courts in front of 500 people on the hillside was really cool.” Several ATP and WTA pros have verbally committed to play, including Sam Querrey, Alexandra Stephenson and Vince Spadea. Bellamy has also invited Mike and Bob Bryan, Tommy Haas, Taylor Dent and Marcos Baghdatis. Anyone who wants to do more than just watch can play in the qualifying round starting at noon. At least four players will earn wildcards into the main draw and a chance to trade groundstrokes with the pros. The entire tournament will take place on the four upper courts and each match will last 15 to 20 minutes. The main draw will begin at 3 p.m. and should conclude by around 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.palitenniscenter.com. Those interested in participating should call the PTC at (310) 573-1331.