The fifth annual Shotgun 21 tournament, presented by www.10sballs.com, one of the most unique and exciting tennis events in the area, is set for this Sunday at the Palisades Tennis Center. Qualifying begins at noon, followed by the main draw at 4 p.m. The rules of the event are somewhat quirky but keep fans entertained. The first player to 21 wins, and there is no serving, providing the ultimate equalizer as players instead hit ground strokes to one another. There are also no lets, and if games are tied at 20, matches become sudden death. In the event’s first year, both semifinals came down to the final point. Last year, the tournament was won by British pro Alex Bogdanovic, who outlasted American ATP tour player Michael Russell, 21-18. ’You’ve got regular people playing pros. This is the best opportunity you’ll ever have to play against a world-class tennis player,’ said Mike Theoresz, director of tennis at the Palisades Tennis Center. The event is free to attend and is $50 to sign up for the qualifier and an additional $50 for those who qualify for the main draw. The purse of $10,000 in cash and prizes will be divvyed up among the final eight participants. Those expected to compete are Vince Spadea, Zach Fleishman, Clay Thompson and Robbie Bellamy, while various other pros and celebrities have been invited and are likely to attend. For more information, call (503) 310-9602.
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