La Carreta 2017

Report by Paul McNamee, Representing IC Council

We had a terrific week at the Ka Carreta Cup in Sofia, exemplifying good tennis and all played in the wonderful IC spirit.

IC Bulgaria was a first class host, with the host venue in the middle of a beautiful forest, with a spectacular centre court.

The visiting IC's were France and GB, with two Bulgarian teams making for a competitive week of tennis.

In the final, GB got off to a good start in the 60's division, with Fran Candy's 'Rosewallesque'backhand overcoming her opposing captain Brigitte Cadoret's mixture of flat drives sprinkled with drop shots... French flair naturellement.

In the over 50's matchup, the more 'junior' Sophie Orsini (very much at home in a town called Sofia!) showed an impressive combination of power and athleticism to overwhelm the stylish master of British understatement, Libby Eden.

So it came down to the deciding doubles (didn't I like that!) and in the end GB's Libby Eden and renowned doubles specialist, Pat Wire, ran out deserving victors.

I'm sure you've received all the scores. However, I've asked for an amendment to one score, as I don't think the 'bicycle', 'double bagel' (or whatever you like to call it), should be allowed in IC matches.... ha.

The official dinner was at a very traditional restaurant up the mountain (the view on the way back was spectacular) with the food and fare, along with the music and, believe it or not, firewalking, was thoroughly enjoyed by all (a tres forte volunteer was France's Sophie who was slightly singed!)

All in all a great week...some awards:

(1) 'wine tasting' to Brigitt
(2) 'shot of the week' to Libby for a masterful
disguised lob
(3) 'dressing in theme' to L'Equipe France for attending the dinner adorned in IC scarves
(4) 'sin bin' to the unnamed player responsible for the aforementioned score aberration.

So in a week where the inaugural Laver Cup occurred, our attention was unashamedly on the La Carreta Cup here in Sofia, and a good time was had by all in the finest IC spirit.

Final Standings:

1. Team GB
2. Team France
3. Bulgaria 1
4. Bulgaria 2

Congrats to the IC of Bulgaria, especially Katerina Guenova and her assistant Iveta Guneva, as well as the referee, Gloria Stoyanova, and chauffeur, Nikolai Manchev.

A pleasure,

Paul McNamee
Representing IC Council

Click here for full results

By IC Bulgaria

Dates: 20-24 September 2017

Venue:
Bulgarian National Tennis Center
Borisova Gradina; Nezabravka 3-5
Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel: + 359887500600

Tournament Rules
Participating ICs – up to 12
Teams: 1 Lady 50+, 1 Lady 60+, 1 playing or non-playing captain
Matches per tie: 2 singles (60+ and 50+), 1 double (50+/60+)
Matches: best of 3, 3rd set match tie break (10 points)
Balls: HEAD ATP

Wednesday- 20.09.17 Arrival, practice, captains meeting at 19:00
Thursday- 21.9.17: First round matches
Friday- 22.9.17: 10:00 a.m.: Quarter finals and Consolation
Saturday- 23.9.17: 10:00 a.m.: Semi finals and consolation
Sunday- 24.9.17: 10.00 a.m.: Finals and consolation

Tournament Committee
t.b.a.

Social events:
Thursday- Welcome party at the Bulgarian National Tennis Center
Friday- Sightseeing trip, Free evening
Saturday- 7:00 p.m.: IC dinner
Sunday- 2:30 p.m.: price giving ceremony

Players´ hotel:
Park Hotel Moskva, Nezabravka str. 25, Sofia Bulgaria

Entries:

Entries have to be sent by 30 May 2017 with the registration form to IC Bulgaria, Vesselina Doneva, via e-mail to : vdoneva@bgtennis.bg

If less than 12 teams want to participate, there maybe change in the number of competition days and the tournament may finish on Saturday.

Entry fees:

For teams with 2 players only (1 double room): 450,00 €
For teams with 2 players + 1 captain (1 double + 1 single room): 800,00 €
For teams with 3 players + 1 captain (2 double rooms): 930,00 €
For teams with 3 players + 1 captain (1 double + 2 single rooms): 1.100,00 €

The entry fees cover following services:
Hotel with breakfast for 4 nights (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Welcome party in the club (Thursday), 4 lunches in the clubhouse and the IC dinner on Saturday evening

The entry fee has to be paid by 30 July, 2017 to the following bank account of
IC Bulgaria:
D Bank Bulgaria
BG32DEMI92401000178525
BIC:DEMIBGSF
If the entry fee is not paid by the deadline date above, we reserve the right to substitute the IC in delay by another IC team.

There will be No refund of entry fees in case of cancellations after 15 August 2017.

Katerina Guenova
IC of Bulgaria
February 2017