MEDIA RELEASE

Tennis is taking a step back into history with the revival of the Interisland Tennis Championships, slated Nov. 6-8 at Holua Tennis Center.

The event was first held in the islands in the 1900s, took a few breaks here and there, and with the help of Ron Seno and Hattie Somerville, the event reappeared in the early 1990s at the Royal Waikoloan.

The last known winner of the Championships was the Big Island in 1993. The home team edged out Oahu, with Maui coming in a close third.

Here is how it works

While playing a regular tournament draw, individuals are also accumulating points for their home island. At the end of the tournament, there will be individual event winners and there will be an overall island winner who gets to claim the Interisland Championship Trophy and bragging rights.

The tournament will include Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles for 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5 & Open divisions plus a 65 & Over Age Division.

Entry fees are $20 per event and $35 for two events. Entries close at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Fees include a player party Saturday evening.

“This tournament has a great history in the islands and we thought it was time to bring it back,” tournament director Cheryl Shrum said. “When the tournament first started, players traveled by steam ships and cane trains to get to the event, often taking a half a day or longer. So not only does it have that kind of history behind it but it was also treated as the Davis Cup of the islands.”

Event organizers urge tennis lovers to come out and root for the home team.

“The players get really involved in rooting for their island, creating a lot of fun and camaraderie,” Shrum said.

Entry forms are available at all the local clubs or by calling 329-8504.