‘Dinosaur’ takes the court

Ellen McCarty

Newport Beach resident Scott Davis won’t let the threat of rainy weather

blur his vision of winning the 13th Annual Top Gun Tennis Tournament this

month.

The run for $3,000 in prize money begins Nov. 13 at the Seacliff Tennis

Club.

The 37-year-old is a former world champion tennis player and winner of

last year’s Top Gun tournament, which benefits the Huntington Youth

Shelter. He said he enjoys local competitions because “it’s great to have

a chance to win prize money and know that you’re also benefiting a local

charity.”

The tournament draws thousands of competitors, said Pamela Johnson, a Top

Gun coordinator. All the proceeds benefit the Huntington Beach shelter,

which provides for homeless and runaway kids age 11 to 17. This year’s

fund-raising goal is $15,000.

Despite his 17-year career, Davis said he doesn’t expect an easy victory.

“None of the local tournaments are easy,” he said. “They tend to draw

guys who used to play in the Association of Tennis Professionals or who

just missed it. The level of play will definitely be challenging.”

Davis said spectators might be surprised to see his unique and antiquated

style.

“I’m a dinosaur,” he said. “When I first went professional, there was a

lot more play at the net and the volley was a bigger part of the game.

Now the rackets and equipment have evolved so there’s much more emphasis

on power. It’s a difficult transition.”

Davis still manages to use the whole court and stay ahead of his

opponents.

“I’m usually in the driver’s seat,” he said. “I’m always one step ahead

of my opponent.”

In addition to learning new tricks, Davis said he usually has to adjust

to the weather.

Last year players had to move to the outer courts because the inner

courts were pretty wet from rains. “The courts get very slippery really

fast,” he said.

Whatever the challenges, Davis aims to meet them head on and not be too

hard on himself. “Even if I lose, if I took the initiative during the

game, I can walk away from the court with a positive attitude,” he said.

“That’s important.”