Van’t Hof still swinging in tennis event

Newport-Mesa area tennis players have fared well so far in the 45th Roy Emerson Adoption Guild Classic.

Several players have advanced past the quarterfinals in the tournament, which is being played at four sites around Newport Beach and Irvine and concludes Sunday.

Leading the charge is Newport Beach resident Kaes Van’t Hof, the No. 4 seed in the men’s open singles division.

Van’t Hof defeated John-Michael Cham-A-Koon, 6-2, 6-1, in the round of the 16, then advanced when No. 6-seeded Vladislav Molenda, retired due to injury after falling behind, 3-2.

Corona del Mar High graduate Garrett Snyder reached the round of 16 before falling, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, to No. 3-seeded Oren Motevassel.

Palisades Tennis Club’s Jeff Thomsen, the No. 9 seed, lost to No. 1-seeded Alexander Reichel, 4-6 6-3, 6-2, in the round of 16.

In the women’s open singles division, Corona del Mar’s Cierra Gaytan-Leach defeated Jamie Buterbaugh, 6-3, 6-4, in the round of 16, before being ousted in the quarterfinals with a 7-6, 6-4 loss to McCall Jones.

Costa Mesa’s Nelly Radeva was eliminated in the quarterfinals by No. 3-seeded Martina Nejedly.

Area players fared even better in doubles, where five teams involving local players advanced to the semifinals.

In men’s 4.5 doubles, Mesa Verde Country Club’s Bart Bowen and Ron Romero won their quarterfinal match, 6-2, 6-0.

In men’s 5.0 doubles, Palisades Tennis Club’s Barry Crook and Michael Abel advanced the semis.

In women’s 3.0 doubles, Patricia Castagna of the Palisades Tennis Club, teamed with Barbara Bowles to earn a 6-1, 6-4 quarterfinal win.

In women’s 4.5 doubles, Jennifer Hyndman and Natalie Rietveld of the Palisades Tennis Club, won, 6-4, 6-3, in the quarters.

In mixed 5.0 doubles, Susan Hagstrom of the Palisades Tennis Club, along with Dan Oriza, won, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, to make the semis.