Ballsy climb to the top
Events
From the moment the very first balls were served at the Warszawianka Tennis Club in Warsaw, it was apparent that the players hadn’t wasted any time during the lockdown. Most were in excellent shape and fully able to showcase their superb techniques. To ensure the matches were played out in the fairest manner possible, Anna Jastrzębska of the Polish Tennis Association oversaw the proceedings as the official umpire. For the second year running the men’s singles was won by number one seed Krzysztof Stempień of Cresa, who blitzed his way through the entire field. Krzysztof won a total of eleven matches as he was also taking part in the doubles. Despite such massive exertions, when asked if he needed a rest, he answered with a firm: no, it wouldn’t be necessary. What amazing physical fitness! Second place in the men’s singles went to Bartosz Hys of Techno Art Serwis i Aranżacje, who also blazed his way into the final. It was only at the final hurdle that he had to face any serious challenge, eventually losing 6:1. Grzegorz Czaus and Anton Bashtavy (Centerscape Investments Poland) finished in joint-third place.
The women also showed a similar determination to take the top prize. This year’s tournament ended in fantastic fashion for Monika Żywiecka of Oakbridge Capital Advisors, when she triumphed in the ladies’ singles, and in the process proved that patience and hard work pays off in the end. Monika had come second or third a few times in previous years, but this was the first time that she has taken away the main trophy. Second place also went to a previous runner-up, the equally talented Małgorzata Frąckiewicz of Cushman & Wakefield. While third place was taken by Agnieszka Bejda of CA Immo.
As has already been mentioned, the 15th Eurobuild CEE Annual Tennis Tournament was not just a battle for the men’s and ladies’ singles titles but also for the doubles. A total of 16 pairs entered this competition. As it turned out it was not only mistakes and injuries, but above all the skill and ability of the players that decided who would win out. And the winners this time were Krzysztof Stempień (Cresa) and Filip Bojdo (Omikron Capital). In the final match they faced off against Bartosz Hys and Anton Bashtavy to finally triumph 6:3. Both Hys and Bashtavy demonstrated – more than once – that they weren’t giving in without a fight, but eventually they both had to succumb to the superb skills of their opponents. After a fierce struggle, in which Anton picked up an injury, the pair nevertheless did themselves proud by taking second place. Grzegorz Czaus and Marcin Opaliński (Rheinzink) also fought bravely, but in the end had to settle for third place.
A few injuries did occur (but thankfully none were serious), which unfortunately forced a number of the players to withdraw from the competition; but others gritted their teeth and played through the pain so as not to let down their partners. Just as in any sporting event victory for one meant defeat for another, but in the end the tournament itself turned out to be a great success. The turnout was good, the weather was beautiful, and it was an overwhelmingly happy occasion played out in a friendly atmosphere. The level of play was also remarkably high with some thrilling rallies. In other words: the perfect ingredients for a wonderful tournament.
“Just like every year, the Eurobuild Tennis Tournament was brilliantly organised, which included the perfect preparation of the Warszawianka courts, the planning of the qualifying rounds and also the tournament extras. The event is also an excellent opportunity to make new business contacts both during the matches and during the evening prize-giving. Every year the event is more competitive and I can’t wait for next year’s tournament, when once again we can face off against our real estate colleagues on the court,” enthused Krzysztof Stempień.
At the same time as the tennis, the 19th Annual Eurobuild CEE Golf Tournament was taking place at the First Warsaw Golf and Country Club in the village of Rajszew, just outside the city. Between 9 am and 1 pm, the players walked out onto the course in groups of four. Two handicap systems were used: 0-18 Strokeplay net and gross as well as 18, 1-36 Stableford net. Additional competitions were also held for those who had their eyes on the main prize. At hole 5, you could win a suit from House of Tudor. All that was required was to make one accurate shot, but unfortunately nobody got that lucky. Another surprise awaited the men at hole 9 and the women at hole 11, where the Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive were held. The prizes were again kindly provided by House of Tudor as well as Masters Golf. And then there was a final surprise at hole 14. This was where for all the golfers assembled for the Closest to the Pin tournament. One further attraction was the Komu Group stand, where you could take a short break from the contest, quench your thirst and find out about future golf trips and tournaments. The first teams began to re-emerge at about 2 pm. while the last came back into the clubhouse at around 6 pm.
As everyone was still battling it out on the fairway, a beautiful navy blue Ferrari was driven onto the golf course by Muniak, one of the associate sponsors of the event. Those who wanted could take a closer look and even a test drive could do so during the prize-giving ceremony later that evening. Meanwhile, back on the driving range, the Golf Academy was underway for anyone who fancied trying their hand at the sport. Here too there was no lack of competitive rivalry. Those enrolled in the Academy could also take part in competitions for the Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. The main prizes for these were taken by Katarzyna Suczyńska-Malec and Renata Chmiel respectively, both of whom left their competitors trailing in the dust. The players in the main competition also showed some great form, with Sandra Grzegorzewska taking the longest drive in the women’s competition and Bartosz Piekarski winning it in the men’s. However, the greatest accuracy was demonstrated by Tomasz Iwan, who won the Closest to the Pin contest. Chris Duffy – and not for the first time – took the prize for Strokeplay gross, while the other winners were:
Group 1 handicap – net Stableford
- Stanisław Majewski; 2. Renata Jawińska; 3. Jacek Nowicki
Group 2 handicap – net strokeplay
- Michał Ligocki; 2. Dominik Reszetko; 3. Manh Hue Hoang
As well as the trophies, those who finished in first place also received vouchers for a return flight to Turkey from the Komu Group as well as vouchers from Tailors Club. These prizes were also generously provided by our longstanding partner Centrum Golfa and, for the first time (and we hope not the last), Exito Broker. We were also supported by our associate sponsors: Human Office and No.44 Luxury Rentals.
We would also like to thank the sponsors of the tennis tournament for making it possible: APP-Projekt and Human Office. The tennis prizes were kindly provided by Tailors Club, Recman and Amazing Sklep Tenisowy.
So congratulations to all the winners and finalists of both the annual tennis and the golf tournaments. We would also like to say a big thank you to all the other competitors and the spectators for taking part and contributing to two such wonderful events.
See you again on the courts and greens next year!
Photos from the tennis tournament can be viewed here.
And photos from the golf tournament can be viewed here.
