PROVO, Utah – Both the singles and doubles championships at the Utah Fall Tennis Classic were won by BYU men’s tennis players on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the BYU Outdoor Tennis Courts.

BYU junior Patrick Kawka claimed the singles title, topping No. 1 seed Slim Hanza, 6-2, 6-4, in the final round. Kawka advanced to the finals after wining by default due to an injury to Dmytro Marnedov.

Kawka’s victory marks the sixth consecutive year a BYU player has won the singles title in the Utah Fall Tennis Classic.

In doubles play, Kawka also won the championship match with his partner and sophomore Keaton Cullimore. The duo easily defeated University of Utah teammates Justin Archer and Rafael Davidian, 8-1.

Cullimore also took the doubles title last year with freshman John Pearce.

BYU captain Spencer Smith and last year’s singles champion, also played today in the semifinal round. He lost the first set, 6-0, and fought hard in the second but couldn’t quite earn the victory, losing 7-6.

The Cougars will play at the Utah Invitational in Salt Lake City on Oct. 11.

For information on the tournament and to see a complete bracket, click here.

The BYU men’s tennis team will host the annual Utah Fall Tennis Classic, starting Thursday September 6 and goes through Saturday September 8. The tournament features college, professional and junior players from Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, California, Washington and British Columbia, Canada.

“The great thing about this tournament is it involves college players, pros and ex-pros and it also involves junior players who are at an open level to participate as well,” BYU coach Brad Pearce said. “You get a good mixture of old guys, college age guys and juniors.”

The players do not represent their school but rather compete on an individual basis. However, a BYU player has won the singles section of the tournament for the past five years in a row.

Current senior and team captain Spencer Smith won the tournament last year, defeating teammate Keaton Cullimore, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Sophomore Cullimore and freshman John Pearce won the doubles bracket last year.

The first singles matches begin at 12:30 p.m. at the BYU Outdoor Tennis Courts. Doubles play starts at 3:30 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public. The tournament can be followed online by clicking here.