DOWAGIAC — Dave Negron survived the elements and the field this past weekend to earn his first Dowagiac City Tennis Tournament Men’s Singles championship.

Negron, who lost in the finals in 2010 to defending champion Larry Watson in three sets, defeated Marc Tyrakowski in Sunday’s final 6-4 and 6-0.

Negron defeated Michael Robbins in the opening round 6-1 and 6-2 before topping Matthew Miller in the semifinals, 6-2 and 6-0.

Tyrakowski advanced to the finals with a 3-6, 6-2 and 6-4 win over Deangelo Baylock and Watson 3-6, 6-2 and 6-4. It was the first time Watson did not appear in the finals since 1984.

Watson, who owns a record 17 men’s championships, reached the semifinals with a 6-0 and 6-3 win over Brad Miller. Matthew Miller advanced to the semifinals with a 1-6, 6-4 and 6-4 win over Jim Darr.

Sue Watson captured her record 15th women’s singles championship with a 6-3 and 6-1 victory over Hope Daniel.

Daniel made it to Sunday’s final with a 6-0 and 6-1 victory over Gabby Leonard.

This is the 38th year of the city tournament.

The event switches to doubles action this coming weekend. Saturday the men’s and women’s doubles titles will be decided with the mixed doubles crown being awarded on Sunday.

There is still time to sign up for the doubles tournaments.

The men’s and women’s doubles tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Some matches could be played Friday beginning at 6 p.m.

The mixed doubles tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Entry deadline for the doubles tournament is Tuesday at 5 p.m. The tournament draw will be posted at the middle school courts Thursday.

The tournament, which still costs just $10 per doubles team, is open to all residents of Cass County, as well as graduates of the Dowagiac Union School District and current or former members of the Dowagiac Tennis Association.

Matches will be a best two- of-three format with a 12-point tiebreaker in all sets.

The tournament is a single elimination format with a feed-in consolation round. The feed-in matches will be an eight-game Pro Set.

Balls will be furnished for all matches.

For more information or to sign-up for the event, contact Sue Watson at 782-3367.