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.