Santa Fe’s Jim Parker recently captured a prestigious international age group title at the 53rd International European Championships for Super Seniors, held June 14-20 in Portschach, Austria.
Parker, 67, ran roughshod over his international foes at this Grade I International Tennis Federation Championship event for players over the age of 65, which was held on the red clay surface at the TC Werzer - Astoria facility.
Parker (left in the picture) opened with a relatively easy 6-0, 6-1 Round of 32 win, downing Peter Lund of Denmark. He followed that up with victories over Wolfgang Korn (Germany) 6-4, 6-2, and then received a retirement from Sweden’s Hans Eberstein after Parker had taken the first set 6-0.
In the semifinals, Parker received another injury walkover, against Australia’s George Collins before rolling over Eltjo Sasker of the Netherlands 6-0, 6-4 for the title. Parker didn't drop a set the entire week.
Parker, formerly of Houston, Texas, has lived in Santa Fe for the past two years. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the USTA national 65s men's singles rankings, and No. 6 in the world in the International Tennis Federation in that same division.