Willing outduels Arns to win fourth consecutive men’s city singles tennis championship

QUINCY — Ethan Arns knows Zach Willing’s game well enough to combat some of the recent Quincy University graduate’s power and court presence.

That only lasts so long.

Arns won the first set against Willing during Sunday’s men’s open division championship match in the Quincy Tennis Association city singles tournament at Reservoir Park. But the reigning champion roared back as expected, to earn a 6-7, 6-0, 10-8 victory.

It is Willing’s fourth consecutive city singles championship, making him the fifth player in city history to win four in a row. He joins Clarence Greeman (1939-39), Mark Schuering (1972-75), Bill LaTour (2002-06) and Ian Hinkamper (2010-15). The city tennis tournament began in 1925.

Willing’s victory also moves him past his dad, Todd, for consecutive titles won. Todd Willing won three straight city titles from 1996-98 and captured a fourth in 2007.

In the men’s 3.5 division, Bob Catalpa won the championship with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Peter Damm. Marshal Mayfield won the consolation championship with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Lucas Thompson.

In the men’s 4.0 division, Trevor Nelson beat Drake Dodd 6-4, 7-6 in the championship. In the consolation bracket, Drew Koester beat Zane Lomax 6-4, 6-3.

In the women’s 3.5 division, Claire Peterson beat Lydia Miller 6-2, 7-5 for the title.