The 2023 Sleepy Hollow Men’s Open concluded with Zac Alexander and Jim Bamber securing their first win of the season in dominant fashion. The $30,000 event, held at the stunning Sleepy Hollow Country Club, delivered plenty of drama and surprises along the way.
Top seeds Sam Khalifa and Chris Callis were forced to withdraw after their opening match due to a back injury sustained by Callis. Their early exit gave an unexpected lifeline to Josh Hughes and Lucas Rousselet, last year’s semi-finalists, who advanced to the next round. However, their momentum was halted by Team NYAC, Clinton Leeuw and Jaymie Haycocks. The unseeded pair staged a major upset, defeating fourth seeds Mike Ferreira and Cameron Pilley to book their spot in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Alexander and Bamber, the second seeds, powered through the bottom half of the draw without dropping a single game. Their solid and steady play carried them past the third-seeded duo of John Russell and Matt Henderson in a competitive three-game match. Despite staying close throughout, Russell and Henderson couldn’t find the decisive edge in key moments, ultimately falling short to the eventual champions.
The final was a showcase of Alexander and Bamber’s trademark slow-paced, methodical style, which proved too much for Leeuw and Haycocks to handle. The second seeds controlled the tempo from start to finish, securing a one-sided victory to cap off their flawless run through the tournament.
With this triumph, Alexander and Bamber head into December on a high. After a short Thanksgiving break, all eyes turn to the prestigious Briggs Cup, the final SDA Pro Tour event of 2024. This win marks a significant milestone for Alexander and Bamber, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting finale to the year.