Jack Huczek has moved up to #2 in the latest International Racquetball Tour (IRT) rankings ahead of Rocky Carson in #3. Huczek's been a finalist in each of the four main IRT events this season and won the Lou Bradley Memorial tournament, a Tier 3 event.
Kane Waselenchuk remains the #1 player, having won three of the four IRT main events, including last week's US Open in Memphis.
Jason Mannino, who in Memphis suggested that this might be his last season on tour, has also moved up to the #4 spot ahead of Shane Vanderson, who Mannino beat in the semis in Memphis.
No other changes in the top 10 other than Alvaro Beltran falling another spot to #7 as he remains sidelined due to injury.
IRT Rankings (as of October 26, 2009)
Rank - Player - Points - Previous Rank
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4526 - 1
2 Jack HUCZEK, 3540 - 3
3 Rocky CARSON, 3296 - 2
4 Jason MANNINO, 2516 - 5
5 Shane VANDERSON, 2389 - 4
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 2074 - 7
7 Alvaro BELTRAN, 2052 - 6
8 Chris CROWTHER, 1961 - 8
9 Ben CROFT, 1901 - 9
10 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1733 - 10
11 Juan HERRERA, 1043 - 11
12 Travis WOODBURY, 1005 - 12
13 Javier MORENO, 994 - 12
14 Andres HERRERA, 983 - 16
15 Kris ODEGARD, 941 - 14
16 Anthony HERRERA, 903 - 18
17 Alejandro HERRERA, 827 - 15
18 Hiroshi SHIMIZU, 810 - 17
19 Alejandro LANDA, 773 - 20
20 Polo GUTIERREZ, 751 - 22
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Now what?
The next Tier 1 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) schedule won't happen until January. What are the players going to do with two months off?
Following the US Open final on Sunday, The Racquetball Blog asked finalists Jack Huczek and Kane Waselenchuk what they planned to do leading up to the next IRT event - the California Open in Los Angeles, January 7-10.
Huczek said he'll be "working hard to get better everyday." Huczek's going to work on "all aspects" of his game, as he feels there isn't "one particular glaring weakness" with how he plays.
Although his drive serve was good against Waselenchuk on Sunday, The Racquetball Blog staff would suggest Huczek improves his drive serve if he's planning on beating Waselenchuk, as we feel a strong drive serve is necessary to do so.
But when we put that to him following Sunday's final, Huczek disagreed. He believes there's "not one particular serve" necessary to beat Waselenchuk, but that whatever serve is chosen - drive or lob - it needs to be executed well.
Waselenchuk has no particular plans for his game, but is thankful there's a break now, because he's soon going to be "getting even less sleep than I do now," as he and wife Kim are expecting their second child in about three weeks.
Their second child will also be a daughter, and another K in the family as they plan to name her Kendell. She'll be a younger sister to Kennedy, who was born last year.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Following the US Open final on Sunday, The Racquetball Blog asked finalists Jack Huczek and Kane Waselenchuk what they planned to do leading up to the next IRT event - the California Open in Los Angeles, January 7-10.
Huczek said he'll be "working hard to get better everyday." Huczek's going to work on "all aspects" of his game, as he feels there isn't "one particular glaring weakness" with how he plays.
Although his drive serve was good against Waselenchuk on Sunday, The Racquetball Blog staff would suggest Huczek improves his drive serve if he's planning on beating Waselenchuk, as we feel a strong drive serve is necessary to do so.
But when we put that to him following Sunday's final, Huczek disagreed. He believes there's "not one particular serve" necessary to beat Waselenchuk, but that whatever serve is chosen - drive or lob - it needs to be executed well.
Waselenchuk has no particular plans for his game, but is thankful there's a break now, because he's soon going to be "getting even less sleep than I do now," as he and wife Kim are expecting their second child in about three weeks.
Their second child will also be a daughter, and another K in the family as they plan to name her Kendell. She'll be a younger sister to Kennedy, who was born last year.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 26, 2009
The day after the US Open
The 2009 US Open ended yesterday, but there's still some news The Racquetball Blog wants you to know.
At Saturday's US Open banquet, the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) and the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) presented their annual awards.
WPRO Awards
Rookie of the year - Veronica Sotomayor
Most improved player - Kristen Bellows
Janet Myers sportsmanship award - Kerri Wachtel
Player of the year - Paola Longoria
IRT Awards
Most improved player - Kris Odegard
Sportsmanship award - Polo Gutierrez
Player of the year - Kane Waselenchuk
Open Division winners
Canadian Vincent Gagnon defeated Armando Landa, 15-10, 15-6, to win the men's open US Open title. He finished runner-up last year, when he lost to Gilberto Mejia. It's the first time a Canadian has won this division, and halts a six consecutive title streak by Mexican players.
Both Gagnon and Landa needed tie-breakers to win their semi-final matches. Gagnon defeated Alex Ackermann, 7-15, 15-5, 11-6, and Landa beat Alejandro Herrera, 15-7, 14-15, 11-3
Krystal Csuk won women's open division by defeating Harumi Kajino of Japan in the final, 15-8, 15-9. The division did not run to form, as Csuk was seeded 9th and Kajino 31st. They took out the 1st and 2nd seeds, respectively, as Csuk beat Aubry O'brien, 15-13, 15-11 in the quarter finals, and Kajino ousted Adrienne Fisher, 15-4, 15-5, in the Round of 32.
In Open doubles, Andres and Juan Herrera defeated Fernando Rios and Juan Diego Rodriguez, 15-7, 15-8 in the men's final, while Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Jennifer Saunders won the women's doubles crown with a victory over Jvonne Carplo and Maria Paz Munoz, 15-11, 15-10.
Follow the bouncing ball....
At Saturday's US Open banquet, the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) and the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) presented their annual awards.
WPRO Awards
Rookie of the year - Veronica Sotomayor
Most improved player - Kristen Bellows
Janet Myers sportsmanship award - Kerri Wachtel
Player of the year - Paola Longoria
IRT Awards
Most improved player - Kris Odegard
Sportsmanship award - Polo Gutierrez
Player of the year - Kane Waselenchuk
Open Division winners
Canadian Vincent Gagnon defeated Armando Landa, 15-10, 15-6, to win the men's open US Open title. He finished runner-up last year, when he lost to Gilberto Mejia. It's the first time a Canadian has won this division, and halts a six consecutive title streak by Mexican players.
Both Gagnon and Landa needed tie-breakers to win their semi-final matches. Gagnon defeated Alex Ackermann, 7-15, 15-5, 11-6, and Landa beat Alejandro Herrera, 15-7, 14-15, 11-3
Krystal Csuk won women's open division by defeating Harumi Kajino of Japan in the final, 15-8, 15-9. The division did not run to form, as Csuk was seeded 9th and Kajino 31st. They took out the 1st and 2nd seeds, respectively, as Csuk beat Aubry O'brien, 15-13, 15-11 in the quarter finals, and Kajino ousted Adrienne Fisher, 15-4, 15-5, in the Round of 32.
In Open doubles, Andres and Juan Herrera defeated Fernando Rios and Juan Diego Rodriguez, 15-7, 15-8 in the men's final, while Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Jennifer Saunders won the women's doubles crown with a victory over Jvonne Carplo and Maria Paz Munoz, 15-11, 15-10.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 25, 2009
US OPEN - Waselenchuk's drive for five is complete
Kane Waselenchuk became the winningest man in US Open history on Sunday, as he defeated Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3 in the final of the 14th US Open Racquetball Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, for his fifth career US Open title. He was previously tied with Sudsy Monchik at four titles.
Waselenchuk said afterwards he felt this was "the biggest match of my career," and "I don't get nervous [before matches] but I was nervous today."
Monchik presented the trophy to Waselenchuk, who said "it was a tremendous honor to have Sudsy here."
Huczek came to play on Sunday, and the match was close early in game one. Then Waselenchuk got at lead at 9-4 and it seemed that the defending champion was going to cruise to victory. But Huczek took a time out, and got the serve back when play resumed.
He ran four points including three service winners to make the score 9-8. Then after a side-out, got two more points to make it 10-8. But that was the only time Huczek served for the game, as Waselenchuk got the serve back, tied the score, and then went on to win it 12-10.
Huczek's game plan was to "put as much pressure on [Waselenchuk] as possible on serve and serve return," and it showed in game one. In fact, Waselenchuk said "I was going to drive serve, but felt I needed to slow the game down" after he saw how Huczek started out.
Huczek felt he "didn't play that bad, but could never get a string of points together in the second and third games," which he attributed to Waselenchuk not missing many shots.
After using lob serves for two games, Waselenchuk said he "got bored of lobbing," so in game three he drove serve, as he "wanted to bring the heat."
And heat there was. He got up to a 6-0 advantage, when Huczek called a time out. But that didn't stop Waselenchuk from adding to his lead until it was 10-0. Then Huczek managed to scrape out a few points before Waselenchuk finished it at 11-3.
Waselenchuk's won both meetings with Huczek this season, and Huczek's been in the finals of all four IRT main events. But he yet to win one.
Waselenchuk allowed 14 points against him on Sunday, which is tied for fourth fewest in US Open history. The fewest was 4 in 2004 when Waselenchuk defeated Cliff Swain to win his second US Open title, and the second fewest was 10 last year as Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson.
US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim assured the crowd that there will be a 2010 US Open, although where it will be is uncertain. Our understanding is the contract with The Racquet Club in Memphis is ending, so USA Racquetball is considering all possibilities for where the host next year's event. Memphis is but one possibility.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Finals
#1 Kane Waselenchuk d. #3 Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk said afterwards he felt this was "the biggest match of my career," and "I don't get nervous [before matches] but I was nervous today."
Monchik presented the trophy to Waselenchuk, who said "it was a tremendous honor to have Sudsy here."
Huczek came to play on Sunday, and the match was close early in game one. Then Waselenchuk got at lead at 9-4 and it seemed that the defending champion was going to cruise to victory. But Huczek took a time out, and got the serve back when play resumed.
He ran four points including three service winners to make the score 9-8. Then after a side-out, got two more points to make it 10-8. But that was the only time Huczek served for the game, as Waselenchuk got the serve back, tied the score, and then went on to win it 12-10.
Huczek's game plan was to "put as much pressure on [Waselenchuk] as possible on serve and serve return," and it showed in game one. In fact, Waselenchuk said "I was going to drive serve, but felt I needed to slow the game down" after he saw how Huczek started out.
Huczek felt he "didn't play that bad, but could never get a string of points together in the second and third games," which he attributed to Waselenchuk not missing many shots.
After using lob serves for two games, Waselenchuk said he "got bored of lobbing," so in game three he drove serve, as he "wanted to bring the heat."
And heat there was. He got up to a 6-0 advantage, when Huczek called a time out. But that didn't stop Waselenchuk from adding to his lead until it was 10-0. Then Huczek managed to scrape out a few points before Waselenchuk finished it at 11-3.
Waselenchuk's won both meetings with Huczek this season, and Huczek's been in the finals of all four IRT main events. But he yet to win one.
Waselenchuk allowed 14 points against him on Sunday, which is tied for fourth fewest in US Open history. The fewest was 4 in 2004 when Waselenchuk defeated Cliff Swain to win his second US Open title, and the second fewest was 10 last year as Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson.
US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim assured the crowd that there will be a 2010 US Open, although where it will be is uncertain. Our understanding is the contract with The Racquet Club in Memphis is ending, so USA Racquetball is considering all possibilities for where the host next year's event. Memphis is but one possibility.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Finals
#1 Kane Waselenchuk d. #3 Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - Rajsich wins 3rd title
American Rhonda Rajsich won her third US Open Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) title Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee by defeating defending champion Paola Longoria of Mexico, 1-11, 11-8, 11-3, 2-11, 11-7. Rajsich was champion in 2007 and 2003. The win ties her with Canadian Christie Van Hees for most US Open WPRO titles at three.
Longoria came out firing, winning game one easily, 11-1. She used straight drive serves in that game and throughout the match, not the drive Z that she's often used in the past. Longoria served to the left, Rajsich's backhand, primarily, but occasionally served right as well.
Rajsich had the lead early in game two, 4-0, but Longoria came back and tied it at 4-4 and 5-5. But then Rajsich went out to a 9-5 lead and held it to win 11-8.
Rajsich again got the lead early in game three, going up 5-0, and although Longoria closed it to 6-3, that's all she could get, as Rajsich won 11-3. Rajsich, who'd drove serve early in the match, switched to half lobs and half lob Zs to both sides.
In game four, Rajsich got the first couple points, and people may have thought it was going to be over in four. But she got no more, as Longoria came back, hitting winner after winner. Rajsich looked overwhelmed.
Thus, momentum was definitely on Longoria's side as they went into game five. She did get the first two points of the tie-breaker, and they were tied at 3-3. But then Rajsich took the lead up to 7-4, and then 10-4.
However, Longoria fought off three match points, and cut the lead to 10-7. At that point, Rajsich took a time-out, as momentum again seemed to be shifting in favor of the Mexican. When play resumed, Rajsich got a side-out and won the match on the next rally, winning it with a cross court pass from right to left that Longoria couldn't reach.
Afterwards, Rajsich said "the WPRO is stronger than ever." A testament to that is that from the quarter-finals to the final, 5 of the 7 matches went to a tie-breaker.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Final
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #1 Paola Longoria, 1-11, 11-8, 11-3, 2-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria came out firing, winning game one easily, 11-1. She used straight drive serves in that game and throughout the match, not the drive Z that she's often used in the past. Longoria served to the left, Rajsich's backhand, primarily, but occasionally served right as well.
Rajsich had the lead early in game two, 4-0, but Longoria came back and tied it at 4-4 and 5-5. But then Rajsich went out to a 9-5 lead and held it to win 11-8.
Rajsich again got the lead early in game three, going up 5-0, and although Longoria closed it to 6-3, that's all she could get, as Rajsich won 11-3. Rajsich, who'd drove serve early in the match, switched to half lobs and half lob Zs to both sides.
In game four, Rajsich got the first couple points, and people may have thought it was going to be over in four. But she got no more, as Longoria came back, hitting winner after winner. Rajsich looked overwhelmed.
Thus, momentum was definitely on Longoria's side as they went into game five. She did get the first two points of the tie-breaker, and they were tied at 3-3. But then Rajsich took the lead up to 7-4, and then 10-4.
However, Longoria fought off three match points, and cut the lead to 10-7. At that point, Rajsich took a time-out, as momentum again seemed to be shifting in favor of the Mexican. When play resumed, Rajsich got a side-out and won the match on the next rally, winning it with a cross court pass from right to left that Longoria couldn't reach.
Afterwards, Rajsich said "the WPRO is stronger than ever." A testament to that is that from the quarter-finals to the final, 5 of the 7 matches went to a tie-breaker.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Final
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #1 Paola Longoria, 1-11, 11-8, 11-3, 2-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - Clouse wins CPRT Final
Woody Clouse won the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) division at the US Open in Memphis, Tennessee for the first time Sunday by defeating Ruben Gonzalez in the final, 9-1, 7-9, 9-7, 9-8.
After being blown out in the first game, 9-1, Gonzalez came back to win game two, although Clouse fought off five game points before falling 9-7. Gonzalez was primarily drive serving or using an off speed cut serve down the right side, which was to the left-handed Clouse's backhand. But the game winning rally began with a drive serve left, which Clouse got to but he skipped the service return.
In game three, Gonzalez had the lead early at 3-0, and also led late at 7-4. However, Clouse ran five straight points to take the game 9-7. He served a lob Z to the left side, Gonzalez's backhand, through that run.
Again in game four, Gonzalez took the early lead, and it seemed they were going to need a fifth game. But Clouse overcame a 8-3 deficit, mostly one point at a time, fighting off seven game points. He won the match on his first opportunity.
It was a great match that featured excellent shots, and lunges by both players.
This is the third year the CPRT has been part of the US Open. Gonzalez won the title in 2007, and Jimmy Lowe won it last year, defeating Clouse in the final.
Lowe was upset in the quarter finals by Brad McCunniff, who then lost to Gonzalez in the semi-finals. Clouse defeated Doug Ganim in the other semi.
2009 US Open CPRT Final
Woody Clouse d. Ruben Gonzalez, 9-1, 7-9, 9-7, 9-8
Semi-finals
Clouse d. Doug Ganim, 9-6, 9-5, 6-9, 9-4
Gonzalez d. Brad McCunniff, 9-3, 9-6, 9-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
After being blown out in the first game, 9-1, Gonzalez came back to win game two, although Clouse fought off five game points before falling 9-7. Gonzalez was primarily drive serving or using an off speed cut serve down the right side, which was to the left-handed Clouse's backhand. But the game winning rally began with a drive serve left, which Clouse got to but he skipped the service return.
In game three, Gonzalez had the lead early at 3-0, and also led late at 7-4. However, Clouse ran five straight points to take the game 9-7. He served a lob Z to the left side, Gonzalez's backhand, through that run.
Again in game four, Gonzalez took the early lead, and it seemed they were going to need a fifth game. But Clouse overcame a 8-3 deficit, mostly one point at a time, fighting off seven game points. He won the match on his first opportunity.
It was a great match that featured excellent shots, and lunges by both players.
This is the third year the CPRT has been part of the US Open. Gonzalez won the title in 2007, and Jimmy Lowe won it last year, defeating Clouse in the final.
Lowe was upset in the quarter finals by Brad McCunniff, who then lost to Gonzalez in the semi-finals. Clouse defeated Doug Ganim in the other semi.
2009 US Open CPRT Final
Woody Clouse d. Ruben Gonzalez, 9-1, 7-9, 9-7, 9-8
Semi-finals
Clouse d. Doug Ganim, 9-6, 9-5, 6-9, 9-4
Gonzalez d. Brad McCunniff, 9-3, 9-6, 9-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 24, 2009
US OPEN - IRT Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk will have a chance to break the record for most US Open titles on Sunday, as he's reached the final of the 14th US Open Racquetball Championship by defeating Jason Mannino in the semi-finals on Saturday, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3. Waselenchuk is currently tied with Sudsy Monchik at four US Open titles. If he wins on Sunday, it'll be number five.
Mannino had a lead in game two at 3-0 and 5-3, but didn't score another point, as Waselenchuk came back to win it 11-5.
Game one and three weren't even that close. Afterwards, Mannino said he "got outplayed," and "shot and served off the court" by Waselenchuk.
Mannino spectulated that it might be his last US Open, so he gave away two racquets - one to a towel boy and another he threw to the fans in appreciation of all the fan support he's received in Memphis over the years.
Waselenchuk said he "took advantage of some opportunities" against Mannino. He's "excited for tomorrow," and said "let's make history."
History will be made one way or the other on Sunday, as Waselenchuk will win his 5th title or Jack Huczek will win his first. Huczek ended the US Open dream of Ben Croft by beating him 11-4, 11-4, 11-1 in the semi-finals in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday. Huczek advances to only his second career US Open final in eight semi-finals.
Huczek led all the way in the match using lob serves to both left and right sides. Croft used a variety of serves, and did keep the first two games close early on. But as they wore on Huczek asserted himself and managed to pull away to win them confortably.
Croft was called for a technical in game one for hitting the ball out of the court at 8-4, which made the score 8-3. Then two rallies later Croft was attempting to dive for a ball and collided with Huczek from behind in play that was similar to one during Croft's semi-final against Rocky Carson.
Huczek took more offense to the incident than Carson, who'd only glared questioningly at Croft (and Croft helped Carson up). Huczek pushed Croft back, and after they both got their feet words were exchanged for several seconds. When they didn't stop after being warned by the referee, he entered the court and got between the players. Calm was restored.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jason Mannino, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3
Jack Huczek d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-4, 11-1
Finals - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mannino had a lead in game two at 3-0 and 5-3, but didn't score another point, as Waselenchuk came back to win it 11-5.
Game one and three weren't even that close. Afterwards, Mannino said he "got outplayed," and "shot and served off the court" by Waselenchuk.
Mannino spectulated that it might be his last US Open, so he gave away two racquets - one to a towel boy and another he threw to the fans in appreciation of all the fan support he's received in Memphis over the years.
Waselenchuk said he "took advantage of some opportunities" against Mannino. He's "excited for tomorrow," and said "let's make history."
History will be made one way or the other on Sunday, as Waselenchuk will win his 5th title or Jack Huczek will win his first. Huczek ended the US Open dream of Ben Croft by beating him 11-4, 11-4, 11-1 in the semi-finals in Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday. Huczek advances to only his second career US Open final in eight semi-finals.
Huczek led all the way in the match using lob serves to both left and right sides. Croft used a variety of serves, and did keep the first two games close early on. But as they wore on Huczek asserted himself and managed to pull away to win them confortably.
Croft was called for a technical in game one for hitting the ball out of the court at 8-4, which made the score 8-3. Then two rallies later Croft was attempting to dive for a ball and collided with Huczek from behind in play that was similar to one during Croft's semi-final against Rocky Carson.
Huczek took more offense to the incident than Carson, who'd only glared questioningly at Croft (and Croft helped Carson up). Huczek pushed Croft back, and after they both got their feet words were exchanged for several seconds. When they didn't stop after being warned by the referee, he entered the court and got between the players. Calm was restored.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jason Mannino, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3
Jack Huczek d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-4, 11-1
Finals - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - WPRO Semi finals
Paola Longoria earned the right to defend her US Open crown with a win over Kerri Wachtel in the semi-finals of the 14th US Open Racquetball Championships in Memphis, Tennessee. However, Longoria, the #1 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, needed five games before defeating the former champion Wachtel, 3-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5.
But early on there was doubt whether Longoria would make the final as Wachtel won the first two games. Game three was close all the way, and they were tied at 8-8. Wachtel was only three points from the match. But that's as close as she got, as Longoria went on to win 11-8.
Game four was all Longoria, as she took a 5-0 lead and won 11-5. Wachtel clawed some points back late in game four and used that momentum going into game five taking the early lead at 4-1.
But the reigning champ showed why she won last year and came back to take the lead and pushed on to victory, 11-5.
In the match, Longoria often served a drive z to the left side - Wachtel's backhand - but also mixed in drive zs to the right side - Wachtel's forehand - with success. For her part, Wachtel used a backhand z serve to the Longoria's backhand, as well as drive z serves also to Longoria's backhand.
The victory avenges Longoria's semi-final loss to Wachtel in the Texas Open last month. Longoria will face second seed Rhonda Rajsich in Sunday's final.
In a battle of former #1 players, Rajsich defeated Cheryl Gudinas in what was also a hard fought five game match, 11-5, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5.
Rajsich took a big lead in early game one at 5-0, and held it to win comfortably, 11-5. In game two, however, Gudinas had the early lead 4-1. Rajsich closed it to one at 5-4, and they were never separated by more than two points until they were tied at 8-8. Then Gudinas ran three straight points to take game two 11-8.
In game three, Gudinas again had the early lead at 4-1, only to see Rajsich come back and tie it at 5-5 and again at 6-6. But that was as much as Rajsich would get as Gudinas pushed through to win it 11-6.
Game four began with an act of good sportsmanship as on the first serve Rajsich believed Gudinas's drive serve was short. The referee's vision was blocked so she had to call it good. The lines-people were split, which means the referee's call stands by 2-1 vote.
However, Gudinas said to replay it, so they did. Rajsich won the next rally, and worked herself into the lead at 4-0. It was Gudinas's turn to came back, and she did, tying the score at 4-4. But after 10 sideouts Rajsich went ahead again to 6-4, and held the lead to win 11-7.
In game five, it was close early with each player having two point leads before they tied at 5-5. Then Rajisch worked through a 7-5 advantage and then 9-5. Gudinas got the serve back twice, but was unable to score any more points, as Rajsich took game five 11-5, winning the match.
Gudinas was primarily drive serving through the match, while Rajsich used a variety of serves.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Semi-finals
#1 Paola Longoria d. #5 Kerri Wachtel, 3-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #3 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5
Final - Sunday
#1 Paola Longoria vs. #2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
But early on there was doubt whether Longoria would make the final as Wachtel won the first two games. Game three was close all the way, and they were tied at 8-8. Wachtel was only three points from the match. But that's as close as she got, as Longoria went on to win 11-8.
Game four was all Longoria, as she took a 5-0 lead and won 11-5. Wachtel clawed some points back late in game four and used that momentum going into game five taking the early lead at 4-1.
But the reigning champ showed why she won last year and came back to take the lead and pushed on to victory, 11-5.
In the match, Longoria often served a drive z to the left side - Wachtel's backhand - but also mixed in drive zs to the right side - Wachtel's forehand - with success. For her part, Wachtel used a backhand z serve to the Longoria's backhand, as well as drive z serves also to Longoria's backhand.
The victory avenges Longoria's semi-final loss to Wachtel in the Texas Open last month. Longoria will face second seed Rhonda Rajsich in Sunday's final.
In a battle of former #1 players, Rajsich defeated Cheryl Gudinas in what was also a hard fought five game match, 11-5, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5.
Rajsich took a big lead in early game one at 5-0, and held it to win comfortably, 11-5. In game two, however, Gudinas had the early lead 4-1. Rajsich closed it to one at 5-4, and they were never separated by more than two points until they were tied at 8-8. Then Gudinas ran three straight points to take game two 11-8.
In game three, Gudinas again had the early lead at 4-1, only to see Rajsich come back and tie it at 5-5 and again at 6-6. But that was as much as Rajsich would get as Gudinas pushed through to win it 11-6.
Game four began with an act of good sportsmanship as on the first serve Rajsich believed Gudinas's drive serve was short. The referee's vision was blocked so she had to call it good. The lines-people were split, which means the referee's call stands by 2-1 vote.
However, Gudinas said to replay it, so they did. Rajsich won the next rally, and worked herself into the lead at 4-0. It was Gudinas's turn to came back, and she did, tying the score at 4-4. But after 10 sideouts Rajsich went ahead again to 6-4, and held the lead to win 11-7.
In game five, it was close early with each player having two point leads before they tied at 5-5. Then Rajisch worked through a 7-5 advantage and then 9-5. Gudinas got the serve back twice, but was unable to score any more points, as Rajsich took game five 11-5, winning the match.
Gudinas was primarily drive serving through the match, while Rajsich used a variety of serves.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Semi-finals
#1 Paola Longoria d. #5 Kerri Wachtel, 3-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #3 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5
Final - Sunday
#1 Paola Longoria vs. #2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 23, 2009
US OPEN - WPRO Quarter finals
In a battle of former #1 players, Cheryl Gudinas defeated Jackie Paraiso, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9, 2-11, 11-4, in the quarter finals of the US Open in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday. Gudinas will next face another former #1 Rhonda Rajsich who beat Angela Grisar, 7-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3 in the quarters.
Current #1 and defending champion Paola Longoria defeated Janel Tisinger, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2. She'll next play former US Open champion Kerri Wachtel, who defeated Kristen Bellows, 6-11, 11-1, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2.
All of the remaining four players have won the US Open title previously. Wachtel won in 2001, Gudinas in 2002 and 2004, Rajsich in 2003 and 2007 and Longoria last year.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Quarter finals
#1 Paola Longoria d. UR Janel Tisinger, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
#5 Kerri Wachtel d. #4 Kristen Bellows, 6-11, 11-1, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
#3 Cheryl Gudinas d. #22 Jackie Paraiso, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9, 2-11, 11-4
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #7 Angela Grisar, 7-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Semi-finals
#1 Paola Longoria vs. #5 Kerri Wachtel
#2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. #3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Current #1 and defending champion Paola Longoria defeated Janel Tisinger, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2. She'll next play former US Open champion Kerri Wachtel, who defeated Kristen Bellows, 6-11, 11-1, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2.
All of the remaining four players have won the US Open title previously. Wachtel won in 2001, Gudinas in 2002 and 2004, Rajsich in 2003 and 2007 and Longoria last year.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Quarter finals
#1 Paola Longoria d. UR Janel Tisinger, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
#5 Kerri Wachtel d. #4 Kristen Bellows, 6-11, 11-1, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
#3 Cheryl Gudinas d. #22 Jackie Paraiso, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9, 2-11, 11-4
#2 Rhonda Rajsich d. #7 Angela Grisar, 7-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Semi-finals
#1 Paola Longoria vs. #5 Kerri Wachtel
#2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. #3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - IRT Quarter finals
Ben Croft caused a huge upset in the quarter finals of the 14th US Open in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday by defeating #2 seed and former champion Rocky Carson in five games, 11-2, 7-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6. The victory put Croft into the US Open semi-finals for the first time, and is only the fifth semi-final of his career.
Croft came out on fire taking an 8-0 lead in game one. But Carson got a second wind after dropping the first game, 11-2, and he won the next two games - 11-7 and 11-8 - for a 2 games to 1 advantage.
At that point, you could have been excused if you thought Croft's US Open was soon to be over. That's what we thought. But Croft had other ideas, and went out another big lead holding on to win game four handily, 11-2.
Game five also saw Croft in the lead early, and building it to 8-1. Then the former champ clawed some points back narrowing the margin to three at 9-6, and casting doubt on whether Croft could finish off the match.
And he failed to do so on his first match point opportunity. But on the ensuing serve, Carson hit a Z serve that the referee saw touch him on its way by, and called a side out.
Croft used the second opportunity to make his first US Open semi-final, winning game five 11-6.
Croft will face Jack Huczek in the semis, as Huczek defeated Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 earlier on Friday.
Huczek led all the way in both games one and two, but Crowther had the lead early in game three at 4-0 and late at 9-7. But Huczek found a way back into it. Crowther did fight off several match points when Huczek led 10-9, but he never got a game point himself.
Both players used a variety of serves with Huczek mainly lob serving and Crowther using drive serves, both straight and some Zs.
On the other side of the draw, Jose Rojas almost pulled off another stunner, as he came out firing in game one against defending champion Kane Waselenchuk, and had a lead at 7-5 and 10-9. He had two chances to serve for the game, but Waselenchuk fought them off.
Then Waselenchuk went ahead 11-10, and it was Rojas who saved game point. Rojas had another opportunity for the game serving 12-11, but Waselenchuk again escaped. Waselenchuk then went on to win 14-12.
The next two games were not close, as Waselenchuk took big leads and went on to win by comfortable margins.
Rojas is very good young player, and has an excellent drive serve, which helped him get so close to winning game one. As we've said here before, The Racquetball Blog believes a good drive serve is necessary to beat Waselenchuk, so we definitely think Rojas has potential to do that in the future.
Jason Mannino won the first quarter final. He defeated Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, in a match that featured several diving gets by both players.
The quarter finals conclude Friday evening with the semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Quarter Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 14-12, 11-1, 11-4
Jason Mannino d. Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6
Jack Huczek d. Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
Ben Croft d. Rocky Carson, 11-2, 7-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jason Mannino
Jack Huczek vs. Ben Croft
Follow the bouncing ball....
Croft came out on fire taking an 8-0 lead in game one. But Carson got a second wind after dropping the first game, 11-2, and he won the next two games - 11-7 and 11-8 - for a 2 games to 1 advantage.
At that point, you could have been excused if you thought Croft's US Open was soon to be over. That's what we thought. But Croft had other ideas, and went out another big lead holding on to win game four handily, 11-2.
Game five also saw Croft in the lead early, and building it to 8-1. Then the former champ clawed some points back narrowing the margin to three at 9-6, and casting doubt on whether Croft could finish off the match.
And he failed to do so on his first match point opportunity. But on the ensuing serve, Carson hit a Z serve that the referee saw touch him on its way by, and called a side out.
Croft used the second opportunity to make his first US Open semi-final, winning game five 11-6.
Croft will face Jack Huczek in the semis, as Huczek defeated Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 earlier on Friday.
Huczek led all the way in both games one and two, but Crowther had the lead early in game three at 4-0 and late at 9-7. But Huczek found a way back into it. Crowther did fight off several match points when Huczek led 10-9, but he never got a game point himself.
Both players used a variety of serves with Huczek mainly lob serving and Crowther using drive serves, both straight and some Zs.
On the other side of the draw, Jose Rojas almost pulled off another stunner, as he came out firing in game one against defending champion Kane Waselenchuk, and had a lead at 7-5 and 10-9. He had two chances to serve for the game, but Waselenchuk fought them off.
Then Waselenchuk went ahead 11-10, and it was Rojas who saved game point. Rojas had another opportunity for the game serving 12-11, but Waselenchuk again escaped. Waselenchuk then went on to win 14-12.
The next two games were not close, as Waselenchuk took big leads and went on to win by comfortable margins.
Rojas is very good young player, and has an excellent drive serve, which helped him get so close to winning game one. As we've said here before, The Racquetball Blog believes a good drive serve is necessary to beat Waselenchuk, so we definitely think Rojas has potential to do that in the future.
Jason Mannino won the first quarter final. He defeated Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, in a match that featured several diving gets by both players.
The quarter finals conclude Friday evening with the semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Quarter Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 14-12, 11-1, 11-4
Jason Mannino d. Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6
Jack Huczek d. Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
Ben Croft d. Rocky Carson, 11-2, 7-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jason Mannino
Jack Huczek vs. Ben Croft
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - WPRO Round of 16
Qualifier Janell Tisinger made it through the Round of 16 at the US Open in Memphis, Tennessee, and will play in the quarter finals later on Friday. In the 16s, she beat Maiko Sato of Japan, 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10. Tisinger is the first player to reach the quarters after coming through qualifying since Christie Van Hees did so in 2003.
Tisinger will next play top seed Paola Longoria, who defeated fellow Mexican Susy Acosta, 11-1, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4.
Former #1 Jackie Paraiso has reached the quarter finals with a victory over Adrienne Fisher, 2-11, 11-2, 10-12, 11-6, 11-0, in what was a very heated match, as both players frequently asked for hinders from the referee.
In the quarters, Paraiso will face another former #1 Cheryl Gudinas in a battle of two time US Open champions. Gudinas defeated Krystal Csuk, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5, in Round of 16.
In earlier action, Kerri Wachtel defeated Sofia Rascon, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3, and Kristen Bellows beat T. J. Baumbaugh 11-9, 11-3, 12-10.
Baumbaugh had a lead late in game one and also at 10-9 in game three, but wasn't able to finish off either game.
The 16s continue Friday morning with the quarter finals to be played later Friday.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Round of 16
Paola Longoria d. Susy Acosta, 11-1, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4
Janel Tisinger d. Maiko Sato, 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Sofia Rascon, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Kristen Bellows vs. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 11-3, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Krystal Csuk, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5
Jackie Paraiso d. Adrienne Fisher, 2-11, 11-2, 10-12, 11-6, 11-0
Angela Grisar d. Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6
Rhonda Rajsich d. Keely Franks, 11-3, 13-11, 11-3
Quarter finals - Friday evening
#1 Paola Longoria vs. UR Janel Tisinger
#4 Kristen Bellows vs. #5 Kerri Wachtel
#3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. #22 Jackie Paraiso
#2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. #7 Angela Grisar
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tisinger will next play top seed Paola Longoria, who defeated fellow Mexican Susy Acosta, 11-1, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4.
Former #1 Jackie Paraiso has reached the quarter finals with a victory over Adrienne Fisher, 2-11, 11-2, 10-12, 11-6, 11-0, in what was a very heated match, as both players frequently asked for hinders from the referee.
In the quarters, Paraiso will face another former #1 Cheryl Gudinas in a battle of two time US Open champions. Gudinas defeated Krystal Csuk, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5, in Round of 16.
In earlier action, Kerri Wachtel defeated Sofia Rascon, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3, and Kristen Bellows beat T. J. Baumbaugh 11-9, 11-3, 12-10.
Baumbaugh had a lead late in game one and also at 10-9 in game three, but wasn't able to finish off either game.
The 16s continue Friday morning with the quarter finals to be played later Friday.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Round of 16
Paola Longoria d. Susy Acosta, 11-1, 4-11, 11-3, 11-4
Janel Tisinger d. Maiko Sato, 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Sofia Rascon, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Kristen Bellows vs. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-9, 11-3, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Krystal Csuk, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5
Jackie Paraiso d. Adrienne Fisher, 2-11, 11-2, 10-12, 11-6, 11-0
Angela Grisar d. Cristina Amaya, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6
Rhonda Rajsich d. Keely Franks, 11-3, 13-11, 11-3
Quarter finals - Friday evening
#1 Paola Longoria vs. UR Janel Tisinger
#4 Kristen Bellows vs. #5 Kerri Wachtel
#3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. #22 Jackie Paraiso
#2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. #7 Angela Grisar
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 22, 2009
US OPEN - WPRO Round of 32
The women's Round of 32 is nearing completion at the US Open. Janel Tisinger, who had to go through two rounds of qualifying to make the 32s, has caused the biggest upset of the round so far by defeating 8th seed Jennifer Saunders. Tisinger did it with strong drive serves and an excellent backand, making few errors in the match.
In the Round of 16 on Friday, Tisinger will face 24th seed Maiko Sato, who upset 9th seed Jo Shattuck, 12-14, 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, in a match that lasted well over two hours. Sato was one of four Japanese women in the 32s, which is likely a US Open record.
There were other upsets earlier in the day including 21st seed Sofia Rascon over 12th seed Doreen Fowler, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8, 23rd seed Cristina Amaya defeating 10th seed Diane Moore, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5, and former #1 Jackie Paraiso, who is seeded 22nd, getting past 11th seed Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria d. Naomi Wakimoto, 11-0, 11-1, 12-10
17 Susy Acosta d. 16 Vivian Gomez, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5
24 Maiko Sato d. 9 Jo Shattuck, 12-14, 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5
Janel Tisinger d. 8 Jennifer Saunders, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8
5 Kerri Wachtel d. Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7
21 Sofia Rascon d. 12 Doreen Fowler, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8
13 T.J. Baumbaugh d. 20 Frederique Lambert, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
4 Kristen Bellows d. Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. Toshiko Sakamoto, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8
14 Krystal Csuk d. 19 Aubrey O'Brien, 11-1, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10
22 Jackie Paraiso d. 11 Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
6 Adrienne Fisher d. Danielle Key, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3
7 Angela Grisar d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-2, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6
23 Cristina Amaya d. 10 Diane Moore, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
15 Keely Franks d. 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 11-9, 11-4, 2-11, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. Harumi Kajino, 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-7
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria vs. 17 Susy Acosta
24 Maiko Sato vs. Janel Tisinger
5 Kerri Wachtel vs. 21 Sofia Rascon
4 Kristen Bellows vs. 13 T.J. Baumbaugh
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 14 Krystal Csuk
6 Adrienne Fisher vs. 22 Jackie Paraiso
7 Angela Grisar vs. 23 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 15 Keely Franks
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the Round of 16 on Friday, Tisinger will face 24th seed Maiko Sato, who upset 9th seed Jo Shattuck, 12-14, 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, in a match that lasted well over two hours. Sato was one of four Japanese women in the 32s, which is likely a US Open record.
There were other upsets earlier in the day including 21st seed Sofia Rascon over 12th seed Doreen Fowler, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8, 23rd seed Cristina Amaya defeating 10th seed Diane Moore, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5, and former #1 Jackie Paraiso, who is seeded 22nd, getting past 11th seed Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9.
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria d. Naomi Wakimoto, 11-0, 11-1, 12-10
17 Susy Acosta d. 16 Vivian Gomez, 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5
24 Maiko Sato d. 9 Jo Shattuck, 12-14, 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5
Janel Tisinger d. 8 Jennifer Saunders, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8
5 Kerri Wachtel d. Michelle Key, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7
21 Sofia Rascon d. 12 Doreen Fowler, 11-5, 11-8, 11-8
13 T.J. Baumbaugh d. 20 Frederique Lambert, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
4 Kristen Bellows d. Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. Toshiko Sakamoto, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8
14 Krystal Csuk d. 19 Aubrey O'Brien, 11-1, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10
22 Jackie Paraiso d. 11 Samantha Salas, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
6 Adrienne Fisher d. Danielle Key, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3
7 Angela Grisar d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-2, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6
23 Cristina Amaya d. 10 Diane Moore, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
15 Keely Franks d. 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 11-9, 11-4, 2-11, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. Harumi Kajino, 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-7
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria vs. 17 Susy Acosta
24 Maiko Sato vs. Janel Tisinger
5 Kerri Wachtel vs. 21 Sofia Rascon
4 Kristen Bellows vs. 13 T.J. Baumbaugh
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 14 Krystal Csuk
6 Adrienne Fisher vs. 22 Jackie Paraiso
7 Angela Grisar vs. 23 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 15 Keely Franks
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - IRT 16s
The men's Round of 16 is almost complete at the 14th US Open in Memphis, Tennessee. Top seed Kane Waselenchuk seemed annoyed at giving up seven points to Anthony Herrera in the first game of their match, so he did his best to not give up another one, and almost succeeded as he won 11-7, 11-0, 11-1.
In the only upset of the round, Jose Rojas came from two games down to defeat Andy Hawthorne, 2-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-3, and reach the quarter finals of the US Open for the first time. His reward? Playing Waselenchuk on Friday.
The early action took some of the international flavor out of event. Jason Mannino defeated current Canadian Champion Kris Odegard, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7, while Jack Huczek beat former Canadian champ Mike Green, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5.
Further, Shane Vanderson ended the streak of Mexican Polo Gutierrez, as Vanderson won 12-10, 11-3, 11-7.
The Round of 16 concludes Thursday evening with the Quarter-finals on Friday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Anthony Herrera, 11-7, 11-0, 11-1
Jose Rojas d. Andy Hawthorne, 2-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-3
Jason Mannino d. Kris Odegard, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7
Shane Vanderson d. Polo Gutierrez, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
Chris Crowther d. Javier Moreno, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Charles Pratt, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 11-5, 11-6
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas
Shane Vanderson vs. Jason Mannino
Jack Huczek vs. Chris Crowther
Rocky Carson vs. Ben Croft
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the only upset of the round, Jose Rojas came from two games down to defeat Andy Hawthorne, 2-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-3, and reach the quarter finals of the US Open for the first time. His reward? Playing Waselenchuk on Friday.
The early action took some of the international flavor out of event. Jason Mannino defeated current Canadian Champion Kris Odegard, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7, while Jack Huczek beat former Canadian champ Mike Green, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5.
Further, Shane Vanderson ended the streak of Mexican Polo Gutierrez, as Vanderson won 12-10, 11-3, 11-7.
The Round of 16 concludes Thursday evening with the Quarter-finals on Friday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Anthony Herrera, 11-7, 11-0, 11-1
Jose Rojas d. Andy Hawthorne, 2-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-3
Jason Mannino d. Kris Odegard, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7
Shane Vanderson d. Polo Gutierrez, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
Chris Crowther d. Javier Moreno, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Charles Pratt, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 11-5, 11-6
Quarter finals - Friday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas
Shane Vanderson vs. Jason Mannino
Jack Huczek vs. Chris Crowther
Rocky Carson vs. Ben Croft
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - IRT 32s
The men's Round of 32 began bright and early Thursday at the 14th US Open in Memphis, Tennessee. In early action, Polo Gutierrez continued his good play, winning 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 over Alejandro Herrera. He'll next face Shane Vanderson, who ended Doug Ganim's run in Memphis with a 5-11, 11-1, 11-2, 12-10 victory.
Canadian Mike Green served like the man who was in the top 10 of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) in defeating Andres Herrera, 11-5, 11-8, 2-11, 11-2. Fellow Canuck Kris Odegard beat Cliff Swain, although it took four games before Odegard oust the old lion, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5.
The Round of 32 continues Thursday with the Round of 16 to follow later in the day.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jorge Hirsekorn, 11-1 11-1, 11-3
Anthony Herrera d. Anthony Carson, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 11-4
Jose Rojas d. Juan Herrera, 11-2, 12-10, 11-5
Andy Hawthorne d. Armando Landa, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2
Jason Mannino d. Tyler Otto, 11-4, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5
Polo Gutierrez d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
Shane Vanderson d. Doug Ganim, 5-11, 11-1, 11-2, 12-10
Jack Huczek d. Felipe Camacho, 11-1, 11-1, 11-0
Mike Green d. Andres Herrera, 11-5, 11-8, 2-11, 11-2
Javier Moreno d. Rafeal Filippini, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
Chris Crowther d. Gilberto De Los Rios, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Lee Connell, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10
Charles Pratt d. Travis Woodbury, 7-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-6, 11-2
Alejandro Landa d. Carlos Oviedo, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Felipe Munoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-5
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Anthony Herrera
Andy Hawthorne vs. Jose Rojas
Jason Mannino vs. Kris Odegard
Shane Vanderson vs. Polo Gutierrez
Jack Huczek vs. Mike Green
Chris Crowther vs. Javier Moreno
Ben Croft vs. Charles Pratt
Rocky Carson vs. Alejandro Landa
Follow the bouncing ball....
Canadian Mike Green served like the man who was in the top 10 of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) in defeating Andres Herrera, 11-5, 11-8, 2-11, 11-2. Fellow Canuck Kris Odegard beat Cliff Swain, although it took four games before Odegard oust the old lion, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5.
The Round of 32 continues Thursday with the Round of 16 to follow later in the day.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jorge Hirsekorn, 11-1 11-1, 11-3
Anthony Herrera d. Anthony Carson, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 11-4
Jose Rojas d. Juan Herrera, 11-2, 12-10, 11-5
Andy Hawthorne d. Armando Landa, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2
Jason Mannino d. Tyler Otto, 11-4, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5
Polo Gutierrez d. Alejandro Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
Shane Vanderson d. Doug Ganim, 5-11, 11-1, 11-2, 12-10
Jack Huczek d. Felipe Camacho, 11-1, 11-1, 11-0
Mike Green d. Andres Herrera, 11-5, 11-8, 2-11, 11-2
Javier Moreno d. Rafeal Filippini, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
Chris Crowther d. Gilberto De Los Rios, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Lee Connell, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10
Charles Pratt d. Travis Woodbury, 7-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-6, 11-2
Alejandro Landa d. Carlos Oviedo, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Felipe Munoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-5
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Anthony Herrera
Andy Hawthorne vs. Jose Rojas
Jason Mannino vs. Kris Odegard
Shane Vanderson vs. Polo Gutierrez
Jack Huczek vs. Mike Green
Chris Crowther vs. Javier Moreno
Ben Croft vs. Charles Pratt
Rocky Carson vs. Alejandro Landa
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - Who will win?
The Racquetball Blog's US Open poll on who will win has now closed, and we're surprised by some of the results. It's not surprising that the majority of respondents think Kane Waselenchuk is going to win on the men's side, although both Rocky Carson and Jack Huczek got significant support.
But on the women's side, Paola Longoria, the top seed and defending champion, was not who most people thought would be holding the trophy on Sunday. Rather people selected Rhonda Rajsich, the second seed, as most likely to come out on top.
Further, only two people voted for Cheryl Gudinas as the winner. That despite the fact that she has been in the US Open final three years running all be it without winning the trophy that she's put her name on twice in 2002 and 2004.
We believe that Gudinas is still a primary threat to halt Longoria's reign as US Open champion. But the field may be more open than ever. For example, Kristen Bellows's first tournnament win in May showed she can put it all together, and as a four time US Open semi-finalist, she's proven she can play well in Memphis.
Also, Kerri Wachtel's second place finish to Rajsich in Dallas last month shows she can be a threat also. She won the US Open in 2001, and is the only US Open champion - female or male - to never be ranked #1. Another US Open win would go a long way to getting her to that position.
Follow the bouncing ball....
But on the women's side, Paola Longoria, the top seed and defending champion, was not who most people thought would be holding the trophy on Sunday. Rather people selected Rhonda Rajsich, the second seed, as most likely to come out on top.
Further, only two people voted for Cheryl Gudinas as the winner. That despite the fact that she has been in the US Open final three years running all be it without winning the trophy that she's put her name on twice in 2002 and 2004.
We believe that Gudinas is still a primary threat to halt Longoria's reign as US Open champion. But the field may be more open than ever. For example, Kristen Bellows's first tournnament win in May showed she can put it all together, and as a four time US Open semi-finalist, she's proven she can play well in Memphis.
Also, Kerri Wachtel's second place finish to Rajsich in Dallas last month shows she can be a threat also. She won the US Open in 2001, and is the only US Open champion - female or male - to never be ranked #1. Another US Open win would go a long way to getting her to that position.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
US OPEN - IRT 64s
The Round of 64 on the men's side of the 14th US Open ended late Wednesday in Memphis, Tennessee, and in a battle of two players from outside the Americas, qualifier Carlos Oviedo of Catalona in Spain defeated Hiroshi Shimizu of Japan, and came back from a two game deficit to do so, winning 6-11, 3-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2.
The Round of 32 began bright and early Thursday, and we'll have the results for through the day.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 64
Kane Waselenchuk d. Ivan Villegas, 11-0, 11-0, 11-1
Jorge Hirsekorn d. Eduardo Avila, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Anthony Carson d. Brandon Shoemaker, 12-10, 11-4, 11-1
Anthony Herrera d. Joaquin Solera Moreno, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
Juan Herrera d. Francisco Gomez, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Jose Rojas d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Armando Landa d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne d. Richard Eisemann, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
Jason Mannino d. Cesar Castro, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Joe Linnell, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9
Cliff Swain d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4
Kris Odegard d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-0, 11-7, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Jose Flores Jr., 11-4, 11-4, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9
Doug Ganim d. Mike Orr, 11-9, 11-9, 14-12
Shane Vanderson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-1, 11-0, 11-2
Felipe Camacho d. John Cole, 7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Mike Green d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4
Andres Herrera d. Cesar Castillo, 11-6, 11-3, 11-1
Javier Moreno d. Jamie Slamko, 11-2, 13-11, 7-11, 11-9
Rafeal Filippini - BYE
Gilberto De Los Rios d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Roland Keller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Colin Mohr, 11-2, 11-7, 11-7
Lee Connell d. Luis Reveron, 11-9, 11-7, 11-0
Charles Pratt d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Travis Woodbury d. Andres Ramierez, 1-11, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-2
Carlos Oviedo d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 3-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
Alejandro Landa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9
Felipe Munoz d. Bryan Crosser, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Fernando Rios, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jorge Hirsekorn
Anthony Carson vs. Anthony Herrera
Juan Herrera vs. Jose Rojas
Armando Landa vs. Andy Hawthorne
Jason Mannino vs. Tyler Otto
Cliff Swain vs. Kris Odegard
Alejandro Herrera vs. Polo Gutierrez
Shane Vanderson vs. Doug Ganim
Jack Huczek vs. Felipe Camacho
Mike Green vs. Andres Herrera
Jamie Slamko vs. Rafeal Filippini
Chris Crowther vs. Gilberto De Los Rios
Ben Croft vs. Lee Connell
Charles Pratt vs. Travis Woodbury
Carlos Oviedo vs. Alejandro Landa
Rocky Carson vs. Felipe Munoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Round of 32 began bright and early Thursday, and we'll have the results for through the day.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
IRT Round of 64
Kane Waselenchuk d. Ivan Villegas, 11-0, 11-0, 11-1
Jorge Hirsekorn d. Eduardo Avila, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Anthony Carson d. Brandon Shoemaker, 12-10, 11-4, 11-1
Anthony Herrera d. Joaquin Solera Moreno, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
Juan Herrera d. Francisco Gomez, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Jose Rojas d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Armando Landa d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne d. Richard Eisemann, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
Jason Mannino d. Cesar Castro, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Joe Linnell, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9
Cliff Swain d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4
Kris Odegard d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-0, 11-7, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Jose Flores Jr., 11-4, 11-4, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9
Doug Ganim d. Mike Orr, 11-9, 11-9, 14-12
Shane Vanderson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-1, 11-0, 11-2
Felipe Camacho d. John Cole, 7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Mike Green d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4
Andres Herrera d. Cesar Castillo, 11-6, 11-3, 11-1
Javier Moreno d. Jamie Slamko, 11-2, 13-11, 7-11, 11-9
Rafeal Filippini - BYE
Gilberto De Los Rios d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Roland Keller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Colin Mohr, 11-2, 11-7, 11-7
Lee Connell d. Luis Reveron, 11-9, 11-7, 11-0
Charles Pratt d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Travis Woodbury d. Andres Ramierez, 1-11, 11-7, 11-9, 10-12, 11-2
Carlos Oviedo d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 3-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
Alejandro Landa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9
Felipe Munoz d. Bryan Crosser, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Fernando Rios, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jorge Hirsekorn
Anthony Carson vs. Anthony Herrera
Juan Herrera vs. Jose Rojas
Armando Landa vs. Andy Hawthorne
Jason Mannino vs. Tyler Otto
Cliff Swain vs. Kris Odegard
Alejandro Herrera vs. Polo Gutierrez
Shane Vanderson vs. Doug Ganim
Jack Huczek vs. Felipe Camacho
Mike Green vs. Andres Herrera
Jamie Slamko vs. Rafeal Filippini
Chris Crowther vs. Gilberto De Los Rios
Ben Croft vs. Lee Connell
Charles Pratt vs. Travis Woodbury
Carlos Oviedo vs. Alejandro Landa
Rocky Carson vs. Felipe Munoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - WPRO qualifying draw results
The women's qualifying rounds of the US Open are into the second round, and the Key sisters are both through to the main round of 32. Michelle Key defeated Jvonne Carplo, 11-7, 11-4, 11-1, to get there, while Danielle Key beat Bolivian Jenny Daza Navia, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4. Earlier in the day, Danielle ousted Canadian Brigitte Richard, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8.
Qualifying continues through Wednesday night in Memphis, and the Round of 32 will be played Thursday.
2009 US OPEN Women's PRO DRAW
Second Round Qualifying
Q1: Janel Tisinger d. Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-4, 11-9
Q8: Naomi Wakimoto d. Maria Paz Munoz, 12-10, 11-7, 11-1
Q5: Sharon Jackson d. Ana Nunez, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Q4: Michelle Key d. Jvonne Carplo, 11-7, 11-4, 11-1
Q3: Danielle Key d. Jenny Daza Navia, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
Q6: Toshiko Sakamoto d. Luisa Aldrete, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3
Q7: Harumi Kajino d. Kara Mazur, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Q2: Sheryl Lotts d. Kelley Fields, 11-3, 11-6, 11-0
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria vs. Naomi Wakimoto
16 Vivian Gomez vs. 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck vs. 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders vs. Janel Tisinger
5 Kerri Wachtel vs. Michelle Key
12 Doreen Fowler vs. 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh vs. 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows vs. Sharon Jackson
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. Toshiko Sakamoto
14 Krystal Csuk vs. 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas vs. 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher vs. Danielle Key
7 Angela Grisar vs. Sheryl Lotts
10 Diane Moore vs. 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks vs. 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. Harumi Kajino
First Round Qualifying
Janel Tisinger d. Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Maria Paz Munoz d. Arantza Loredo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Naomi Wakimoto d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-5, 11-8, 11-4
Ana Nunez d. Cristina Cordova, 11-6, 1-11, 11-4, 0-11, 11-6
Jvonne Carplo d. Lily Berry, 7-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
Danielle Key d. Brigitte Richard, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Paula Truman, 11-1, 11-9, 11-3
Harumi Kajino d. Jocelyn Loredo, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Sheryl Lotts d. Ashley Loyd, 10-12, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Qualifying continues through Wednesday night in Memphis, and the Round of 32 will be played Thursday.
2009 US OPEN Women's PRO DRAW
Second Round Qualifying
Q1: Janel Tisinger d. Laura Brandt, 11-7, 11-4, 11-9
Q8: Naomi Wakimoto d. Maria Paz Munoz, 12-10, 11-7, 11-1
Q5: Sharon Jackson d. Ana Nunez, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Q4: Michelle Key d. Jvonne Carplo, 11-7, 11-4, 11-1
Q3: Danielle Key d. Jenny Daza Navia, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
Q6: Toshiko Sakamoto d. Luisa Aldrete, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3
Q7: Harumi Kajino d. Kara Mazur, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Q2: Sheryl Lotts d. Kelley Fields, 11-3, 11-6, 11-0
2009 US OPEN WPRO Main DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria vs. Naomi Wakimoto
16 Vivian Gomez vs. 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck vs. 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders vs. Janel Tisinger
5 Kerri Wachtel vs. Michelle Key
12 Doreen Fowler vs. 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh vs. 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows vs. Sharon Jackson
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. Toshiko Sakamoto
14 Krystal Csuk vs. 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas vs. 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher vs. Danielle Key
7 Angela Grisar vs. Sheryl Lotts
10 Diane Moore vs. 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks vs. 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. Harumi Kajino
First Round Qualifying
Janel Tisinger d. Linda Scales, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Maria Paz Munoz d. Arantza Loredo, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Naomi Wakimoto d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-5, 11-8, 11-4
Ana Nunez d. Cristina Cordova, 11-6, 1-11, 11-4, 0-11, 11-6
Jvonne Carplo d. Lily Berry, 7-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
Danielle Key d. Brigitte Richard, 11-4, 11-1, 11-8
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Paula Truman, 11-1, 11-9, 11-3
Harumi Kajino d. Jocelyn Loredo, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Sheryl Lotts d. Ashley Loyd, 10-12, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
US OPEN - IRT qualifying & 64 results
The 14th US Open has begun in Memphis, Tennessee. The match of the day so far was Polo Gutierrez of Mexico versus Canadian Vincent Gagnon, which went tie-breaker before Gutierrez won, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9.
The match featured several great shots by both players and diving gets and winners from Gagnon, who had a 7-1 lead in the fifth game. Gagnon was playing the ball to Gutierrez's backhand, as everything to the Mexican's forehand was rolled out. Late in the fifth game, Gutierrez started to make winners with his backhand also, and that turned the game and match in his favor.
Some of the players in men's pro may play three matches Wednesday, as there are two qualifying rounds and then the Round of 64. The Round of 32 and 16 take place on Thursday with the quarter finals on Friday, semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
Men's Pro Qualifying Round Two
Q1: Joaquin Solera Moreno d. Jorge Ramos Jr., 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Q16: Ivan Villegas d. Deli Stinnett, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7
Q9: Richard Eisemann d. Chris Purington, 11-4, 11-7, 11-7
Q8: Francisco Gomez d. Mitch Posner, 11-4, 11-3, 11-1
Q5: Vinny Carvallo d. Osman Lazarte, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7
Q12: Cesar Castro d. Teobaldo Fumero, 11-0, 11-1, 11-0
Q13: Alex Ackermann d. Jake Bredenbeck, 11-0, 11-7, 11-8
Q4: Jose Flores Jr. d. Missael Leija, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2
Q3: Cesar Castillo d. Cary Slade, 11-1, 6-11, 12-10, 13-11
Q14: Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Jim Bronson, 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 11-9
Q11: Roland Keller d. Juan Diego Rodriguez, 13-11, 11-9, 11-2
Q6: Jamie Slamko d. Farshid Guilak, 11-7, 11-5, 12-10
Q7: Andres Ramierez d. Sadao Funatani, 11-3, 11-8, 11-8
Q10: Colin Mohr d. Bruce Robles, 11-5, 5-11, 11-4, 11-7
Q15: Fernando Rios d. José Daniel Ugalde, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5
Q2: Carlos Oviedo d. Tanner Mattson, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9
Main Draw Round of 64
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Ivan Villegas
Jorge Hirsekorn d. Eduardo Avila, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Anthony Carson vs. Brandon Shoemaker
Anthony Herrera vs. Joaquin Solera Moreno
Juan Herrera vs. Francisco Gomez
Jose Rojas d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Armando Landa d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne vs. Richard Eisemann
Jason Mannino d. Cesar Castro, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Joe Linnell, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9
Cliff Swain d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4
Kris Odegard d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-0, 11-7, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Jose Flores Jr., 11-4, 11-4, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9
Doug Ganim d. Mike Orr, 11-9, 11-9, 14-12
Shane Vanderson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-1, 11-0, 11-2
Felipe Camacho d. John Cole, 7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Mike Green d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4
Andres Herrera vs. Cesar Castillo
Javier Moreno vs. Jamie Slamko
Rafeal Filippini - BYE
Gilberto De Los Rios d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Roland Keller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft vs. Colin Mohr
Lee Connell d. Luis Reveron, 11-9, 11-7, 11-0
Charles Pratt d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Travis Woodbury vs. Andres Ramierez
Hiroshi Shimizu vs. Carlos Oviedo
Alejandro Landa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9
Felipe Munoz vs. Bryan Crosser
Rocky Carson vs. Fernando Rios
First Round Qualifying
Joaquin Solera Moreno d. Darrel Miller, 11-6, 11-6, 11-3
Ivan Villegas d. Manuel Flores, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4
Deli Stinnett d. Stacey Young, 11-5, 11-5, 11-1
Richard Eisemann d. Sebastian Rivera, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Francisco Gomez d. Ralf Reinhard, 12-10, 11-9, 12-10
Osman Lazarte d. Kenneth Poole, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4
Cesar Castro d. Vinnie Shoemaker, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jake Bredenbeck d. Ben Simons, 11-4, 13-11, 11-2
Missael Leija d. J. W. Peebles, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Cary Slade d. Kevin List, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Thomas Payne, 11-2, 11-4, 12-10
Juan Diego Rodriguez d. Matthew Davenport, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-3
Farshid Guilak d. Sathwik Rai, 11-1, 11-4, 11-5
Andres Ramierez d. Pedro Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-9, 3-11, 2-11, 11-1
Bruce Robles d. Frank Delano, forfeit
José Daniel Ugalde d. Chad Whitehead, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5
Fernando Rios d. Sebastian Franco, 11-6, 11-6, ?
Carlos Oviedo d. Blake Joseph Martin, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
The match featured several great shots by both players and diving gets and winners from Gagnon, who had a 7-1 lead in the fifth game. Gagnon was playing the ball to Gutierrez's backhand, as everything to the Mexican's forehand was rolled out. Late in the fifth game, Gutierrez started to make winners with his backhand also, and that turned the game and match in his favor.
Some of the players in men's pro may play three matches Wednesday, as there are two qualifying rounds and then the Round of 64. The Round of 32 and 16 take place on Thursday with the quarter finals on Friday, semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
14th US Open, Memphis, Tennessee
Men's Pro Qualifying Round Two
Q1: Joaquin Solera Moreno d. Jorge Ramos Jr., 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Q16: Ivan Villegas d. Deli Stinnett, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7
Q9: Richard Eisemann d. Chris Purington, 11-4, 11-7, 11-7
Q8: Francisco Gomez d. Mitch Posner, 11-4, 11-3, 11-1
Q5: Vinny Carvallo d. Osman Lazarte, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7
Q12: Cesar Castro d. Teobaldo Fumero, 11-0, 11-1, 11-0
Q13: Alex Ackermann d. Jake Bredenbeck, 11-0, 11-7, 11-8
Q4: Jose Flores Jr. d. Missael Leija, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2
Q3: Cesar Castillo d. Cary Slade, 11-1, 6-11, 12-10, 13-11
Q14: Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Jim Bronson, 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 11-9
Q11: Roland Keller d. Juan Diego Rodriguez, 13-11, 11-9, 11-2
Q6: Jamie Slamko d. Farshid Guilak, 11-7, 11-5, 12-10
Q7: Andres Ramierez d. Sadao Funatani, 11-3, 11-8, 11-8
Q10: Colin Mohr d. Bruce Robles, 11-5, 5-11, 11-4, 11-7
Q15: Fernando Rios d. José Daniel Ugalde, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5
Q2: Carlos Oviedo d. Tanner Mattson, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9
Main Draw Round of 64
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Ivan Villegas
Jorge Hirsekorn d. Eduardo Avila, 5-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-4
Anthony Carson vs. Brandon Shoemaker
Anthony Herrera vs. Joaquin Solera Moreno
Juan Herrera vs. Francisco Gomez
Jose Rojas d. Danny Lavely, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Armando Landa d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Andy Hawthorne vs. Richard Eisemann
Jason Mannino d. Cesar Castro, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Joe Linnell, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9
Cliff Swain d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4
Kris Odegard d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-0, 11-7, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Jose Flores Jr., 11-4, 11-4, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-9
Doug Ganim d. Mike Orr, 11-9, 11-9, 14-12
Shane Vanderson d. Alex Ackermann, 11-5, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 11-1, 11-0, 11-2
Felipe Camacho d. John Cole, 7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Mike Green d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-0, 11-3, 11-4
Andres Herrera vs. Cesar Castillo
Javier Moreno vs. Jamie Slamko
Rafeal Filippini - BYE
Gilberto De Los Rios d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Roland Keller, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Ben Croft vs. Colin Mohr
Lee Connell d. Luis Reveron, 11-9, 11-7, 11-0
Charles Pratt d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9
Travis Woodbury vs. Andres Ramierez
Hiroshi Shimizu vs. Carlos Oviedo
Alejandro Landa d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9
Felipe Munoz vs. Bryan Crosser
Rocky Carson vs. Fernando Rios
First Round Qualifying
Joaquin Solera Moreno d. Darrel Miller, 11-6, 11-6, 11-3
Ivan Villegas d. Manuel Flores, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4
Deli Stinnett d. Stacey Young, 11-5, 11-5, 11-1
Richard Eisemann d. Sebastian Rivera, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Francisco Gomez d. Ralf Reinhard, 12-10, 11-9, 12-10
Osman Lazarte d. Kenneth Poole, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4
Cesar Castro d. Vinnie Shoemaker, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jake Bredenbeck d. Ben Simons, 11-4, 13-11, 11-2
Missael Leija d. J. W. Peebles, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Cary Slade d. Kevin List, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. Thomas Payne, 11-2, 11-4, 12-10
Juan Diego Rodriguez d. Matthew Davenport, 5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-3
Farshid Guilak d. Sathwik Rai, 11-1, 11-4, 11-5
Andres Ramierez d. Pedro Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-9, 3-11, 2-11, 11-1
Bruce Robles d. Frank Delano, forfeit
José Daniel Ugalde d. Chad Whitehead, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5
Fernando Rios d. Sebastian Franco, 11-6, 11-6, ?
Carlos Oviedo d. Blake Joseph Martin, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 19, 2009
US OPEN - WPRO qualifying draw
The Racquetball Blog has the Women's pro draws for this week's US Open courtesy of the US Open Media Staff. The qualifying rounds will be played on Wednesday, with the Round of 32 to follow on Thursday afternoon and evening. Then there will be two rounds on Friday: the 16s and quarters.
The semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday.
Here's what the draws look like.
2009 US OPEN Women's PRO DRAW
First Round Qualifying
Linda Scales vs. Janel Tisinger
Arantza Loredo vs. Maria Paz Munoz
Jessica Parrilla vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Ana Nunez vs. Cristina Cordova
Lily Berry vs. Jvonne Carplo
Danielle Key vs. Brigitte Richard
Paula Truman vs. Toshiko Sakamoto
Harumi Kajino vs. Jocelyn Loredo
Sheryl Lotts vs. Ashley Loyd
Second Round Qualifying
Q1: Laura Brandt vs. Linda Scales or Janel Tisinger
Q8: Arantza Loredo or Maria Paz Munoz vs. Jessica Parrilla vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Q5: Sharon Jackson vs. Ana Nunez or Cristina Cordova
Q4: Michelle Key vs. Lily Berry or Jvonne Carplo
Q3: Jenny Daza Navia vs. Danielle Key vs. Brigitte Richard
Q6: Luisa Aldrete vs. Paula Truman or Toshiko Sakamoto
Q7: Kara Mazur vs. Harumi Kajino or Jocelyn Loredo
Q2: Kelley Fields vs. Sheryl Lotts or Ashley Loyd
Those 8 qualifiers will be put into the Round of 32. We're happy to say that we had correctly worked out the 32s, and we've put in the Q#s in the appropriate places.
2009 US OPEN WPRO DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent Seeding - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria - Q8
16 Vivian Gomez - 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck - 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders - Q1
5 Kerri Wachtel - Q4
12 Doreen Fowler - 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows - Q5
3 Cheryl Gudinas - Q6
14 Krystal Csuk - 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas - 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher - Q3
7 Angela Grisar - Q2
10 Diane Moore - 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks - 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich - Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
The semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday.
Here's what the draws look like.
2009 US OPEN Women's PRO DRAW
First Round Qualifying
Linda Scales vs. Janel Tisinger
Arantza Loredo vs. Maria Paz Munoz
Jessica Parrilla vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Ana Nunez vs. Cristina Cordova
Lily Berry vs. Jvonne Carplo
Danielle Key vs. Brigitte Richard
Paula Truman vs. Toshiko Sakamoto
Harumi Kajino vs. Jocelyn Loredo
Sheryl Lotts vs. Ashley Loyd
Second Round Qualifying
Q1: Laura Brandt vs. Linda Scales or Janel Tisinger
Q8: Arantza Loredo or Maria Paz Munoz vs. Jessica Parrilla vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Q5: Sharon Jackson vs. Ana Nunez or Cristina Cordova
Q4: Michelle Key vs. Lily Berry or Jvonne Carplo
Q3: Jenny Daza Navia vs. Danielle Key vs. Brigitte Richard
Q6: Luisa Aldrete vs. Paula Truman or Toshiko Sakamoto
Q7: Kara Mazur vs. Harumi Kajino or Jocelyn Loredo
Q2: Kelley Fields vs. Sheryl Lotts or Ashley Loyd
Those 8 qualifiers will be put into the Round of 32. We're happy to say that we had correctly worked out the 32s, and we've put in the Q#s in the appropriate places.
2009 US OPEN WPRO DRAW
Seeding - Player - Opponent Seeding - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria - Q8
16 Vivian Gomez - 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck - 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders - Q1
5 Kerri Wachtel - Q4
12 Doreen Fowler - 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows - Q5
3 Cheryl Gudinas - Q6
14 Krystal Csuk - 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas - 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher - Q3
7 Angela Grisar - Q2
10 Diane Moore - 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks - 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich - Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open Finals Statistics
The Racquetball Blog's got some US Open finals statistics for you. In 13 years, the men's final has never gone 5 games. In fact, it's only gone 4 games on four occasions. And if you're in the men's final, you better the first game, because no man who's lost game one has come back to win the final.
However, three women have dropped game one in the final and come back to win the match. Jackie Paraiso and Rhonda Rajsich did it in 1999 and 2003, respectively, both against Christie Van Hees, who also did the trick facing Rajsich in 2005.
Moreover, the women's final has been three straight only 4 of the 13 years, and two of those were the first two finals when Michelle Gould defeated Cheryl Gudinas in '96 and Paraiso in '97. Twice the final has gone to a fifth game tie-breaker: in '99 when Paraiso beat Van Hees, and 2004 when Gudinas defeated Rajsich.
Thus, the women's US Open final has generally been more competitive than the men's final over the years.
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, three women have dropped game one in the final and come back to win the match. Jackie Paraiso and Rhonda Rajsich did it in 1999 and 2003, respectively, both against Christie Van Hees, who also did the trick facing Rajsich in 2005.
Moreover, the women's final has been three straight only 4 of the 13 years, and two of those were the first two finals when Michelle Gould defeated Cheryl Gudinas in '96 and Paraiso in '97. Twice the final has gone to a fifth game tie-breaker: in '99 when Paraiso beat Van Hees, and 2004 when Gudinas defeated Rajsich.
Thus, the women's US Open final has generally been more competitive than the men's final over the years.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 18, 2009
US OPEN - WPRO entries and draw
Forty nine women are vying for this year's US Open title in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) division. The top 24 seeded players are put into the Round of 32 with the remaining 25 players in a qualifying competition for the final 8 spots.
Thus, there will be two rounds of qualifying. Here's the list of players in the qualifying rounds preceded by their WPRO ranking (UR = unranked).
29 Laura Brandt
30 Sheryl Lotts
34 Kelley Fields
35 Jenny Daza Navia
36 Michelle Key
46 Sharon Jackson
47 Luisa Aldrete
47 Jessica Parrilla
47 Arantza Loredo
47 Kara Mazur
62 Paula Truman
62 Ana Nunez
62 Danielle Key
68 Lily Berry
82 Ashley Loyd
83 Linda Scales
UR Jvonne Carplo
UR Cristina Cordova
UR Harumi Kajino
UR Jocelyn Loredo
UR Maria Paz Munoz
UR Brigitte Richard
UR Toshiko Sakamoto
UR Janel Tisinger
UR Naomi Wakimoto
You might not be familiar with all those names, but in the list are two former World Junior Champions - Maria Paz Munoz (16 and under in 2007) and Michelle Key (18 and under 2006) - and one current World Junior Champion Danielle Key (16 and under 2008).
Also, Sheryl Lotts is the current US Junior Champion in 18 and under, as well as USAR Intercollegiate Champion. Kara Mazer finished second to Lotts in Intercollegiates, but teamed with Sharon Jackson to win the Intercollegiate Doubles Championship.
To speak of non-American players, Jenny Daza Navia played for Bolivia in this year's Pan American Championships, and reached the quarter finals. Also, Daza Navia, Munoz, as well as Harumi Kajino, Toshiko Sakamoto and Cristina Cordova all played in the World Games this past summer. Finally, Brigitte Richard is one of Canada's top junior players.
In short there should be some good matches as those 25 players compete for a chance to play one of the top 8 players in the world in the Round of 32. This is what The Racquetball Blog has come up with for that draw based on the latest WPRO rankings.
2009 US OPEN WPRO DRAW (unofficial)
Seeding - Player - Opponent Seeding - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria - 32
16 Vivian Gomez - 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck - 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders - 25
5 Kerri Wachtel - 28
12 Doreen Fowler - 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows - 29
3 Cheryl Gudinas - 30
14 Krystal Csuk - 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas - 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher - 27
7 Angela Grisar - 26
10 Diane Moore - 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks - 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thus, there will be two rounds of qualifying. Here's the list of players in the qualifying rounds preceded by their WPRO ranking (UR = unranked).
29 Laura Brandt
30 Sheryl Lotts
34 Kelley Fields
35 Jenny Daza Navia
36 Michelle Key
46 Sharon Jackson
47 Luisa Aldrete
47 Jessica Parrilla
47 Arantza Loredo
47 Kara Mazur
62 Paula Truman
62 Ana Nunez
62 Danielle Key
68 Lily Berry
82 Ashley Loyd
83 Linda Scales
UR Jvonne Carplo
UR Cristina Cordova
UR Harumi Kajino
UR Jocelyn Loredo
UR Maria Paz Munoz
UR Brigitte Richard
UR Toshiko Sakamoto
UR Janel Tisinger
UR Naomi Wakimoto
You might not be familiar with all those names, but in the list are two former World Junior Champions - Maria Paz Munoz (16 and under in 2007) and Michelle Key (18 and under 2006) - and one current World Junior Champion Danielle Key (16 and under 2008).
Also, Sheryl Lotts is the current US Junior Champion in 18 and under, as well as USAR Intercollegiate Champion. Kara Mazer finished second to Lotts in Intercollegiates, but teamed with Sharon Jackson to win the Intercollegiate Doubles Championship.
To speak of non-American players, Jenny Daza Navia played for Bolivia in this year's Pan American Championships, and reached the quarter finals. Also, Daza Navia, Munoz, as well as Harumi Kajino, Toshiko Sakamoto and Cristina Cordova all played in the World Games this past summer. Finally, Brigitte Richard is one of Canada's top junior players.
In short there should be some good matches as those 25 players compete for a chance to play one of the top 8 players in the world in the Round of 32. This is what The Racquetball Blog has come up with for that draw based on the latest WPRO rankings.
2009 US OPEN WPRO DRAW (unofficial)
Seeding - Player - Opponent Seeding - Opponent
1 Paola Longoria - 32
16 Vivian Gomez - 17 Susy Acosta
9 Jo Shattuck - 24 Maiko Sato
8 Jennifer Saunders - 25
5 Kerri Wachtel - 28
12 Doreen Fowler - 21 Sofia Rascon
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - 20 Frederique Lambert
4 Kristen Bellows - 29
3 Cheryl Gudinas - 30
14 Krystal Csuk - 19 Aubrey O'Brien
11 Samantha Salas - 22 Jackie Paraiso
6 Adrienne Fisher - 27
7 Angela Grisar - 26
10 Diane Moore - 23 Cristina Amaya
15 Keely Franks - 18 Brandi Jacobson Prentice
2 Rhonda Rajsich - 31
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 17, 2009
IRT Rankings - October 12, 2009
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) latest rankings take into account last weekend's Kentucky Pro-Am. The top three remain the same with Kane Waselenehcuk at #1, Rocky Carson at #2 and Jack Huczek at #3.
But Alvaro Beltran has fallen to #6, as he hasn't played this season due to injury. That's allowed Shane Vanderson to move up into 4th and Jason Mannino, last weekend's winner, into 5th.
Ben Croft has fallen to 9th due to missing the first three events of the season as a result of suspension. Chris Crowther went ahead of him, and is now 8th.
Top 16 Ranked IRT Players (As of October 12, 2009)
Rank - Player - Points - Previous Rank
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4526 1
2 Rocky CARSON, 3476 2
3 Jack HUCZEK, 3439 3
4 Shane VANDERSON, 2479 5
5 Jason MANNINO, 2426 6
6 Alvaro BELTRAN, 2324 4
7 Mitch WILLIAMS, 2100 7
8 Chris CROWTHER, 1883 9
9 Ben CROFT, 1800 8
10 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1710 10
11 Juan HERRERA, 1144 11
12 Javier MORENO, 983 12
12 Travis WOODBURY, 983 14
14 Kris ODEGARD, 941 13
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 928 16
16 Andres HERRERA, 893 15
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Alvaro Beltran has fallen to #6, as he hasn't played this season due to injury. That's allowed Shane Vanderson to move up into 4th and Jason Mannino, last weekend's winner, into 5th.
Ben Croft has fallen to 9th due to missing the first three events of the season as a result of suspension. Chris Crowther went ahead of him, and is now 8th.
Top 16 Ranked IRT Players (As of October 12, 2009)
Rank - Player - Points - Previous Rank
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4526 1
2 Rocky CARSON, 3476 2
3 Jack HUCZEK, 3439 3
4 Shane VANDERSON, 2479 5
5 Jason MANNINO, 2426 6
6 Alvaro BELTRAN, 2324 4
7 Mitch WILLIAMS, 2100 7
8 Chris CROWTHER, 1883 9
9 Ben CROFT, 1800 8
10 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1710 10
11 Juan HERRERA, 1144 11
12 Javier MORENO, 983 12
12 Travis WOODBURY, 983 14
14 Kris ODEGARD, 941 13
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 928 16
16 Andres HERRERA, 893 15
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Disappointing absences
The US Open - less than a week away now - has always been a place of surprise and disappointment. The surprises are usually collective (Derek Robinson made the finals? Brenda Kyzer beat Rhonda Rajsich?) and the disappointments personal. But this year there's already some collective disappointment, as there are several players who are not going to be in Memphis.
On the men's side, the two players who took games off Kane Waselencuk, last year's champion, will not be playing. Alvaro Beltran suffered a knee injury prior to the start of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season, and Mitch Williams injured his shoulder in the second event of the season. Both injuries will prevent them from playing in Memphis.
Last year, Williams took Waselenchuk to four games in the Round of 16, and Beltran had an epic five game battle with Waselenchuk in the quarter finals.
On the plus side, Ben Croft is in the field as he's served his three tournament suspension received for inappropriate behavior related to his match with Chris Crowther in May at the Pro Nationals event.
In women's play, three time champion Christie Van Hees will not be playing in Memphis. Van Hees, a former #1 player, has only played a few tournaments in the last two seasons.
However, Jackie Paraiso, another former #1, will be in the Memphis field. She's the current World Champion in doubles with Aimee Ruiz, who will not be in Memphis. That despite the fact Ruiz is the current US National Champion in singles.
Yes, there will some familiar faces missing Memphis, but that could mean more surprises. Surprises like Jason Mannino's win in Kentucky last weekend, and Kerri Wachtel's finals appearance in Texas last month.
And it's surprises like that that make the US Open special.
Follow the bouncing ball....
On the men's side, the two players who took games off Kane Waselencuk, last year's champion, will not be playing. Alvaro Beltran suffered a knee injury prior to the start of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season, and Mitch Williams injured his shoulder in the second event of the season. Both injuries will prevent them from playing in Memphis.
Last year, Williams took Waselenchuk to four games in the Round of 16, and Beltran had an epic five game battle with Waselenchuk in the quarter finals.
On the plus side, Ben Croft is in the field as he's served his three tournament suspension received for inappropriate behavior related to his match with Chris Crowther in May at the Pro Nationals event.
In women's play, three time champion Christie Van Hees will not be playing in Memphis. Van Hees, a former #1 player, has only played a few tournaments in the last two seasons.
However, Jackie Paraiso, another former #1, will be in the Memphis field. She's the current World Champion in doubles with Aimee Ruiz, who will not be in Memphis. That despite the fact Ruiz is the current US National Champion in singles.
Yes, there will some familiar faces missing Memphis, but that could mean more surprises. Surprises like Jason Mannino's win in Kentucky last weekend, and Kerri Wachtel's finals appearance in Texas last month.
And it's surprises like that that make the US Open special.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 12, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada
Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadian readers of The Racquetball Blog, and a cheery Columbus Day to those of you in the USA. We've complied some stats from the first three men's pro events of the season, but first some other results from the weekend.
Auburn VW Open: Jimmy Lowe won the Auburn VW Open Sunday in Kent, Washington. It's a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Lowe defeated Taylor Knoth in the final, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9. In the semi-finals, Lowe beat Grant Stalley, 11-1, 11-9, 11-4, while Knoth knocked off Joey Lakowske, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8.
It's a good win for Lowe, who'll be looking to defend his Classic Pro Racquetball title at the US Open next week in Memphis.
Kentucky Pro-Am Open Division: Jose Rojas won the open division in Kentucky, beating Gared Edmunds in the final, 15-2, 15-4. Rojas defeated Lee Connell in the semis, 15-10, 15-3, while Edmunds got the benefit of a default win as Kris Odegard failed to get to their semi-final match on time. Lucky thing for Edmunds, as Odegard soundly beat him in the pro qualifying.
More points but not enough
Jason Mannino's win in Kentucky was remarkable not simply because it was the oldest top 10 player winning or that it was his first win in over two years. The final was also one of those rare matches where the winner had fewer total points than the loser. Jack Huczek outscored Mannino over the five games of the final 47 to 42.
That's only happened one other time in the 87 matches from the first three main events of this IRT season. The other occasion also involved Mannino, but on the losing side, as he outscored Shane Vanderson 40-39 in their quarter final match in Denver, but still lost.
The most points scored in an IRT match so far this season is 95, which has happened twice. The first time was in Denver during qualifying, as Polo Gutierrez defeated Anthony Carson 11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4. The other time was in the epic battle between Jack Huczek and Rocky Carson in the semi-finals in Terre Haute, where Huczek won 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7.
Thirty seven points are the fewest scored in an IRT match this season, and it's happened five times. Three of those times were this past weekend in Bowling Green, and Gared Edmunds was involved in two of them. He beat Michael Arterburn 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, in the first round of qualifying, and then lost to Kris Odegard in the second round, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1.
Games played per round of competition
The Racquetball Blog's counted up the number of games played per round of IRT competition so far this season. Here's the results:
You can see that from the quarter finals on there's an approximately equal likelihood for the match to be 3, 4 or 5 games, suggesting the players in those rounds are relatively evenly matched. But in the Round of 16 there's a definite tendency towards shorter matches. And that tendency is even greater in the qualifying rounds, which for ease of analysis we've lumped together here.
We're surprised that only 3 of the 40 qualifying matches have gone five games. It suggests the competition in qualifying is decidedly uneven with one player often being significantly better than the other, which results in the far greater number of three game matches than four or five game matches.
(note: three matches resulted in defaults, so they are omitted from this summary)
Down 2-0 means losing
Finally, no player has overcome a two game deficit so far this season. If Huczek had won yesterday, he would have been the first to do so.
Follow the bouncing ball...
Auburn VW Open: Jimmy Lowe won the Auburn VW Open Sunday in Kent, Washington. It's a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Lowe defeated Taylor Knoth in the final, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9. In the semi-finals, Lowe beat Grant Stalley, 11-1, 11-9, 11-4, while Knoth knocked off Joey Lakowske, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8.
It's a good win for Lowe, who'll be looking to defend his Classic Pro Racquetball title at the US Open next week in Memphis.
Kentucky Pro-Am Open Division: Jose Rojas won the open division in Kentucky, beating Gared Edmunds in the final, 15-2, 15-4. Rojas defeated Lee Connell in the semis, 15-10, 15-3, while Edmunds got the benefit of a default win as Kris Odegard failed to get to their semi-final match on time. Lucky thing for Edmunds, as Odegard soundly beat him in the pro qualifying.
More points but not enough
Jason Mannino's win in Kentucky was remarkable not simply because it was the oldest top 10 player winning or that it was his first win in over two years. The final was also one of those rare matches where the winner had fewer total points than the loser. Jack Huczek outscored Mannino over the five games of the final 47 to 42.
That's only happened one other time in the 87 matches from the first three main events of this IRT season. The other occasion also involved Mannino, but on the losing side, as he outscored Shane Vanderson 40-39 in their quarter final match in Denver, but still lost.
The most points scored in an IRT match so far this season is 95, which has happened twice. The first time was in Denver during qualifying, as Polo Gutierrez defeated Anthony Carson 11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4. The other time was in the epic battle between Jack Huczek and Rocky Carson in the semi-finals in Terre Haute, where Huczek won 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7.
Thirty seven points are the fewest scored in an IRT match this season, and it's happened five times. Three of those times were this past weekend in Bowling Green, and Gared Edmunds was involved in two of them. He beat Michael Arterburn 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, in the first round of qualifying, and then lost to Kris Odegard in the second round, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1.
Games played per round of competition
The Racquetball Blog's counted up the number of games played per round of IRT competition so far this season. Here's the results:
| Round | 3 Games | 4 Games | 5 Games |
| Final | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Semi-final | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Quarter final | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Round of 16 | 11 | 8 | 5 |
| Qualifying | 28 | 9 | 3 |
You can see that from the quarter finals on there's an approximately equal likelihood for the match to be 3, 4 or 5 games, suggesting the players in those rounds are relatively evenly matched. But in the Round of 16 there's a definite tendency towards shorter matches. And that tendency is even greater in the qualifying rounds, which for ease of analysis we've lumped together here.
We're surprised that only 3 of the 40 qualifying matches have gone five games. It suggests the competition in qualifying is decidedly uneven with one player often being significantly better than the other, which results in the far greater number of three game matches than four or five game matches.
(note: three matches resulted in defaults, so they are omitted from this summary)
Down 2-0 means losing
Finally, no player has overcome a two game deficit so far this season. If Huczek had won yesterday, he would have been the first to do so.
Follow the bouncing ball...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Mannino wins Kentucky Pro Am, first win in over two years
Jason Mannino has won the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green by defeating Jack Huczek in the final, 11-6, 14-12, 6-11, 0-11, 11-7, and he did so after aggravating an existing left calf injury in the game three. It's Mannino's first win in over two years, and the third time in three tournaments this season that Huczek has finished runner-up.
It was a match that had "are you kidding me?!?" written all over it, as fourth seeded Mannino - a surprise semi-finalist - took the first two games, only to become hobbled in game three and take a donut in game four.
It seemed that Mannino might stop at that point, and Dave Negrete, commissioner of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), did ask Mannino about continuing after he lost game four 11-0. But with on site medical advice and a don't quit attitude Mannino decided to play on.
It proved to be a good decision.
Mannino, the oldest player in the top 10 on the IRT, said afterwards that being near the end of his career did play a part in his deciding to continue despite playing poorly in game four with the injured calf, adding "I'm bad at giving up."
Huczek started the match well, taking the first three points of game one. But then Mannino ran eight points for 8-3 lead. At 10-4, Huczek had to take the first injury time out of the match, as his right elbow was bleeding after diving on the court. It wouldn't be the last injury time out of the match.
Huczek seemed to get some momentum after that time out, winning cutting Mannino's lead to 10-6, but then Mannino finished it off 11-6.
In game two, Huczek again had the early lead at 4-2, and also at 8-5. But it was Mannino who got to ten first, leading 10-9 at that point. Then a bad error by Mannino let Huczek tie it at 10-10. They tied again at 11.
Huczek had a dreadful skip on a service return for Mannino's 12th point, which was one of many unforced errors Huczek made throughout the first two games of the match. At 13-12, Huczek hit a poor service return and Mannino flat rolled a pinch in the front right corner to go up two games to zero.
It was tight early in game three. Huczek had a small advantage at 7-6, but around that point Mannino said afterwards was when he aggravated an injury to his left calf that he picked last month during the Denver tournament.
Mannino's mobility was limited after that, and Huczek took full advantage, winning game three 11-6, and then taking game four 11-0, as Mannino was having trouble making any shots. He looked especially bad on his backhand as he stumbled off balance after almost all of those shots. Mannino did use injury time and received medical attention after game three and again after game four.
With little pressure on him, Huczek was not making the errors he had in the first two games.
It wasn't clear whether Mannino would continue after game four, but afterwards he said he only considered stopping during the fourth game when he was down 7-0.
But between game four and five Mannino refocussed saying after that he told himself Huczek's "just hitting me ceiling balls, and you can't beat me just hitting ceiling balls."
That renewed determination, and icing his calf between games, helped Mannino temendously. As Mannino won some rallies, and got some points, it was clear that he wasn't going to simply roll over for Huczek.
Nevertheless Huczek had the early lead in game five at 4-2, but that was the last lead he'd have as Mannino ran six points to go up 8-4. Huczek closed it to 8-7, but then Mannino pushed on to win 11-7. He was helped by Huczek skipping a shot to give Mannino his 10th point, and then Huczek hit a weak service return on the first match point and Mannino killed the ball up in the front left of the court.
The last time Mannino won an IRT tournament was in September 2007 - over two years ago - when he won the Kansas City Pro Am also defeating Huczek in the final.
It's Mannino's 22nd career victory.
The match will be archived for viewing at the IRT Network, where you can also see the finals from the first two tournaments of the season.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Final
Jason Mannino d. Jack Huczek, 11-6, 14-12, 6-11, 0-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
It was a match that had "are you kidding me?!?" written all over it, as fourth seeded Mannino - a surprise semi-finalist - took the first two games, only to become hobbled in game three and take a donut in game four.
It seemed that Mannino might stop at that point, and Dave Negrete, commissioner of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), did ask Mannino about continuing after he lost game four 11-0. But with on site medical advice and a don't quit attitude Mannino decided to play on.
It proved to be a good decision.
Mannino, the oldest player in the top 10 on the IRT, said afterwards that being near the end of his career did play a part in his deciding to continue despite playing poorly in game four with the injured calf, adding "I'm bad at giving up."
Huczek started the match well, taking the first three points of game one. But then Mannino ran eight points for 8-3 lead. At 10-4, Huczek had to take the first injury time out of the match, as his right elbow was bleeding after diving on the court. It wouldn't be the last injury time out of the match.
Huczek seemed to get some momentum after that time out, winning cutting Mannino's lead to 10-6, but then Mannino finished it off 11-6.
In game two, Huczek again had the early lead at 4-2, and also at 8-5. But it was Mannino who got to ten first, leading 10-9 at that point. Then a bad error by Mannino let Huczek tie it at 10-10. They tied again at 11.
Huczek had a dreadful skip on a service return for Mannino's 12th point, which was one of many unforced errors Huczek made throughout the first two games of the match. At 13-12, Huczek hit a poor service return and Mannino flat rolled a pinch in the front right corner to go up two games to zero.
It was tight early in game three. Huczek had a small advantage at 7-6, but around that point Mannino said afterwards was when he aggravated an injury to his left calf that he picked last month during the Denver tournament.
Mannino's mobility was limited after that, and Huczek took full advantage, winning game three 11-6, and then taking game four 11-0, as Mannino was having trouble making any shots. He looked especially bad on his backhand as he stumbled off balance after almost all of those shots. Mannino did use injury time and received medical attention after game three and again after game four.
With little pressure on him, Huczek was not making the errors he had in the first two games.
It wasn't clear whether Mannino would continue after game four, but afterwards he said he only considered stopping during the fourth game when he was down 7-0.
But between game four and five Mannino refocussed saying after that he told himself Huczek's "just hitting me ceiling balls, and you can't beat me just hitting ceiling balls."
That renewed determination, and icing his calf between games, helped Mannino temendously. As Mannino won some rallies, and got some points, it was clear that he wasn't going to simply roll over for Huczek.
Nevertheless Huczek had the early lead in game five at 4-2, but that was the last lead he'd have as Mannino ran six points to go up 8-4. Huczek closed it to 8-7, but then Mannino pushed on to win 11-7. He was helped by Huczek skipping a shot to give Mannino his 10th point, and then Huczek hit a weak service return on the first match point and Mannino killed the ball up in the front left of the court.
The last time Mannino won an IRT tournament was in September 2007 - over two years ago - when he won the Kansas City Pro Am also defeating Huczek in the final.
It's Mannino's 22nd career victory.
The match will be archived for viewing at the IRT Network, where you can also see the finals from the first two tournaments of the season.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Final
Jason Mannino d. Jack Huczek, 11-6, 14-12, 6-11, 0-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Kentucky Pro Am - Semi-finals
Jason Mannino has made his first final since February 2008, as he defeated top seed Rocky Carson, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10, in the semi-finals of the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green.
On Sunday, Mannino will play Jack Huczek, who was his opponent in his last final - the 2008 Seattle Open, when Huczek defeated Mannino in a tie-breaker. The last time Mannino won an IRT tournament was over two years ago: the 2007 Kansas City Pro Am, when he defeated Huczek in three straight games.
Mannino started well against Carson, getting a 6-0 lead in game one. Carson got back in the game though, in part because Mannino got distracted by some calls by the referee that he disagreed with.
Mannino did get to 10-5, but Carson showed why he was the top seed by coming back to tie the game at 10. Yet Mannino wasn't to be denied, and won the next two points to take game one 12-10.
Game two was close until the mid-game, when they were tied at 5-5. Then Carson went on a run to win it 11-5. Game three was similar as they were again tied at 5-5. But in that game it was Mannino who went on the run to win it 11-5.
Game four was dramatic, as Mannino built another big lead at 5-0 and 7-2, only to see Carson come back and take the lead 8-7. When he extended that to 10-7, it looked like there was going to be a fifth game tie-breaker.
But Mannino had other plans. He helped himself with a great play off a ball that came long off the back wall forcing Carson to make a tight play at the front wall to try and drop it in. Mannino got that to save game point.
He got his ninth point on an avoidable call against Carson. Then on Mannino's first match point, they were hitting back and forth front court cross shots when a down the line shot would win the rally. Carson was the first to hit that shot, and we wondered if Mannino would get another chance.
He did, and made no mistake the second time to win the fourth game 12-10 and take the match.
Afterwards, Carson said little except that he was "disappointed." Mannino, who's never short for words, praised his opponent's play, and admitted to being a "little nervous" at the start as he felt he hadn't played well in the quarter finals.
Huczek reached the final by defeating Shane Vanderson in the semis, 11-2, 11-5, 11-13, 11-3. Huczek's now made the finals of all three International Racquetball Tour (IRT) tournaments this season.
After a poor start, Vanderson played better in game two, which was back and forth early. Vanderson got a 5-2 advantage, but Huczek then tied it at 5-5. It took about 30 rallies to get to that point.
Then Huczek went on a run to 8-5, when Vanderson called a time out. To no avail, as Huczek got the next three points as well to get a two game advantage.
It wasn't looking like there would be a fourth game, as Huczek went out to a 7-2 and then 10-5 lead in game three. However, "any given day" category Vanderson got it going, primarily by serving lobs over to the right side - Huczek's forehand. He followed that up with solid shots and ran six points to take the lead 11-10.
Then inexplicably Vanderson changed serve and lobbed left. Huczek hit a winning return and it looked like Vanderson's work was going to be for naught. But Vanderson got the serve right back, and did not go back to the lob right.
Instead Vanderson drove serve - as he had earlier in the match - and short served, giving Huczek the serve back. Huczek got another point to tie it at 11, but no more.
That allowed Vanderson another chance, and this time he made no mistake, winning the next two rallies to take game three and force a fourth game.
In that game, Huczek got the early lead, and although Vanderson tied it at 3-3, Huczek pushed through to win 11-3. Throughout the match Huczek used lob serves to Vanderson, mostly to the right side - Vanderson's forehand. Huczek's lob Z to the right was especially effective.
You can watch Sunday's final via the IRT Network at noon central time.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Semi-Finals
Jason Mannino d. Rocky Carson, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-2, 11-5, 11-13, 11-3
Final - Sunday Noon Central Time
Jack Huczek vs. Jason Mannino
Follow the bouncing ball....
On Sunday, Mannino will play Jack Huczek, who was his opponent in his last final - the 2008 Seattle Open, when Huczek defeated Mannino in a tie-breaker. The last time Mannino won an IRT tournament was over two years ago: the 2007 Kansas City Pro Am, when he defeated Huczek in three straight games.
Mannino started well against Carson, getting a 6-0 lead in game one. Carson got back in the game though, in part because Mannino got distracted by some calls by the referee that he disagreed with.
Mannino did get to 10-5, but Carson showed why he was the top seed by coming back to tie the game at 10. Yet Mannino wasn't to be denied, and won the next two points to take game one 12-10.
Game two was close until the mid-game, when they were tied at 5-5. Then Carson went on a run to win it 11-5. Game three was similar as they were again tied at 5-5. But in that game it was Mannino who went on the run to win it 11-5.
Game four was dramatic, as Mannino built another big lead at 5-0 and 7-2, only to see Carson come back and take the lead 8-7. When he extended that to 10-7, it looked like there was going to be a fifth game tie-breaker.
But Mannino had other plans. He helped himself with a great play off a ball that came long off the back wall forcing Carson to make a tight play at the front wall to try and drop it in. Mannino got that to save game point.
He got his ninth point on an avoidable call against Carson. Then on Mannino's first match point, they were hitting back and forth front court cross shots when a down the line shot would win the rally. Carson was the first to hit that shot, and we wondered if Mannino would get another chance.
He did, and made no mistake the second time to win the fourth game 12-10 and take the match.
Afterwards, Carson said little except that he was "disappointed." Mannino, who's never short for words, praised his opponent's play, and admitted to being a "little nervous" at the start as he felt he hadn't played well in the quarter finals.
Huczek reached the final by defeating Shane Vanderson in the semis, 11-2, 11-5, 11-13, 11-3. Huczek's now made the finals of all three International Racquetball Tour (IRT) tournaments this season.
After a poor start, Vanderson played better in game two, which was back and forth early. Vanderson got a 5-2 advantage, but Huczek then tied it at 5-5. It took about 30 rallies to get to that point.
Then Huczek went on a run to 8-5, when Vanderson called a time out. To no avail, as Huczek got the next three points as well to get a two game advantage.
It wasn't looking like there would be a fourth game, as Huczek went out to a 7-2 and then 10-5 lead in game three. However, "any given day" category Vanderson got it going, primarily by serving lobs over to the right side - Huczek's forehand. He followed that up with solid shots and ran six points to take the lead 11-10.
Then inexplicably Vanderson changed serve and lobbed left. Huczek hit a winning return and it looked like Vanderson's work was going to be for naught. But Vanderson got the serve right back, and did not go back to the lob right.
Instead Vanderson drove serve - as he had earlier in the match - and short served, giving Huczek the serve back. Huczek got another point to tie it at 11, but no more.
That allowed Vanderson another chance, and this time he made no mistake, winning the next two rallies to take game three and force a fourth game.
In that game, Huczek got the early lead, and although Vanderson tied it at 3-3, Huczek pushed through to win 11-3. Throughout the match Huczek used lob serves to Vanderson, mostly to the right side - Vanderson's forehand. Huczek's lob Z to the right was especially effective.
You can watch Sunday's final via the IRT Network at noon central time.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Semi-Finals
Jason Mannino d. Rocky Carson, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-2, 11-5, 11-13, 11-3
Final - Sunday Noon Central Time
Jack Huczek vs. Jason Mannino
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 9, 2009
Kentucky Pro Am - Quarter finals
Top seed Rocky Carson survived a five game battle with Chris Crowther, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, to advance to the semi-finals at the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green.
Crowther played well, although he needed to come back in each game. Carson got to 8 first in each game, but in the first and fourth he let the lead slip away.
The fifth game started slowly and sloppily, and it seemed both players were tired from what was already a long match. After 13 rallies, it was only 1-1. But then Carson took a commanding 6-1 lead. Crowther managed to narrow it to two points at 8-6. However, that was as close as he got, as Carson took the tie-breaker 11-6.
Afterwards, Carson acknowledged that it was a tough match, and felt he had a few mental lapses that allowed Crowther back in it. Yet to Crowther's credit, Carson felt he made many serves that he thought would be winners only to see Crowther successfully return them.
Carson's semi-final opponent will be Jason Mannino, as Mannino beat Andy Hawthorne in a see-saw battle, 11-6, 2-11, 11-4, 11-2. Hawthorne had early leads in the first three games, but was only able to take advantage of it in game two.
After the match Hawthorne said he's trying to change some aspects of his game to add a control dimension to his self-described scrappy style. Hawthorne also wants to improve his drive serve, as he feels that's essential to his success.
Second seed Jack Huczek was the first player to the semis after an easy victory over Travis Woodbury, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4. It was Woodbury's first quarter final appearance on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), and he said afterwards that he was nervous during the match, especially in the first game. Woodbury also hurt his chances by foot faulting several times with his drive serve.
Nonetheless, Woodbury can use the experience for the future, and take heart from his Round of 16 win over Mitch Williams, which was Woodbury's first over a top 10 player.
Huczek will face Shane Vanderson, who defeated Juan Herrera, 11-1, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8. Vanderson played well in the first game, and Herrera seemed flat. Afterwards Herrera said he was still feeling tired, as he played a five game match in the Round of 16 against Alejandro Herrera.
That fatigue seemed to continue into game two, as Vanderson took a 7-1 lead. But then Herrera started pecking away at the lead, getting it to 7-3, then 8-4, 8-5, and leveling the game at 8-8. However, Vanderson won it 11-8.
Then in game three it was Herrera who had the lead. He used a mixture of half lob serves to both the right and left, Vanderson's forehand and backhand, respectively. Although Vanderson tied it at 6-6, Herrera was able to push on and win 11-7.
In game four, Herrera again had the lead early at 5-2 and 6-3, but Vanderson tied it at 8-8, and pushed on to win the game 11-8 and take the match.
The semi-finals will be on Saturday, and final on Sunday. Matches can be viewed over the internet via the IRT Network.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Quarter Finals
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6
Jason Mannino d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 2-11, 11-4, 11-2
Shane Vanderson d. Juan Herrera, 11-1, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Travis Woodbury, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4
Semi-finals - Saturday
Rocky Carson vs. Jason Mannino - 5 PM Central
Jack Huczek vs. Shane Vanderson - 4 PM Central
Follow the bouncing ball....
Crowther played well, although he needed to come back in each game. Carson got to 8 first in each game, but in the first and fourth he let the lead slip away.
The fifth game started slowly and sloppily, and it seemed both players were tired from what was already a long match. After 13 rallies, it was only 1-1. But then Carson took a commanding 6-1 lead. Crowther managed to narrow it to two points at 8-6. However, that was as close as he got, as Carson took the tie-breaker 11-6.
Afterwards, Carson acknowledged that it was a tough match, and felt he had a few mental lapses that allowed Crowther back in it. Yet to Crowther's credit, Carson felt he made many serves that he thought would be winners only to see Crowther successfully return them.
Carson's semi-final opponent will be Jason Mannino, as Mannino beat Andy Hawthorne in a see-saw battle, 11-6, 2-11, 11-4, 11-2. Hawthorne had early leads in the first three games, but was only able to take advantage of it in game two.
After the match Hawthorne said he's trying to change some aspects of his game to add a control dimension to his self-described scrappy style. Hawthorne also wants to improve his drive serve, as he feels that's essential to his success.
Second seed Jack Huczek was the first player to the semis after an easy victory over Travis Woodbury, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4. It was Woodbury's first quarter final appearance on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), and he said afterwards that he was nervous during the match, especially in the first game. Woodbury also hurt his chances by foot faulting several times with his drive serve.
Nonetheless, Woodbury can use the experience for the future, and take heart from his Round of 16 win over Mitch Williams, which was Woodbury's first over a top 10 player.
Huczek will face Shane Vanderson, who defeated Juan Herrera, 11-1, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8. Vanderson played well in the first game, and Herrera seemed flat. Afterwards Herrera said he was still feeling tired, as he played a five game match in the Round of 16 against Alejandro Herrera.
That fatigue seemed to continue into game two, as Vanderson took a 7-1 lead. But then Herrera started pecking away at the lead, getting it to 7-3, then 8-4, 8-5, and leveling the game at 8-8. However, Vanderson won it 11-8.
Then in game three it was Herrera who had the lead. He used a mixture of half lob serves to both the right and left, Vanderson's forehand and backhand, respectively. Although Vanderson tied it at 6-6, Herrera was able to push on and win 11-7.
In game four, Herrera again had the lead early at 5-2 and 6-3, but Vanderson tied it at 8-8, and pushed on to win the game 11-8 and take the match.
The semi-finals will be on Saturday, and final on Sunday. Matches can be viewed over the internet via the IRT Network.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Quarter Finals
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6
Jason Mannino d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 2-11, 11-4, 11-2
Shane Vanderson d. Juan Herrera, 11-1, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Travis Woodbury, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4
Semi-finals - Saturday
Rocky Carson vs. Jason Mannino - 5 PM Central
Jack Huczek vs. Shane Vanderson - 4 PM Central
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kentucky Pro Am - Round of 16
Travis Woodbury had the biggest upset in the Round of 16 at the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green - the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) third event of the season. He defeated Mitch Williams in the Round of 16, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2, 11-8.
In the quarter finals later on Friday, Woodbury will face second seed Jack Huczek, who barely escaped the 16s, as World Junior Champion Jose Rojas pushed him to a fifth game before Huczek won, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6.
Also Juan Herrera has reached the quarter finals for the second tournament in a row, as he beat Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5. Juan Herrera will face Shane Vanderson in the quarters, as he beat Mike Green, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10.
The quarter finals will follow later on Friday. The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, and final on Sunday. Matches can be viewed over the internet via the IRT Network.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson d. Charles Pratt, 11-7, 11-5, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Kris Odegard, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-6, 11-2, 11-1
Jason Mannino d. Anthony Carson, 11-2, 11-6, 11-8
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Green, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10
Juan Herrera d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5
Travis Woodbury d. Mitch Williams, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jose Rojas, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther
Jason Mannino vs. Andy Hawthorne
Shane Vanderson vs. Juan Herrera
Jack Huczek vs. Travis Woodbury
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the quarter finals later on Friday, Woodbury will face second seed Jack Huczek, who barely escaped the 16s, as World Junior Champion Jose Rojas pushed him to a fifth game before Huczek won, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6.
Also Juan Herrera has reached the quarter finals for the second tournament in a row, as he beat Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5. Juan Herrera will face Shane Vanderson in the quarters, as he beat Mike Green, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10.
The quarter finals will follow later on Friday. The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, and final on Sunday. Matches can be viewed over the internet via the IRT Network.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson d. Charles Pratt, 11-7, 11-5, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Kris Odegard, 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-6, 11-2, 11-1
Jason Mannino d. Anthony Carson, 11-2, 11-6, 11-8
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Green, 11-5, 8-11, 11-3, 12-10
Juan Herrera d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5
Travis Woodbury d. Mitch Williams, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jose Rojas, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther
Jason Mannino vs. Andy Hawthorne
Shane Vanderson vs. Juan Herrera
Jack Huczek vs. Travis Woodbury
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Kentucky Pro Am - Qualifying Results
The qualifying matches are over at the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green - the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) third event of the season - and they ran mostly according to form with a few donuts handed out for good measure.
In a changing of the guard match, Jose Rojas defeated Cliff Swain in three games, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6. He'll now face second seed Jack Huczek in the main draw.
Top seed Rocky Carson will face Charles Pratt, who defeated Lee Connell, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7, to reach the 16s.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard d. Gared Edmunds, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1
Q8: Charles Pratt d. Lee Connell, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7
Q5: Anthony Carson d. Dan Case, 11-2, 11-6, 11-2
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu d. John Scott, 11-1, 11-0, 11-3
Q3: Alejandro Herrera d. Gene Scott, 11-0, 11-1, 11-8
Q6: Mike Green d. Felipe Camacho, 11-9, 11-4, 11-2
Q7: Jose Rojas d. Cliff Swain, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
Q2: Travis Woodbury d. Bob Jackson, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4
Round 1 Qualifying
Gared Edmunds d. Michael Arterburn, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Bob Jackson d. Deli Stinnett, default
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Charles Pratt
Chris Crowther vs. Kris Odegard
Andy Hawthorne vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Jason Mannino vs. Anthony Carson
Shane Vanderson vs. Mike Green
Juan Herrera vs. Alejandro Herrera
Mitch Williams vs. Travis Woodbury
Jack Huczek vs. Jose Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball....
In a changing of the guard match, Jose Rojas defeated Cliff Swain in three games, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6. He'll now face second seed Jack Huczek in the main draw.
Top seed Rocky Carson will face Charles Pratt, who defeated Lee Connell, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7, to reach the 16s.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard d. Gared Edmunds, 11-3, 11-0, 11-1
Q8: Charles Pratt d. Lee Connell, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7
Q5: Anthony Carson d. Dan Case, 11-2, 11-6, 11-2
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu d. John Scott, 11-1, 11-0, 11-3
Q3: Alejandro Herrera d. Gene Scott, 11-0, 11-1, 11-8
Q6: Mike Green d. Felipe Camacho, 11-9, 11-4, 11-2
Q7: Jose Rojas d. Cliff Swain, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
Q2: Travis Woodbury d. Bob Jackson, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4
Round 1 Qualifying
Gared Edmunds d. Michael Arterburn, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Bob Jackson d. Deli Stinnett, default
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Charles Pratt
Chris Crowther vs. Kris Odegard
Andy Hawthorne vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Jason Mannino vs. Anthony Carson
Shane Vanderson vs. Mike Green
Juan Herrera vs. Alejandro Herrera
Mitch Williams vs. Travis Woodbury
Jack Huczek vs. Jose Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kentucky Pro Am - Qualifying Results
The qualifying matches have begun at the Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green - the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) third event of the season.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 1
Gared Edmunds d. Michael Arterburn, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Bob Jackson d. Deli Stinnett, default
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard vs. Gared Edmunds
Q8: Lee Connell vs. Charles Pratt
Q5: Anthony Carson vs. Dan Case
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu vs. John Scott
Q3: Alejandro Herrera vs. Gene Scott
Q6: Mike Green vs. Felipe Camacho
Q7: Cliff Swain vs. Jose Rojas
Q2: Travis Woodbury vs. Bob Jackson
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Q8
Chris Crowther vs. Q1
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q4
Jason Mannino vs. Q5
Shane Vanderson vs. Q6
Juan Herrera vs. Q3
Mitch Williams vs. Q2
Jack Huczek vs. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 1
Gared Edmunds d. Michael Arterburn, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
Bob Jackson d. Deli Stinnett, default
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard vs. Gared Edmunds
Q8: Lee Connell vs. Charles Pratt
Q5: Anthony Carson vs. Dan Case
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu vs. John Scott
Q3: Alejandro Herrera vs. Gene Scott
Q6: Mike Green vs. Felipe Camacho
Q7: Cliff Swain vs. Jose Rojas
Q2: Travis Woodbury vs. Bob Jackson
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Q8
Chris Crowther vs. Q1
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q4
Jason Mannino vs. Q5
Shane Vanderson vs. Q6
Juan Herrera vs. Q3
Mitch Williams vs. Q2
Jack Huczek vs. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Waselenchuk to miss Kentucky Pro Am
Kane Waselenchuk will miss this weekend's Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships in Bowling Green - the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) third event of the season, as he's suffering from the flu. This opens up the event to the field, although you'd be hard pressed to look past either the Rocky Carson, who'll now be seeded #1, or Jack Huczek, who'll be #2, as they were the only winners other than Waselenchuk on the IRT last season.
Perhaps the primary beneficiary of Waselenchuk's absence will be Juan Herrera, who'll now be the 8th seed, so he won't have to go through the qualifying draw.
Highlights of the qualifying draw are veteran Cliff Swain against young gun Jose Rojas, who reached the semi-finals back in January at the California Open. The winner will play Huczek in the Round of 16.
Another match to watch will be Lee Connell and Charles Pratt, as Connell never fails to give a total effort on the court often accompanied by a good deal of yelling at himself.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 1
Gared Edmunds vs. Michael Arterburn
Bob Jackson vs. Deli Stinnett
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard vs. winner of Michael Arterburn & Gared Edmunds
Q8: Lee Connell vs. Charles Pratt
Q5: Anthony Carson vs. Dan Case
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu vs. John Scott
Q3: Alejandro Herrera vs. Gene Scott
Q6: Mike Green vs. Felipe Camacho
Q7: Cliff Swain vs. Jose Rojas
Q2: Travis Woodbury vs. winner of Deli Stinnett & Bob Jackson
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Q8
Chris Crowther vs. Q1
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q4
Jason Mannino vs. Q5
Shane Vanderson vs. Q6
Juan Herrera vs. Q3
Mitch Williams vs. Q2
Jack Huczek vs. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Perhaps the primary beneficiary of Waselenchuk's absence will be Juan Herrera, who'll now be the 8th seed, so he won't have to go through the qualifying draw.
Highlights of the qualifying draw are veteran Cliff Swain against young gun Jose Rojas, who reached the semi-finals back in January at the California Open. The winner will play Huczek in the Round of 16.
Another match to watch will be Lee Connell and Charles Pratt, as Connell never fails to give a total effort on the court often accompanied by a good deal of yelling at himself.
2009 Kentucky Pro Am Racquetball Championships
Qualifying Draw
Round 1
Gared Edmunds vs. Michael Arterburn
Bob Jackson vs. Deli Stinnett
Round 2
Q1: Kris Odegard vs. winner of Michael Arterburn & Gared Edmunds
Q8: Lee Connell vs. Charles Pratt
Q5: Anthony Carson vs. Dan Case
Q4: Hiroshi Shimizu vs. John Scott
Q3: Alejandro Herrera vs. Gene Scott
Q6: Mike Green vs. Felipe Camacho
Q7: Cliff Swain vs. Jose Rojas
Q2: Travis Woodbury vs. winner of Deli Stinnett & Bob Jackson
Main Round of 16
Rocky Carson vs. Q8
Chris Crowther vs. Q1
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q4
Jason Mannino vs. Q5
Shane Vanderson vs. Q6
Juan Herrera vs. Q3
Mitch Williams vs. Q2
Jack Huczek vs. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Hogan Back and Center
Here's a blast from the past The Racquetball Blog came across recently. This is the souvenir pic from the 1981 CBC International Racquetball Classic in Winnipeg, Canada. The event was a challenge between Canadians and Americans, so it wasn't an official pro tour event. Nevertheless it was prestigious, as it was taped for broadcast on CBC in Canada and ESPN in the USA.
Here's who's there (according to name list found with photo). In the front row (left to right): Sherman Greenfeld, Linda Forcade, Shannon Wright, Heather McKay, Heather Stupp, Susie Dugan (we're guessing there, as she's not identified in the list, but the other possibility, Karin Walton-Trent, had blonde hair), and Dan Bertolucci.
In the back row from left to right are Davey Bledsoe, Dwayne Kohuch, Wes Hadikin, Wendell Talaber, Dave Peck, Brad Kruger, Marty Hogan, Wayne Bowes, Ben Koltun, Don Thomas, Jerry Hilecher, Bob Daku, Lindsay Myers, and Craig McCoy.
In the men's final, Hilecher defeated Mike Yellen, who's missing from this photo, while in the women's final Wright defeated Stupp, who had upset McKay in the semi-finals.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Green and Swain win CPRT doubles
Mike Green and Cliff Swain won the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) doubles event in Las Vegas last weekend by defeating Woody Clouse and Rob Dejesus in the final, 8-9, 9-8, 9-4, 8-9, 9-2. It was Green's first CPRT appearance.
Clouse and Dejesus almost didn't make it past the quarter finals, as they were down two games against Jason Richard Conway and Louis Vogel. But they won the third game decisively, 9-0, to start their comeback. Clouse and Dejesus took the match 3-9, 8-9, 9-0, 9-7, 9-3.
In the semis, Green and Swain beat Ruben Gonzalez and John Ivers, 8-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-0, while Clouse and Dejesus took out Bret Harnett and Craig Lane, 9-6, 3-9, 9-3, 9-0.
The next CPRT event is the US Open in Memphis in two weeks.
CPRT Doubles, Las Vegas, October 3-5, 2009
Final
Cliff Swain & Mike Green d. Woody Clouse & Rob Dejesus, 8-9, 9-8, 9-4, 8-9, 9-2
Semi finals
Swain & Green d. John Ivers & Ruben Gonzalez, 8-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-0
Clouse & Dejesus d. Bret Harnett & Craig Lane, 9-6, 3-9, 9-3, 9-0
Quarter finals
Swain & Green d. Rick Koll & Larry Desorbo, 9-2, 9-6, 9-2
Clouse & Dejesus d. Jason Richard Conway & Louis Vogel, 3-9, 8-9, 9-0, 9-7, 9-3
Harnett & Lane d. Jonathan Dunn & Thomas Fuhrmann, 9-8, 9-7, 9-6
Ivers & Gonzalez d. Mike Ray & Troy Stallings, 9-5, 9-4, 9-3
First Round
Koll & Desorbo d. Chris Lawson & Victor Salinas, WBF - Injury, 9-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Clouse and Dejesus almost didn't make it past the quarter finals, as they were down two games against Jason Richard Conway and Louis Vogel. But they won the third game decisively, 9-0, to start their comeback. Clouse and Dejesus took the match 3-9, 8-9, 9-0, 9-7, 9-3.
In the semis, Green and Swain beat Ruben Gonzalez and John Ivers, 8-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-0, while Clouse and Dejesus took out Bret Harnett and Craig Lane, 9-6, 3-9, 9-3, 9-0.
The next CPRT event is the US Open in Memphis in two weeks.
CPRT Doubles, Las Vegas, October 3-5, 2009
Final
Cliff Swain & Mike Green d. Woody Clouse & Rob Dejesus, 8-9, 9-8, 9-4, 8-9, 9-2
Semi finals
Swain & Green d. John Ivers & Ruben Gonzalez, 8-9, 9-6, 9-0, 9-0
Clouse & Dejesus d. Bret Harnett & Craig Lane, 9-6, 3-9, 9-3, 9-0
Quarter finals
Swain & Green d. Rick Koll & Larry Desorbo, 9-2, 9-6, 9-2
Clouse & Dejesus d. Jason Richard Conway & Louis Vogel, 3-9, 8-9, 9-0, 9-7, 9-3
Harnett & Lane d. Jonathan Dunn & Thomas Fuhrmann, 9-8, 9-7, 9-6
Ivers & Gonzalez d. Mike Ray & Troy Stallings, 9-5, 9-4, 9-3
First Round
Koll & Desorbo d. Chris Lawson & Victor Salinas, WBF - Injury, 9-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 1, 2009
WPRO - Latest rankings
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) has updated its rankings taking into account the results of the Texas Open last weekend. Paola Longoria remains the #1 women's racquetball player in the world ahead of Rhonda Rajsich, who won in Texas.
There are no changes in the top 10, although some in the next 10. Samantha Salas moved up a spot to #12 helped by her quarter final finish in Dallas. Also, Susy Acosta moved into #20 having reached the Round of 16 in Dallas. Finally, Christie Van Hees moved up a spot to #18.
Rajsich now fourth overall
Rajsich is ranked second, but according to our records her win on the weekend was the 19th in her career, and broke a three way tie for career wins with Jackie Paraiso and Heather McKay, who have 18.
Rajsich's 19 victories now ties her with Shannon Wright for 4th overall. They trail the top three by a large margin. Cheryl Gudinas has 38, Michelle Gould 41 and Lynn Adams the most with 43 victories in her career.*
2008-09 WPRO Season Ending Rankings
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria - Mexico 1424.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich - USA 1235.740
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - USA 786.74
4 Kristen Bellows - USA 675.50
5 Kerri Wachtel - USA 575.20
6 Veronica Sotomayor - Ecuador 401.90
7 Adrienne Fisher - USA 373.20
8 Angela Grisar - Chile 312.50
9 Jennifer Saunders - Canada 257.45
10 Jo Shattuck - USA 240.41
11 Diane Moore - USA 205.00
12 Samantha Salas - Mexico 201.00
13 Doreen Fowler - USA 179.34
14 T.J. Baumbaugh - USA 179.21
15 Krystal Csuk - USA 158.93
16 Keely Franks - USA 158.25
17 Brenda Kyzer - USA 136.50
18 Christie Van Hees - Canada 126.00
19 Vivian Gomez - USA 117.50
20 Susy Acosta - Mexico 112.50
*Note - these career records are according the results The Racquetball Blog has collected, which may be incomplete.
Follow the bouncing ball....
There are no changes in the top 10, although some in the next 10. Samantha Salas moved up a spot to #12 helped by her quarter final finish in Dallas. Also, Susy Acosta moved into #20 having reached the Round of 16 in Dallas. Finally, Christie Van Hees moved up a spot to #18.
Rajsich now fourth overall
Rajsich is ranked second, but according to our records her win on the weekend was the 19th in her career, and broke a three way tie for career wins with Jackie Paraiso and Heather McKay, who have 18.
Rajsich's 19 victories now ties her with Shannon Wright for 4th overall. They trail the top three by a large margin. Cheryl Gudinas has 38, Michelle Gould 41 and Lynn Adams the most with 43 victories in her career.*
2008-09 WPRO Season Ending Rankings
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria - Mexico 1424.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich - USA 1235.740
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - USA 786.74
4 Kristen Bellows - USA 675.50
5 Kerri Wachtel - USA 575.20
6 Veronica Sotomayor - Ecuador 401.90
7 Adrienne Fisher - USA 373.20
8 Angela Grisar - Chile 312.50
9 Jennifer Saunders - Canada 257.45
10 Jo Shattuck - USA 240.41
11 Diane Moore - USA 205.00
12 Samantha Salas - Mexico 201.00
13 Doreen Fowler - USA 179.34
14 T.J. Baumbaugh - USA 179.21
15 Krystal Csuk - USA 158.93
16 Keely Franks - USA 158.25
17 Brenda Kyzer - USA 136.50
18 Christie Van Hees - Canada 126.00
19 Vivian Gomez - USA 117.50
20 Susy Acosta - Mexico 112.50
*Note - these career records are according the results The Racquetball Blog has collected, which may be incomplete.
Follow the bouncing ball....
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