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....