There were no pro tournaments this past the weekend, so let's look back at the 2004 US Open final in which Kane Waselenchuk dispatched Cliff Swain in three games, 11-1, 11-3, 11-0. It's the most lop-sided US Open final ever, and with it Waselenchuk became the first man to defend a US Open title. He's still the only man to win successive US Open titles.
As you can tell from the scores, the games were not long. Only 68 rallies were played over the three games. There were 21 rallies in the first game, 28 in the second and only 19 in the third. Moreover, the shots in those rallies were few, averaging less than 3 shots per rally. In fact, seven was most shots in any rally and that only happened once.
Three of Swain's four points came off the serve, and those three happened consecutively in game two. He hit a serve for a winner, then followed it up with two aces. At that point, Swain actually led 3-1, but he didn't score another point in the match. Swain hit a short serve, and then Waselenchuk ran 5 points to lead 6-3.
Swain got the serve back and served it long. Waselenchuk got another two points: 8-3. Swain regained serve and hit it long again. Waselenchuk then finished off the game with three consecutive points. Swain faulted six times in the match - four times in game two.
As we know now, Waselenchuk's dominating performance in this final was indicative of what was to come, as he won 8 tournaments overall that season and finished as the #1 player for the second time. He's continued to be the dominant racquetball player in the world, and it seems he could remain there for some time to come.
You can see the 2004 US Open final for yourself by ordering it on DVD from USA Racquetball. Do it today, and you can probably get it in time for Christmas.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Puget Sound Open Results Updated
As we previously told you, Ben Croft won the Puget Sound Open (a Tier 4 IRT event) in Olympia, Washington last weekend. We can now tell you the final scores. Croft defeated Jimmy Lowe in the final, 11-2, 14-12, 11-4. Croft also took the doubles title with Charles Pratt as they defeated Jeff Stark and Lon Bergstrom in the final, 15-8, 15-9.
Stark and Bergstrom got to the final by squeaking by young guns Grant Stalley and Taylor Knoth in the semi-finals, 15-7, 3-15, 11-10, while Croft and Pratt took out Neale Jentsch and Joshua Hungerford, 15-10, 15-6, in the other semi-final.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Stark and Bergstrom got to the final by squeaking by young guns Grant Stalley and Taylor Knoth in the semi-finals, 15-7, 3-15, 11-10, while Croft and Pratt took out Neale Jentsch and Joshua Hungerford, 15-10, 15-6, in the other semi-final.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Negrete resigns as IRT commissioner, to be succeeded by Mannino - UPDATED
A stunning announcement from the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) today, as their website announces Dave Negrete is stepping down from the Commissioner position and Jason Mannino will become the new IRT Commissioner.
The announcement states the rest of this season will a transition period, so Mannino won't retire from competition until season's end, and Negrete will remain on the scene to the end of the 2009-2010 season. Also, Negrete intends to continue running the IRT Pro Nationals in Chicago, which typically is the season ending event.
The Racquetball Blog is surprised by this development given Negrete agreed to a 5 year extension as Commissioner at the start of this season. At that time Mannino was appointed Deputy Commissioner, so it's not surprising that he has succeeded Negrete as Commissioner, but the timing is surprising.
UPDATE:
Since posting the above, The Racquetball Blog has talked to Dave Negrete. He's proud of what he's been able to accomplish over his 9 years as the IRT Commissioner. That included the creation of the all Lucite court, the inclusion of racquetball in the ESPN network, and a solid group of satellite events that give players opportunities to make money.
Explaining how he accomplished these things Negrete said "the way I built what I built was with networking and emotion. Major deals developed from relationships I created through networking" and having positive relationships with people.
Negrete was inspired from Tony Hawke's description of how his career developed, as Hawke explained in a 60 Minutes interview. Hawke initially made a few dollars at a local skateboading event, and then went to bigger and bigger events. That led to a major company getting behind him. Then the video game industry came calling. Also, he did bus tours with friends bringing pro skateboarding to the public.
Negrete has started to see this happen in racquetball with the satellite IRT events leading to the Tier 1 and Grand Slam events. Earlier this year the USAR announced the development of a racquetball video game by Graffiti Entertainment, and Gearbox Racquetball has been touring the USA by bus bringing their players and products to the people.
It all fits into Negrete's vision.
So why resign now? Sometimes you receive offers that are hard to refuse, and that's the case with Negrete. His resignation was precipitated by a job offer he received from outside racquetball.
Of course, change in an organization always creates uncertainty, and that's perhaps especially so when the overall economic climate is uncertain. But Negrete is confident that the IRT is in a good place. "Jason will do fine," he said, and although he won't be at events in the new year, Negrete sees the second half of the season as a solid schedule.
The Racquetball Blog wishes Negrete all the best with his future endeavors.
Follow the bouncing ball....
The announcement states the rest of this season will a transition period, so Mannino won't retire from competition until season's end, and Negrete will remain on the scene to the end of the 2009-2010 season. Also, Negrete intends to continue running the IRT Pro Nationals in Chicago, which typically is the season ending event.
The Racquetball Blog is surprised by this development given Negrete agreed to a 5 year extension as Commissioner at the start of this season. At that time Mannino was appointed Deputy Commissioner, so it's not surprising that he has succeeded Negrete as Commissioner, but the timing is surprising.
UPDATE:
Since posting the above, The Racquetball Blog has talked to Dave Negrete. He's proud of what he's been able to accomplish over his 9 years as the IRT Commissioner. That included the creation of the all Lucite court, the inclusion of racquetball in the ESPN network, and a solid group of satellite events that give players opportunities to make money.
Explaining how he accomplished these things Negrete said "the way I built what I built was with networking and emotion. Major deals developed from relationships I created through networking" and having positive relationships with people.
Negrete was inspired from Tony Hawke's description of how his career developed, as Hawke explained in a 60 Minutes interview. Hawke initially made a few dollars at a local skateboading event, and then went to bigger and bigger events. That led to a major company getting behind him. Then the video game industry came calling. Also, he did bus tours with friends bringing pro skateboarding to the public.
Negrete has started to see this happen in racquetball with the satellite IRT events leading to the Tier 1 and Grand Slam events. Earlier this year the USAR announced the development of a racquetball video game by Graffiti Entertainment, and Gearbox Racquetball has been touring the USA by bus bringing their players and products to the people.
It all fits into Negrete's vision.
So why resign now? Sometimes you receive offers that are hard to refuse, and that's the case with Negrete. His resignation was precipitated by a job offer he received from outside racquetball.
Of course, change in an organization always creates uncertainty, and that's perhaps especially so when the overall economic climate is uncertain. But Negrete is confident that the IRT is in a good place. "Jason will do fine," he said, and although he won't be at events in the new year, Negrete sees the second half of the season as a solid schedule.
The Racquetball Blog wishes Negrete all the best with his future endeavors.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Chihuahua Open Draws
The Racquetball Blog reported yesterday that Javier Moreno and Paola Longoria won Chihuahua Open last weekend. We can now bring you the draws from the tournament, courtesy of Profr. Javier Moreno Arroyo.
While the results are the same in the spreasheet we got from Profr. Moreno Arroyo, some of the scores are slightly different. The mens' final, for example, was closer than we previously reported, as Javier Moreno defeated Jason Mannino, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7.
Of note on the women's side is Nancy Enriquez reaching the semis, and going five games with Rhonda Rajsich. Enriquez has only played one other WPRO event this season - the Texas Open, where she also lost to Rajsich but in three games rather than five.
2009 Torneo de Racquetbol
"Tricentenario Corona Extra"
52 Aniversario
Men's Professional Division
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Round 1
Salvador Ortiz Jr. d. Elizer Maldonado, (9), 12, 1
Ruben Estrada d. Jose Alvidrez, 13, 11
Armando Landa d. Omar Garay, 5, 11
Armando Martinez d. Jose L. Martinez, fft
Jamie Martell d. Victor Garay, fft
Javier Estrada d. Victor Maldonado
Alvaro Maldonado d. Savador Ortiz Sr., 2, 4
Gil De Los Rios d. Leo Holguin, fft
Alejandro Cardona d. Luis Jurado
Rodrigo Garay d. Eric Sepulveda, fft
Round of 16
Rocky Carson d. Salvadro Ortiz Jr., 12-10, 11-3, 11-3
Armando Landa d. Ruben Estrada, 11-7, 13-11, 11-9
Alejandro Landa d. Armando Martinez, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5
Javier Moreno d. Jaime Martell, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8
Chris Crowther d. Javier Estrada, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7
Polo Gutierrez d. Alvaro Maldonado, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2
Gil De Los Rios d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 7-11, 2-11, 15-13, 11-7
Jason Mannino d. Rodrio Garay, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson d. Armando Landa, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9
Javier Moreno d. Alejandro Landa, 12-14, 14-12, 11-6, 11-9
Polo Gutierrez d. Chris Crowther, 11-7, 14-12, 5-11, 10-12, 11-4
Jason Mannino d. Gil De Los Rios, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8
Semi-finals
Javier Moreno d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7
Jason Mannino d. Polo Gutierrez, 8-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4
Finals
Javier Moreno d. Jason Mannino, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7
Women's Professional Division
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
First Round
Eleni Guzman d. Elena Robles, 11-8, 11-9, 13-11
Nancy Enriquez d. Paola Padilla, 11-4, 11-3, 11-8
Susana Acosta d. Rocio Enriquez, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Karen Torres d. Daniela Molina, 14-12, 11-5, ?
Karina Hamilton d. Jessica Maldonado, 6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-2
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Eleni Guzman, 11-13, 11-4, 11-3, 11-4
Nancy Enriquez d. Susana Acosta, 11-6, 11-6, 6-11, 11-2
Samantha Salas d. Karen Torres, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Paola Longoria d. Karina Hamilton, 11-4, 11-1, 11-4
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas, 11-7, 11-8, 11-13, 11-5
Rhonda Rajsich d. Nancy Enriquez, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-0
Finals
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7.
Follow the bouncing ball....
While the results are the same in the spreasheet we got from Profr. Moreno Arroyo, some of the scores are slightly different. The mens' final, for example, was closer than we previously reported, as Javier Moreno defeated Jason Mannino, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7.
Of note on the women's side is Nancy Enriquez reaching the semis, and going five games with Rhonda Rajsich. Enriquez has only played one other WPRO event this season - the Texas Open, where she also lost to Rajsich but in three games rather than five.
2009 Torneo de Racquetbol
"Tricentenario Corona Extra"
52 Aniversario
Men's Professional Division
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Round 1
Salvador Ortiz Jr. d. Elizer Maldonado, (9), 12, 1
Ruben Estrada d. Jose Alvidrez, 13, 11
Armando Landa d. Omar Garay, 5, 11
Armando Martinez d. Jose L. Martinez, fft
Jamie Martell d. Victor Garay, fft
Javier Estrada d. Victor Maldonado
Alvaro Maldonado d. Savador Ortiz Sr., 2, 4
Gil De Los Rios d. Leo Holguin, fft
Alejandro Cardona d. Luis Jurado
Rodrigo Garay d. Eric Sepulveda, fft
Round of 16
Rocky Carson d. Salvadro Ortiz Jr., 12-10, 11-3, 11-3
Armando Landa d. Ruben Estrada, 11-7, 13-11, 11-9
Alejandro Landa d. Armando Martinez, 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5
Javier Moreno d. Jaime Martell, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8
Chris Crowther d. Javier Estrada, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7
Polo Gutierrez d. Alvaro Maldonado, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2
Gil De Los Rios d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 7-11, 2-11, 15-13, 11-7
Jason Mannino d. Rodrio Garay, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson d. Armando Landa, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9
Javier Moreno d. Alejandro Landa, 12-14, 14-12, 11-6, 11-9
Polo Gutierrez d. Chris Crowther, 11-7, 14-12, 5-11, 10-12, 11-4
Jason Mannino d. Gil De Los Rios, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8
Semi-finals
Javier Moreno d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7
Jason Mannino d. Polo Gutierrez, 8-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4
Finals
Javier Moreno d. Jason Mannino, 11-7, 12-10, 11-7
Women's Professional Division
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
First Round
Eleni Guzman d. Elena Robles, 11-8, 11-9, 13-11
Nancy Enriquez d. Paola Padilla, 11-4, 11-3, 11-8
Susana Acosta d. Rocio Enriquez, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5
Karen Torres d. Daniela Molina, 14-12, 11-5, ?
Karina Hamilton d. Jessica Maldonado, 6-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-2
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Eleni Guzman, 11-13, 11-4, 11-3, 11-4
Nancy Enriquez d. Susana Acosta, 11-6, 11-6, 6-11, 11-2
Samantha Salas d. Karen Torres, 11-4, 11-5, 11-4
Paola Longoria d. Karina Hamilton, 11-4, 11-1, 11-4
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas, 11-7, 11-8, 11-13, 11-5
Rhonda Rajsich d. Nancy Enriquez, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-0
Finals
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Moreno and Longoria win in Chihuahua
It took awhile to find the results, but The Racquetball Blog can now tell you that Javier Moreno created two big upsets on the weekend on the way to taking the Chihuahua Open title. The Chihuahua Open was a Tier 2 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
Moreno beat Jason Mannino in the final in three straight games, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, and defeated Rocky Carson in the semi-finals, 11-8, 11-7, 11-3. In the other semi, while Mannino took out Polo Gutierrez 11-7, 9-11, 14-12, 10-11, 11-9.
The Chihuahua Open was also a Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) satellite event and another Mexican took the title, as Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich in the final 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. It was their second consecutive meeting in a final and the second win for Longoria, who lost to Rajsich in their first meeting this season.
In the semis, Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 11-7, 14-12, 11-13, 11-6, while Rajsich beat Nancy Enriquez, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-0.
(note: in the news articles we've linked to that report the results the games seem to be played to 15, but we're assuming that the racquetball pro standard of playing each game to 11 was actually employed)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Moreno beat Jason Mannino in the final in three straight games, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, and defeated Rocky Carson in the semi-finals, 11-8, 11-7, 11-3. In the other semi, while Mannino took out Polo Gutierrez 11-7, 9-11, 14-12, 10-11, 11-9.
The Chihuahua Open was also a Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) satellite event and another Mexican took the title, as Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich in the final 11-9, 11-8, 11-9. It was their second consecutive meeting in a final and the second win for Longoria, who lost to Rajsich in their first meeting this season.
In the semis, Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 11-7, 14-12, 11-13, 11-6, while Rajsich beat Nancy Enriquez, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-0.
(note: in the news articles we've linked to that report the results the games seem to be played to 15, but we're assuming that the racquetball pro standard of playing each game to 11 was actually employed)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 23, 2009
Hawthorne and Croft among the weekend winners
Illinois native Andy Hawthorne won in his home state on Sunday, as he defeated Brian Simpson, 11-3, 11-2, 3-11, 11-7, in the final of the Illinois Turkey Shoot, which is a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) played in Lombard, Illinois. Hawthorne and Simpson were the #1 and #2 seeds in the tournament.
Hawthorne reached the final by beating 5th seed Cary Slade in the semi-finals, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8, while Simpson defeated 6th seed Zach Archer, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-6, in the other semi.
Ben Croft won the Puget Sound Open (a Tier 4 IRT event) in Olympia, Washington. He defeated Jimmy Lowe in three games (scores currently unavailable). Croft got to the final by beating Taylor Knoth in the semi-finals, 11-0, 11-7, 11-3, and 3rd seed Lowe upset the 2nd seed Charles Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9.
That's Croft's second Tier 4 win in as many weekends, as he also took the Callahan's Classic title in Overland Park, Kansas the previous weekend.
Unofficially, we have word that Alex Ackerman defeated Richard Eismann in five games in Oklahoma City at the Sponge Bob Classic, the 3rd IRT Tier 4 event of the weekend.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Hawthorne reached the final by beating 5th seed Cary Slade in the semi-finals, 11-2, 11-4, 11-8, while Simpson defeated 6th seed Zach Archer, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-6, in the other semi.
Ben Croft won the Puget Sound Open (a Tier 4 IRT event) in Olympia, Washington. He defeated Jimmy Lowe in three games (scores currently unavailable). Croft got to the final by beating Taylor Knoth in the semi-finals, 11-0, 11-7, 11-3, and 3rd seed Lowe upset the 2nd seed Charles Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9.
That's Croft's second Tier 4 win in as many weekends, as he also took the Callahan's Classic title in Overland Park, Kansas the previous weekend.
Unofficially, we have word that Alex Ackerman defeated Richard Eismann in five games in Oklahoma City at the Sponge Bob Classic, the 3rd IRT Tier 4 event of the weekend.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, November 20, 2009
What's Going On This Weekend
Four events of note this weekend in professional racquetball. The big one is happening in Chihuahua, Mexico, where the Chihuahua Open is a Tier 2 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and a satellite event for the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour.
There are three other IRT events. The Glass Court Turkey Shoot in Lombard, Illinois has almost 200 participants, and the top seeds are Andy Hawthorne and Brian Simpson. The Puget Sound Open in Olympia, Washington has drawn over 150 players, including Ben Croft, Charles Pratt and Jimmy Lowe. Finally, there's the Sponge Bob Oklahoma Open in Oklahoma City.
Good luck to everyone playing in a tournament this weekend.
Follow the bouncing ball....
There are three other IRT events. The Glass Court Turkey Shoot in Lombard, Illinois has almost 200 participants, and the top seeds are Andy Hawthorne and Brian Simpson. The Puget Sound Open in Olympia, Washington has drawn over 150 players, including Ben Croft, Charles Pratt and Jimmy Lowe. Finally, there's the Sponge Bob Oklahoma Open in Oklahoma City.
Good luck to everyone playing in a tournament this weekend.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Happy 33rd Birthday Jennifer Saunders!
You are one of the winningest Canadian racquetball players. Your three Canadian championships in singles are surpassed by only Heather Stupp (with 7), Christie Van Hees (6), and Heather McKay (5). Add your six doubles titles and only Stupp (13 combined) and Josée Grand'Maître (14), who was your partner for those six doubles titles, have more combined championships than your 9.
But success outside Canada has been more elusive. You're ranked 9th on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, but have yet to get past the quarters in a Tier 1 event. You have been the queen of the open division, winning that several times including twice this season, as well as the 2007 US Open.
Internationally, you've represented Canada 13 times taking two silver medals - at Worlds in 2002, when you lost to Cheryl Gudinas in the final, and in doubles at the 2004 Pan American Championships, with Grand'Maître, when you lost to Susy Acosta and Rosy Torres. You've also taken home four bronze medals: three in singles from the 2006 and 2008 World Championships and the 2008 Pan American Championships, and one in doubles from the 2004 World Championship again with Grand'Maître as your partner.
Born in Thompson, a small city in northern Manitoba with a large nickel mine, you got the racquetball bug early, leading to many 8 hour drives south to Winnipeg for tournaments.
All that time you put in pursuing the racquetball dream has more than paid off, and is likely to continue to do so for many years to come.
Follow the bouncing ball....
But success outside Canada has been more elusive. You're ranked 9th on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, but have yet to get past the quarters in a Tier 1 event. You have been the queen of the open division, winning that several times including twice this season, as well as the 2007 US Open.
Internationally, you've represented Canada 13 times taking two silver medals - at Worlds in 2002, when you lost to Cheryl Gudinas in the final, and in doubles at the 2004 Pan American Championships, with Grand'Maître, when you lost to Susy Acosta and Rosy Torres. You've also taken home four bronze medals: three in singles from the 2006 and 2008 World Championships and the 2008 Pan American Championships, and one in doubles from the 2004 World Championship again with Grand'Maître as your partner.
Born in Thompson, a small city in northern Manitoba with a large nickel mine, you got the racquetball bug early, leading to many 8 hour drives south to Winnipeg for tournaments.
All that time you put in pursuing the racquetball dream has more than paid off, and is likely to continue to do so for many years to come.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 16, 2009
Weekend Round Up - Odegard, Jacobson Prentice & Mannino win
Canada
Kris Odegard and Brandi Jacobson Prentice came out on top in Regina at the season's first Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event on the weekend. Canada has three selection events that determine who represents Canada at international events. There are two selection events during the season and the the Canadian National Championships in May.
Odegard, the current Canadian champion, defeated Mike Green in a dramatic final match, 9-15, 15-7, 15-13. Odegard also beat Green to win the national championship in May, so he will go ahead of Green in Racquetball Canada's rankings and become the #1 player in Canada for the first time in his career.
Odegard started strong in game one with a 3-0 lead, but Green then scored 9 straight points and went on to a 12-4 lead. Odegard did get some momentum back before losing the first game 15-9, and he used that momentum in game two to gain another early lead at 6-1. Green closed it to 8-6, that's as close as it got as Odegard won 15-7.
In the tie-breaker, Green started out strong taking a 5-0 and then 7-1 lead. However, Odegard worked back into the game, and tied it at 7-7. They tied again at 9-9, and then things got interesting.
Ten rallies went by before someone broke the tie, as Odegard made it 10-9. But he failed on his first match ball, as immediately Green got a side out and tied it again. Odegard got the serve back and again went ahead 11-10.
But again he failed to convert the match point. Green then got two points and had his first chance to serve for the match at 12-11. It was Odegard's turn to grab the serve back and tie the score, now at 12-12.
Green broke that tie, and served at 13-12 three times. He even took a time out to gather himself prior to the third time. But he couldn't get it done.
Odegard got the serve back, and scored three straight points, winning the match on his third match serve opportunity.
Both players used several different serves in the match, but down the stretch Odegard primarily relied on a nick lob serve to Green's backhand, while Green was doing half lob z serves to Odegard's forehand.
Jacobson Prentice defeated Jennifer Saunders, 15-12, 15-13, which was her first career win over Saunders - the current and three time Canadian Champion. Saunders had leads in both games: 6-2 and 12-9 in game one, and 9-4 and 13-10 in game two, but didn't convert them into wins.
Also of note on the men's side was former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne making a return to competitive racquetball after a two year absence. He finished third in the event ahead of Lee Connell.
IRT
Jason Mannino won the Sunset Turkey Shoot Pro Am in Portland, Oregon. He defeated Shane Vanderson in the final, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5. To get there Mannino beat Charles Pratt, 11-2, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, in the semi-finals and Vanderson took out Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5.
The Sunset Turkey Shoot Pro Am was a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
WPRO
Rhonda Rajsich remains the #1 player in the latest Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings, but her lead over #2 Paola Longoria is narrow - a mere 61.70 points, as Longoria defeated Rajsich in the last WPRO tournament.
The only change in the top 10 is that Jennifer Saunders is now 9th, moving ahead of Jo Shattuck, who's 10th.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh moved up to 11th and Diane Moore has fallen to 13th. Doreen Fowler is up to 15th with Vivian Gomez next at 16. Also, Sheryl Lotts is in the top 20 for the first time coming in at #20.
WPRO Rankings - November 12, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1283.70
2 Paola Longoria - Tijuana, Mexico 1222.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - Naperville, IL 631.04
4 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 616.70
5 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 570.00
6 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 363.70
7 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 276.40
8 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 245.00
9 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 233.45
10 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 224.41
11 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 212.80
12 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 201.68
13 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
14 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 178.25
15 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 121.39
16 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 120.50
17 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 120.25
18 Jackie Paraiso - California 120.00
19 Susy Acosta Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 103.50
20 Sheryl Lotts - Bedford, OH 86.91
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kris Odegard and Brandi Jacobson Prentice came out on top in Regina at the season's first Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event on the weekend. Canada has three selection events that determine who represents Canada at international events. There are two selection events during the season and the the Canadian National Championships in May.
Odegard, the current Canadian champion, defeated Mike Green in a dramatic final match, 9-15, 15-7, 15-13. Odegard also beat Green to win the national championship in May, so he will go ahead of Green in Racquetball Canada's rankings and become the #1 player in Canada for the first time in his career.
Odegard started strong in game one with a 3-0 lead, but Green then scored 9 straight points and went on to a 12-4 lead. Odegard did get some momentum back before losing the first game 15-9, and he used that momentum in game two to gain another early lead at 6-1. Green closed it to 8-6, that's as close as it got as Odegard won 15-7.
In the tie-breaker, Green started out strong taking a 5-0 and then 7-1 lead. However, Odegard worked back into the game, and tied it at 7-7. They tied again at 9-9, and then things got interesting.
Ten rallies went by before someone broke the tie, as Odegard made it 10-9. But he failed on his first match ball, as immediately Green got a side out and tied it again. Odegard got the serve back and again went ahead 11-10.
But again he failed to convert the match point. Green then got two points and had his first chance to serve for the match at 12-11. It was Odegard's turn to grab the serve back and tie the score, now at 12-12.
Green broke that tie, and served at 13-12 three times. He even took a time out to gather himself prior to the third time. But he couldn't get it done.
Odegard got the serve back, and scored three straight points, winning the match on his third match serve opportunity.
Both players used several different serves in the match, but down the stretch Odegard primarily relied on a nick lob serve to Green's backhand, while Green was doing half lob z serves to Odegard's forehand.
Jacobson Prentice defeated Jennifer Saunders, 15-12, 15-13, which was her first career win over Saunders - the current and three time Canadian Champion. Saunders had leads in both games: 6-2 and 12-9 in game one, and 9-4 and 13-10 in game two, but didn't convert them into wins.
Also of note on the men's side was former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne making a return to competitive racquetball after a two year absence. He finished third in the event ahead of Lee Connell.
IRT
Jason Mannino won the Sunset Turkey Shoot Pro Am in Portland, Oregon. He defeated Shane Vanderson in the final, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5. To get there Mannino beat Charles Pratt, 11-2, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, in the semi-finals and Vanderson took out Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5.
The Sunset Turkey Shoot Pro Am was a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
WPRO
Rhonda Rajsich remains the #1 player in the latest Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings, but her lead over #2 Paola Longoria is narrow - a mere 61.70 points, as Longoria defeated Rajsich in the last WPRO tournament.
The only change in the top 10 is that Jennifer Saunders is now 9th, moving ahead of Jo Shattuck, who's 10th.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh moved up to 11th and Diane Moore has fallen to 13th. Doreen Fowler is up to 15th with Vivian Gomez next at 16. Also, Sheryl Lotts is in the top 20 for the first time coming in at #20.
WPRO Rankings - November 12, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1283.70
2 Paola Longoria - Tijuana, Mexico 1222.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - Naperville, IL 631.04
4 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 616.70
5 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 570.00
6 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 363.70
7 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 276.40
8 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 245.00
9 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 233.45
10 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 224.41
11 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 212.80
12 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 201.68
13 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
14 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 178.25
15 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 121.39
16 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 120.50
17 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 120.25
18 Jackie Paraiso - California 120.00
19 Susy Acosta Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 103.50
20 Sheryl Lotts - Bedford, OH 86.91
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Remembering the past
On this day of remembrance we're looking back to 2006 and the US Open. There was a great deal of uncertainty on who would hoist the cup, as Kane Waselenchuk was unable to defend the title. Jack Huczek looked like the most likely candidate to take the title, because he'd won the first four tournaments of that International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season going into the US Open. Huczek hadn't even been pushed to a tie-breaker in any of the four tournament finals.
But Jason Mannino, the 1999 winner, had other ideas. In an epic semi-final match, which commentator Aaron Katz called "the best match I've ever seen with the most intensity and highest level of play," Mannino defeated Huczek in five games.
Mannino won the first two games with Huczek taking games three and four to force a tie-breaking fifth game - similar to Mannino's victory over Huczek in Kentucky last month.
In that fifth game, it was close all the way, but Huczek got a late lead at 9-7, and then 10-8. Huczek served for the match three times, but was unable to get the 11th point. Mannino tied it at 10-10 and then after a couple of side outs he finished off the match. Denying Huczek a chance to win the title that still eludes him.
In the final, Mannino faced Rocky Carson, who hadn't lost a game in the tournament. Carson led in both games one and two. He was up 9-6 in game one and 8-5 in game two, but he didn't get any more points in either game, as Mannino came back to win them both: 11-9, and 11-8, respectively.
Game three was all Mannino as he got an early lead at 6-2 and went on to win, 11-5, and claim his second US Open title.
Match Stats
The Racquetball Blog staff has been watching the 2006 US Open DVDs available from USA Racquetball. We also gathered stats for the matches from the quarter finals to the final (7 matches total) by counting the number of shots in each rally.
Each game in the Mannino-Carson final was over 4.00 shots per rally, which is relatively high. Of the 25 games in the 7 matches analysed, only seven averaged 4.00 or more shots a rally. The final match accounts for three of those seven games.
Curiously, the two games played with the longest rallies - on average - were from the quarter final match between Jack Huczek and Mitch Williams. While most matches averaged between three and four shots per rally, game two of Huczek-Williams had 4.52 and game four - the last of that match - had an astonishing 5.16!
The match with the shortest rallies was between Shane Vanderson and Alvaro Beltran, who had two games with rallies lasting under 3.00 shots per rally. They also had the game with the fewest rallies. In the fourth and last game of their match, won by Vanderson, was a mere 19 rallies. The 7 matches of the US Open had 37.40 rallies on average.
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Jason Mannino, the 1999 winner, had other ideas. In an epic semi-final match, which commentator Aaron Katz called "the best match I've ever seen with the most intensity and highest level of play," Mannino defeated Huczek in five games.
Mannino won the first two games with Huczek taking games three and four to force a tie-breaking fifth game - similar to Mannino's victory over Huczek in Kentucky last month.
In that fifth game, it was close all the way, but Huczek got a late lead at 9-7, and then 10-8. Huczek served for the match three times, but was unable to get the 11th point. Mannino tied it at 10-10 and then after a couple of side outs he finished off the match. Denying Huczek a chance to win the title that still eludes him.
In the final, Mannino faced Rocky Carson, who hadn't lost a game in the tournament. Carson led in both games one and two. He was up 9-6 in game one and 8-5 in game two, but he didn't get any more points in either game, as Mannino came back to win them both: 11-9, and 11-8, respectively.
Game three was all Mannino as he got an early lead at 6-2 and went on to win, 11-5, and claim his second US Open title.
Match Stats
The Racquetball Blog staff has been watching the 2006 US Open DVDs available from USA Racquetball. We also gathered stats for the matches from the quarter finals to the final (7 matches total) by counting the number of shots in each rally.
Each game in the Mannino-Carson final was over 4.00 shots per rally, which is relatively high. Of the 25 games in the 7 matches analysed, only seven averaged 4.00 or more shots a rally. The final match accounts for three of those seven games.
Curiously, the two games played with the longest rallies - on average - were from the quarter final match between Jack Huczek and Mitch Williams. While most matches averaged between three and four shots per rally, game two of Huczek-Williams had 4.52 and game four - the last of that match - had an astonishing 5.16!
The match with the shortest rallies was between Shane Vanderson and Alvaro Beltran, who had two games with rallies lasting under 3.00 shots per rally. They also had the game with the fewest rallies. In the fourth and last game of their match, won by Vanderson, was a mere 19 rallies. The 7 matches of the US Open had 37.40 rallies on average.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 9, 2009
Weekend Round Up
There are a few bits from the weekend. But perhaps we should again have a shout out to Toronto for its successful bid to host the Pan American Games in 2015.
IRT: Chris Crowther won the Pomona Valley Open tournament in Claremont, California. He defeated Charles Pratt in the final, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4. In the semis, Crowther beat Thomas Fuhrmann, 11-8, 11-2, 11-4, and Pratt defeated Rafael Filippini, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9.
WPRO: Jennifer Saunders won the Women's Open division at the Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilimington, North Carolina Sunday by defeating Keely Franks in the final, 15-14, 15-11. It's her second Open division win of the season, as Saunders also won in Dallas at the Texas Open in September.
In the semis, Saunders defeated Doreen Fowler, 15-8, 15-3, while Franks beat Cristina Amaya, 10-15, 15-13, 11-9.
CANADA: Coming up this weekend is Racquetball Canada's first National Team Selection Event of the season. Players will be competing in Regina, Saskatchewan for spots to represent Canada at the Pan American Championships in April that are scheduled to occur in Honduras.
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT: Chris Crowther won the Pomona Valley Open tournament in Claremont, California. He defeated Charles Pratt in the final, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4. In the semis, Crowther beat Thomas Fuhrmann, 11-8, 11-2, 11-4, and Pratt defeated Rafael Filippini, 11-8, 11-7, 11-9.
WPRO: Jennifer Saunders won the Women's Open division at the Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilimington, North Carolina Sunday by defeating Keely Franks in the final, 15-14, 15-11. It's her second Open division win of the season, as Saunders also won in Dallas at the Texas Open in September.
In the semis, Saunders defeated Doreen Fowler, 15-8, 15-3, while Franks beat Cristina Amaya, 10-15, 15-13, 11-9.
CANADA: Coming up this weekend is Racquetball Canada's first National Team Selection Event of the season. Players will be competing in Regina, Saskatchewan for spots to represent Canada at the Pan American Championships in April that are scheduled to occur in Honduras.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, November 8, 2009
WPRO - Longoria defeats Rajsich in Wilmington
Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich for the first time this season, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-6, in the final of the Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Sunday in the third event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) 2009-10 season.
Going into this event, Rajsich was ranked #1 ahead of #2 Longoria, but the lead is only slightly more than 100 points, so this victory may be enough to put Longoria back on top of the WPRO rankings.
The final was hard fought with the first two games going back and forth. In game three, Rajsich served for the game four times at 10-8, but Longoria fought off those game points and came back to win 12-10.
Longoria led throughout game four and held off a late charge by Rajsich to win 11-6. Longoria drove served - straight and Z - in the match while Rajsich used a mix of serves.
The next WPRO Tier 1 event is the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia December 11-13, 2009.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Final
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Going into this event, Rajsich was ranked #1 ahead of #2 Longoria, but the lead is only slightly more than 100 points, so this victory may be enough to put Longoria back on top of the WPRO rankings.
The final was hard fought with the first two games going back and forth. In game three, Rajsich served for the game four times at 10-8, but Longoria fought off those game points and came back to win 12-10.
Longoria led throughout game four and held off a late charge by Rajsich to win 11-6. Longoria drove served - straight and Z - in the match while Rajsich used a mix of serves.
The next WPRO Tier 1 event is the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia December 11-13, 2009.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Final
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 6-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, November 7, 2009
WPRO - Wilmington SFs
Rhonda Rajsich and Paola Longoria - the top seeds and #1 and #2 players on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings - will meet in the final of the Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Sunday.
Curiously, both Rajsich and Longoria lost the first games of their semi-final matches. Rajsich dropped the opening game against Kerri Wachtel before coming back to win, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5. Similarly, Longoria was beaten by Cheryl Gudinas in game one of the other semi, but won 7-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2.
This will be Rajsich and Longoria's second meeting this season. Rajsich defeated Longoria in the US Open final last month. That win allowed Rajsich to overtake Longoria in the WPRO rankings and regain the #1 spot that she held for three years.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Kerri Wachtel, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Cheryl Gudinas, 7-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Final - Sunday
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
Curiously, both Rajsich and Longoria lost the first games of their semi-final matches. Rajsich dropped the opening game against Kerri Wachtel before coming back to win, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5. Similarly, Longoria was beaten by Cheryl Gudinas in game one of the other semi, but won 7-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2.
This will be Rajsich and Longoria's second meeting this season. Rajsich defeated Longoria in the US Open final last month. That win allowed Rajsich to overtake Longoria in the WPRO rankings and regain the #1 spot that she held for three years.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Kerri Wachtel, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Cheryl Gudinas, 7-11, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Final - Sunday
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - Wilmington QFs
Both top seeds have won their quarter final matches at the Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina - the 3rd event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) season.
Top seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9, while second seed Paola Longoria beat T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.
In the other quarter final matches, 3rd seed Kerri Wachtel defeated 5th seed Kristen Bellows, 11-7, 11-2, 11-9, and 4th seed Cheryl Gudinas beat Adrienne Fisher in a five game match, 11-3, 11-1, 8-11, 3-11, 11-3.
The semi-finals will be played later Saturday with the final to follow on Sunday.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
Kerri Wachtel d. Kristen Bellows, 11-7, 11-2, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-3, 11-1, 8-11, 3-11, 11-3
Paola Longoria d. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kerri Wachtel
Paola Longoria vs. Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Top seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9, while second seed Paola Longoria beat T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.
In the other quarter final matches, 3rd seed Kerri Wachtel defeated 5th seed Kristen Bellows, 11-7, 11-2, 11-9, and 4th seed Cheryl Gudinas beat Adrienne Fisher in a five game match, 11-3, 11-1, 8-11, 3-11, 11-3.
The semi-finals will be played later Saturday with the final to follow on Sunday.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
Kerri Wachtel d. Kristen Bellows, 11-7, 11-2, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-3, 11-1, 8-11, 3-11, 11-3
Paola Longoria d. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kerri Wachtel
Paola Longoria vs. Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Congratulations to Toronto
Congratulations Toronto! The 2015 Pan American Games have been awarded to Toronto, which was one of three cities bidding for the event. Bogata, Columbia and Lima, Peru were the others. Toronto won on the first ballot.
This is good news for racquetball, as racquetball is expected to be part of the program. Hopefully, it will be a boost to racquetball in Canada, and especially Ontario, which quite frankly needs a shot in the arm - and we don't mean a flu shot.
The announcement was made in Guadalajara, Mexico, which will be the site of the 2011 Pan American Games.
The Pan Am Games have been in Canada twice. Winnipeg was the host city on both occasions, first in 1967 - Canada's centennial year - and in 1999.
Follow the bouncing ball....
This is good news for racquetball, as racquetball is expected to be part of the program. Hopefully, it will be a boost to racquetball in Canada, and especially Ontario, which quite frankly needs a shot in the arm - and we don't mean a flu shot.
The announcement was made in Guadalajara, Mexico, which will be the site of the 2011 Pan American Games.
The Pan Am Games have been in Canada twice. Winnipeg was the host city on both occasions, first in 1967 - Canada's centennial year - and in 1999.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, November 6, 2009
WPRO - Wilmington 1st Round
The Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament is underway in Wilmington, North Carolina. It's the 3rd event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) season. The first round matches were both close as Lily Berry defeated Danielle Emerson, 12-10, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8, and Sheryl Lotts beat Ashley Loyd, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7.
But in the Round of 16, Lotts lost to #2 seed Paola Longoria, 9-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-6, while Berry fell to the #1 seed Rhonda Rajsich, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6.
T.J. Baumbaugh caused the only upset in the Round of 16, as she defeated Jo Shattuck in five games, 11-3, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5. Baumbaugh will play Longoria in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Both the quarter finals and semi-finals will be played on Saturday with the final to follow on Sunday.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
First Round
Lily Berry d. Danielle Emerson, 12-10, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8
Sheryl Lotts d. Ashley Loyd, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Lily Berry, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6
Jennifer Saunders d. Krystal Csuk, 1, 7-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8
Kristen Bellows d. Doreen Fowler, 11-4, 11-7, 12-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Vivian Gomez, 11-4, 7-11, 11-1, 11-1
Cheryl Gudinas d. Cristina Amaya, 11-8, 11-3, 11-9
Adrienne Fisher d. Keely Franks, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
T.J. Baumbaugh d. Jo Shattuck, 11-3, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Sheryl Lotts, 9-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-6
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Jennifer Saunders
Kerri Wachtel vs. Kristen Bellows
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Adrienne Fisher
Paola Longoria vs. T.J. Baumbaugh
Follow the bouncing ball....
But in the Round of 16, Lotts lost to #2 seed Paola Longoria, 9-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-6, while Berry fell to the #1 seed Rhonda Rajsich, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6.
T.J. Baumbaugh caused the only upset in the Round of 16, as she defeated Jo Shattuck in five games, 11-3, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5. Baumbaugh will play Longoria in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Both the quarter finals and semi-finals will be played on Saturday with the final to follow on Sunday.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
First Round
Lily Berry d. Danielle Emerson, 12-10, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8
Sheryl Lotts d. Ashley Loyd, 11-6, 3-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-7
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Lily Berry, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6
Jennifer Saunders d. Krystal Csuk, 1, 7-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8
Kristen Bellows d. Doreen Fowler, 11-4, 11-7, 12-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Vivian Gomez, 11-4, 7-11, 11-1, 11-1
Cheryl Gudinas d. Cristina Amaya, 11-8, 11-3, 11-9
Adrienne Fisher d. Keely Franks, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
T.J. Baumbaugh d. Jo Shattuck, 11-3, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Sheryl Lotts, 9-11, 11-1, 11-1, 11-6
Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Jennifer Saunders
Kerri Wachtel vs. Kristen Bellows
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Adrienne Fisher
Paola Longoria vs. T.J. Baumbaugh
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wikipedia adding and deleting
As regular readers of The Racquetball Blog will know, we've been adding racquetball information to Wikipedia. A curious thing has been happening with one of the entries over this past week. Some of the information has been deleted three times now.
What racquetball information does someone not want you to know? (the deletion has been anonymous, as person(s) doing the deletion is (are) only identified by the computer's IP address; two of the three times have been from by the same IP address) It's the following that we wrote in the entry for Kane Waselenchuk:
It seems that someone does not (or some people do not) want any reference to Waselenchuk's suspension on Wikipedia. We have reinstated the information each time it's been deleted, and our rationale for doing so is there has to be an explanation of why Waselenchuk did not compete for two years. This paragraph provides that explanation with a reference. Omitting it denies it happened, which is wrong.
The Wikipedia entry makes no judgment about the suspension and its cause, and we're not doing so here. But it happened. It's a fact.
The Racquetball Blog has stopped mentioning Waselenchuk's suspension this season when reporting his performances, because it's old news now. But an encyclopedia entry of a person should mention the significant events in the person's life, especially if those events relate to the achievements in the person's profession. Waselenchuk's suspension was a significant event in his racquetball career, so we believe it should be mentioned.
Here's hoping it's not deleted again.
Follow the bouncing ball....
What racquetball information does someone not want you to know? (the deletion has been anonymous, as person(s) doing the deletion is (are) only identified by the computer's IP address; two of the three times have been from by the same IP address) It's the following that we wrote in the entry for Kane Waselenchuk:
"Waselenchuk would have won a fourth [Canadian] title in 2006, but following the final match in which he defeated Mike Green, Waselenchuk tested positive for "metabolites of both cannabis and cocaine."[3] That positive test led to a two year ban from racquetball, so Waselenchuk did not play in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 IRT seasons." (the [3] references the quote, which is from an article that appeared in The Globe & Mail).
It seems that someone does not (or some people do not) want any reference to Waselenchuk's suspension on Wikipedia. We have reinstated the information each time it's been deleted, and our rationale for doing so is there has to be an explanation of why Waselenchuk did not compete for two years. This paragraph provides that explanation with a reference. Omitting it denies it happened, which is wrong.
The Wikipedia entry makes no judgment about the suspension and its cause, and we're not doing so here. But it happened. It's a fact.
The Racquetball Blog has stopped mentioning Waselenchuk's suspension this season when reporting his performances, because it's old news now. But an encyclopedia entry of a person should mention the significant events in the person's life, especially if those events relate to the achievements in the person's profession. Waselenchuk's suspension was a significant event in his racquetball career, so we believe it should be mentioned.
Here's hoping it's not deleted again.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
WPRO - Wilmington Preview
The Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina begins Friday, and it's the third event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) schedule. We've got the draw for you below.
Rajsich winning but not overwhelming
Rhonda Rajsich is the top seed this weekend, as she's regained the #1 WPRO ranking after winning the first two tournaments of the season. But Rajsich isn't blowing her opponents away. In fact, she's played four 5 game matches this season, and she's been involved in the two matches where the players have combined for the most points in a match this season.
Ninety-four points were scored in Rajsich's quarter final victory over Angela Grisar in the Texas Open, which is the most combined points in one match this season, and 92 points were scored in the Texas Open final when Rajsich defeated Kerri Wachtel.
Rajsich also needed five games to defeat Paola Longoria and Cheryl Gudinas in the final and semi-final of the US Open.
"Let's play 5!"
Overall, 16 of the 81 WPRO matches (19.8%) this season have gone 5 games, 21 matches have been 4 games (25.9%) and 43 matches were over in three straight (53.1%). One game was a forfeit. In comparison, less than 12% of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) matches have gone 5 games.
Curiously, in the 28 matches where WPRO players have split the first two games the player who won the second game has won the match more often: 17 to 11. So if you win game one, you'd best win game two also, because those who don't end up losing more often than they win.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
First Round
Lily Berry vs. Danielle Emerson
Sheryl Lotts vs. Ashley Loyd
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Lily Berry or Danielle Emerson
Jennifer Saunders vs. Krystal Csuk
Kristen Bellows vs. Doreen Fowler
Kerri Wachtel vs. Vivian Gomez
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Cristina Amaya
Adrienne Fisher vs. Keely Franks
Jo Shattuck vs. T.J. Baumbaugh
Paola Longoria vs. Sheryl Lotts or Ashley Loyd
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich winning but not overwhelming
Rhonda Rajsich is the top seed this weekend, as she's regained the #1 WPRO ranking after winning the first two tournaments of the season. But Rajsich isn't blowing her opponents away. In fact, she's played four 5 game matches this season, and she's been involved in the two matches where the players have combined for the most points in a match this season.
Ninety-four points were scored in Rajsich's quarter final victory over Angela Grisar in the Texas Open, which is the most combined points in one match this season, and 92 points were scored in the Texas Open final when Rajsich defeated Kerri Wachtel.
Rajsich also needed five games to defeat Paola Longoria and Cheryl Gudinas in the final and semi-final of the US Open.
"Let's play 5!"
Overall, 16 of the 81 WPRO matches (19.8%) this season have gone 5 games, 21 matches have been 4 games (25.9%) and 43 matches were over in three straight (53.1%). One game was a forfeit. In comparison, less than 12% of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) matches have gone 5 games.
Curiously, in the 28 matches where WPRO players have split the first two games the player who won the second game has won the match more often: 17 to 11. So if you win game one, you'd best win game two also, because those who don't end up losing more often than they win.
Rock 'N' Racquetball at the Coast, November 6-8, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina
First Round
Lily Berry vs. Danielle Emerson
Sheryl Lotts vs. Ashley Loyd
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Lily Berry or Danielle Emerson
Jennifer Saunders vs. Krystal Csuk
Kristen Bellows vs. Doreen Fowler
Kerri Wachtel vs. Vivian Gomez
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Cristina Amaya
Adrienne Fisher vs. Keely Franks
Jo Shattuck vs. T.J. Baumbaugh
Paola Longoria vs. Sheryl Lotts or Ashley Loyd
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Elsewhere on the IRT
There were a couple of minor events on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) schedule last weekend. Rocky Carson won the New Mexico Invitational Pro-Am event in Albuquerque, New Mexico (a Tier 3 event), while Juan Martinez III took the Halloween Classic in Arlington Heights, Illinois (a Tier 4 event).
Carson defeated Ben Croft in the final, 11-8,11-8, 11-6, gaining measure of revenge over the man who defeated him at the US Open last month. In the semi-finals, Carson beat Polo Gutierrez, 11-9, 11-8, 11-1, while Croft came back from a game down against Shane Vanderson to win in four, 7-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5.
In Arlington Heights, Martinez defeated Alok Mehta, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5, in the final. He beat Dave Negrete in the semis, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-3, while Mehta got past Dean Hamiti, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5.
The next IRT events are two Tier 4 events happening this weekend on opposite sides of the USA. In the east the Long Island Open will be happening in Syosset, New York, while in the west the Pomona Valley Open happens in Claremont, California.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson defeated Ben Croft in the final, 11-8,11-8, 11-6, gaining measure of revenge over the man who defeated him at the US Open last month. In the semi-finals, Carson beat Polo Gutierrez, 11-9, 11-8, 11-1, while Croft came back from a game down against Shane Vanderson to win in four, 7-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-5.
In Arlington Heights, Martinez defeated Alok Mehta, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5, in the final. He beat Dave Negrete in the semis, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9, 11-3, while Mehta got past Dean Hamiti, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5.
The next IRT events are two Tier 4 events happening this weekend on opposite sides of the USA. In the east the Long Island Open will be happening in Syosset, New York, while in the west the Pomona Valley Open happens in Claremont, California.
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO re-runs rankings: Rajsich remains #1
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings have been re-run, as there were some satellite events included in the previous run by mistake. Nonetheless, Rhonda Rajsich has regained the #1 position from Paola Longoria, who is now #2.
However, there are some other changes in the top 10. Kerri Wachtel has gone ahead of Kristen Bellows into the #4 spot, with Bellows now #5. Wachtel's had good showings in both WPRO events this season, finishing runner up in Dallas and semi-finalist in Memphis.
Adrienne Fisher is #6, with Veronica Sotomayor falling to #7. The top 10 rounds out with Angela Grisar at #8, Jo Shattuck in 9th and Jennifer Saunders in 10th.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh is only 13th, not 11th as we'd reported yesterday. Also former #1 Jackie Paraiso is #16 and another former #1 Christie Van Hees is #35.
Another player who's ranking is better today than yesterday is Janell Tisinger, who reached the quarter finals at the US Open for the first time last month, is now #22 not #25 as previously reported.
All this will jiggle the draw around for this weekend's Rockin' Racquetball at the Coast Pro-Am, the third event of the WPRO season, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WPRO Rankings - November 2, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1180.74
2 Paola Longoria - Tijuana, Mexico 1062.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - Naperville, IL 586.24
4 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 552.70
5 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 530.00
6 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 317.70
7 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 276.40
8 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 245.00
9 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 200.41
10 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 193.45
11 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
12 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 177.68
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 172.80
14 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 158.25
15 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 120.25
16 Jackie Paraiso - California 120.00
17 Susy Acosta Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 103.50
18 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 101.39
19 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 98.50
20 Brandi Jacobson Prentice - Montreal, Canada 86.54
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, there are some other changes in the top 10. Kerri Wachtel has gone ahead of Kristen Bellows into the #4 spot, with Bellows now #5. Wachtel's had good showings in both WPRO events this season, finishing runner up in Dallas and semi-finalist in Memphis.
Adrienne Fisher is #6, with Veronica Sotomayor falling to #7. The top 10 rounds out with Angela Grisar at #8, Jo Shattuck in 9th and Jennifer Saunders in 10th.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh is only 13th, not 11th as we'd reported yesterday. Also former #1 Jackie Paraiso is #16 and another former #1 Christie Van Hees is #35.
Another player who's ranking is better today than yesterday is Janell Tisinger, who reached the quarter finals at the US Open for the first time last month, is now #22 not #25 as previously reported.
All this will jiggle the draw around for this weekend's Rockin' Racquetball at the Coast Pro-Am, the third event of the WPRO season, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WPRO Rankings - November 2, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1180.74
2 Paola Longoria - Tijuana, Mexico 1062.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes - Naperville, IL 586.24
4 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 552.70
5 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 530.00
6 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 317.70
7 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 276.40
8 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 245.00
9 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 200.41
10 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 193.45
11 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
12 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 177.68
13 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 172.80
14 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 158.25
15 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 120.25
16 Jackie Paraiso - California 120.00
17 Susy Acosta Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 103.50
18 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 101.39
19 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 98.50
20 Brandi Jacobson Prentice - Montreal, Canada 86.54
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 2, 2009
Rajsich is #1 again
Rhonda Rajsich has regained the #1 position in the latest Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings. Rajsich won the first two tournaments of the season, including the US Open - a Grand Slam event.
Paola Longoria, who was #1 is now #2. She was the defending US Open champion, and was runner up this year to Rajsich. Rajsich lost in the quarter finals last year, so she gained a great deal of points for the much better finish this year. Rajsich had been #1 for three seasons before Longoria overtook her in May.
Angela Grisar also moved up one spot to 7th from 8th, changing positions with Adrienne Fisher.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh has risen to 11th from 14th, and former #1 Jackie Paraiso is back in the top 20 at #17, while another former #1 Christie Van Hees has fallen out of the top 20 and is now 30th.
Janell Tisinger, who was unranked prior to last month's US Open, is now #25, as she got all the way to the quarter finals before losing to Longoria.
The third WPRO event of the season is this weekend's Rockin' Racquetball at the Coast Pro-Am in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WPRO Rankings - November 1, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1457.74
2 Paola Longoria -Tijuana, Mexico 1344.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas -Naperville, IL 692.24
4 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 644.00
5 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 617.70
6 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 362.40
7 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 353.00
8 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 339.70
9 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 256.45
10 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 242.41
11 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 197.96
12 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
13 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 180.25
14 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 177.68
15 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 160.59
16 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 158.25
17 Jackie Paraiso - California 144.00
18 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 118.50
19 Susy Acosta-Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 114.50
20 Brandi Jacobson Prentice - Montreal, Canada 106.54
Follow the bouncing ball....
Paola Longoria, who was #1 is now #2. She was the defending US Open champion, and was runner up this year to Rajsich. Rajsich lost in the quarter finals last year, so she gained a great deal of points for the much better finish this year. Rajsich had been #1 for three seasons before Longoria overtook her in May.
Angela Grisar also moved up one spot to 7th from 8th, changing positions with Adrienne Fisher.
In the next 10, T.J. Baumbaugh has risen to 11th from 14th, and former #1 Jackie Paraiso is back in the top 20 at #17, while another former #1 Christie Van Hees has fallen out of the top 20 and is now 30th.
Janell Tisinger, who was unranked prior to last month's US Open, is now #25, as she got all the way to the quarter finals before losing to Longoria.
The third WPRO event of the season is this weekend's Rockin' Racquetball at the Coast Pro-Am in Wilmington, North Carolina.
WPRO Rankings - November 1, 2009
Rank - Name - Residence - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich - Phoenix, AZ 1457.74
2 Paola Longoria -Tijuana, Mexico 1344.00
3 Cheryl Gudinas -Naperville, IL 692.24
4 Kristen Bellows - Pleasant Grove, UT 644.00
5 Kerri Wachtel - Cincinnati, OH 617.70
6 Veronica Sotomayor - Cuena, Ecuador 362.40
7 Angela Grisar - Santiago, Chile 353.00
8 Adrienne Fisher - Centerville, OH 339.70
9 Jennifer Saunders - Winnipeg, MB, Canada 256.45
10 Jo Shattuck - Denver, CO 242.41
11 T.J. Baumbaugh - Reston, VA 197.96
12 Diane Moore - Griffith, IN 186.25
13 Samantha Salas - Leon, Mexico 180.25
14 Krystal Csuk - Chicago, IL 177.68
15 Doreen Fowler - Silver Spring, MD 160.59
16 Keely Franks - Euless, TX 158.25
17 Jackie Paraiso - California 144.00
18 Vivian Gomez - Miami, FL 118.50
19 Susy Acosta-Mendoza - Chihuahua, Mexico 114.50
20 Brandi Jacobson Prentice - Montreal, Canada 106.54
Follow the bouncing ball....
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