We hope that you got all the presents you wanted last week or scored some sweet deals in the post-Xmas sales or both. In between staff rehearsals of Auld Lang Syne for tonight, The Racquetball Blog has compiled its list of the Best Racquetball Stories of 2010.
We tried to whittle this list down to 10, but we felt 11 was a better fit. Thus, here's our Top 11 Racquetball Stories of 2010:
11) US Open in Minneapolis. After 14 years in Memphis, Tennessee the US Open moved to Minneapolis. Moreover, it was right smack dab in the middle of downtown, with the main club the Lifetime Fitness location underneath the Target Center. By all accounts the move was a positive one, so congratulations to US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim and USA Racquetball for making the transition to a new location so successful.
10) Jack Huczek. Huczek is the #4 IRT player, which would be a great accomplishment for most anyone else. But Huczek's been #1. He's a 3 time World Champion, but not since 2006. Huczek got hurt early in the year and hasn't seemed to be as good since. Yes, he played well at the US Open, winning the first game of his match against Kane Waselenchuk. But he's lost to Alvaro Beltran, Chris Crowther and Rocky Carson this season, as well as losing the World Championship final to Carson in August. Perhaps it is harsh to be so critical of someone who is the #4 player in the world, but Huczek's set a higher standard, and we're starting to wonder if he can reach that standard again.
9) Jason Mannino retires from International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and assumes the IRT Commissioner role full time. Mannino has taken the IRT mantle from Dave Negrete and run with it. There's more Grand Slam and Tier 1 events - including the first Grand Slam outside of the USA, new logo, new website, newsletters, and increased IRT Network coverage. All positive additions. Indeed, it's hard to say where Mannino has gone wrong.
8) Paola Longoria. She maintained her #1 position atop the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings, and was named Mexican Sportswoman of the Year, which is perhaps the highest recognition any racquetball player has even received. There were a couple of bumps on the road for Longoria in 2010 as she lost early on in singles at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships, and lost the US Open final for the second consecutive year, but she did win the IRF World Championship doubles title with Samantha Salas.
7) Rocky Carson defends World Championship. Carson won the 2010 IRF World Championship in August in Seoul, South Korea, successfully defending the title he first won in Ireland in 2008. This result reflects Carson's continued excellence, and he also won the IRT Corona Open in November.
6) Alvaro Beltran's return. Beltran's absence from the IRT last season due to injury was significant (we put it at #7 on last year's Top 10 list). He's the last man to defeat Kane Waselenchuk, and there was concern over how well he would play upon returning to the IRT. But he got to the semi-finals in his first tournament back, and then went one better on pro racquetball's biggest stage: the US Open, where he reached the final for the first time and took game one from Waselenchuk, who went on to win that match. We're very happy to see Beltran's returned to form.
5) Rhonda Rajsich wins Worlds and US Open. Rajsich successfully defended her World Championship title in August. Only Cheryl Gudinas and Michelle Gould with three each have more World titles than Rajsich. Then in October, Rajsich won her fourth US Open title, which is more than any other woman. Finally to end the year, Rajsich wins the Christmas Classic which should close the gap between her and Paola Longoria and make the WPRO season very interesting in the new year.
4) Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas win Women's Doubles at World Championships. The Mexican team in South Korea did what had only been done once before: win women's doubles. The US had won 13 of 14 women's doubles titles at Worlds, but they didn't win in 2010. Longoria and Salas beat Americans Aimee Ruiz and Jackie Paraiso in the final. It was only the 2nd time Paraiso had not won gold in doubles in 25 international appearances on Team USA.
3) Ben Croft. Croft won the US National doubles crown with Mitch Williams, and then they went on to win the IRF World Championship. Moreover, Croft was a semi-finalist in 6 of the last 10 IRT events as well as getting to the final of the Mexico Open, so he's clearly raised his skill level. He got to the #2 IRT ranking in November, but unfortunately that lasted all of one tournament. However, it provides great promise for Croft's future.
2) Samantha Salas. In addition to being part of the Mexican team to win the Women's Doubles World Championship, Salas won her first pro stop in 2010 at the Puget Sound Challenge. In addition, Salas has reached the semis of each WPRO stop this season, including at the US Open, which was a career best for that event (she hadn't even been a quarter finalist before). Salas's year was very impressive.
1) Kane Waselenchuk. The Racquetball Blog staff have mixed emotions about putting Waselenchuk #1, where we had him in 2009 and 2008. Mixed because on the one hand it seems so obvious as to be boring, but on the other hand how can you deny the newsworthiness of Waselenchuk's continued excellence? The man has not lost in almost two years. He's only played one tie-breaker in that period. It's an amazing record. How long can it continue? With Beltran's return, Croft's rise, Carson's continued excellence, and hopefully Huczek getting back on track, the IRT field should be stronger in the new year, when the tournaments are plentiful. Thus, it would be understandable to think that Waselenchuk's streak will end soon. But no one in the TRB office is betting on it.
There you have it. The top 11 racquetball stories of 2010. If you think we missed something, leave a comment.
Happy New Year everyone! Have some bubbly for us, but not too much. Bubbly hangovers can be doozies.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Importance of Sport and Games
The Racquetball Blog staff hopes you are having a fine December 25th.
Every year at this time, Queen Elizabeth II of England gives an address. It's of note to us this year, because she highlighted the importance of sport.
Specifically, the Queen said it is important to "build communities and create harmony and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games."
Hear, hear!
And following Her Majesty, all of us at The Racquetball Blog "wish you and all those you love and care for a very happy Christmas."
Follow the bouncing ball....
Every year at this time, Queen Elizabeth II of England gives an address. It's of note to us this year, because she highlighted the importance of sport.
Specifically, the Queen said it is important to "build communities and create harmony and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games."
Hear, hear!
And following Her Majesty, all of us at The Racquetball Blog "wish you and all those you love and care for a very happy Christmas."
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Racquetball Mid-season Statistical Abstract
There have been 5 main events on both the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour. In all, 139 players have played at least one IRT match and 56 have played at least one WPRO match.
Here's a statistical abstract of what's happened so far this season.
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Total matches: 205
3 Game Matches: 121 (59.0%)
4 Game Matches: 52 (25.3%)
5 Game Matches: 32 (15.6%)
Most Total Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin at US Open, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
2nd: 101 by Jansen Allen and Danny Lavely at US Open, as Allen won 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
3rd: 100 by Alvaro Beltran and Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am, as Beltran won 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 13-11
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares v. Jeremy McGlothin at US Open
2nd: 56 by Polo Gutierrez v. Jeff Bell at US Open
3rd: 54 by Alvaro Beltran v. Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin v. Marco Mijares at US Open
2nd: 48 by Danny Lavely v. Jansen Allen at US Open
3rd: 46 by Anthony Herrera v. Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am AND by Rocky Carson v. Mitch Williams at Cali Grand Slam AND by Jack Huczek v. Alvaro Beltran at Kansas City Pro-Am
Fewest Points in a match: 35 - Anthony Herrera d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-0, 11-2, 11-0 in Cali, Colombia
2nd: 36 - Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 in Chihuahua
3rd: 37 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-0, 11-0 at Kansas City Pro-Am
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -5 by Andy Hawthorne at San Diego in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6.
2nd: -3 by Rocky Carson at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Mitch Williams, 3-11, 11-6, 11-5, 2-11, 11-8.
3rd: -2 by Colin Mohr at US Open in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6. AND by Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-5.
(note: we have no data for 22 IRT matches)
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
Total matches: 118
3 Game Matches: 63 (53.3%)
4 Game Matches: 40 (33.9%)
5 Game Matches: 14 (11.9%)
Most Total Points in a match: 101 by T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge, as Baumbaugh won 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
2nd: 95 by Susana Acosta and Jo Shattuck at Puget Sound Challenge, as Acosta won 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 AND by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado at US Open, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 36 by Paola Longoria and Claudia Andrade at Cali Grand Slam, as Longoria won 11-0, 11-0, 11-3 AND by Cheryl Gudinas and Beth Neff at Puget Sound Challenge as Gudinas won 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
3rd: 37 by Paola Longoria and Da'monique Davis at Christmas Classic, as Longoria won 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta v. Anita Maldonado at US Open
2nd: 53 by Cheryl Gudinas v. Michelle Key at US Open
3rd: 52 by T.J. Baumbaugh v. Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge
Most Points in a loss: 49 by Keely Franks v. T.J. Baumbaugh at Puget Sound Challenge
2nd: 46 by Jo Shattuck v. Susana Acosta at Puget Sound Challenge
3rd: 45 by Adrienne Fisher v. Susana Acosta at Christmas Classic
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
2nd: -2 by T.J. Baumbaugh at Christmas Classic in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
3rd: 0 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
(note: we have incomplete data for 1 WPRO match, which is not included in the above stats)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Here's a statistical abstract of what's happened so far this season.
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Total matches: 205
3 Game Matches: 121 (59.0%)
4 Game Matches: 52 (25.3%)
5 Game Matches: 32 (15.6%)
Most Total Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin at US Open, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
2nd: 101 by Jansen Allen and Danny Lavely at US Open, as Allen won 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
3rd: 100 by Alvaro Beltran and Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am, as Beltran won 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 13-11
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares v. Jeremy McGlothin at US Open
2nd: 56 by Polo Gutierrez v. Jeff Bell at US Open
3rd: 54 by Alvaro Beltran v. Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin v. Marco Mijares at US Open
2nd: 48 by Danny Lavely v. Jansen Allen at US Open
3rd: 46 by Anthony Herrera v. Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am AND by Rocky Carson v. Mitch Williams at Cali Grand Slam AND by Jack Huczek v. Alvaro Beltran at Kansas City Pro-Am
Fewest Points in a match: 35 - Anthony Herrera d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-0, 11-2, 11-0 in Cali, Colombia
2nd: 36 - Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 in Chihuahua
3rd: 37 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-0, 11-0 at Kansas City Pro-Am
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -5 by Andy Hawthorne at San Diego in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6.
2nd: -3 by Rocky Carson at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Mitch Williams, 3-11, 11-6, 11-5, 2-11, 11-8.
3rd: -2 by Colin Mohr at US Open in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6. AND by Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-5.
(note: we have no data for 22 IRT matches)
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
Total matches: 118
3 Game Matches: 63 (53.3%)
4 Game Matches: 40 (33.9%)
5 Game Matches: 14 (11.9%)
Most Total Points in a match: 101 by T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge, as Baumbaugh won 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
2nd: 95 by Susana Acosta and Jo Shattuck at Puget Sound Challenge, as Acosta won 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 AND by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado at US Open, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 36 by Paola Longoria and Claudia Andrade at Cali Grand Slam, as Longoria won 11-0, 11-0, 11-3 AND by Cheryl Gudinas and Beth Neff at Puget Sound Challenge as Gudinas won 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
3rd: 37 by Paola Longoria and Da'monique Davis at Christmas Classic, as Longoria won 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta v. Anita Maldonado at US Open
2nd: 53 by Cheryl Gudinas v. Michelle Key at US Open
3rd: 52 by T.J. Baumbaugh v. Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge
Most Points in a loss: 49 by Keely Franks v. T.J. Baumbaugh at Puget Sound Challenge
2nd: 46 by Jo Shattuck v. Susana Acosta at Puget Sound Challenge
3rd: 45 by Adrienne Fisher v. Susana Acosta at Christmas Classic
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
2nd: -2 by T.J. Baumbaugh at Christmas Classic in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
3rd: 0 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
(note: we have incomplete data for 1 WPRO match, which is not included in the above stats)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Weekend Round Up - Croft wins in Minot
Ben Croft, racquetball's self-professed Iron Man, won another International Racquetball Tour (IRT) satellite event on the weekend, defeating Jack Huczek in a five game final at the ND Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9. The victory is further confirmation of Croft's 3rd place IRT ranking on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
Croft defeated Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8, in one semi-final and Huczek beat Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5. Lowe won the third place match against Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4.
Christmas Classic - Women's Open
Susana Acosta won the Women's Open division at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia. She defeated Cristina Amaya in the final, 15-7, 15-6. Both finalists needed three games to win their semi-final matches with Acosta beating T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 8-15, 11-5, and Amaya overcoming Nancy Enriquez, 15-13, 8-15, 11-4.
2010 ND Minot Open, Minot, North Dakota
Final: Ben Croft d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
3rd: Jimmy Lowe d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Croft defeated Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8, in one semi-final and Huczek beat Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5. Lowe won the third place match against Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4.
Christmas Classic - Women's Open
Susana Acosta won the Women's Open division at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia. She defeated Cristina Amaya in the final, 15-7, 15-6. Both finalists needed three games to win their semi-final matches with Acosta beating T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 8-15, 11-5, and Amaya overcoming Nancy Enriquez, 15-13, 8-15, 11-4.
2010 ND Minot Open, Minot, North Dakota
Final: Ben Croft d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
3rd: Jimmy Lowe d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, December 12, 2010
WPRO - Rajsich wins 2010 Christmas Classic
Rhonda Rajsich defeated Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4, to win the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia - a Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour Tier 1 event. It's Rajsich's third victory over Longoria in as many meetings between the #2 and #1, respectively, WPRO players this season.
Rajsich trails Longoria by less than 200 points in the WPRO rankings, and Longoria won this event last season, so the victory may be enough to put Rajsich back on top of the WPRO. She was the #1 WPRO player at the end of three consecutive seasons: 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The next WPRO event is the Coast to Coast California Open in Canoga Park, California January 7-9, 2011.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich trails Longoria by less than 200 points in the WPRO rankings, and Longoria won this event last season, so the victory may be enough to put Rajsich back on top of the WPRO. She was the #1 WPRO player at the end of three consecutive seasons: 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The next WPRO event is the Coast to Coast California Open in Canoga Park, California January 7-9, 2011.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, December 11, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Longoria & Rajsich in final
It'll be 1 v. 2 Sunday in the final of the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia as the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) #1 player - Paola Longoria - will face off against the #2 player - Rhonda Rajsich - in the final.
Longoria advanced to the final with a four game victory over fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5, while Rajsich had a similar win over fellow American Cheryl Gudinas, as Rajsich also won in four games, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.
This will be Longoria and Rajsich's third meeting this season, and Rajsich has won both previous times: the US Open final and the final in Cali, Colombia.
The final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 1 Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria advanced to the final with a four game victory over fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5, while Rajsich had a similar win over fellow American Cheryl Gudinas, as Rajsich also won in four games, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.
This will be Longoria and Rajsich's third meeting this season, and Rajsich has won both previous times: the US Open final and the final in Cali, Colombia.
The final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 1 Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - No upsets in quarter finals
The top four Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) players will playoff later Saturday for positions in Sunday's final at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia as there there no upsets in the quarter finals.
In fact, all the quarters went three straight games except for 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who needed four games after dropping the first game to Susana Acosta. Gudinas won 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0.
The rematch of the last WPRO final had the same result Saturday, as 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis beat 5th seed Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11.
In the other quarter final matches, top seed Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
The semi-finals are Saturday evening and the final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Susana Acosta, 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
In fact, all the quarters went three straight games except for 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who needed four games after dropping the first game to Susana Acosta. Gudinas won 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0.
The rematch of the last WPRO final had the same result Saturday, as 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis beat 5th seed Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11.
In the other quarter final matches, top seed Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
The semi-finals are Saturday evening and the final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Susana Acosta, 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 10, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Round of 16
Veteran Susana Acosta upset 6th seed Adrienne Fisher in five games, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7. Acosta's victory is the biggest upset so far at the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour - in Arlington, Virginia. In the quarter finals on Saturday, Acosta will play 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who defeated Nancy Enriquez on Friday, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8.
The other upset in the Round of 16 on Friday was in the 8-9 game as 9th seed Krystal Csuk beat 8th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5. Csuk will play top seed Paola Longoria in the quarters, as Longoria defeated Da'monique Davis in three straight games, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0.
The other top seed, #2 Rhonda Rajsich, also had a three game victory over Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4.
Finally, #4 Samantha Salas Solis and #5 Kerri Wachtel both won on Friday and will play in the quarters on Saturday in what will be a rematch of the final from the last WPRO event: the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington. Salas Solis won that match for her first career WPRO Tier 1 victory.
The quarter finals go Saturday morning and early afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday evening. The final is scheduled for Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
9 Krystal Csuk d. 8 Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Cristina Amaya, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Angela Grisar, 11-4, 8-11, 11-1, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Nancy Enriquez, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8
11 Susana Acosta d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 11 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Jen Saunders
Follow the bouncing ball....
The other upset in the Round of 16 on Friday was in the 8-9 game as 9th seed Krystal Csuk beat 8th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5. Csuk will play top seed Paola Longoria in the quarters, as Longoria defeated Da'monique Davis in three straight games, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0.
The other top seed, #2 Rhonda Rajsich, also had a three game victory over Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4.
Finally, #4 Samantha Salas Solis and #5 Kerri Wachtel both won on Friday and will play in the quarters on Saturday in what will be a rematch of the final from the last WPRO event: the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington. Salas Solis won that match for her first career WPRO Tier 1 victory.
The quarter finals go Saturday morning and early afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday evening. The final is scheduled for Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
9 Krystal Csuk d. 8 Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Cristina Amaya, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Angela Grisar, 11-4, 8-11, 11-1, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Nancy Enriquez, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8
11 Susana Acosta d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 11 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Jen Saunders
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Round of 32
There have been several close matches in Arlington, Virginia at the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour but the only upset in the Round of 32 was in the 16-17 game as 17th seed Da'monique Davis defeated 16th seed Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6.
In two five game matches, Susana Acosta beat Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4 and T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4. Next up for Acosta will be Adrienne Fisher while Baumbaugh will face Jennifer Saunders in the Round of 16. Krystal Csuk also needed five games to get by Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5, and Csuk will next play Jo Shattuck.
As anticipated 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas will play Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, later Friday in the 16s as Enriquez defeated Linda Scales in three close games, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10.
The Round of 16 will be played later Friday with the quarter finals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Da'monique Davis d. 16 Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6
9 Krystal Csuk d. 24 Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya d. 21 Ana Paola Nunez, 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
13 Angela Grisar d. 20 Sarah Warhaftig, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10
11 Susana Acosta d. 22 Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jennifer Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh d. 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
15 Laura Brandt d. 18 Danielle Emerson, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Da'monique Davis
8 Jo Shattuck v. 9 Krystal Csuk
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Cristina Amaya
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Nancy Enriquez
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 Susana Acosta
7 Jennifer Saunders v. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Laura Brandt
Follow the bouncing ball....
In two five game matches, Susana Acosta beat Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4 and T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4. Next up for Acosta will be Adrienne Fisher while Baumbaugh will face Jennifer Saunders in the Round of 16. Krystal Csuk also needed five games to get by Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5, and Csuk will next play Jo Shattuck.
As anticipated 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas will play Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, later Friday in the 16s as Enriquez defeated Linda Scales in three close games, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10.
The Round of 16 will be played later Friday with the quarter finals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Da'monique Davis d. 16 Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6
9 Krystal Csuk d. 24 Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya d. 21 Ana Paola Nunez, 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
13 Angela Grisar d. 20 Sarah Warhaftig, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10
11 Susana Acosta d. 22 Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jennifer Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh d. 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
15 Laura Brandt d. 18 Danielle Emerson, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Da'monique Davis
8 Jo Shattuck v. 9 Krystal Csuk
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Cristina Amaya
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Nancy Enriquez
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 Susana Acosta
7 Jennifer Saunders v. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Laura Brandt
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Preview
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour lands in Arlington, Virginia this weekend with the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event. There are 24 women in the draw including the WPRO's top 9 players.
The Racquetball Blog has done up a tentative draw based on the current WPRO rankings, and it looks like the finalists from last month's Puget Sound Challenge - Samantha Salas Solis and Kerri Wachtel - could meet in the quarter finals. But they could both face stiff competition in the Round of 16 from Angela Grisar and Cristina Amaya, respectively.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas could also have a tough match in the 16s, as she may face Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, providing Enriquez defeats Linda Scales in the Round of 32.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Anita Maldonado v. 17 Da'monique Davis
9 Krystal Csuk v. 24 Kimberly Ferina
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya v. 21 Ana Paola Nunez
13 Angela Grisar v. 20 Sarah Warhaftig
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Yolanda Jordan
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh v. 23 Sheryl Lotts
15 Laura Brandt v. 18 Danielle Emerson
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Racquetball Blog has done up a tentative draw based on the current WPRO rankings, and it looks like the finalists from last month's Puget Sound Challenge - Samantha Salas Solis and Kerri Wachtel - could meet in the quarter finals. But they could both face stiff competition in the Round of 16 from Angela Grisar and Cristina Amaya, respectively.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas could also have a tough match in the 16s, as she may face Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, providing Enriquez defeats Linda Scales in the Round of 32.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Anita Maldonado v. 17 Da'monique Davis
9 Krystal Csuk v. 24 Kimberly Ferina
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya v. 21 Ana Paola Nunez
13 Angela Grisar v. 20 Sarah Warhaftig
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Yolanda Jordan
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh v. 23 Sheryl Lotts
15 Laura Brandt v. 18 Danielle Emerson
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, December 6, 2010
WPRO - Rajsich wins New Jersey Open
Rhonda Rajsich won the New Jersey Open - a satellite event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour - in Woodbridge, New Jersey on the weekend. She defeated Aimee Ruiz in the final, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7.
In the semi-finals, Rajsich beat Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7, while Ruiz had to come back from two games down to defeat Cristina Amaya in five games, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7.
Rajsich's win comes ahead of this weekend's Tier 1 WPRO event: the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia, which will feature of a full slate of the top players, including WPRO #1 Paola Longoria.
2010 WPRO New Jersey Open
Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Aimee Ruiz d. Cristina Amaya, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Rajsich beat Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7, while Ruiz had to come back from two games down to defeat Cristina Amaya in five games, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7.
Rajsich's win comes ahead of this weekend's Tier 1 WPRO event: the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia, which will feature of a full slate of the top players, including WPRO #1 Paola Longoria.
2010 WPRO New Jersey Open
Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Aimee Ruiz d. Cristina Amaya, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, December 5, 2010
IRT - Carson defeats Croft to win Rose City Pro-Am
Rocky Carson defeated Ben Croft, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2, to win the Rose City Pro/Am in Portland, Oregon - a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). It's Carson's second win in a row on tour as he also won the Corona Open last month in Chihuahua, Mexico.
After dropping the first game, Croft had a chance to level the match, as he led 10-7 in game two. But Carson fought back to tie the game at 10-10 and then using his characteristic off speed Z serve to the left, he finished off game two 12-10 to go up two games to none.
Carson took a 4-0 lead early in game three and looked on track for a three game sweep. But to his credit Croft didn't give up, fighting back to 6-6 - helped by a couple of crack out drive serves to the right side - and then pushed through to win 11-6.
But that win seemed to take all Croft had in him, as Carson took another early lead in game four, which Croft had no answer for. It was 9-0 before Croft got on the board to get a couple of points before Carson finished it at 11-2.
Afterwards, Croft said he "didn't play well" on Sunday, and Carson agreed saying he was lucky to get Croft on "an off day." But Croft said he always gives "100% effort" even if he's not playing well.
Asked how he felt after the match, Croft proclaimed himself the "Iron Man" of racquetball and that he'd be happy playing "back to back to back" all the time, even twice a week. That partly explains Croft's entry in next weekend's Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota; that's a Tier 4 IRT event.
Also, Croft said he's looking forward to next month's string of tournaments, when there are three Tier 1 events in a row: the California Open (January 6-9), New York City Pro/Am (January 13-16) and Lawler Sports Pro/Am (January 20-23).
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, while Croft got the best of Chris Crowther, 11-7, 11-8, 11-2.
Follow the bouncing ball....
After dropping the first game, Croft had a chance to level the match, as he led 10-7 in game two. But Carson fought back to tie the game at 10-10 and then using his characteristic off speed Z serve to the left, he finished off game two 12-10 to go up two games to none.
Carson took a 4-0 lead early in game three and looked on track for a three game sweep. But to his credit Croft didn't give up, fighting back to 6-6 - helped by a couple of crack out drive serves to the right side - and then pushed through to win 11-6.
But that win seemed to take all Croft had in him, as Carson took another early lead in game four, which Croft had no answer for. It was 9-0 before Croft got on the board to get a couple of points before Carson finished it at 11-2.
Afterwards, Croft said he "didn't play well" on Sunday, and Carson agreed saying he was lucky to get Croft on "an off day." But Croft said he always gives "100% effort" even if he's not playing well.
Asked how he felt after the match, Croft proclaimed himself the "Iron Man" of racquetball and that he'd be happy playing "back to back to back" all the time, even twice a week. That partly explains Croft's entry in next weekend's Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota; that's a Tier 4 IRT event.
Also, Croft said he's looking forward to next month's string of tournaments, when there are three Tier 1 events in a row: the California Open (January 6-9), New York City Pro/Am (January 13-16) and Lawler Sports Pro/Am (January 20-23).
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, while Croft got the best of Chris Crowther, 11-7, 11-8, 11-2.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 3, 2010
IRT - Rose City Pro-Am
It's been a bit of a slow time in the racquetball world of late, but there's a International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event this weekend. The Rose City Pro/Am in Portland, Oregon is a Tier 3 event that features some of the best IRT players.
The three C's will be there: Rocky Carson, Ben Croft and Chris Crowther, as well as Shane Vanderson, Charlie Pratt and recently crowned World Junior Champion Taylor Knoth, who'll be playing close to home this weekend.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the event beginning Saturday. They've redone their website, and it looks pretty good. The Racquetball Blog staff especially likes that when we go to the site now we're not greeted with the screaming audio track. It was fine the first few times, but after a year the scream had gotten old.
Follow the bouncing ball....
The three C's will be there: Rocky Carson, Ben Croft and Chris Crowther, as well as Shane Vanderson, Charlie Pratt and recently crowned World Junior Champion Taylor Knoth, who'll be playing close to home this weekend.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the event beginning Saturday. They've redone their website, and it looks pretty good. The Racquetball Blog staff especially likes that when we go to the site now we're not greeted with the screaming audio track. It was fine the first few times, but after a year the scream had gotten old.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WPRO Rankings - December 1, 2010
Paola Longoria continues to be #1 player in the latest rankings from the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Samantha Salas solidified her position as the 4th ranked player following her win at the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington.
Kerri Wachtel, the other finalist in Olympia, also gained points and remains 5th. Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas continue in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Susy Acosta is up to 12th ahead of Vivian Gomez and Cristina Amaya, who are 13th and 14th respectively. Also, Angela Grisar is back in the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings December 1, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1442.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1257.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 660.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 443.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 382.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 265.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 228.00
13 Vivian Gomez (USA) 208.00
14 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 187.98
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 105.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 90.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kerri Wachtel, the other finalist in Olympia, also gained points and remains 5th. Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas continue in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Susy Acosta is up to 12th ahead of Vivian Gomez and Cristina Amaya, who are 13th and 14th respectively. Also, Angela Grisar is back in the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings December 1, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1442.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1257.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 660.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 443.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 382.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 265.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 228.00
13 Vivian Gomez (USA) 208.00
14 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 187.98
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 105.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 90.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
IRT Rankings - November 22, 2010
Ben Croft's stay at #2 on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) rankings was short lived, as he's dropped to #3 after losing in the quarter finals of the Corona Open in Chihuahua, Mexico. Rocky Carson won that event and with the win moved past Croft into the #2 spot.
Kane Waselenchuk is ahead of Carson and Croft, as he retains the #1 IRT ranking despite missing the Corona Open due to an injury. The rest of the top ten also remains the same except that Alvaro Beltran, who finished 2nd in Chihuahua, is back in the top 10 at #10.
IRT Rankings - November 22, 2010
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4185
2 Rocky CARSON, 2730
3 Ben CROFT, 2411
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2250
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2048
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1958
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1721
8 Jose ROJAS, 1579
9 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1538
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1414
11 Jason MANNINO, 1133
12 Charlie PRATT, 1066
13 Juan HERRERA, 1015
14 Anthony HERRERA, 937
15 Alejandro LANDA, 873
16 Alejandro HERRERA, 856
17 Javier MORENO, 556
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Kris ODEGARD, 390
20 Hiroshi SHIMIZU 374
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kane Waselenchuk is ahead of Carson and Croft, as he retains the #1 IRT ranking despite missing the Corona Open due to an injury. The rest of the top ten also remains the same except that Alvaro Beltran, who finished 2nd in Chihuahua, is back in the top 10 at #10.
IRT Rankings - November 22, 2010
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4185
2 Rocky CARSON, 2730
3 Ben CROFT, 2411
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2250
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2048
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1958
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1721
8 Jose ROJAS, 1579
9 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1538
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1414
11 Jason MANNINO, 1133
12 Charlie PRATT, 1066
13 Juan HERRERA, 1015
14 Anthony HERRERA, 937
15 Alejandro LANDA, 873
16 Alejandro HERRERA, 856
17 Javier MORENO, 556
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Kris ODEGARD, 390
20 Hiroshi SHIMIZU 374
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Salas is 24th; Croft wins in Garden City
Samantha Salas Solis became the 24th player to win a women's professsional racquetball tournament, according to The Racquetball Blog records. Her one win is a long way behind Lynn Adams, who we have winning 43 professional events.
But Salas Solis's victory at the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington ties her with players like Angela Grisar and Kristen Walsh Bellows. Also on one win is Vicki Panzeri, a player from Washington state who was a top 10 player on the pro tour in the 1980s including finishing #2 behind Adams at the end of the 1984-85 season.
In fact, Panzeri played in Women's Open in Olympia last weekend and came third by defeating T.J. Baumbaugh in the quarter finals, 15-13, 13-15, 11-7, and Da'monique Davis, 15-14, 5-15, 11-10, in the 3rd place match. Panzeri lost to Susana Acosta in the semi-finals, 15-7, 15-12.
Keely Franks won Women's Open by defeating Acosta in the final, 15-8, 15-10. Franks beat Davis in the semis, 15-4, 15-10.
20th Annual Turkey Shootout
Ben Croft defeated Shane Vanderson, 5-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5, to win the Garden City YMCA 20th Annual Turkey Shootout in Garden City, Kansas this past weekend. The Turkey Shoot was a Tier 2 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
In the semi-finals, Croft defeated Tony Carson, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5, and Vanderson beat Jack Huczek, 2-11, 11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4.
There are two lower tier IRT events in December: the Rose City Pro/Am December 3-5 in Portland, Oregon (a Tier 3 event) and the Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota December 10-12 (a Tier 4 event).
In January, there will be three Tier 1 IRT events on consecutive weekends beginning with the California Open January 6-9 in Los Angeles, then New York City Pro/Am January 13-16, and finally the Lawler Sports Pro/Am January 20-23 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Salas Solis's victory at the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington ties her with players like Angela Grisar and Kristen Walsh Bellows. Also on one win is Vicki Panzeri, a player from Washington state who was a top 10 player on the pro tour in the 1980s including finishing #2 behind Adams at the end of the 1984-85 season.
In fact, Panzeri played in Women's Open in Olympia last weekend and came third by defeating T.J. Baumbaugh in the quarter finals, 15-13, 13-15, 11-7, and Da'monique Davis, 15-14, 5-15, 11-10, in the 3rd place match. Panzeri lost to Susana Acosta in the semi-finals, 15-7, 15-12.
Keely Franks won Women's Open by defeating Acosta in the final, 15-8, 15-10. Franks beat Davis in the semis, 15-4, 15-10.
20th Annual Turkey Shootout
Ben Croft defeated Shane Vanderson, 5-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5, to win the Garden City YMCA 20th Annual Turkey Shootout in Garden City, Kansas this past weekend. The Turkey Shoot was a Tier 2 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
In the semi-finals, Croft defeated Tony Carson, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5, and Vanderson beat Jack Huczek, 2-11, 11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4.
There are two lower tier IRT events in December: the Rose City Pro/Am December 3-5 in Portland, Oregon (a Tier 3 event) and the Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota December 10-12 (a Tier 4 event).
In January, there will be three Tier 1 IRT events on consecutive weekends beginning with the California Open January 6-9 in Los Angeles, then New York City Pro/Am January 13-16, and finally the Lawler Sports Pro/Am January 20-23 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 22, 2010
2010 Junior World Championships - Medal Summary
The USA was the overall team winner at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California. Americans won 15 medals overall, with an even 5-5-5 split between gold, silver and bronze. Aubrey O'brien was a double gold medalist.
Mexico's 11 medals was second (4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze), including a gold medal sweep in the Boys U14 division. Bolivia was third with 9 medals: 3 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze; Maria Jose Vargas was a double gold medalist in Girls U16.
Canada was fourth with 7 medals and two Canadians were double medalists as Pedro Castro got silver and bronze in Boys U18 and Coby Iwaasa took home two bronze medals in Boys U14.
Players from four other countries won medals. Most notably Maria Renee Rodriguez of Guatemala was a double bronze medalist, and The Racquetball Blog believes this could be the first medals for a Guatemalan at an IRF event.
Ecuador also got two bronze medals with Costa Rica and Ireland taking home one bronze medal each. It's the second year in a row that Ireland has had a medalist at Junior Worlds.
Medal Summary by Country
USA 5 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze
Mexico 4, 3, 4
Bolivia 3, 2, 4
Canada 0, 2, 5
Ecuador 0, 0, 2
Guatemala 0, 0, 2
Costa Rica 0, 0, 1
Ireland 0, 0, 1
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships
Los Angeles, California
Boy's 14 and Under
Singles
1st Javier Mar (Mexico)
2nd Roman Ramos (Mexico)
3rd Coby Iwaasa (Canada) and Sawyer Lloyd (USA)
Doubles
1st Eduardo Garay & Javier Estrada (Mexico)
2nd Adam Manilla & Sawyer Lloyd (USA)
3rd Sami Harb & Coby Iwaasa (Canada) and Danilo Torrico & Victor Pardo Jr. (Bolivia)
Boy's 16 and Under
Singles
1st Marco Rojas (USA)
2nd Jose Diaz (USA)
3rd Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) and Vladimir Soria (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Marco Rojas d. Jose Diaz (USA)
2nd Alejandro Romo & Salvador Ortiz (Mexico)
3rd Oscar Arias & Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) and Samuel Murray & Anthony Schonberger (Canada)
Boy's 18 and Under
Singles
1st Taylor Knoth (USA)
2nd Pedro Castro (Canada)
3rd Bradley Kirch (USA) and Jaime Martell (Mexico)
Doubles
1st Bradley Kirch & Nick Montalbano (USA)
2nd Carlos Keller Vargas & Jorge Luis Michel (Bolivia)
3rd Pedro Castro & Jamie Slamko (Canada) and Fernando Muñoz & Pietro Sudassasi (Costa Rica)
Girl's 14 and Under
Singles
1st Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
2nd Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico)
3rd Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) and Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Doubles
1st Monserrat Perez & Regina Franco (Mexico)
2nd Abbey Lavely & Kaitlyn Simmons (USA)
3rd Mckenzie Brayley & Michelle Morissette (Canada) and Maria Rocio Martinez & Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Girl's 16 and Under
Singles
1st Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
2nd Kelani Bailey (USA)
3rd Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) and Devon Pimentelli (USA)
Doubles
1st Masiel Rivera & Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
2nd Courtney Chisholm & Devon Pimentelli (USA)
3rd Aisling Hickey & Katie Kenny (Ireland) and Ana Paola Camacho & Natalia Villagomez Beltran (Mexico)
Girl's 18 and Under
Singles
1st Aubrey O'brien (USA)
2nd Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
3rd Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) and Danielle Key (USA)
Doubles
1st Danielle Key & Aubrey O'brien (USA)
2nd Adriana Riveros & Carolina Oña (Bolivia)
3rd Cristina Cordova & Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) and Jocelyn Loredo & Sofia Rascon (Mexico)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mexico's 11 medals was second (4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze), including a gold medal sweep in the Boys U14 division. Bolivia was third with 9 medals: 3 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze; Maria Jose Vargas was a double gold medalist in Girls U16.
Canada was fourth with 7 medals and two Canadians were double medalists as Pedro Castro got silver and bronze in Boys U18 and Coby Iwaasa took home two bronze medals in Boys U14.
Players from four other countries won medals. Most notably Maria Renee Rodriguez of Guatemala was a double bronze medalist, and The Racquetball Blog believes this could be the first medals for a Guatemalan at an IRF event.
Ecuador also got two bronze medals with Costa Rica and Ireland taking home one bronze medal each. It's the second year in a row that Ireland has had a medalist at Junior Worlds.
Medal Summary by Country
USA 5 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze
Mexico 4, 3, 4
Bolivia 3, 2, 4
Canada 0, 2, 5
Ecuador 0, 0, 2
Guatemala 0, 0, 2
Costa Rica 0, 0, 1
Ireland 0, 0, 1
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships
Los Angeles, California
Boy's 14 and Under
Singles
1st Javier Mar (Mexico)
2nd Roman Ramos (Mexico)
3rd Coby Iwaasa (Canada) and Sawyer Lloyd (USA)
Doubles
1st Eduardo Garay & Javier Estrada (Mexico)
2nd Adam Manilla & Sawyer Lloyd (USA)
3rd Sami Harb & Coby Iwaasa (Canada) and Danilo Torrico & Victor Pardo Jr. (Bolivia)
Boy's 16 and Under
Singles
1st Marco Rojas (USA)
2nd Jose Diaz (USA)
3rd Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) and Vladimir Soria (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Marco Rojas d. Jose Diaz (USA)
2nd Alejandro Romo & Salvador Ortiz (Mexico)
3rd Oscar Arias & Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) and Samuel Murray & Anthony Schonberger (Canada)
Boy's 18 and Under
Singles
1st Taylor Knoth (USA)
2nd Pedro Castro (Canada)
3rd Bradley Kirch (USA) and Jaime Martell (Mexico)
Doubles
1st Bradley Kirch & Nick Montalbano (USA)
2nd Carlos Keller Vargas & Jorge Luis Michel (Bolivia)
3rd Pedro Castro & Jamie Slamko (Canada) and Fernando Muñoz & Pietro Sudassasi (Costa Rica)
Girl's 14 and Under
Singles
1st Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
2nd Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico)
3rd Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) and Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Doubles
1st Monserrat Perez & Regina Franco (Mexico)
2nd Abbey Lavely & Kaitlyn Simmons (USA)
3rd Mckenzie Brayley & Michelle Morissette (Canada) and Maria Rocio Martinez & Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Girl's 16 and Under
Singles
1st Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
2nd Kelani Bailey (USA)
3rd Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) and Devon Pimentelli (USA)
Doubles
1st Masiel Rivera & Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
2nd Courtney Chisholm & Devon Pimentelli (USA)
3rd Aisling Hickey & Katie Kenny (Ireland) and Ana Paola Camacho & Natalia Villagomez Beltran (Mexico)
Girl's 18 and Under
Singles
1st Aubrey O'brien (USA)
2nd Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
3rd Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) and Danielle Key (USA)
Doubles
1st Danielle Key & Aubrey O'brien (USA)
2nd Adriana Riveros & Carolina Oña (Bolivia)
3rd Cristina Cordova & Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) and Jocelyn Loredo & Sofia Rascon (Mexico)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, November 21, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Puget Sound Challenge - Salas Solis Wins 1st Title
Samantha Salas Solis has won her first Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Tier 1 event as she beat Kerri Wachtel at the 2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am on Sunday in Olympia, Washington. It was a closely fought final, as Salas Solis won it in four games, 13-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7.
The final was the second of Salas's career and the first for Wachtel since September 2009. On Sunday, Salas will be going for her first WPRO win while Wachtel hasn't won a WPRO event since December 2007.
The next WPRO has two events next month: a satellite event - The New Jersey Open December 3-5 - and the Tier 1 Christmas Classic December 10-12 in Arlington, Virginia.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Olympia, Washington
Final: Samantha Salas d. Kerri Wachtel, 13-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
The final was the second of Salas's career and the first for Wachtel since September 2009. On Sunday, Salas will be going for her first WPRO win while Wachtel hasn't won a WPRO event since December 2007.
The next WPRO has two events next month: a satellite event - The New Jersey Open December 3-5 - and the Tier 1 Christmas Classic December 10-12 in Arlington, Virginia.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Olympia, Washington
Final: Samantha Salas d. Kerri Wachtel, 13-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Puget Sound Challenge - Top Seeds Lose
The unexpected has become the expected in Olympia, Washington at the 2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am, as the two top seeds - Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas - were defeated in the semi-finals of this Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour. Sunday's final will see 3rd seed Samantha Salas face off against 4th seed Kerri Wachtel.
Both Salas and Wachtel needed four games to defeat the top seeds, as Salas took out Gudinas, 11-4, 11-6, 10-12, 11-6, and Wachtel beat Rajsich, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5.
It's only Salas's second career final and the first for Wachtel since September 2009. On Sunday, Salas will be going for her first WPRO win while Wachtel will be trying to win her first WPRO event since December 2007.
The final will be Sunday at noon PST.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Semi-finals
Kerri Wachtel d. Rhonda Rajsich, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5
Samantha Salas d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-4, 11-6, 10-12, 11-6
Final
Samantha Salas vs. Kerri Wachtel
Follow the bouncing ball....
Both Salas and Wachtel needed four games to defeat the top seeds, as Salas took out Gudinas, 11-4, 11-6, 10-12, 11-6, and Wachtel beat Rajsich, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5.
It's only Salas's second career final and the first for Wachtel since September 2009. On Sunday, Salas will be going for her first WPRO win while Wachtel will be trying to win her first WPRO event since December 2007.
The final will be Sunday at noon PST.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Semi-finals
Kerri Wachtel d. Rhonda Rajsich, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5
Samantha Salas d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-4, 11-6, 10-12, 11-6
Final
Samantha Salas vs. Kerri Wachtel
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, November 20, 2010
2010 Junior World Championships - Americans win all four U18 titles
Americans swept the 18 and under divisions Saturday at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California. Aubrey O'brien and Taylor Knoth won the respective Girls U18 and Boys U18 singles finals with O'brien and Danielle Key winning the Girls doubles title and Bradley Kirch and Nick Montalbano taking the Boys doubles title.
In the Girls U18 singles final, O'brien defeated Canadian Frédérique Lambert, 15-6, 15-4. Lambert never seemed comfortable in the match as O'brien drove serve effectively, especially to the right side. O'brien and Key beat Bolivians Adriana Riveros and Carolina Oña (Bolivia) in the doubles final, 15-3, 15-11.
The wins on the Boys side were also by comfortable margins as Knoth won two straight against Pedro Castro of Canada, 15-5, 15-8, and Kirch and Montalbano went two straight against Carlos Keller Vargas and Jorge Luis Michel of Bolivia, 15-7, 15-4.
Knoth used a variety of serves, but mostly drive serves including a couple of jams that hit Castro as he tried to take position to return them. Castro may simply have been out of gas after playing 9 games on Friday in winning his singles quarter finals and semi-finals in tie-breakers and playing another tie-breaker in doubles.
The Americans also swept the Boys U16 divisions with Marco Rojas winning singles and also taking doubles with Jose Diaz, who was the runner up in singles, but in Girls U16 it was Bolivia's Maria Paz Munoz who was a double winner taking the singles title and doubles with partner Masiel Rivera.
Mexico took three of the four gold medals in the U14 divisions, as they swept the boys singles and doubles as well as the girls doubles title. It could have been a Mexican sweep in the girls divisions also, but in singles Bolivian Natalia Mendez defeated Mexican Ximena Gonzalez in a tie-breaker, 8-15, 15-12, 11-9.
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships
Los Angeles, California
Boy's 14 and Under
Singles Final - Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Roman Ramos (Mexico), 10-15, 15-9, 11-10
Doubles Final - Eduardo Garay & Javier Estrada (Mexico) d. Adam Manilla & Sawyer Lloyd (USA), 12-15, 15-7, 11-1
Boy's 16 and Under
Singles Final - Marco Rojas (USA) d. Jose Diaz (USA), 15-8, 15-6
Doubles Final - Marco Rojas d. Jose Diaz (USA) d. Alejandro Romo & Salvador Ortiz (Mexico), 15-14, 15-5
Boy's 18 and Under
Singles Final - Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Pedro Castro (Canada), 15-5, 15-8
Doubles Final - Bradley Kirch & Nick Montalbano (USA) d. Carlos Keller Vargas & Jorge Luis Michel (Bolivia), 15-7, 15-4
Girl's 14 and Under
Singles Final - Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico), 8-15, 15-12, 11-9
Doubles Final - Monserrat Perez & Regina Franco (Mexico) d. Abbey Lavely & Kaitlyn Simmons (USA), 15-7, 15-10
Girl's 16 and Under
Singles Final - Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Kelani Bailey (USA), 15-11, 12-15, 11-6
Doubles Final - Masiel Rivera & Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Courtney Chisholm & Devon Pimentelli (USA), 15-9, 15-9
Girl's 18 and Under
Singles Final - Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Frédérique Lambert (Canada), 15-6, 15-4
Doubles Final - Danielle Key & Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Adriana Riveros & Carolina Oña (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the Girls U18 singles final, O'brien defeated Canadian Frédérique Lambert, 15-6, 15-4. Lambert never seemed comfortable in the match as O'brien drove serve effectively, especially to the right side. O'brien and Key beat Bolivians Adriana Riveros and Carolina Oña (Bolivia) in the doubles final, 15-3, 15-11.
The wins on the Boys side were also by comfortable margins as Knoth won two straight against Pedro Castro of Canada, 15-5, 15-8, and Kirch and Montalbano went two straight against Carlos Keller Vargas and Jorge Luis Michel of Bolivia, 15-7, 15-4.
Knoth used a variety of serves, but mostly drive serves including a couple of jams that hit Castro as he tried to take position to return them. Castro may simply have been out of gas after playing 9 games on Friday in winning his singles quarter finals and semi-finals in tie-breakers and playing another tie-breaker in doubles.
The Americans also swept the Boys U16 divisions with Marco Rojas winning singles and also taking doubles with Jose Diaz, who was the runner up in singles, but in Girls U16 it was Bolivia's Maria Paz Munoz who was a double winner taking the singles title and doubles with partner Masiel Rivera.
Mexico took three of the four gold medals in the U14 divisions, as they swept the boys singles and doubles as well as the girls doubles title. It could have been a Mexican sweep in the girls divisions also, but in singles Bolivian Natalia Mendez defeated Mexican Ximena Gonzalez in a tie-breaker, 8-15, 15-12, 11-9.
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships
Los Angeles, California
Boy's 14 and Under
Singles Final - Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Roman Ramos (Mexico), 10-15, 15-9, 11-10
Doubles Final - Eduardo Garay & Javier Estrada (Mexico) d. Adam Manilla & Sawyer Lloyd (USA), 12-15, 15-7, 11-1
Boy's 16 and Under
Singles Final - Marco Rojas (USA) d. Jose Diaz (USA), 15-8, 15-6
Doubles Final - Marco Rojas d. Jose Diaz (USA) d. Alejandro Romo & Salvador Ortiz (Mexico), 15-14, 15-5
Boy's 18 and Under
Singles Final - Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Pedro Castro (Canada), 15-5, 15-8
Doubles Final - Bradley Kirch & Nick Montalbano (USA) d. Carlos Keller Vargas & Jorge Luis Michel (Bolivia), 15-7, 15-4
Girl's 14 and Under
Singles Final - Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico), 8-15, 15-12, 11-9
Doubles Final - Monserrat Perez & Regina Franco (Mexico) d. Abbey Lavely & Kaitlyn Simmons (USA), 15-7, 15-10
Girl's 16 and Under
Singles Final - Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Kelani Bailey (USA), 15-11, 12-15, 11-6
Doubles Final - Masiel Rivera & Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Courtney Chisholm & Devon Pimentelli (USA), 15-9, 15-9
Girl's 18 and Under
Singles Final - Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Frédérique Lambert (Canada), 15-6, 15-4
Doubles Final - Danielle Key & Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Adriana Riveros & Carolina Oña (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Puget Sound Challenge - QFS
Things are mostly going according to the seedings at the 2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington - a Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour. Top seed Rhonda Rajsich is in the semi-finals against 4th seed Kerri Wachtel on the top side of the draw with 2nd seed Cheryl Gudinas playing 3rd seed Samantha Salas on the bottom of the draw.
However, in the Round of 16 two five game matches resulted in small upsets as 10th seed Susana Acosta eked out a victory against 7th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 and 9th seed T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 8th seed Keely Franks, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7.
According to our sources, the WPRO's #1 player Paola Longoria isn't in Olympia as she was named Mexican Athlete of the Year and will be presented with the award this weekend in Mexico City.
The semi-finals will go on Saturday evening with the final Sunday at noon PST.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Quarter Finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3
Kerri Wachtel d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 11-8
Samantha Salas d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas d. Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7
Semi-finals - Saturday
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kerri Wachtel
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Samantha Salas
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Tammarrian Rogers, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
T. J. Baumbaugh d. Keely Franks, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
Adrienne Fisher d. Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-3, 11-7
Kerri Wachtel d. Wanda Collins, 11-5, 11-1, 11-4
Samantha Salas d. Cheyenne Hayes, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Jennifer Saunders d. Angela Grisar, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7
Susana Acosta d. Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Beth Neff, 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, in the Round of 16 two five game matches resulted in small upsets as 10th seed Susana Acosta eked out a victory against 7th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 and 9th seed T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 8th seed Keely Franks, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7.
According to our sources, the WPRO's #1 player Paola Longoria isn't in Olympia as she was named Mexican Athlete of the Year and will be presented with the award this weekend in Mexico City.
The semi-finals will go on Saturday evening with the final Sunday at noon PST.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Quarter Finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-3, 11-3
Kerri Wachtel d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 11-8
Samantha Salas d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-2, 11-3, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas d. Susana Acosta, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7
Semi-finals - Saturday
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kerri Wachtel
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Samantha Salas
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Tammarrian Rogers, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
T. J. Baumbaugh d. Keely Franks, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
Adrienne Fisher d. Da'monique Davis, 11-8, 11-3, 11-7
Kerri Wachtel d. Wanda Collins, 11-5, 11-1, 11-4
Samantha Salas d. Cheyenne Hayes, 11-4, 11-1, 11-1
Jennifer Saunders d. Angela Grisar, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7
Susana Acosta d. Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Beth Neff, 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 Junior World Championships - Finalists Set
Girls from five different countries will be playing for gold medals on Saturday at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) Junior World Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California. Bolivia and the USA have two players among the Girls U14, U16, and U18 finalists with one each from Canada and Mexico.
In the Girls U18 final, American Aubrey O'brien will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert. O'brien defeated Maria Paz Munoz, 15-6, 11-15, 11-0, in one semi-final on Friday and Lambert beat Danielle Key (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-7.
On the boys' side, the finalists are a split between Mexico and the USA with one exception, as Pedro Castro of Canada made it to the Boys U18 final with two tie-breaker wins against fellow Canuck Jamie Slamko, 13-15, 15-9, 11-9, in the quarters and American Bradley Kirch in the semis, 14-15, 15-12, 11-6.
Castro's opponent will be top seed Taylor Knoth (USA). His path to the final was only slightly less difficult, as he faced the 2009 silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico in the quarters. That match was as close as it could be as Knoth won 15-14, 14-15, 11-10. But in his semi-final match, Knoth defeated Jaime Martell (Mexico) in two straight games, 15-12, 15-4.
The finals are all set for Saturday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play will begin at 10 AM PST and can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Boy's Singles 14 and Under
Quarter finals
Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. Adam Manilla (USA), 8-15, 15-12, 11-6
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia), 0-15, 15-2, 11-1
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) d. Andres Aviles (Costa Rica), 10-15, 15-11, 11-3
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Sami Harb (Canada), 15-14, 15-8
Semi-finals
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Coby Iwaasa (Canada), 15-11, 15-8
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Sawyer Lloyd (USA), 15-14, 15-3
Final - Roman Ramos (Mexico) vs. Javier Mar (Mexico)
Boy's Singles 16 and Under
Quarter finals
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Sebastian Franco (Colombia), 11-15, 15-2, 11-2
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) d. Francisco Troncoso (Chile), 15-4, 13-15, 11-3
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-0, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. Oscar Arias (Bolivia), 15-6, 15-6
Semi-finals
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Vladimir Soria (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-1
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-9, 15-14
Final - Marco Rojas (USA) vs. Jose Diaz (USA)
Boy's Singles 18 and Under - Pool Play Playoffs
Quarter finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico), 15-14, 14-15, 11-10
Jaime Martell (Mexico) d. Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia), 15-10, 5-15, 11-7
Bradley Kirch (USA) d. Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia), 15-4, 15-6
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. James Slamko (Canada), 13-15, 15-9, 11-9
Semi-finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Jaime Martell (Mexico), 15-12, 15-4
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. Bradley Kirch (USA), 14-15, 15-12, 11-6
Final - Taylor Knoth (USA) vs. Pedro Castro (Canada)
Girl's Singles 14 and Under
Quarter finals
Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) d. Kate Ryan (Ireland), 13-15, 15-8, 11-6
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Mariana Lopez (Bolivia), 13-15, 15-3, 11-6
Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) d. Michèle Morissette (Canada), 15-10, 15-8
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Alexandra Herrera (Mexico), 9-15, 15-7, 11-8
Semi-finals
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Kaitlyn Simmons (USA), 15-6, 15-1
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-10, 15-6
Final - Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) vs. Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 16 and Under
Quarter finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela), 15-6, 15-6
Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) d. Erica Ortega (Mexico), 15-2, 15-10
Devon Pimentelli (USA) d. Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua), 15-5, 15-4
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Aisling Hickey (Ireland), 15-4, 15-1
Semi-finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Masiel Rivera (Bolivia), 15-13, 15-13
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Devon Pimentelli (USA), 15-8, 15-2
Final - Kelani Bailey (USA) vs. Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 18 and Under
Quarter finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Carolina Oña (Bolivia), 15-5, 15-1
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Jessica Parrilla (Mexico), 7-15, 15-8, 11-9
Danielle Key (USA) d. Elena Robles Molina (Mexico), 15-5, 15-9
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-2, 15-10
Semi-finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-6, 11-15, 11-0
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Danielle Key (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-7
Final - Aubrey O'brien (USA) vs. Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the Girls U18 final, American Aubrey O'brien will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert. O'brien defeated Maria Paz Munoz, 15-6, 11-15, 11-0, in one semi-final on Friday and Lambert beat Danielle Key (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-7.
On the boys' side, the finalists are a split between Mexico and the USA with one exception, as Pedro Castro of Canada made it to the Boys U18 final with two tie-breaker wins against fellow Canuck Jamie Slamko, 13-15, 15-9, 11-9, in the quarters and American Bradley Kirch in the semis, 14-15, 15-12, 11-6.
Castro's opponent will be top seed Taylor Knoth (USA). His path to the final was only slightly less difficult, as he faced the 2009 silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico in the quarters. That match was as close as it could be as Knoth won 15-14, 14-15, 11-10. But in his semi-final match, Knoth defeated Jaime Martell (Mexico) in two straight games, 15-12, 15-4.
The finals are all set for Saturday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play will begin at 10 AM PST and can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Boy's Singles 14 and Under
Quarter finals
Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. Adam Manilla (USA), 8-15, 15-12, 11-6
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia), 0-15, 15-2, 11-1
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) d. Andres Aviles (Costa Rica), 10-15, 15-11, 11-3
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Sami Harb (Canada), 15-14, 15-8
Semi-finals
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Coby Iwaasa (Canada), 15-11, 15-8
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Sawyer Lloyd (USA), 15-14, 15-3
Final - Roman Ramos (Mexico) vs. Javier Mar (Mexico)
Boy's Singles 16 and Under
Quarter finals
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Sebastian Franco (Colombia), 11-15, 15-2, 11-2
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) d. Francisco Troncoso (Chile), 15-4, 13-15, 11-3
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-0, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. Oscar Arias (Bolivia), 15-6, 15-6
Semi-finals
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Vladimir Soria (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-1
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-9, 15-14
Final - Marco Rojas (USA) vs. Jose Diaz (USA)
Boy's Singles 18 and Under - Pool Play Playoffs
Quarter finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico), 15-14, 14-15, 11-10
Jaime Martell (Mexico) d. Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia), 15-10, 5-15, 11-7
Bradley Kirch (USA) d. Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia), 15-4, 15-6
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. James Slamko (Canada), 13-15, 15-9, 11-9
Semi-finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Jaime Martell (Mexico), 15-12, 15-4
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. Bradley Kirch (USA), 14-15, 15-12, 11-6
Final - Taylor Knoth (USA) vs. Pedro Castro (Canada)
Girl's Singles 14 and Under
Quarter finals
Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) d. Kate Ryan (Ireland), 13-15, 15-8, 11-6
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Mariana Lopez (Bolivia), 13-15, 15-3, 11-6
Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) d. Michèle Morissette (Canada), 15-10, 15-8
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Alexandra Herrera (Mexico), 9-15, 15-7, 11-8
Semi-finals
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Kaitlyn Simmons (USA), 15-6, 15-1
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-10, 15-6
Final - Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) vs. Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 16 and Under
Quarter finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela), 15-6, 15-6
Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) d. Erica Ortega (Mexico), 15-2, 15-10
Devon Pimentelli (USA) d. Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua), 15-5, 15-4
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Aisling Hickey (Ireland), 15-4, 15-1
Semi-finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Masiel Rivera (Bolivia), 15-13, 15-13
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Devon Pimentelli (USA), 15-8, 15-2
Final - Kelani Bailey (USA) vs. Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 18 and Under
Quarter finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Carolina Oña (Bolivia), 15-5, 15-1
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Jessica Parrilla (Mexico), 7-15, 15-8, 11-9
Danielle Key (USA) d. Elena Robles Molina (Mexico), 15-5, 15-9
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-2, 15-10
Semi-finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-6, 11-15, 11-0
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Danielle Key (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-7
Final - Aubrey O'brien (USA) vs. Frédérique Lambert (Canada)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, November 19, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Puget Sound Challenge - Round of 16
The 2010-2011 Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) season continues this weekend with the 2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington. This is a new event on the WPRO schedule, which may be the cause of the smaller than normal draw. But 16 players will be competing in Olympia.
However, the WPRO's #1 player Paola Longoria won't be one of them. We've got no word on why Longoria isn't there, but her absence makes Rhonda Rajsich the top seed for the event.
The quarter finals and semi-finals are slated for Saturday with the finals to follow on Sunday.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Tammarrian Rogers
Keely Franks vs. T. J. Baumbaugh
Adrienne Fisher vs. Da'monique Davis
Kerri Wachtel vs. Wanda Collins
Samantha Salas vs. Cheyenne Hayes
Jennifer Saunders vs. Angela Grisar
Susana Acosta vs. Jo Shattuck
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Beth Neff
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, the WPRO's #1 player Paola Longoria won't be one of them. We've got no word on why Longoria isn't there, but her absence makes Rhonda Rajsich the top seed for the event.
The quarter finals and semi-finals are slated for Saturday with the finals to follow on Sunday.
2010 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am
Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Tammarrian Rogers
Keely Franks vs. T. J. Baumbaugh
Adrienne Fisher vs. Da'monique Davis
Kerri Wachtel vs. Wanda Collins
Samantha Salas vs. Cheyenne Hayes
Jennifer Saunders vs. Angela Grisar
Susana Acosta vs. Jo Shattuck
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Beth Neff
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 Junior World Championships - Day Four Results
There were no big upsets on Thursday - the first day of the elimination round - at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) Junior World Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California. But there will be some cracking matches on Friday as the players will be play both quarter finals and semi-finals.
For example, there's going to be a repeat of the showdown between American Marco Rojas and Colombian Sebastian Franco in the quarter finals of Boys U16, as they played on Wednesday with Rojas winning 11-10 in the tie-breaker.
In Boys U18, top seed Taylor Knoth of the USA plays last year's silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico in the quarters. The winner of the that will play the winner of Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia), last year's gold medalist in Boys U16, and Jaime Martell (Mexico).
In Girls U14 Kate Ryan of Ireland is through to the quarters where she'll play American Kaitlyn Simmons. The winner will play the winner of Mexican Ximena Gonzalez, who has looked very strong, and Bolivian Mariana Lopez.
American Aubrey O'brien continues to impress in the Girls U18 as she blanked Aimee Quinn of Ireland, 15-0, 15-0, in the Round of 16. O'brien's next opponent is Bolivian Carolina Oña. Also still alive in Girls U18 are American Danielle Key, Canadian Frédérique Lambert, and Jessica Parrilla of Mexico.
The elimination round continues Friday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships - Los Angeles, California
Boy's Singles 14 and Under
Round of 16:
Adam Manilla (USA) d. Bernardo Zamora (Nicaragua), 11-5, 11-2
Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. Camilo Diaz (Colombia), 15-3, 15-4
Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia) d. Mario Mercado (Bolivia), 15-5, 12-15, 11-9
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Stephen Quinn (Ireland), 15-3, 15-0
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) d. Luciano Garcia (Nicaragua), 15-13, 11-15, 11-8
Andres Aviles (Costa Rica) d. Pablo Sauma (Costa Rica), 15-13, 0-15, 11-9
Sami Harb (Canada) d. Felipe Arenas (Colombia), 15-3, 15-2
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Manolo Sandoval (Guatemala), 11-6, 11-9
Quarter finals
Adam Manilla (USA) vs. Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia) vs. Roman Ramos (Mexico)
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) vs. Andres Aviles (Costa Rica)
Javier Mar (Mexico) vs. Sami Harb (Canada)
Boy's Singles 16 and Under
Round of 16:
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Andres Fabian Montecinos (Costa Rica), 15-7, 15-9
Sebastian Franco (Colombia) d. Samuel Murray (Canada), 9-15, 15-5, 11-4
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) d. Francisco De-leon (Dominican Republic), 15-9, 15-4
Francisco Troncoso (Chile) d. Jose Ignacio Ruiz Matus (Chile), 15-3, 15-2
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Sebastian Sueiras (Puerto Rico), 15-4, 15-4
Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) d. Anthony Schonberger (Canada), 15-8, 14-15, 11-7
Oscar Arias (Bolivia) d. Junior Rodriguez (Dominican Republic), 15-8, 15-7
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. Daire Gargan (Ireland), 15-3, 15-6
Quarter finals
Marco Rojas (USA) vs. Sebastian Franco (Colombia)
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) vs. Francisco Troncoso (Chile)
Jose Diaz (USA) vs. Edwin Galicia (Guatemala)
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) vs. Oscar Arias (Bolivia)
Boy's Singles 18 and Under
Round of 16:
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Sean Keane (Ireland), 15-8, 15-0
Alejandro Cardona (Mexico) d. Cristian Jaime (Dominican Republic), 15-2, 15-6
Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia) d. Fernando Muñoz (Costa Rica), 15-1, 15-2
Jaime Martell (Mexico) d. Ismael Zhindon (Ecuador), 15-5, 15-2
Bradley Kirch (USA) d. Joe Dillon (Ireland), 15-2, 15-3
Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia) d. Marcelo Lora (Bolivia), 15-6, 15-4
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. Roberto Leyes Jr (Venezuela), 15-5, 15-4
James Slamko (Canada) d. Roger Zamora (Nicaragua) WBF - No Show
Quarter finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) vs. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico)
Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia) vs. Jaime Martell (Mexico)
Bradley Kirch (USA) vs. Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia)
James Slamko (Canada) vs. Pedro Castro (Canada)
Girl's Singles 14 and Under
Round of 16:
Kate Ryan (Ireland) d. Mckenzie Brayley (Canada), 15-1, 15-7
Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) d. Elaine Murphy (Ireland), 15-11, 15-2
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Paulina Sempértegui (Ecuador), 15-0, 15-2
Mariana Lopez (Bolivia) d. Maria Cespedes (Dominican Republic), 15-10, 15-3
Michèle Morissette (Canada) d. Alessandra Gabriel Garcia Vega (Guatemala), 15-0, 15-2
Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) d. Mery Nanyely Delgado (Dominican Republic), 15-4, 15-2
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Maria Paula Posada (Nicaragua), 15-0, 15-1
Alexandra Herrera (Mexico) d. Abbey Lavely (USA), 15-6, 15-5
Quarter finals
Kate Ryan (Ireland) vs. Kaitlyn Simmons (USA)
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) vs. Mariana Lopez (Bolivia)
Michèle Morissette (Canada) vs. Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) vs. Alexandra Herrera (Mexico)
Girl's Singles 16 and Under
Round of 16
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Larissa Ayon (Nicaragua), 15-0, 15-1
Marianna Tobon (Venezuela) d. Katie Kenny (Ireland), 15-11, 15-11
Erica Ortega (Mexico) d. Ana Cristina Velez (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-14
Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) d. Brittany Nelson (Canada), 15-5, 15-0
Devon Pimentelli (USA) d. Dafne Macrino (Argentina), 15-0, 15-5
Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua) d. Caridad Vintimilla (Ecuador), 15-8, 15-2
Aisling Hickey (Ireland) d. Arleth Maldonado (Mexico), 15-1, 15-12
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Danielle Drury (Canada), 15-2, 15-0
Quarter finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) vs. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela)
Erica Ortega (Mexico) vs. Masiel Rivera (Bolivia)
Devon Pimentelli (USA) vs. Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua)
Aisling Hickey (Ireland) vs. Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 18 and Under
Round of 16
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Aimee Quinn (Ireland), 15-0, 15-0
Carolina Oña (Bolivia) d. Brigitte Richard (Canada), 15-8, 15-14
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela), 15-10, 15-7
Jessica Parrilla (Mexico) d. Mariola Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-0, 15-1
Danielle Key (USA) d. Pamela Sierra (Honduras), 15-3, 15-2
Elena Robles Molina (Mexico) d. Cristina Cordova (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-7
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Majella Haverty (Ireland), 15-6, 15-0
Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. Marcela Segreda (Costa Rica), 15-1, 15-6
Quarter finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) vs. Carolina Oña (Bolivia)
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) vs. Jessica Parrilla (Mexico)
Danielle Key (USA) vs. Elena Robles Molina (Mexico)
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) vs. Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
For example, there's going to be a repeat of the showdown between American Marco Rojas and Colombian Sebastian Franco in the quarter finals of Boys U16, as they played on Wednesday with Rojas winning 11-10 in the tie-breaker.
In Boys U18, top seed Taylor Knoth of the USA plays last year's silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico in the quarters. The winner of the that will play the winner of Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia), last year's gold medalist in Boys U16, and Jaime Martell (Mexico).
In Girls U14 Kate Ryan of Ireland is through to the quarters where she'll play American Kaitlyn Simmons. The winner will play the winner of Mexican Ximena Gonzalez, who has looked very strong, and Bolivian Mariana Lopez.
American Aubrey O'brien continues to impress in the Girls U18 as she blanked Aimee Quinn of Ireland, 15-0, 15-0, in the Round of 16. O'brien's next opponent is Bolivian Carolina Oña. Also still alive in Girls U18 are American Danielle Key, Canadian Frédérique Lambert, and Jessica Parrilla of Mexico.
The elimination round continues Friday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
2010 IRF Junior World Racquetball Championships - Los Angeles, California
Boy's Singles 14 and Under
Round of 16:
Adam Manilla (USA) d. Bernardo Zamora (Nicaragua), 11-5, 11-2
Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. Camilo Diaz (Colombia), 15-3, 15-4
Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia) d. Mario Mercado (Bolivia), 15-5, 12-15, 11-9
Roman Ramos (Mexico) d. Stephen Quinn (Ireland), 15-3, 15-0
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) d. Luciano Garcia (Nicaragua), 15-13, 11-15, 11-8
Andres Aviles (Costa Rica) d. Pablo Sauma (Costa Rica), 15-13, 0-15, 11-9
Sami Harb (Canada) d. Felipe Arenas (Colombia), 15-3, 15-2
Javier Mar (Mexico) d. Manolo Sandoval (Guatemala), 11-6, 11-9
Quarter finals
Adam Manilla (USA) vs. Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
Marcelo Vargas (Bolivia) vs. Roman Ramos (Mexico)
Sawyer Lloyd (USA) vs. Andres Aviles (Costa Rica)
Javier Mar (Mexico) vs. Sami Harb (Canada)
Boy's Singles 16 and Under
Round of 16:
Marco Rojas (USA) d. Andres Fabian Montecinos (Costa Rica), 15-7, 15-9
Sebastian Franco (Colombia) d. Samuel Murray (Canada), 9-15, 15-5, 11-4
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) d. Francisco De-leon (Dominican Republic), 15-9, 15-4
Francisco Troncoso (Chile) d. Jose Ignacio Ruiz Matus (Chile), 15-3, 15-2
Jose Diaz (USA) d. Sebastian Sueiras (Puerto Rico), 15-4, 15-4
Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) d. Anthony Schonberger (Canada), 15-8, 14-15, 11-7
Oscar Arias (Bolivia) d. Junior Rodriguez (Dominican Republic), 15-8, 15-7
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. Daire Gargan (Ireland), 15-3, 15-6
Quarter finals
Marco Rojas (USA) vs. Sebastian Franco (Colombia)
Vladimir Soria (Bolivia) vs. Francisco Troncoso (Chile)
Jose Diaz (USA) vs. Edwin Galicia (Guatemala)
Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) vs. Oscar Arias (Bolivia)
Boy's Singles 18 and Under
Round of 16:
Taylor Knoth (USA) d. Sean Keane (Ireland), 15-8, 15-0
Alejandro Cardona (Mexico) d. Cristian Jaime (Dominican Republic), 15-2, 15-6
Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia) d. Fernando Muñoz (Costa Rica), 15-1, 15-2
Jaime Martell (Mexico) d. Ismael Zhindon (Ecuador), 15-5, 15-2
Bradley Kirch (USA) d. Joe Dillon (Ireland), 15-2, 15-3
Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia) d. Marcelo Lora (Bolivia), 15-6, 15-4
Pedro Castro (Canada) d. Roberto Leyes Jr (Venezuela), 15-5, 15-4
James Slamko (Canada) d. Roger Zamora (Nicaragua) WBF - No Show
Quarter finals
Taylor Knoth (USA) vs. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico)
Carlos Keller Vargas (Bolivia) vs. Jaime Martell (Mexico)
Bradley Kirch (USA) vs. Juan Felipe Garzon (Colombia)
James Slamko (Canada) vs. Pedro Castro (Canada)
Girl's Singles 14 and Under
Round of 16:
Kate Ryan (Ireland) d. Mckenzie Brayley (Canada), 15-1, 15-7
Kaitlyn Simmons (USA) d. Elaine Murphy (Ireland), 15-11, 15-2
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) d. Paulina Sempértegui (Ecuador), 15-0, 15-2
Mariana Lopez (Bolivia) d. Maria Cespedes (Dominican Republic), 15-10, 15-3
Michèle Morissette (Canada) d. Alessandra Gabriel Garcia Vega (Guatemala), 15-0, 15-2
Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala) d. Mery Nanyely Delgado (Dominican Republic), 15-4, 15-2
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. Maria Paula Posada (Nicaragua), 15-0, 15-1
Alexandra Herrera (Mexico) d. Abbey Lavely (USA), 15-6, 15-5
Quarter finals
Kate Ryan (Ireland) vs. Kaitlyn Simmons (USA)
Ximena Gonzalez (Mexico) vs. Mariana Lopez (Bolivia)
Michèle Morissette (Canada) vs. Maria Renee Rodriguez (Guatemala)
Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) vs. Alexandra Herrera (Mexico)
Girl's Singles 16 and Under
Round of 16
Kelani Bailey (USA) d. Larissa Ayon (Nicaragua), 15-0, 15-1
Marianna Tobon (Venezuela) d. Katie Kenny (Ireland), 15-11, 15-11
Erica Ortega (Mexico) d. Ana Cristina Velez (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-14
Masiel Rivera (Bolivia) d. Brittany Nelson (Canada), 15-5, 15-0
Devon Pimentelli (USA) d. Dafne Macrino (Argentina), 15-0, 15-5
Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua) d. Caridad Vintimilla (Ecuador), 15-8, 15-2
Aisling Hickey (Ireland) d. Arleth Maldonado (Mexico), 15-1, 15-12
Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia) d. Danielle Drury (Canada), 15-2, 15-0
Quarter finals
Kelani Bailey (USA) vs. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela)
Erica Ortega (Mexico) vs. Masiel Rivera (Bolivia)
Devon Pimentelli (USA) vs. Sylvia Zamora (Nicaragua)
Aisling Hickey (Ireland) vs. Maria Jose Vargas (Bolivia)
Girl's Singles 18 and Under
Round of 16
Aubrey O'brien (USA) d. Aimee Quinn (Ireland), 15-0, 15-0
Carolina Oña (Bolivia) d. Brigitte Richard (Canada), 15-8, 15-14
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Marianna Tobon (Venezuela), 15-10, 15-7
Jessica Parrilla (Mexico) d. Mariola Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-0, 15-1
Danielle Key (USA) d. Pamela Sierra (Honduras), 15-3, 15-2
Elena Robles Molina (Mexico) d. Cristina Cordova (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-7
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. Majella Haverty (Ireland), 15-6, 15-0
Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) d. Marcela Segreda (Costa Rica), 15-1, 15-6
Quarter finals
Aubrey O'brien (USA) vs. Carolina Oña (Bolivia)
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) vs. Jessica Parrilla (Mexico)
Danielle Key (USA) vs. Elena Robles Molina (Mexico)
Frédérique Lambert (Canada) vs. Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
2010 Junior World Championships - Day Three Results
Jamie Slamko of Canada upset last year's Boys U18 silver medalist, Alejandro Cardona of Mexico, 8-15, 15-13, 11-9, and will be the 2nd seed for the elimination round on Thursday at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California.
But Slamko needed a tie-breaker for the win, as he dropped the first game 8-15 - despite leading 7-4. He almost let it slip away in the second game also as he led 12-6 only to have Cardona score seven straight points to lead 13-12. However, Slamko got the serve back and was able to finish the game, 15-13.
In the tie-breaker, Slamko led all the way but Cardona made it close when he narrowed the gap to 10-9. But that's as close as he got as Slamko closed out game three, 11-9, winning the match.
Slamko was also a winner in doubles, as he and Pedro Castro beat the Mexican team of Pedro Gonzalez and Victor Garay, 15-6, 15-12, so they are the 2nd seed in Boys U18 doubles.
The top seeds in Boys U18 singes and doubles are Americans. Taylor Knoth is the top singles player and in doubles it's Bradley Kirch and Nick Montalbano. However, Knoth will likely play Cardona in the quarters on Thursday if they both win their Round of 16 matches.
In Girls U18 American Aubrey O'brien is the top seed in singles and in doubles with partner Danielle Key. But in Girls U14 Kate Ryan of Ireland will be top seed as she defeated American Abbey Lavely, 15-12, 15-13 Wednesday. The Racquetball Blog believes this is the first time an Irish player has earned top seeding at an IRF tournament.
Moreover, of the 5 pools in Girls U14 only one was won by an American or Mexican player, as two were won by Bolivians - Natalia Mendez and Mariana Lopez - one by Ryan and one by Canadian Michelle Morissette. The other pool went to Mexican Ximena Gonzalez.
Also of note, American Marco Rojas won a 11-10 tie-breaker over Colombian Sebastian Franco, and will be the top seed in Boys U16.
The elimination round begins Thursday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
But Slamko needed a tie-breaker for the win, as he dropped the first game 8-15 - despite leading 7-4. He almost let it slip away in the second game also as he led 12-6 only to have Cardona score seven straight points to lead 13-12. However, Slamko got the serve back and was able to finish the game, 15-13.
In the tie-breaker, Slamko led all the way but Cardona made it close when he narrowed the gap to 10-9. But that's as close as he got as Slamko closed out game three, 11-9, winning the match.
Slamko was also a winner in doubles, as he and Pedro Castro beat the Mexican team of Pedro Gonzalez and Victor Garay, 15-6, 15-12, so they are the 2nd seed in Boys U18 doubles.
The top seeds in Boys U18 singes and doubles are Americans. Taylor Knoth is the top singles player and in doubles it's Bradley Kirch and Nick Montalbano. However, Knoth will likely play Cardona in the quarters on Thursday if they both win their Round of 16 matches.
In Girls U18 American Aubrey O'brien is the top seed in singles and in doubles with partner Danielle Key. But in Girls U14 Kate Ryan of Ireland will be top seed as she defeated American Abbey Lavely, 15-12, 15-13 Wednesday. The Racquetball Blog believes this is the first time an Irish player has earned top seeding at an IRF tournament.
Moreover, of the 5 pools in Girls U14 only one was won by an American or Mexican player, as two were won by Bolivians - Natalia Mendez and Mariana Lopez - one by Ryan and one by Canadian Michelle Morissette. The other pool went to Mexican Ximena Gonzalez.
Also of note, American Marco Rojas won a 11-10 tie-breaker over Colombian Sebastian Franco, and will be the top seed in Boys U16.
The elimination round begins Thursday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 Junior World Championships - Day Three
Wednesday is sort out day at the 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) Junior World Racquetball Championships in Los Angeles, California, as it's the last round of pool play so the toughest matches should be today with the results determining the seeding for the elimination round that will begin Thursday.
For example, in pools of four players there will be several matches of players with two wins each, such as Bradley Kirch (USA) and Cristian Jamie (Domincian Republic) in Boys U18 singles. Also in that division, the 2009 silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico will play Canadian Jamie Slamko.
Similarly, in Girls U18 American Danielle Key will play Frédérique Lambert of Canada and Jessica Parrilla of Mexico will play Carolina Oña of Bolivia to determine the winners of their respective pools.
The pool play ends Wednesday with the elimination round beginning on Thursday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California.
Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
For example, in pools of four players there will be several matches of players with two wins each, such as Bradley Kirch (USA) and Cristian Jamie (Domincian Republic) in Boys U18 singles. Also in that division, the 2009 silver medalist Alejandro Cardona of Mexico will play Canadian Jamie Slamko.
Similarly, in Girls U18 American Danielle Key will play Frédérique Lambert of Canada and Jessica Parrilla of Mexico will play Carolina Oña of Bolivia to determine the winners of their respective pools.
The pool play ends Wednesday with the elimination round beginning on Thursday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California.
Play can be seen over the web via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
2010 Junior World Championships - Day One
The 22nd International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Racquetball Championships are underway in Los Angeles, California and on Monday Irish made the most noise. After playing their Mexican opponents close in Boys U18 singles Joe Dillon and Sean Keane defeated Mexicans Pedro Gonzalez and Victor Garay, 15-10, 10-15, 11-6.
Earlier Keane had game point against Jaime Martell only to lose that game and the match 15-14, 15-11, while Dillon had a close fight with last year's silver medalist Alejandro Cardona, who won it 15-9, 15-13.
The rest of the World Cup matches went according to form. The tournament format has the World Cup players - the top 2 players from each country in the U14, U16, and U18 divisions - playing in groups or pools of 3 or 4 players for the first three days followed by a playoff based on the results of the pool play.
The pool play continues Tuesday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be viewed over the internet via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Earlier Keane had game point against Jaime Martell only to lose that game and the match 15-14, 15-11, while Dillon had a close fight with last year's silver medalist Alejandro Cardona, who won it 15-9, 15-13.
The rest of the World Cup matches went according to form. The tournament format has the World Cup players - the top 2 players from each country in the U14, U16, and U18 divisions - playing in groups or pools of 3 or 4 players for the first three days followed by a playoff based on the results of the pool play.
The pool play continues Tuesday at the Spectrum Club in Los Angeles, California. Play can be viewed over the internet via the IRF website.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, November 13, 2010
2010 IRF Junior World Championship - PREVIEW
The 22nd World Junior Racquetball Championships hosted by the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) will begin Sunday with the opening ceremonies in Los Angeles, California with play starting on Monday November 15 and running to Saturday November 20. As a preview we have the podium finishers from 2009 below. Overall, players from 10 different countries won medals in 2009, which could be a record.
Last year in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Carlos Keller Vargas of Bolivia won both singles and doubles in the Boys U16 divisions, so he'll be one of the players to watch in Boys U18 this year. His main competition will come from Mexican Alejandro Cardona and American Taylor Knoth, who were silver and bronze medalists, respectively, in U18 last year.
In the Girls U18 division, American Aubrey O'brien, 2009 winner in Girls U16 singles title and U18 doubles, could be the favorite along with fellow American Danielle Key, who O'brien won the doubles with last year, and Cristina Cordova of Ecuador (U18 bronze medalist in '09).
Of last year's Girls U18 podium finishers in singles, only Key and Cordova are returning, but 6 of the 8 podium finishers in U18 doubles are back, which should make for a strong field.
Curiously, some of the American podium finishers from last year aren't on the USA team this year. Of course, some are no longer juniors, such as Jose Rojas winner in Boys U18 singles and doubles last year, but not all changes can be explained that way, as neither of the boys who played U14 for the States will be in Los Angeles this week.
Over 300 players from around the world will be competing at the Spectrum Club in Canoga Park, California from November 15 to 20, 2010.
2009 Junior World Racquetball Championship
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Girls 18 & under
1st Yazmine Sabja (Bolivia)
2nd Sheryl Lotts (USA)
3rd Cristina Cordova* (Ecuador) & Danielle Key* (USA)
Doubles
1st Danielle Key* & Aubrey O'brien* (USA)
2nd Yazmine Sabja & Maria Jose Vargas* (Bolivia)
3rd Jessica Parrilla* & Rocio Enriquez Gatz (Mexico) and Cristina Cordova* & Maria Paz Munoz* (Ecuador)
Girls 16 & under
1st Aubrey O'brien* (USA)
2nd Sofia Rascon* (Mexico)
3rd Frédérique Lambert* (Canada) & Adriana Riveros* (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Amanda Lindsay & Jessica Munoz (USA)
2nd Adriana Riveros* & Carolina Ona* (Bolivia)
3rd Aisling Mickey* & Ciara Mcmanamon (Ireland) and Daniela Gascon & Elena Robles Molina* (Mexico)
Girls 14 & under
1st Lucia Gonzalez* (Mexico)
2nd Ximena Gonzalez* (Mexico)
3rd Kelani Bailey* (USA) & Masiel Rivera* (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Kelani Bailey* & Abbey Lavely* (USA)
2nd Masiel Rivera* & Natalia Mendez* (Bolivia)
3rd Michelle Morissette* & Zoe Hanson (Canada) and Alexandra Herrera* & Regina Franco* (Mexico)
Boys 18 & under
1st Jose Rojas (USA)
2nd Alejandro Cardona* (Mexico)
3rd Roland Keller (Bolivia) & Taylor Knoth* (USA)
Doubles
1st Jose Rojas & Jose Serrano (USA)
2nd Jose Daniel Ugalde & Juan Diego Rodriguez (Ecuador)
3rd Javier Melendez & Ignacio Sabate (Costa Rica) and Conrad Cole & Colin Mohr (Canada)
Boys 16 & under
1st Carlos Keller Vargas* (Bolivia)
2nd Marco Rojas* (USA)
3rd Daniel De La Rosa* (Mexico) & Misael Lejia (Mexico)
Doubles
1st Jorge Luis Michel* & Carlos Keller Vargas* (Bolivia)
2nd Joshua Hungerford & Nick Montalbano* (USA)
3rd Carlos Santos & Alejandro Acostarubio (Venezuela) and Juan Felipe Garzon* & Sebastian Franco* (Columbia)
Boys 14 & under
1st Javier Estrada* (Mexico)
2nd Zachary Wertz (USA)
3rd Andres Acuna (Costa Rica) & Sam Reid (USA)
Doubles
1st Javier Estrada* & Eduardo Garay* (Mexico)
2nd Adam Manilla* & Zachary Wertz (USA)
3rd Andres Acuna & Andres Fabian Montecinos (Costa Rica) and Francisco De-leon* & Junior Rodriguez* (Dominican Republic)
(Note: * indicates player is competing this year)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Last year in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Carlos Keller Vargas of Bolivia won both singles and doubles in the Boys U16 divisions, so he'll be one of the players to watch in Boys U18 this year. His main competition will come from Mexican Alejandro Cardona and American Taylor Knoth, who were silver and bronze medalists, respectively, in U18 last year.
In the Girls U18 division, American Aubrey O'brien, 2009 winner in Girls U16 singles title and U18 doubles, could be the favorite along with fellow American Danielle Key, who O'brien won the doubles with last year, and Cristina Cordova of Ecuador (U18 bronze medalist in '09).
Of last year's Girls U18 podium finishers in singles, only Key and Cordova are returning, but 6 of the 8 podium finishers in U18 doubles are back, which should make for a strong field.
Curiously, some of the American podium finishers from last year aren't on the USA team this year. Of course, some are no longer juniors, such as Jose Rojas winner in Boys U18 singles and doubles last year, but not all changes can be explained that way, as neither of the boys who played U14 for the States will be in Los Angeles this week.
Over 300 players from around the world will be competing at the Spectrum Club in Canoga Park, California from November 15 to 20, 2010.
2009 Junior World Racquetball Championship
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Girls 18 & under
1st Yazmine Sabja (Bolivia)
2nd Sheryl Lotts (USA)
3rd Cristina Cordova* (Ecuador) & Danielle Key* (USA)
Doubles
1st Danielle Key* & Aubrey O'brien* (USA)
2nd Yazmine Sabja & Maria Jose Vargas* (Bolivia)
3rd Jessica Parrilla* & Rocio Enriquez Gatz (Mexico) and Cristina Cordova* & Maria Paz Munoz* (Ecuador)
Girls 16 & under
1st Aubrey O'brien* (USA)
2nd Sofia Rascon* (Mexico)
3rd Frédérique Lambert* (Canada) & Adriana Riveros* (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Amanda Lindsay & Jessica Munoz (USA)
2nd Adriana Riveros* & Carolina Ona* (Bolivia)
3rd Aisling Mickey* & Ciara Mcmanamon (Ireland) and Daniela Gascon & Elena Robles Molina* (Mexico)
Girls 14 & under
1st Lucia Gonzalez* (Mexico)
2nd Ximena Gonzalez* (Mexico)
3rd Kelani Bailey* (USA) & Masiel Rivera* (Bolivia)
Doubles
1st Kelani Bailey* & Abbey Lavely* (USA)
2nd Masiel Rivera* & Natalia Mendez* (Bolivia)
3rd Michelle Morissette* & Zoe Hanson (Canada) and Alexandra Herrera* & Regina Franco* (Mexico)
Boys 18 & under
1st Jose Rojas (USA)
2nd Alejandro Cardona* (Mexico)
3rd Roland Keller (Bolivia) & Taylor Knoth* (USA)
Doubles
1st Jose Rojas & Jose Serrano (USA)
2nd Jose Daniel Ugalde & Juan Diego Rodriguez (Ecuador)
3rd Javier Melendez & Ignacio Sabate (Costa Rica) and Conrad Cole & Colin Mohr (Canada)
Boys 16 & under
1st Carlos Keller Vargas* (Bolivia)
2nd Marco Rojas* (USA)
3rd Daniel De La Rosa* (Mexico) & Misael Lejia (Mexico)
Doubles
1st Jorge Luis Michel* & Carlos Keller Vargas* (Bolivia)
2nd Joshua Hungerford & Nick Montalbano* (USA)
3rd Carlos Santos & Alejandro Acostarubio (Venezuela) and Juan Felipe Garzon* & Sebastian Franco* (Columbia)
Boys 14 & under
1st Javier Estrada* (Mexico)
2nd Zachary Wertz (USA)
3rd Andres Acuna (Costa Rica) & Sam Reid (USA)
Doubles
1st Javier Estrada* & Eduardo Garay* (Mexico)
2nd Adam Manilla* & Zachary Wertz (USA)
3rd Andres Acuna & Andres Fabian Montecinos (Costa Rica) and Francisco De-leon* & Junior Rodriguez* (Dominican Republic)
(Note: * indicates player is competing this year)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 8, 2010
Gagnon and Saunders win Racquetball Canada's National Team Selection Event
Vincent Gagnon and Jennifer Saunders proved themselves worthy of being the #1 racquetball players in Canada by respectively winning the men's and women's event of the Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event in Edmonton. With the wins, Gagnon and Saunders have taken their first steps to qualifying for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico next October.
In the men's final, Gagnon got the best of his former doubles partner Francis Guillemette, 15-8, 15-3. The two players represented Canada together at the 2001 Pan American Championships.
Gagnon has represented Canada several times since then, but Guillemette hasn't. However, his good result has motivated Guillemette to train hard for the next Selection Event in Brossard, Quebec in early February.
Saunders defeated Frédérique Lambert in the women's final, 15-8, 15-6. The win avenged her loss to Lambert on Saturday in the pool part of the competition. Sunday, Saunders hit more drive serves as well as her favoured lob serves to provide a mix that kept Lambert off balance.
Lambert is also the Canadian Girls 18 and under junior champion and she'll be playing at the World Junior Racquetball Championship that begins on November 15 in Los Angeles, California.
Results from this event will be combined with results from the National Team Selection Event in February 2011 in Brossard, Que. and the Canadian National Championships next May in Nova Scotia to select the players who will represent Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event - Edmonton
Men's Final: Vincent Gagnon d. Francis Guillemette, 15-8, 15-3
3rd Place: Tim Landeryou d. Conrad Cole, 15-10, 15-6
Women's Final: Jennifer Saunders d. Frédérique Lambert, 15-8, 15-6
3rd place: Brandi Jacobson Prentice d. Brigitte Richard, 15-9, 15-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the men's final, Gagnon got the best of his former doubles partner Francis Guillemette, 15-8, 15-3. The two players represented Canada together at the 2001 Pan American Championships.
Gagnon has represented Canada several times since then, but Guillemette hasn't. However, his good result has motivated Guillemette to train hard for the next Selection Event in Brossard, Quebec in early February.
Saunders defeated Frédérique Lambert in the women's final, 15-8, 15-6. The win avenged her loss to Lambert on Saturday in the pool part of the competition. Sunday, Saunders hit more drive serves as well as her favoured lob serves to provide a mix that kept Lambert off balance.
Lambert is also the Canadian Girls 18 and under junior champion and she'll be playing at the World Junior Racquetball Championship that begins on November 15 in Los Angeles, California.
Results from this event will be combined with results from the National Team Selection Event in February 2011 in Brossard, Que. and the Canadian National Championships next May in Nova Scotia to select the players who will represent Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event - Edmonton
Men's Final: Vincent Gagnon d. Francis Guillemette, 15-8, 15-3
3rd Place: Tim Landeryou d. Conrad Cole, 15-10, 15-6
Women's Final: Jennifer Saunders d. Frédérique Lambert, 15-8, 15-6
3rd place: Brandi Jacobson Prentice d. Brigitte Richard, 15-9, 15-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
IRT Weekend round up
There were two Tier 4 events on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) this past weekend in addition to the Corona Open in Chihuahua, Mexico.
In Claremont, California, Scott Davis won the Pomona Valley Open - a Tier 4 IRT event. Seeded 21st, Davis defeated 2nd seed Greg Solis in the final, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5, and the 1st seed Felipe Munoz in the semi-finals, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5. Solis beat 22nd seed Brandon Robbins, 11-4, 11-7, 11-3.
Across the USA in Long Island, New York, the Long Island Open - a Tier 4 IRT event - went according to the seedings until the final, when 2nd seed Agustin Tristan defeated the legend Ruben Gonzalez, who was seeded 1st. In the semi-finals, Tristan defeated 3rd seed Jason Sylvester and Gonzalez beat 4th seed Dan Llacera.
Next on the IRT schedule is the 20th Annual Turkey Shoot in Garden City, Kansas from November 18-21, which is a Tier 2 IRT event.
Follow the bouncing ball....
In Claremont, California, Scott Davis won the Pomona Valley Open - a Tier 4 IRT event. Seeded 21st, Davis defeated 2nd seed Greg Solis in the final, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5, and the 1st seed Felipe Munoz in the semi-finals, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5. Solis beat 22nd seed Brandon Robbins, 11-4, 11-7, 11-3.
Across the USA in Long Island, New York, the Long Island Open - a Tier 4 IRT event - went according to the seedings until the final, when 2nd seed Agustin Tristan defeated the legend Ruben Gonzalez, who was seeded 1st. In the semi-finals, Tristan defeated 3rd seed Jason Sylvester and Gonzalez beat 4th seed Dan Llacera.
Next on the IRT schedule is the 20th Annual Turkey Shoot in Garden City, Kansas from November 18-21, which is a Tier 2 IRT event.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, November 7, 2010
2010 Corona Open - Carson defeats Beltran for 1st title in 23 months
Rocky Carson defeated Alvaro Beltran, 11-2, 11-8, 11-8, to win the Corona Open - the fifth main event of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season. It's Carson first win since January 2009 at the California Open, when he also defeated Beltran in the final.
Carson got to the final by defeating Jack Huczek, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-9, in one semi-final, while Beltran beat Jose Rojas, 5-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5, in the other.
The big upset of the weekend though was Rojas's victory over Ben Croft, who was playing as the #1 seed for the first time at a IRT main event in the absence of Kane Waselenchuk, who reportedly has a knee injury. Rojas won the first two games against Croft, but then had to pull it out in a tie-breaking fifth game as Croft came back to push the match to the limit only to have Rojas squeak it out, 11-1, 11-4, 11-13, 6-11, 12-10.
2010 IRT Corona Open - Chihuahua, Mexico
Final
Rocky Carson d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-2, 11-8, 11-8
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Rojas, 5-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-9
Quarter Finals
Jose Rojas d. Ben Croft, 11-1, 11-4, 11-13, 6-11, 12-10
Alvaro Beltran d. Chris Crowther, 11-0, injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 12-10, 11-7
Round of 16
Ben Croft d. Erick Sandoval, forfeit
Jose Rojas d. Charlie Pratt, 6-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-7
Alvaro Beltran d. Eduardo Avila, 11-1, 11-8, 5-11, 11-0
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Cardona
Jack Huczek d. Salvador Ortiz, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Shane Vanderson d. Gil De Los Rios, 11-7, 10-12, 5-11, 11-4, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Javier Moreno, 11-2, 11-2, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Qualifying Round
Q: Erick Sandoval d. Javier Alvidrez
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson got to the final by defeating Jack Huczek, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-9, in one semi-final, while Beltran beat Jose Rojas, 5-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5, in the other.
The big upset of the weekend though was Rojas's victory over Ben Croft, who was playing as the #1 seed for the first time at a IRT main event in the absence of Kane Waselenchuk, who reportedly has a knee injury. Rojas won the first two games against Croft, but then had to pull it out in a tie-breaking fifth game as Croft came back to push the match to the limit only to have Rojas squeak it out, 11-1, 11-4, 11-13, 6-11, 12-10.
2010 IRT Corona Open - Chihuahua, Mexico
Final
Rocky Carson d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-2, 11-8, 11-8
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Rojas, 5-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-3, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-9
Quarter Finals
Jose Rojas d. Ben Croft, 11-1, 11-4, 11-13, 6-11, 12-10
Alvaro Beltran d. Chris Crowther, 11-0, injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Shane Vanderson, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 12-10, 11-7
Round of 16
Ben Croft d. Erick Sandoval, forfeit
Jose Rojas d. Charlie Pratt, 6-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-7
Alvaro Beltran d. Eduardo Avila, 11-1, 11-8, 5-11, 11-0
Chris Crowther d. Alejandro Cardona
Jack Huczek d. Salvador Ortiz, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Shane Vanderson d. Gil De Los Rios, 11-7, 10-12, 5-11, 11-4, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Javier Moreno, 11-2, 11-2, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Qualifying Round
Q: Erick Sandoval d. Javier Alvidrez
Follow the bouncing ball....
Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event- Edmonton
The first Racquetball Canada (RC) National Team Selection Event hasn't been good to Canadian champions, as they have all lost early in the competition. Sunday's men's final is Vincent Gagnon, who's the #1 seed but hasn't been a singles champion though he has been Canadian doubles champion twice, and Francis Guillemette, who's made a final for the first time in his long career.
In their early days, Gagnon and Guillemette were doubles partners and represented Canada together in 2001 at the Pan American Championships, but they haven't played together for a few years now.
Gagnon defeated 4th seed Tim Landeryou on Saturday, 8-15, 15-13, 11-3, in one semi-final, while 6th seed Guillemette defeated 10th seed Conrad Cole in the other semi, 15-5, 15-11, in a semi-final that no one would have predicted.
That semi was set up by Guillemette defeating current Canadian champion Mike Green, 15-9, 11-15, 11-9, earlier on Saturday in the quarter finals. Green was the 3rd seed.
The big upset of the weekend though came on Friday, when 2nd seed and two time Canadian champion Kris Odegard falling to Barret Husulak in the first round in two straight games, 15-12, 16-14. Husulak then lost to Cole in the quarter finals, 11-15, 15-5, 11-7.
On the women's side, Jennifer Saunders, current Canadian champion, lost to the current Canadian Junior Champion, Frédérique Lambert, 15-9, 15-9, in a match where Lambert didn't miss many shots.
Saunders will have a chance for redemption, however, as the women's tournament format has two round robin pools followed by a playoff. In the playoff, Saunders defeated Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-7, 15-11, as Jacobson Prentice, who's coming off a shoulder injury, was not sharp.
Lambert defeated Brigitte Richard, 15-8, 15-6, to set up a rematch with Saunders on Sunday.
Results from this event will be combined with results from the National Team Selection Event in February 2011 in Brossard, Que. and the Canadian National Championships next May in Nova Scotia to select the players who will represent Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Follow the bouncing ball....
In their early days, Gagnon and Guillemette were doubles partners and represented Canada together in 2001 at the Pan American Championships, but they haven't played together for a few years now.
Gagnon defeated 4th seed Tim Landeryou on Saturday, 8-15, 15-13, 11-3, in one semi-final, while 6th seed Guillemette defeated 10th seed Conrad Cole in the other semi, 15-5, 15-11, in a semi-final that no one would have predicted.
That semi was set up by Guillemette defeating current Canadian champion Mike Green, 15-9, 11-15, 11-9, earlier on Saturday in the quarter finals. Green was the 3rd seed.
The big upset of the weekend though came on Friday, when 2nd seed and two time Canadian champion Kris Odegard falling to Barret Husulak in the first round in two straight games, 15-12, 16-14. Husulak then lost to Cole in the quarter finals, 11-15, 15-5, 11-7.
On the women's side, Jennifer Saunders, current Canadian champion, lost to the current Canadian Junior Champion, Frédérique Lambert, 15-9, 15-9, in a match where Lambert didn't miss many shots.
Saunders will have a chance for redemption, however, as the women's tournament format has two round robin pools followed by a playoff. In the playoff, Saunders defeated Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-7, 15-11, as Jacobson Prentice, who's coming off a shoulder injury, was not sharp.
Lambert defeated Brigitte Richard, 15-8, 15-6, to set up a rematch with Saunders on Sunday.
Results from this event will be combined with results from the National Team Selection Event in February 2011 in Brossard, Que. and the Canadian National Championships next May in Nova Scotia to select the players who will represent Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, November 5, 2010
International Racquetball Federation revamps its website
The International Racquetball Federation (IRF), the international governing body for racquetball, announced a relaunch of its website: www.internationalracquetball.com.
In a release from Luke St Onge, IRF Secretary General, former IRF Board Member Rafael Fernandez is credited with "the vision and leadership" in completing this project and ensuring that it is "user friendly." Linda Mojer was in charge of the IRF website for the last two years.
Of additional interest, St Onge stated that the IRF will be streaming all its events through the website, including the World Junior Championships that will begin later this month in Los Angeles, California. The opening ceremonies of that event are November 14 with play starting on the November 15 and running to November 20.
Follow the bouncing ball....
In a release from Luke St Onge, IRF Secretary General, former IRF Board Member Rafael Fernandez is credited with "the vision and leadership" in completing this project and ensuring that it is "user friendly." Linda Mojer was in charge of the IRF website for the last two years.
Of additional interest, St Onge stated that the IRF will be streaming all its events through the website, including the World Junior Championships that will begin later this month in Los Angeles, California. The opening ceremonies of that event are November 14 with play starting on the November 15 and running to November 20.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2010 Corona Open - Preview
The Corona Open draw is one of the smallest for an International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Tier 1 event for some time. There are only 17 players entered in the Chihuahua, Mexico tournament, so the qualifying round is simply one match: Erick Sandoval versus Javier Alvidrez with the winner to play Ben Croft.
Yes, Ben Croft, not Kane Waselenchuk, who injured a knee in the finals of the US Open and is not playing in Chihuahua. Neither is Mitch Williams, who suffered a separated left shoulder in Minneapolis. Thus, Ben Croft is the top seed in a Tier 1 IRT event for the first time in his career.
Rejoining the field is Shane Vanderson, who's playing his first Tier 1 event since the sudden death of his brother. He was a winner in a Tier 4 event in Florida last weekend. The Racquetball Blog staff wishes Shane well.
Without Waselenchuk the field is open, so Vanderson could do very well in Chihuahua. But there are several other players who proved their quality at the US Open, such as Alvaro Beltran, Jack Huczek, and Charlie Pratt.
Rocky Carson, on the other hand, might be someone who feels he has something to prove after an early exit from the US Open. He and Huczek, as 2nd and 3rd seeds respectively, are on the same side of the draw, so one of their classic battles could happen in the semi-finals. But they both need to get that far.
Yes, it's a small draw in Chihuahua, but one full of intrigue.
The IRT Network.com should have all the action from Chihuahua, so check them out beginning at 11:30 AM Mountain Standard Time. Note: Mexico ended daylight savings time last weekend; the USA and Canada will do so this weekend. Thus, Chihuahua is the same time as the Pacific time zone through Saturday, but then will be the same time as the Mountain time zone come Sunday.
2010 World Professional Racquetball Championship, Cali, Columbia
Qualifying Round
Q: Erick Sandoval v. Javier Alvidrez
Round of 16
Ben Croft v. Q
Jose Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
Alvaro Beltran v. Eduardo Avila
Chris Crowther v. Alejandro Cardona
Jack Huczek v. Salvador Ortiz
Shane Vanderson v. Gil De Los Rios
Andy Hawthorne v. Javier Moreno
Rocky Carson v. Javier Estrada
Follow the bouncing ball....
Yes, Ben Croft, not Kane Waselenchuk, who injured a knee in the finals of the US Open and is not playing in Chihuahua. Neither is Mitch Williams, who suffered a separated left shoulder in Minneapolis. Thus, Ben Croft is the top seed in a Tier 1 IRT event for the first time in his career.
Rejoining the field is Shane Vanderson, who's playing his first Tier 1 event since the sudden death of his brother. He was a winner in a Tier 4 event in Florida last weekend. The Racquetball Blog staff wishes Shane well.
Without Waselenchuk the field is open, so Vanderson could do very well in Chihuahua. But there are several other players who proved their quality at the US Open, such as Alvaro Beltran, Jack Huczek, and Charlie Pratt.
Rocky Carson, on the other hand, might be someone who feels he has something to prove after an early exit from the US Open. He and Huczek, as 2nd and 3rd seeds respectively, are on the same side of the draw, so one of their classic battles could happen in the semi-finals. But they both need to get that far.
Yes, it's a small draw in Chihuahua, but one full of intrigue.
The IRT Network.com should have all the action from Chihuahua, so check them out beginning at 11:30 AM Mountain Standard Time. Note: Mexico ended daylight savings time last weekend; the USA and Canada will do so this weekend. Thus, Chihuahua is the same time as the Pacific time zone through Saturday, but then will be the same time as the Mountain time zone come Sunday.
2010 World Professional Racquetball Championship, Cali, Columbia
Qualifying Round
Q: Erick Sandoval v. Javier Alvidrez
Round of 16
Ben Croft v. Q
Jose Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
Alvaro Beltran v. Eduardo Avila
Chris Crowther v. Alejandro Cardona
Jack Huczek v. Salvador Ortiz
Shane Vanderson v. Gil De Los Rios
Andy Hawthorne v. Javier Moreno
Rocky Carson v. Javier Estrada
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, November 1, 2010
WPRO Rankings - November 1, 2010
There are few changes in the latest rankings from the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Paola Longoria continues to be #1 with Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas continuing in #2 and #3, respectively.
However, Samantha Salas is up to #4 ahead of Kerri Wachtel who's now #5. The rest of the top 10 is unchanged. Adrienne Fisher is #6, Jennifer Saunders #7, Jo Shattuck #8, Krystal Csuk #9, and Keely Franks #10.
There are some difference in the next 10, as Christie Huczek is now #15 following her semi-final appearance at the US Open. Also moving up based on good US Open performances are Aimee Ruiz, who's #19, and Nancy Enriquez #20.
WPRO Rankings November 1, 2010
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1602.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1310.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 500.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 390.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 385.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 289.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Vivian Gomez (USA) 230.00
13 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 207.98
14 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 188.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 125.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 87.08
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, Samantha Salas is up to #4 ahead of Kerri Wachtel who's now #5. The rest of the top 10 is unchanged. Adrienne Fisher is #6, Jennifer Saunders #7, Jo Shattuck #8, Krystal Csuk #9, and Keely Franks #10.
There are some difference in the next 10, as Christie Huczek is now #15 following her semi-final appearance at the US Open. Also moving up based on good US Open performances are Aimee Ruiz, who's #19, and Nancy Enriquez #20.
WPRO Rankings November 1, 2010
Rank Name Nationality Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1602.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1310.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 500.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 390.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 385.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 289.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Vivian Gomez (USA) 230.00
13 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 207.98
14 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 188.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 125.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 87.08
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Vanderson has Happy Halloween in Florida
Shane Vanderson won the Florida Halloween Cash International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, defeating Carlos Keller Vargas in the final, 13-11, 11-7, 11-7.
In the semi-finals, Vanderson beat Mike Harmon, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, and Keller Vargas bested his brother Roland Keller, 11-2, 11-1, 11-9. In the quarter finals, Keller Vargas upset second seed Alejandro Herrera, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9.
The brothers teamed up and won the doubles title, defeating Raul Banegas and Sebastian Franco, 15-3, 15-12.
Vanderson was playing his first tournament following the murder of his brother Ryan. A college fund for Vanderson's 2 year old niece Ryann has been created and details are available through the IRT website.
Next weekend November 4-7, 2010 is the Corona Open, a Tier 1 IRT event in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Vanderson beat Mike Harmon, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, and Keller Vargas bested his brother Roland Keller, 11-2, 11-1, 11-9. In the quarter finals, Keller Vargas upset second seed Alejandro Herrera, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9.
The brothers teamed up and won the doubles title, defeating Raul Banegas and Sebastian Franco, 15-3, 15-12.
Vanderson was playing his first tournament following the murder of his brother Ryan. A college fund for Vanderson's 2 year old niece Ryann has been created and details are available through the IRT website.
Next weekend November 4-7, 2010 is the Corona Open, a Tier 1 IRT event in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 29, 2010
IRT Rankings - October 27, 2010
Ben Croft is now #2 on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), which has released its latest rankings following the US Open. This is a career high for Croft, who has made the semi-finals of all four IRT events this season.
Kane Waselenchuk, who remains the #1 IRT player, is the only other player who has made it at least as far as the semis in all four IRT events.
Rocky Carson has dropped to 3rd with Jack Huczek 4th and Chris Crowther 5th. Andy Hawthorne is up to 8th, behind Mitch Williams in 6th and Shane Vanderson in 7th. Jose Rojas is 9th with the retired Jason Mannino 10th.
Also of note, Alvaro Beltran's US Open final appearance has got him up to 12th and Charlie Pratt, who made the quarter finals in Minneapolis, is 13th.
IRT Rankings - Friday, 27 October 2010
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3795
2 Ben CROFT, 2336
3 Rocky CARSON, 2325
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2003
5 Chris CROWTHER, 1965
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1958
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1582
8 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1388
9 Jose ROJAS, 1328
10 Jason MANNINO, 1225
11 Juan HERRERA, 1015
12 Alvaro BELTRAN, 964
13 Charlie PRATT, 963
14 Anthony HERRERA, 937
15 Alejandro LANDA, 928
16 Alejandro HERRERA, 856
17 Javier MORENO, 530
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Kris ODEGARD, 390
20 Hiroshi SHIMIZU 353
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kane Waselenchuk, who remains the #1 IRT player, is the only other player who has made it at least as far as the semis in all four IRT events.
Rocky Carson has dropped to 3rd with Jack Huczek 4th and Chris Crowther 5th. Andy Hawthorne is up to 8th, behind Mitch Williams in 6th and Shane Vanderson in 7th. Jose Rojas is 9th with the retired Jason Mannino 10th.
Also of note, Alvaro Beltran's US Open final appearance has got him up to 12th and Charlie Pratt, who made the quarter finals in Minneapolis, is 13th.
IRT Rankings - Friday, 27 October 2010
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3795
2 Ben CROFT, 2336
3 Rocky CARSON, 2325
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2003
5 Chris CROWTHER, 1965
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1958
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1582
8 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1388
9 Jose ROJAS, 1328
10 Jason MANNINO, 1225
11 Juan HERRERA, 1015
12 Alvaro BELTRAN, 964
13 Charlie PRATT, 963
14 Anthony HERRERA, 937
15 Alejandro LANDA, 928
16 Alejandro HERRERA, 856
17 Javier MORENO, 530
18 Cliff SWAIN, 512
19 Kris ODEGARD, 390
20 Hiroshi SHIMIZU 353
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
2010 US Open Statistical Abstract
Here's a small statistical run-down from the 2010 US Open.
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Draw
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin
Most Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
Fewest Points in a match: 38 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Tyler Otto, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2; Kevin List d. Roby Partrovich, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2; Jeff Bell d. Justin Bullock, 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -2 by Colin Mohr in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6.
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Draw
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta
Most Points in a loss: 42 by Sheryl Lotts
Most Points in a match: 95 by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 38 - Christie Huczek d. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Draw
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin
Most Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
Fewest Points in a match: 38 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Tyler Otto, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2; Kevin List d. Roby Partrovich, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2; Jeff Bell d. Justin Bullock, 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -2 by Colin Mohr in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6.
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Draw
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta
Most Points in a loss: 42 by Sheryl Lotts
Most Points in a match: 95 by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 38 - Christie Huczek d. T.J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 25, 2010
2010 US Open - The Day After
Better or worse than Memphis?
The Racquetball Blog staff asked several people whether they felt the move to Minneapolis from Memphis was better or worse. The general feeling was that this has been a move for the better. The event is now right downtown, and the main club - Lifetime Fitness at the Target Center - has more courts than The Racquet Club in Memphis, so it can accommodate more of the matches.
Moreover, the other locations - also Lifetime Fitness clubs - are also very nice and pleasant places to play.
We did miss The Fox and Hound, as that was the primary place to socialize in Memphis, as it was located right between The Racquet Club and the Doubletree Inn hotel. In Minneapolis, there are a lot more choices, which could dilute the social atmosphere, but the tournament did designate places to be each night and that was helpful.
WPRO Awards
Saturday night the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) gave out its awards for the past season. Two of the awards when to Mexicans, as Paola Longoria was the Player of the Year and Samantha Salas was named Most Improved Player. Also, Keely Franks won the Janet Myers Sportsmanship Award.
Open Division Winners
In the Men's Open division, Canadian Vincent Gagnon won the title for a 2nd consecutive year, beating fellow Canuck Tim Landeryou in the final, 15-6, 15-13. The last 8 Men's Open titles have gone to non-Americans, as Mexican players won this division the six years prior to Gagnon's victory last year.
In the semi-finals, Gagnon defeated Canadian Kris Odegard, 4-15, 15-9, 11-7, and Landeryou defeated American Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-4.
On the women's side, Nancy Enriquez of Mexico defeated American Aubrey O'brien, 9-15, 15-8, 11-8. In the semis, Enriquez beat Canadian Frédérique Lambert, 15-12, 15-13, and O'brien defeated Chilen Angela Grisar, 15-12, 9-15, 11-7.
Men's Open Doubles went to Jansen Allen and Tony Carson after they defeated Alejandro Herrera and Alejandro Landa, 15-13, 15-13. The women's Open Doubles title was taken by Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Keely Franks.
Beat 'im with a frying pan! - UPDATED
KARE, a Minneapolis television station, did a piece on Kane Waselenchuk before the tournament, and had their reporter rally with the Champ. After a few rallies, Waselenchuk suggests he try to level the playing field and switches from a racquet to a frying pan... with the same result.
Other video coverage of the US Open can be viewed at the US Open YouTube channel.
2011 US Open
Doug Ganim, US Open Tournament Director, announced that next year's US Open would be held one week later, as many of the top players from the Americas will be playing for their country at the 2011 Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico next October.
Thus, the 2011 US Open will be October 26 to 30.
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Racquetball Blog staff asked several people whether they felt the move to Minneapolis from Memphis was better or worse. The general feeling was that this has been a move for the better. The event is now right downtown, and the main club - Lifetime Fitness at the Target Center - has more courts than The Racquet Club in Memphis, so it can accommodate more of the matches.
Moreover, the other locations - also Lifetime Fitness clubs - are also very nice and pleasant places to play.
We did miss The Fox and Hound, as that was the primary place to socialize in Memphis, as it was located right between The Racquet Club and the Doubletree Inn hotel. In Minneapolis, there are a lot more choices, which could dilute the social atmosphere, but the tournament did designate places to be each night and that was helpful.
WPRO Awards
Saturday night the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) gave out its awards for the past season. Two of the awards when to Mexicans, as Paola Longoria was the Player of the Year and Samantha Salas was named Most Improved Player. Also, Keely Franks won the Janet Myers Sportsmanship Award.
Open Division Winners
In the Men's Open division, Canadian Vincent Gagnon won the title for a 2nd consecutive year, beating fellow Canuck Tim Landeryou in the final, 15-6, 15-13. The last 8 Men's Open titles have gone to non-Americans, as Mexican players won this division the six years prior to Gagnon's victory last year.
In the semi-finals, Gagnon defeated Canadian Kris Odegard, 4-15, 15-9, 11-7, and Landeryou defeated American Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-4.
On the women's side, Nancy Enriquez of Mexico defeated American Aubrey O'brien, 9-15, 15-8, 11-8. In the semis, Enriquez beat Canadian Frédérique Lambert, 15-12, 15-13, and O'brien defeated Chilen Angela Grisar, 15-12, 9-15, 11-7.
Men's Open Doubles went to Jansen Allen and Tony Carson after they defeated Alejandro Herrera and Alejandro Landa, 15-13, 15-13. The women's Open Doubles title was taken by Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Keely Franks.
Beat 'im with a frying pan! - UPDATED
KARE, a Minneapolis television station, did a piece on Kane Waselenchuk before the tournament, and had their reporter rally with the Champ. After a few rallies, Waselenchuk suggests he try to level the playing field and switches from a racquet to a frying pan... with the same result.
Other video coverage of the US Open can be viewed at the US Open YouTube channel.
2011 US Open
Doug Ganim, US Open Tournament Director, announced that next year's US Open would be held one week later, as many of the top players from the Americas will be playing for their country at the 2011 Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico next October.
Thus, the 2011 US Open will be October 26 to 30.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 24, 2010
2010 US Open - Waselenchuk makes it a half dozen
Kane Waselenchuk won his 6th US Open Championship Sunday at the 2010 US Open Racquetball Championships at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as he defeated Mexican Alvaro Beltran, 10-12, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6, in the first US Open men's final to not have an American.
But in game one, it looked like Beltran might end Waselenchuk's match winning streak that began after Beltran defeated him in January 2009, as the Mexican took the first game 12-10.
Beltran started well, taking a 4-0 lead and holding it to 9-5. But the champ switched to lob serving and tied the game at 10-10, before Beltran was able to finish it off.
Waselenchuk said afterwards that he switched serves, because he "wanted to slow the game down." He didn't feel like he was in a groove with drive serving and thought lobbing would help him get there.
In game two, it was Waselenchuk who came out strong, going up 5-0 before Beltran was able to get on the board. He made it 6-2, but then Waselenchuk ran it out to win 11-2.
They were tied 1-1 in game three, but again Waselenchuk went on a run. He got it up to 5-1. After Beltran got another point, Waselenchuk ran it out to 11-2, serving an ace for the game winning point.
In the fourth game, Beltran showed signs of life and the possibility of the first five game US Open men's final loomed. But only briefly.
Beltran was ahead 3-2 before Waselenchuk got back in his groove and made it 6-3. He got his 7th point by flicking down Beltran's ceiling ball serve return. His 9th point was a pinch winner to the left corner that he hit while falling backwards. Not something to try at home, but Waselenchuk rolled it out.
Beltran closed it to 9-6, and fought off the first match point with a flat roll out serve return but it seemed only a matter of time.
And it was, as on the next opportunity Waselenchuk hit a pinch winner to take the game 11-6 and the match in four games.
It's the first time that Waselenchuk has had to play four games in a US Open final, and only the 5th time in US Open history that more than three games were played in the men's pro final.
Next up on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is the Chihuahua Open November 4th to 7th in Chihuahua, Mexico.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alvaro Beltran, 10-12, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
But in game one, it looked like Beltran might end Waselenchuk's match winning streak that began after Beltran defeated him in January 2009, as the Mexican took the first game 12-10.
Beltran started well, taking a 4-0 lead and holding it to 9-5. But the champ switched to lob serving and tied the game at 10-10, before Beltran was able to finish it off.
Waselenchuk said afterwards that he switched serves, because he "wanted to slow the game down." He didn't feel like he was in a groove with drive serving and thought lobbing would help him get there.
In game two, it was Waselenchuk who came out strong, going up 5-0 before Beltran was able to get on the board. He made it 6-2, but then Waselenchuk ran it out to win 11-2.
They were tied 1-1 in game three, but again Waselenchuk went on a run. He got it up to 5-1. After Beltran got another point, Waselenchuk ran it out to 11-2, serving an ace for the game winning point.
In the fourth game, Beltran showed signs of life and the possibility of the first five game US Open men's final loomed. But only briefly.
Beltran was ahead 3-2 before Waselenchuk got back in his groove and made it 6-3. He got his 7th point by flicking down Beltran's ceiling ball serve return. His 9th point was a pinch winner to the left corner that he hit while falling backwards. Not something to try at home, but Waselenchuk rolled it out.
Beltran closed it to 9-6, and fought off the first match point with a flat roll out serve return but it seemed only a matter of time.
And it was, as on the next opportunity Waselenchuk hit a pinch winner to take the game 11-6 and the match in four games.
It's the first time that Waselenchuk has had to play four games in a US Open final, and only the 5th time in US Open history that more than three games were played in the men's pro final.
Next up on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is the Chihuahua Open November 4th to 7th in Chihuahua, Mexico.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alvaro Beltran, 10-12, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Rajsich defends title successfully
Rhonda Rajsich defeated Paola Longoria in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) final of 2010 US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, to successfully defend her US Open crown and win her 4th US Open. They have met in each of the last three US Open finals, with Rajsich winning the last two.
Afterwards, Longoria said "I was so close," as she had leads in the first three games, but lost two of them. She was up 6-4 in game one and looked to have the momentum. But Rajsich tied it at 8-8. After calling a timeout, she won three straight points for an 11-8 win.
Game two started with Rajsich ahead 4-0. Longoria came back to make it 5-4. Then Rajsich went ahead 7-6, but Longoria again came back, making it 9-7 and then finishing the game 11-8.
Longoria used that momentum in game three, as she went up 6-1. She was still ahead 9-6, when Rajsich again mounted a comeback and ties it at 9-9. Longoria calls time out, but to no avail as Rajsich wins the next two points, making it 11-9.
Game four was close early, as they were tied 3-3. But then Rajsich went ahead 5-3 and Longoria called a time out. Rajsich was charged though and kept going to make it 9-3. Longoria called another time out, and battled hard afterwards. There were a few side outs and she got a couple of points to make it 9-5.
Rajsich played the perfect rally to win the game and match. She hit a lob z to the right side. Longoria returned it down the line, but it came off the back wall setting up Rajsich, who hit a kill shot back down the line to win her 4th US Open.
Rajsich is the winningest women in US Open history and joins Sudsy Monchik (4) and Kane Waselenchuk (5) as the only pro players with four or more US Open titles.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Women's Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Paola Longoria, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Afterwards, Longoria said "I was so close," as she had leads in the first three games, but lost two of them. She was up 6-4 in game one and looked to have the momentum. But Rajsich tied it at 8-8. After calling a timeout, she won three straight points for an 11-8 win.
Game two started with Rajsich ahead 4-0. Longoria came back to make it 5-4. Then Rajsich went ahead 7-6, but Longoria again came back, making it 9-7 and then finishing the game 11-8.
Longoria used that momentum in game three, as she went up 6-1. She was still ahead 9-6, when Rajsich again mounted a comeback and ties it at 9-9. Longoria calls time out, but to no avail as Rajsich wins the next two points, making it 11-9.
Game four was close early, as they were tied 3-3. But then Rajsich went ahead 5-3 and Longoria called a time out. Rajsich was charged though and kept going to make it 9-3. Longoria called another time out, and battled hard afterwards. There were a few side outs and she got a couple of points to make it 9-5.
Rajsich played the perfect rally to win the game and match. She hit a lob z to the right side. Longoria returned it down the line, but it came off the back wall setting up Rajsich, who hit a kill shot back down the line to win her 4th US Open.
Rajsich is the winningest women in US Open history and joins Sudsy Monchik (4) and Kane Waselenchuk (5) as the only pro players with four or more US Open titles.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Women's Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Paola Longoria, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
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