Waselenchuk wins Coast to Coast California Open

Kane Waselenchuk continued his dominance of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Sunday as he defeated Jack Huczek in the final of the Coast to Coast California Open, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6. Waselenchuk has won all four of the IRT events he's played this season. His last loss on tour came in last year's California Open.

Waselenchuk went out front early in game one by taking a 7-0 lead using a variety of drive serves. Huczek clawed a few points back before Waselenchuk closed it out at 11-3.

In game two, Waselenchuk got a 3-0 lead, but Huczek came back to make it 3-2. However, Waselenchuk scored the next five points to make it 8-2. Huczek called a time out, and when play resumed Waselenchuk fault served to give the serve back to Huczek.

Huczek had also been drive serving to that point, but after the time out he lob served and had some success cutting the deficit to 8-5. But that's as close as it got as Waselenchuk closed out game two, 11-5.

Game three was the longest of the match. Early on the players went back and forth and after more than 10 rallies the score was only 3-3. But then Waselenchuk went on a run to 10-3.

But to Huczek's credit, he didn't give in, and fought off the first two match points. Huczek put together a three point run, but it was only delaying the inevitable, as Waselenchuk won game three 11-6 taking the match in three straight games.

Sunday's final confirms the IRT pecking order this season.

Waselenchuk is clearly on top, having won each of four events he's been in. Then comes Huczek, who been runner-up in each of the Tier 1 or Grand Slam events this season.

And then there's everyone else.

The next stop on the IRT tournament schedule is next weekend, when the players will all be in New York City for the New York City Pro Am.

2010 Coast to Coast California Open
Canoga Park, California

Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6

Follow the bouncing ball....