Rocky Carson and Cheryl Gudinas are the 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Champions, winning the final matches in Houston. They both won in two straight games.
Carson defeated Jack Huczek, 15-11, 15-5, while Gudinas beat Kerri Wachtel, 15-3, 15-9. With the victories Carson and Gudinas will play for the US in Korea at the IRF World Championships in August.
Gudinas's title was her 8th US Nationals singles victory and ties her with Michelle Gould for the most US National singles title by a woman. Carson won his fifth US National singles title, and second in the last three years. Huczek won the men's title last year.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX (seeding)
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Finals
(2) Rocky Carson d. (1) Jack Huczek, 15-11, 15-5
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Finals
(2) Cheryl Gudinas d. (5) Kerri Wachtel, 15-3, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Green & Saunders are again Champions of Canada
Mike Green and Jennifer Saunders are the 2010 men's and women's Canadian Racquetball Champions, as they won their respective finals on Saturday at Rev's Fitness Center in Burnaby, B.C., although both of the other finalists were a surprise.
In fact, Green expressed surprise at winning as he has lost to last year's champion Kris Odegard in their last three meetings and Vincent Gagnon won the last Canadian Team Selection Event. But with five previous Canadian championships and a gold medal performance in doubles last month at the Pan American Championships in Honduras on his resumé, it's clear that Green had the tools to be the champion.
Green's opponent in the final was his doubles partner in Honduras Tim Landeryou. Landeryou was a surprise finalist, because it was his first appearance in the finals. But he played well in the semi-finals, defeating the defending champ Odegard, 12-15, 15-5, 11-6. Green beat Gagnon in the other semi, 15-9, 15-12.
In the men's final, it looked like Green would win in two straight games, as he won game one 15-11 and had a 6-1 lead early in game two. But Landeryou came back with some of the form that got him to the final and won 14 of the next 17 points to force a third game.
But in the tie-breaker Green showed why he's been a five time national champion, coming out on top and winning the match on an ace serve and taking his 6th title by the scores of 15-11, 9-15, 11-4.
On the women's side, Saunders defeated her long time doubles partner Josée Grand'Maître, 15-2, 15-10, in what was a dominating performance. Grand'Maître had an early lead in game two at 6-0, but Saunders stormed back to tie it and then take the lead 8-6. From there Saunders never looked back as she won her 4th national singles title.
It was the third time Saunders and Grand'Maître have met for the Canadian title. Grand'Maître won in 2001, which was the last of Grand'Maître's three Canadian singles titles, and Saunders defeated Grand'Maître in 2002 for her first Canadian singles title.
These results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the 2010 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in South Korea in August.
2010 Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S
Final - Jennifer Saunders d. Josée Grand'Maître, 15-2, 15-10
3rd - Frédérique Lambert d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 8-15, 15-6, 11-4
5th - Linda Ellerington d. Christine Richardson, 15-6, 16-14
MEN'S
Final - Mike Green d. Tim Landeryou, 15-11, 9-15, 11-4
3rd - Vincent Gagnon d. Kris Odegard, 15-10, 15-1
5th - Corey Osborne d. Pedro Casto, 15-7, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
In fact, Green expressed surprise at winning as he has lost to last year's champion Kris Odegard in their last three meetings and Vincent Gagnon won the last Canadian Team Selection Event. But with five previous Canadian championships and a gold medal performance in doubles last month at the Pan American Championships in Honduras on his resumé, it's clear that Green had the tools to be the champion.
Green's opponent in the final was his doubles partner in Honduras Tim Landeryou. Landeryou was a surprise finalist, because it was his first appearance in the finals. But he played well in the semi-finals, defeating the defending champ Odegard, 12-15, 15-5, 11-6. Green beat Gagnon in the other semi, 15-9, 15-12.
In the men's final, it looked like Green would win in two straight games, as he won game one 15-11 and had a 6-1 lead early in game two. But Landeryou came back with some of the form that got him to the final and won 14 of the next 17 points to force a third game.
But in the tie-breaker Green showed why he's been a five time national champion, coming out on top and winning the match on an ace serve and taking his 6th title by the scores of 15-11, 9-15, 11-4.
On the women's side, Saunders defeated her long time doubles partner Josée Grand'Maître, 15-2, 15-10, in what was a dominating performance. Grand'Maître had an early lead in game two at 6-0, but Saunders stormed back to tie it and then take the lead 8-6. From there Saunders never looked back as she won her 4th national singles title.
It was the third time Saunders and Grand'Maître have met for the Canadian title. Grand'Maître won in 2001, which was the last of Grand'Maître's three Canadian singles titles, and Saunders defeated Grand'Maître in 2002 for her first Canadian singles title.
These results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the 2010 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in South Korea in August.
2010 Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S
Final - Jennifer Saunders d. Josée Grand'Maître, 15-2, 15-10
3rd - Frédérique Lambert d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 8-15, 15-6, 11-4
5th - Linda Ellerington d. Christine Richardson, 15-6, 16-14
MEN'S
Final - Mike Green d. Tim Landeryou, 15-11, 9-15, 11-4
3rd - Vincent Gagnon d. Kris Odegard, 15-10, 15-1
5th - Corey Osborne d. Pedro Casto, 15-7, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
Huczek v. Carson & Gudinas v. Wachtel on Sunday in Houston
Jack Huczek and Rocky Carson have made the men's final of the 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Championships Saturday in men's Team USA qualifying, so they should have booked their places to Korea for the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in August.
Huczek had the harder time of it as Andy Hawthorne won the first game of their semi-final, only to see Huczek come back and win it in a tie-breaker, 14-15, 15-7, 11-2. Carson defeated Chris Crowther in the other semi, 15-13, 15-2.
Huczek and Carson are both seeking their fifth US National singles title, with Huczek the defending champion.
On the women's side, it seems that Kerri Wachtel has made her first USA Team as she defeated Janel Tisinger in the semi-finals of Team USA qualifying, 15-13, 11-15, 11-7. She'll have a chance to win her first US National singles championship on Sunday when she'll play Cheryl Gudinas, who defeated Rhonda Rajsich in the other semi, 9-15, 15-13, 11-5.
While Wachtel is seeking her first US National singles title, Gudinas will going for her 8th. If she gets it, she'll tie Michelle Gould for most US National singles title by a woman.
The semi-finals go on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX (seeding)
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Semi finals
(1) Jack Huczek d. (5) Andy Hawthorne, 14-15, 15-7, 11-2
(2) Rocky Carson d. (3) Chris Crowther, 15-13, 15-2
Finals
(1) Jack Huczek vs. (2) Rocky Carson - 3:00 PM Central
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Semi finals (seeding)
(5) Kerri Wachtel d. (8) Janel Tisinger, 15-13, 11-15, 11-7
(2) Cheryl Gudinas d. (3) Rhonda Rajsich, 9-15, 15-13, 11-5
Finals
(2) Cheryl Gudinas vs. (5) Kerri Wachtel - 2:00 PM Central
Follow the bouncing ball....
Huczek had the harder time of it as Andy Hawthorne won the first game of their semi-final, only to see Huczek come back and win it in a tie-breaker, 14-15, 15-7, 11-2. Carson defeated Chris Crowther in the other semi, 15-13, 15-2.
Huczek and Carson are both seeking their fifth US National singles title, with Huczek the defending champion.
On the women's side, it seems that Kerri Wachtel has made her first USA Team as she defeated Janel Tisinger in the semi-finals of Team USA qualifying, 15-13, 11-15, 11-7. She'll have a chance to win her first US National singles championship on Sunday when she'll play Cheryl Gudinas, who defeated Rhonda Rajsich in the other semi, 9-15, 15-13, 11-5.
While Wachtel is seeking her first US National singles title, Gudinas will going for her 8th. If she gets it, she'll tie Michelle Gould for most US National singles title by a woman.
The semi-finals go on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX (seeding)
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Semi finals
(1) Jack Huczek d. (5) Andy Hawthorne, 14-15, 15-7, 11-2
(2) Rocky Carson d. (3) Chris Crowther, 15-13, 15-2
Finals
(1) Jack Huczek vs. (2) Rocky Carson - 3:00 PM Central
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Semi finals (seeding)
(5) Kerri Wachtel d. (8) Janel Tisinger, 15-13, 11-15, 11-7
(2) Cheryl Gudinas d. (3) Rhonda Rajsich, 9-15, 15-13, 11-5
Finals
(2) Cheryl Gudinas vs. (5) Kerri Wachtel - 2:00 PM Central
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tisinger & Hawthorne big winners in quarter-finals of 2010 USA Racquetball National Singles Championships
Andy Howthorne and Janel Tisinger created the big quarter final upsets in Houston on Friday at the 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Championships. Tisinger had the bigger victory as she defeated the top seed and defending champion Aimee Ruiz, 15-13, 15-13, while Hawthorne took out Shane Vanderson, 15-7, 15-8.
Tisinger will now face Kerri Wachtel in the semis, as Wachtel defeated Adrienne Fisher in the quarters, 15-11, 11-15, 11-8, which was an upset by the seedings, although Wachtel is higher ranked in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings. Wachtel is looking to qualify for the US Team for the first time in her career.
But those upsets on the top side of the draw mean it's more likely that either 2nd seed Cheryl Gudinas or 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich will add another US Nationals title to their resume, as they will meet in the other semi-final. In the quarters, Gudinas defeated Keely Franks in two straight games, 15-0, 15-2, while Rajsich needed a tie-breaker to beat Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 10-15, 11-2.
On the men's side, both top seeds are still alive as #1 Jack Huczek defeated Taylor Knoth, 15-11, 15-8 in the quarters, and #2 Rocky Carson beat Mike Harmon, 15-8, 15-8. In Saturday's semi-finals, Huczek will play Hawthorne and Carson will face Chris Crowther, who defeated Jose Rojas, 15-2, 15-2, in the quarters.
The semi-finals go on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Quarter finals
Jack Huczek d. Taylor Knoth, 15-11, 15-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Shane Vanderson, 15-7, 15-8
Chris Crowther d. Jose Rojas, 15-8, 15-4
Rocky Carson d. Mike Harmon, 15-8, 15-8
Semi finals
Jack Huczek vs. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Quarter finals
Janel Tisinger d. Aimee Ruiz, 15-13, 15-13
Kerri Wachtel d. Adrienne Fisher, 15-11, 11-5, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 10-15, 11-2
Cheryl Gudinas d. Keely Franks, 15-0, 15-2
Semi finals (seeding)
(5) Kerri Wachtel vs. (8) Janel Tisinger
(2) Cheryl Gudinas vs. (3) Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tisinger will now face Kerri Wachtel in the semis, as Wachtel defeated Adrienne Fisher in the quarters, 15-11, 11-15, 11-8, which was an upset by the seedings, although Wachtel is higher ranked in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings. Wachtel is looking to qualify for the US Team for the first time in her career.
But those upsets on the top side of the draw mean it's more likely that either 2nd seed Cheryl Gudinas or 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich will add another US Nationals title to their resume, as they will meet in the other semi-final. In the quarters, Gudinas defeated Keely Franks in two straight games, 15-0, 15-2, while Rajsich needed a tie-breaker to beat Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 10-15, 11-2.
On the men's side, both top seeds are still alive as #1 Jack Huczek defeated Taylor Knoth, 15-11, 15-8 in the quarters, and #2 Rocky Carson beat Mike Harmon, 15-8, 15-8. In Saturday's semi-finals, Huczek will play Hawthorne and Carson will face Chris Crowther, who defeated Jose Rojas, 15-2, 15-2, in the quarters.
The semi-finals go on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Quarter finals
Jack Huczek d. Taylor Knoth, 15-11, 15-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Shane Vanderson, 15-7, 15-8
Chris Crowther d. Jose Rojas, 15-8, 15-4
Rocky Carson d. Mike Harmon, 15-8, 15-8
Semi finals
Jack Huczek vs. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Quarter finals
Janel Tisinger d. Aimee Ruiz, 15-13, 15-13
Kerri Wachtel d. Adrienne Fisher, 15-11, 11-5, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Krystal Csuk, 15-7, 10-15, 11-2
Cheryl Gudinas d. Keely Franks, 15-0, 15-2
Semi finals (seeding)
(5) Kerri Wachtel vs. (8) Janel Tisinger
(2) Cheryl Gudinas vs. (3) Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
No upsets so far in Houston at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships
There were no upsets in the Team USA Qualifying divisions Thursday at the 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Championships in Houston, Texas, although there was plenty of drama. But that was all on the women's side, as the higher seeded men all won in two straight games.
But four of the women's Round of 16 matches went tie-breaker and two were 11-10. Janel Tisinger and Keely Franks came out on top of those 11-10 matches, and both winners dropped the first game of those matches. Tisinger beat Sharon Jackson, 8-15, 15-14, 11-10, and Keely Franks came back against Aubrey O'brien, winning 12-15, 15-12, 11-10.
The quarter finals will be played Friday with the semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 16
Jack Huczek d. Jansen Allen, 15-8, 15-9
Taylor Knoth d. Rafael Filippini, 15-9, 15-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 15-10, 15-13
Shane Vanderson d. Jason Sylvester, 15-6, 15-13
Chris Crowther d. Thomas Fuhrmann, 15-13, 15-6
Jose Rojas d. David Sable, 15-2, 15-2
Mike Harmon d. Bradley Kirch, 15-8, 15-5
Rocky Carson d. Patric Mascorro, 15-2, 15-12
Quarter finals
Jack Huczek vs. Taylor Knoth
Shane Vanderson vs. Andy Hawthorne
Chris Crowther vs. Jose Rojas
Rocky Carson vs. Mike Harmon
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32:
Cheryl Gistand d. Kersten Hallander, 15-6, 15-12
Lily Berry d. Elise Wilson, injury default
Round of 16:
Aimee Ruiz d. Lily Berry, 15-2, 15-8
Janel Tisinger d. Sharon Jackson, 8-15, 15-14, 11-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Sheryl Lotts, 14-15, 15-9, 11-2
Adrienne Fisher d. Da'monique Davis, 15-5, 15-5
Krystal Csuk d. Jo Shattuck, 15-13, 11-15, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Michelle Key, 15-9, 15-12
Keely Franks d. Aubrey O'brien, 12-15, 15-12, 11-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Cheryl Gistand, 15-2, 15-6
Quarter finals
Aimee Ruiz vs. Janel Tisinger
Adrienne Fisher vs. Kerri Wachtel
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Krystal Csuk
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Keely Franks
Follow the bouncing ball....
But four of the women's Round of 16 matches went tie-breaker and two were 11-10. Janel Tisinger and Keely Franks came out on top of those 11-10 matches, and both winners dropped the first game of those matches. Tisinger beat Sharon Jackson, 8-15, 15-14, 11-10, and Keely Franks came back against Aubrey O'brien, winning 12-15, 15-12, 11-10.
The quarter finals will be played Friday with the semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday. You can watch the finals live over the internet via Racquetball Online.tv.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 16
Jack Huczek d. Jansen Allen, 15-8, 15-9
Taylor Knoth d. Rafael Filippini, 15-9, 15-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 15-10, 15-13
Shane Vanderson d. Jason Sylvester, 15-6, 15-13
Chris Crowther d. Thomas Fuhrmann, 15-13, 15-6
Jose Rojas d. David Sable, 15-2, 15-2
Mike Harmon d. Bradley Kirch, 15-8, 15-5
Rocky Carson d. Patric Mascorro, 15-2, 15-12
Quarter finals
Jack Huczek vs. Taylor Knoth
Shane Vanderson vs. Andy Hawthorne
Chris Crowther vs. Jose Rojas
Rocky Carson vs. Mike Harmon
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32:
Cheryl Gistand d. Kersten Hallander, 15-6, 15-12
Lily Berry d. Elise Wilson, injury default
Round of 16:
Aimee Ruiz d. Lily Berry, 15-2, 15-8
Janel Tisinger d. Sharon Jackson, 8-15, 15-14, 11-10
Kerri Wachtel d. Sheryl Lotts, 14-15, 15-9, 11-2
Adrienne Fisher d. Da'monique Davis, 15-5, 15-5
Krystal Csuk d. Jo Shattuck, 15-13, 11-15, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Michelle Key, 15-9, 15-12
Keely Franks d. Aubrey O'brien, 12-15, 15-12, 11-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Cheryl Gistand, 15-2, 15-6
Quarter finals
Aimee Ruiz vs. Janel Tisinger
Adrienne Fisher vs. Kerri Wachtel
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Krystal Csuk
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Keely Franks
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, May 27, 2010
2010 USA National Singles Championships - Men's 32s
The Team USA Qualifying began Wednesday for the men at the 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Championships in Houston, Texas, and it's mostly gone according to form. The exception is Rafael Filippini's win over Alex Ackermann, 15-10, 14-15, 11-5, as Filippini was ranked 24th and Ackermann 9th.
The women's Team USA Qualifying gets underway today with two first round matches followed later in the day by the Round of 16. The men will also play their Round of 16 on Thursday.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32
Jack Huczek - BYE
Jansen Allen d. Matthew Barserian, 8-15, 15-4, 11-6
Rafael Filippini d. Alex Ackermann, 15-10, 14-15, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Richard Eisemann, 15-1, 15-11
Andy Hawthorne d. Ramon Florez, 15-7, 15-3
Anthony Herrera d. Marcelo Laprea, 15-1, 15-8
Shane Vanderson d. Stacey Young, 15-1, 15-2
Jason Sylvester d. Tyler Otto, WBF - No Show
Chris Crowther d. Greg Dorman, 15-3, 15-4
Thomas Fuhrmann d. Allan Crockett, 15-12, 7-15, 11-9
Jose Rojas d. David Austin, 15-4, 15-14
David Sable d. Mike Orr, 15-12, 15-6
Mike Harmon d. Danny Lavely, 15-7, 15-9
Bradley Kirch d. Doug Ganim, 15-7, 5-15, 11-8
Patric Mascorro d. Jonathan Doyle, 15-12, 15-4
Rocky Carson - BYE
Round of 16
Jack Huczek vs. Jansen Allen
Rafael Filippini vs. Taylor Knoth
Andy Hawthorne vs. Anthony Herrera
Shane Vanderson vs. Jason Sylvester
Chris Crowther vs. Thomas Fuhrmann
Jose Rojas vs. David Sable
Mike Harmon vs. Bradley Kirch
Rocky Carson vs. Patric Mascorro
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32:
Kersten Hallander vs Cheryl Gistand
Elise Wilson vs Lily Berry
Round of 16:
Aimee Ruiz vs Elise Wilson or Lily Berry
Sharon Jackson vs Janel Tisinger
Kerri Wachtel vs Sheryl Lotts
Da'monique Davis vs Adrienne Fisher
Jo Shattuck vs Krystal Csuk
Rhonda Rajsich vs Michelle Key
Keely Franks vs Aubrey O'brien
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Kersten Hallander or Cheryl Gistand
Follow the bouncing ball....
The women's Team USA Qualifying gets underway today with two first round matches followed later in the day by the Round of 16. The men will also play their Round of 16 on Thursday.
2010 USAR 43RD NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
YMCA Downtown, Houston - HOUSTON, TX
Men's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32
Jack Huczek - BYE
Jansen Allen d. Matthew Barserian, 8-15, 15-4, 11-6
Rafael Filippini d. Alex Ackermann, 15-10, 14-15, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Richard Eisemann, 15-1, 15-11
Andy Hawthorne d. Ramon Florez, 15-7, 15-3
Anthony Herrera d. Marcelo Laprea, 15-1, 15-8
Shane Vanderson d. Stacey Young, 15-1, 15-2
Jason Sylvester d. Tyler Otto, WBF - No Show
Chris Crowther d. Greg Dorman, 15-3, 15-4
Thomas Fuhrmann d. Allan Crockett, 15-12, 7-15, 11-9
Jose Rojas d. David Austin, 15-4, 15-14
David Sable d. Mike Orr, 15-12, 15-6
Mike Harmon d. Danny Lavely, 15-7, 15-9
Bradley Kirch d. Doug Ganim, 15-7, 5-15, 11-8
Patric Mascorro d. Jonathan Doyle, 15-12, 15-4
Rocky Carson - BYE
Round of 16
Jack Huczek vs. Jansen Allen
Rafael Filippini vs. Taylor Knoth
Andy Hawthorne vs. Anthony Herrera
Shane Vanderson vs. Jason Sylvester
Chris Crowther vs. Thomas Fuhrmann
Jose Rojas vs. David Sable
Mike Harmon vs. Bradley Kirch
Rocky Carson vs. Patric Mascorro
Women's Singles US team Qualifying
Round of 32:
Kersten Hallander vs Cheryl Gistand
Elise Wilson vs Lily Berry
Round of 16:
Aimee Ruiz vs Elise Wilson or Lily Berry
Sharon Jackson vs Janel Tisinger
Kerri Wachtel vs Sheryl Lotts
Da'monique Davis vs Adrienne Fisher
Jo Shattuck vs Krystal Csuk
Rhonda Rajsich vs Michelle Key
Keely Franks vs Aubrey O'brien
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Kersten Hallander or Cheryl Gistand
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Singles play begins at the 2010 Canadian Racquetball Championships
Pedro Castro the current Canadian Junior Racquetball Champion defeated Eric Desrochers, a former Canadian Junior Champion, 15-13, 15-11, Wednesday on the first day of singles competition at the Canadian National Racquetball Championships in Burnaby, B.C. and that was the biggest upset of the day, as Castro is seeded 12th and Desrochers 5th.
The other top men's seeds all won, including defending champion and #1 seed Kris Odegard who beat Colin Mohr of Regina, 15-5, 15-4. Second seed Vincent Gagnon and third seed Mike Green also both won comfortably with Gagnon defeating James Landeryou, 15-2, 15-3 and Green victorious over Josh Keil, 15-2, 15-1.
There were just two matches on the women's side with current Canadian Junior Champion in 16 & under Brittany Nelson defeating Valérie Fallu, 15-11, 15-9 and Brigitte Richard beating Cher Woodward, 15-7, 15-4.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
MEN'S OPEN
Round of 32
Conrad Cole d. Stephaon Gaucher, 15-3, 15-6
Tommy Murray d. Adrian Webb, 15-2, 15-4
Pedro Castro d. Kevin Caouette, 15-4, 15-4
Mathieu Messier d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 15-3, 15-10
Josh Keil d. Nathaniel Husulak Injury default
James Landeryou d. Jason Reaume, 15-9, 15-2
Colin Mohr d. Kurtis Cullen, 13-15, 15-5, 11-2
Round of 16
Kris Odegard d. Colin Mohr, 15-5, 15-4
Vincent Gagnon d. James Landeryou, 15-2, 15-3
Mike Green d. Josh Keil, 15-2, 15-1
Tim Landeryou d. Mathieu Messier, 15-4, 15-6
Pedro Castro d. Eric Desrochers, 15-13, 15-11
Francis Guillemette d. Tommy Murray, 15-9, 15-5
Corey Osborne d. Conrad Cole, 15-4, 15-13
Lee Connell d. Francois Viens, 15-10, 15-6
Quarter finals
Kris Odegard vs. Lee Connell
Tim Landeryou vs. Pedro Castro
Mike Green vs. Francis Guillemette
Vincent Gagnon vs. Corey Osborne
WOMEN'S OPEN
Round of 16
Brigitte Richard d. Cher Woodward, 15-7, 15-4
Brittany Nelson d. Valérie Fallu, 15-11, 15-9
Quarter finals
Jen Saunders vs Brittany Nelson
Christine Richardson vs Frédérique Lambert
Brandi Jacobson Prentice vs. Brigitte Richard
Josee Grand'Maitre vs Linda Ellerington
Follow the bouncing ball....
The other top men's seeds all won, including defending champion and #1 seed Kris Odegard who beat Colin Mohr of Regina, 15-5, 15-4. Second seed Vincent Gagnon and third seed Mike Green also both won comfortably with Gagnon defeating James Landeryou, 15-2, 15-3 and Green victorious over Josh Keil, 15-2, 15-1.
There were just two matches on the women's side with current Canadian Junior Champion in 16 & under Brittany Nelson defeating Valérie Fallu, 15-11, 15-9 and Brigitte Richard beating Cher Woodward, 15-7, 15-4.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
MEN'S OPEN
Round of 32
Conrad Cole d. Stephaon Gaucher, 15-3, 15-6
Tommy Murray d. Adrian Webb, 15-2, 15-4
Pedro Castro d. Kevin Caouette, 15-4, 15-4
Mathieu Messier d. Sebastien Boissonneault, 15-3, 15-10
Josh Keil d. Nathaniel Husulak Injury default
James Landeryou d. Jason Reaume, 15-9, 15-2
Colin Mohr d. Kurtis Cullen, 13-15, 15-5, 11-2
Round of 16
Kris Odegard d. Colin Mohr, 15-5, 15-4
Vincent Gagnon d. James Landeryou, 15-2, 15-3
Mike Green d. Josh Keil, 15-2, 15-1
Tim Landeryou d. Mathieu Messier, 15-4, 15-6
Pedro Castro d. Eric Desrochers, 15-13, 15-11
Francis Guillemette d. Tommy Murray, 15-9, 15-5
Corey Osborne d. Conrad Cole, 15-4, 15-13
Lee Connell d. Francois Viens, 15-10, 15-6
Quarter finals
Kris Odegard vs. Lee Connell
Tim Landeryou vs. Pedro Castro
Mike Green vs. Francis Guillemette
Vincent Gagnon vs. Corey Osborne
WOMEN'S OPEN
Round of 16
Brigitte Richard d. Cher Woodward, 15-7, 15-4
Brittany Nelson d. Valérie Fallu, 15-11, 15-9
Quarter finals
Jen Saunders vs Brittany Nelson
Christine Richardson vs Frédérique Lambert
Brandi Jacobson Prentice vs. Brigitte Richard
Josee Grand'Maitre vs Linda Ellerington
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 USA National Singles Championships
The 2010 USA Racquetball (USAR) National Singles Championships begin today in Houston, Texas. It's the 43rd edition of the championships and the last time it will be held at the YMCA in Houston, as that facility will undergo renovations and be unable to host the event in the coming years.
We believe this is also Jack Huczek's last chance to make the US Team that will play at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in Korea in August. Huczek missed the doubles championship, which was won by Ben Croft and Mitch Williams, and there aren't any other qualifying events.
Of concern for Huczek fans, is that he hasn't played well since injuring his right leg earlier in the season. He sat out the last International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event last month, so has not played since the St Louis IRT event in late March. If he's healthy, Huczek's hard to beat, but that's still an if at this point.
Rocky Carson, Shane Vanderson and Chris Crowther are the other top seeds in the Houston draw. Croft and Williams are not in Houston, presumably skipping the event as their doubles title has already booked them spots on Team USA.
On the women's side, defending US National Singles champion Aimee Ruiz is up against a strong field that includes Rhonda Rajsich, Cheryl Gudinas and Kerri Wachtel as well as good young players in Sharon Jackson, Michelle Key, Sheryl Lotts and Aubrey O'brien.
Follow the bouncing ball....
We believe this is also Jack Huczek's last chance to make the US Team that will play at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in Korea in August. Huczek missed the doubles championship, which was won by Ben Croft and Mitch Williams, and there aren't any other qualifying events.
Of concern for Huczek fans, is that he hasn't played well since injuring his right leg earlier in the season. He sat out the last International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event last month, so has not played since the St Louis IRT event in late March. If he's healthy, Huczek's hard to beat, but that's still an if at this point.
Rocky Carson, Shane Vanderson and Chris Crowther are the other top seeds in the Houston draw. Croft and Williams are not in Houston, presumably skipping the event as their doubles title has already booked them spots on Team USA.
On the women's side, defending US National Singles champion Aimee Ruiz is up against a strong field that includes Rhonda Rajsich, Cheryl Gudinas and Kerri Wachtel as well as good young players in Sharon Jackson, Michelle Key, Sheryl Lotts and Aubrey O'brien.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Changing of the guard at the 2010 Canadian Racquetball Championships
Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Frédérique Lambert won their first Canadian National Championships in Burnaby, British Columbia by defeating the six time doubles champions Josée Grand'Maître and Jennifer Saunders, 15-8, 19-17, 11-4.
On the men's side, Mike Green won his sixth doubles title but first with partner Kris Odegard, who won the doubles title for the first time. Odegard is the reigning Canadian singles champion. Green's previously won the doubles title with Mike Ceresia, Tom O'Brien and Brian Istace.
Jacobson Prentice and Lambert came out shooting in game one against the veterans Grand'Maître and Saunders and won the first game by a comfortable margin. Things got tight in game two, however, as the veterans dug in and the score when back and forth. Jacobson Prentice and Lambert had three chances to win the match in game two, but when Grand'Maître and Saunders forced the tie-breaker it seemed like they would successfully defend their title.
But Jacobson Prentice and Lambert had other ideas, and after the third game was tied 4-4, they went on a run and won it 11-4, becoming 2010 Canadian National Racquetball Champions.
The men's final was equally dramatic but had a different story line. In game one, Green and Odegard let an 14-6 lead evaporate against Vincent Gagnon and François Viens, and it seemed the team of current and former Canadian #1 players (Odegard and Green, respectively) would not be able to beat the two time defending doubles champions Gagnon and Viens.
But Green and Odegard stepped it up in game two winning it despite another late comeback by Gagnon and Viens. In the tie-breaker, Gagnon and Viens had the early lead at 5-1, but Green and Odegard ran seven straight points to take a lead that they never relinquished.
Green and Odegard were playing their first tournament together. The victory was Green's sixth Canadian doubles title and Odegard's first.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
1st place - Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Josée Grand'Maître & Jennifer Saunders, 15-8, 17-19, 11-4
3rd place - Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-4, 15-8
MEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
1st Place - Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Vincent Gagnon & François Viens, 14-16, 15-10, 11-7
3rd Place - Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette d. Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou, 15-11, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
On the men's side, Mike Green won his sixth doubles title but first with partner Kris Odegard, who won the doubles title for the first time. Odegard is the reigning Canadian singles champion. Green's previously won the doubles title with Mike Ceresia, Tom O'Brien and Brian Istace.
Jacobson Prentice and Lambert came out shooting in game one against the veterans Grand'Maître and Saunders and won the first game by a comfortable margin. Things got tight in game two, however, as the veterans dug in and the score when back and forth. Jacobson Prentice and Lambert had three chances to win the match in game two, but when Grand'Maître and Saunders forced the tie-breaker it seemed like they would successfully defend their title.
But Jacobson Prentice and Lambert had other ideas, and after the third game was tied 4-4, they went on a run and won it 11-4, becoming 2010 Canadian National Racquetball Champions.
The men's final was equally dramatic but had a different story line. In game one, Green and Odegard let an 14-6 lead evaporate against Vincent Gagnon and François Viens, and it seemed the team of current and former Canadian #1 players (Odegard and Green, respectively) would not be able to beat the two time defending doubles champions Gagnon and Viens.
But Green and Odegard stepped it up in game two winning it despite another late comeback by Gagnon and Viens. In the tie-breaker, Gagnon and Viens had the early lead at 5-1, but Green and Odegard ran seven straight points to take a lead that they never relinquished.
Green and Odegard were playing their first tournament together. The victory was Green's sixth Canadian doubles title and Odegard's first.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
1st place - Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Josée Grand'Maître & Jennifer Saunders, 15-8, 17-19, 11-4
3rd place - Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-4, 15-8
MEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
1st Place - Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Vincent Gagnon & François Viens, 14-16, 15-10, 11-7
3rd Place - Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette d. Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou, 15-11, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Doubles finals set at Canadian Championships
Defending champions Vincent Gagnon and François Viens will face Mike Green and Kris Odegard in the final of the Canadian National Racquetball Championship in Burnaby, British Columbia. Gagnon and Viens needed a tie-breaker to get to the final as Francis Guillemette and Corey Osborne won the first game of their semi-final match on Monday. But the champs came back to win 6-15, 15-13, 11-3.
In the other semi, Green and Odegard defeated the brothers Tim and James Landeryou in two straight games, 15-7, 15-8.
Josee Grand'Maitre and Jennifer Saunders will try to defend their doubles title on Tuesday against Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Frederique Lambert as both those teams won their other matches on Monday defeating the teams of Brigitte Richard and Christine Richardson as well as Murielle Boivin and Valerie Fallu.
Grand'Maitre and Saunders are the veterans, having played together since 2003, winning 6 Canadian national doubles titles, while Jacobson Prentice and Lambert are playing in their first event together.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
Round 1
Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-2, 15-8
Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson, 11-15, 15-10, 11-7
Round 2
Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders d. Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson, 15-11, 15-5
Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-11, 15-5
Round 3
1st place - Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders vs. Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert
3rd place - Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson vs. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu
MEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
Quarter finals
Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Tommy Murray & Mathieu Messier, 15-11, 15-1
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens d. Lee Connell & Josh Keil, 15-11, 15-6
Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou d. Conrad Cole & Colin Mohr, 15-13, 15-10
Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette d. Eric Desrochers & Nathaniel Husulak, 5-15, 15-5, 11-5
Semi finals
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens d. Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette, 6-15, 15-13, 11-3
Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou, 15-7, 15-8
Final
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens vs. Mike Green & Kris Odegard
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the other semi, Green and Odegard defeated the brothers Tim and James Landeryou in two straight games, 15-7, 15-8.
Josee Grand'Maitre and Jennifer Saunders will try to defend their doubles title on Tuesday against Brandi Jacobson Prentice and Frederique Lambert as both those teams won their other matches on Monday defeating the teams of Brigitte Richard and Christine Richardson as well as Murielle Boivin and Valerie Fallu.
Grand'Maitre and Saunders are the veterans, having played together since 2003, winning 6 Canadian national doubles titles, while Jacobson Prentice and Lambert are playing in their first event together.
The Nationals results will be combined with those from the National Team Selection Events held earlier this season to select the players for Team Canada to go to the World Racquetball Championships in South Korea in August.
Canadian National Racquetball Championships
Burnaby, British Columbia
WOMEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
Round 1
Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-2, 15-8
Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson, 11-15, 15-10, 11-7
Round 2
Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders d. Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson, 15-11, 15-5
Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert d. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu, 15-11, 15-5
Round 3
1st place - Josee Grand'Maitre & Jennifer Saunders vs. Brandi Jacobson Prentice & Frederique Lambert
3rd place - Brigitte Richard & Christine Richardson vs. Murielle Boivin & Valerie Fallu
MEN'S OPEN DOUBLES
Quarter finals
Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Tommy Murray & Mathieu Messier, 15-11, 15-1
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens d. Lee Connell & Josh Keil, 15-11, 15-6
Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou d. Conrad Cole & Colin Mohr, 15-13, 15-10
Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette d. Eric Desrochers & Nathaniel Husulak, 5-15, 15-5, 11-5
Semi finals
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens d. Corey Osborne & Francis Guillemette, 6-15, 15-13, 11-3
Mike Green & Kris Odegard d. Tim Landeryou & James Landeryou, 15-7, 15-8
Final
Vincent Gagnon & Francois Viens vs. Mike Green & Kris Odegard
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Can and Am Championships starting this week
The pro racquetball seasons are over, but there are still national champions to be decided in Canada and the USA. The Canadian National Racquetball Championships kick off Sunday in Burnaby, British Columbia and the USA National Singles Championships begin Wednesday in Houston, Texas.
There's extra incentive for the players this year, as they will be looking to qualify for their respective national teams and compete in the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships to be held in Seoul, Korea in August.
The Canadian event begins with doubles competitions first and then singles competitions. In the men's doubles event, Vincent Gagnon and François Viens are the two time defending champions, but this year there's a new and intriguing team in Mike Green and Kris Odegard. Green has finished runner up to Gagnon and Viens the last two years with different partners but doesn't want to again, so he has teamed up with the reigning singles champion in Odegard to try and take the title he was won on 5 previous occasions.
Green's also won the Canadian singles title 5 times, while Odegard has two singles titles to his name, but has yet to win the Canadian doubles title.
On the women's side, Josée Grand'Maître and Jennifer Saunders will be looking to defend their doubles title and take their sixth title together. If they do so, it would be Grand'Maître's 11th doubles title overall, as she's also won with Lori-Jane Powell (2001), Lucie Guillemette (1998), Carol McFetridge (1994), Vicki Shanks (1993) and Nadia Verilli (1990).
We'll have more on the Canadian singles event and the doubles results in the coming days as well as previews of the US National Singles Championship.
Follow the bouncing ball....
There's extra incentive for the players this year, as they will be looking to qualify for their respective national teams and compete in the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships to be held in Seoul, Korea in August.
The Canadian event begins with doubles competitions first and then singles competitions. In the men's doubles event, Vincent Gagnon and François Viens are the two time defending champions, but this year there's a new and intriguing team in Mike Green and Kris Odegard. Green has finished runner up to Gagnon and Viens the last two years with different partners but doesn't want to again, so he has teamed up with the reigning singles champion in Odegard to try and take the title he was won on 5 previous occasions.
Green's also won the Canadian singles title 5 times, while Odegard has two singles titles to his name, but has yet to win the Canadian doubles title.
On the women's side, Josée Grand'Maître and Jennifer Saunders will be looking to defend their doubles title and take their sixth title together. If they do so, it would be Grand'Maître's 11th doubles title overall, as she's also won with Lori-Jane Powell (2001), Lucie Guillemette (1998), Carol McFetridge (1994), Vicki Shanks (1993) and Nadia Verilli (1990).
We'll have more on the Canadian singles event and the doubles results in the coming days as well as previews of the US National Singles Championship.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Longoria #1 in final WPRO Rankings for 2009-2010
Paola Longoria has successfully defended the #1 rank on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) that she first attained a year ago, holding off former #1 Rhonda Rajsich, who has to settle for being #2 at the end of the 2009-2010 season.
Rajsich won the first two tournaments of the season, including the 2009 US Open, and made the next three tournament finals but couldn't get back in the winner's circle. In fact, she didn't get to the finals in either of the last two tournaments.
Longoria's strong finish to the season - four wins in five events, with the only loss the result of an injury withdrawal - should make her the favorite to win the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships this August in Korea. If she does, she'd be the first Mexican woman to do so.
Keely Franks, T. J. Baumbaugh and Vivian Gomez finished in the top 10 for the first time in their careers, at 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively. Also, Jo Shattuck finished a career high 6th and Samantha Salas is in the season end top 10 for the first time since 2006-07.
Cheryl Gudinas finishes at #3, and in doing so sets a record for most career top 10s at 17, breaking the tie she had with Jackie Paraiso. Gudinas was first in the season end top 10 in 1993-94.
With her second #1 season ending ranking, Longoria joins a long list of great women racquetball players to be #1 multiple times, including Rajsich (with 3), Gudinas (4), Paraiso (3), Michelle Gould (7), Lynn Adams (6), and Heather McKay (3). Two players have been #1 only once at year end: Caryn McKinney (in 1988-89) and Christie Van Hees (2004-05).
2009-10 WPRO Final Rankings
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria Mexico 1340.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich USA 1189.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas USA 860.70
4 Kerri Wachtel USA 451.50
5 Adrienne Fisher USA 396.40
6 Jo Shattuck USA 289.80
7 Keely Franks USA 262.50
8 T.J. Baumbaugh USA 254.20
9 Vivian Gomez USA 249.75
10 Samantha Salas Mexico 246.55
11 Krystal Csuk USA 238.00
12 Kristen Bellows USA 210.00
13 Jennifer Saunders Canada 209.25
14 Cristina Amaya Colombia 175.00
15 Angela Grisar Chile 164.00
16 Doreen Fowler USA 144.25
17 Susy Acosta-Mendoza Mexico 133.70
18 Jackie Paraiso USA 131.00
19 Aubrey O'Brien USA 124.75
20 Janel Tisinger USA 75.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich won the first two tournaments of the season, including the 2009 US Open, and made the next three tournament finals but couldn't get back in the winner's circle. In fact, she didn't get to the finals in either of the last two tournaments.
Longoria's strong finish to the season - four wins in five events, with the only loss the result of an injury withdrawal - should make her the favorite to win the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships this August in Korea. If she does, she'd be the first Mexican woman to do so.
Keely Franks, T. J. Baumbaugh and Vivian Gomez finished in the top 10 for the first time in their careers, at 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively. Also, Jo Shattuck finished a career high 6th and Samantha Salas is in the season end top 10 for the first time since 2006-07.
Cheryl Gudinas finishes at #3, and in doing so sets a record for most career top 10s at 17, breaking the tie she had with Jackie Paraiso. Gudinas was first in the season end top 10 in 1993-94.
With her second #1 season ending ranking, Longoria joins a long list of great women racquetball players to be #1 multiple times, including Rajsich (with 3), Gudinas (4), Paraiso (3), Michelle Gould (7), Lynn Adams (6), and Heather McKay (3). Two players have been #1 only once at year end: Caryn McKinney (in 1988-89) and Christie Van Hees (2004-05).
2009-10 WPRO Final Rankings
Rank - Name - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria Mexico 1340.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich USA 1189.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas USA 860.70
4 Kerri Wachtel USA 451.50
5 Adrienne Fisher USA 396.40
6 Jo Shattuck USA 289.80
7 Keely Franks USA 262.50
8 T.J. Baumbaugh USA 254.20
9 Vivian Gomez USA 249.75
10 Samantha Salas Mexico 246.55
11 Krystal Csuk USA 238.00
12 Kristen Bellows USA 210.00
13 Jennifer Saunders Canada 209.25
14 Cristina Amaya Colombia 175.00
15 Angela Grisar Chile 164.00
16 Doreen Fowler USA 144.25
17 Susy Acosta-Mendoza Mexico 133.70
18 Jackie Paraiso USA 131.00
19 Aubrey O'Brien USA 124.75
20 Janel Tisinger USA 75.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Gudinas wins WPRO Ektelon World Championships - Longoria injured
Cheryl Gudinas won the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans Sunday after Paola Longoria withdrew from the match after the third game. Longoria won the first two games 11-7, 11-2, but at 0-2 in game three, she rolled her right ankle.
Longoria took her injury time and then continued with the game, but lost it 11-2. After that game, she withdrew from the match. A source in New Orleans, informs us that Longoria was feeling shooting pain in the ankle and that swelling was already evident when she chose to stop playing.
It marks the second consecutive season that the final tournament has not gone to Longoria or Rhonda Rajsich, the #1 and #2 ranked WPRO players, respectively, who have won all the other events since the beginning of last season. Kristen Walsh Bellows won last year's season ending event, when she defeated Longoria in Stockton.
Despite the loss, we expect that Longoria will finish #1, as she was ahead of Rajsich going in to this weekend, and she reached the finals while Rajsich lost in the semi-finals to Gudinas.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Finals
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 2-11, 11-2, injury default
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria took her injury time and then continued with the game, but lost it 11-2. After that game, she withdrew from the match. A source in New Orleans, informs us that Longoria was feeling shooting pain in the ankle and that swelling was already evident when she chose to stop playing.
It marks the second consecutive season that the final tournament has not gone to Longoria or Rhonda Rajsich, the #1 and #2 ranked WPRO players, respectively, who have won all the other events since the beginning of last season. Kristen Walsh Bellows won last year's season ending event, when she defeated Longoria in Stockton.
Despite the loss, we expect that Longoria will finish #1, as she was ahead of Rajsich going in to this weekend, and she reached the finals while Rajsich lost in the semi-finals to Gudinas.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Finals
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 2-11, 11-2, injury default
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Gudinas beats Rajsich in semis of WPRO Ektelon World Championships
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas defeated second seed Rhonda Rajsich in the semi-finals of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans Saturday, winning 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, to advance to Sunday's final, where she'll face top seed Paola Longoria. Longoria defeated Adrienne Fisher in the other semi-final, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1.
Gudinas's victory coupled with Longoria's win should be enough to give Longoria the season ending #1 rank ahead of Rajsich regardless of what happens in Sunday's final. This is the final event of the 2009-10 WPRO season.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 5 Adrienne Fisher, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7
Finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Gudinas's victory coupled with Longoria's win should be enough to give Longoria the season ending #1 rank ahead of Rajsich regardless of what happens in Sunday's final. This is the final event of the 2009-10 WPRO season.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 5 Adrienne Fisher, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-5, 6-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-7
Finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO Ektelon World Championships, New Orleans - QFs
Adrienne Fisher spoiled Kerri Wachtel's return to the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, as 5th seeded Fisher defeated 4th seed Wachtel, 3-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 in the quarter finals of the WPRO Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans. If Fisher advances to the final, she may get enough points to pass Wachtel in the rankings and finish the season in 4th, which would be a career best for her. There's less than 100 points separating them now.
But to do that Fisher will have to defeat top seed Paola Longoria in the semi-finals, as Longoria defeated Keely Franks, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3, in the quarters.
On the other side of the draw, Cheryl Gudinas and Rhonda Rajsich will face off in the semis, as Gudinas beat Samantha Salas, 12-10, 11-4, 12-10, and Rajsich defeated Vivian Gomez, 11-9, 11-4, 11-6.
The semi-finals will be played later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Keely Franks, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3
5 Adrienne Fisher d. 4 Kerri Wachtel, 3-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Samantha Salas, 12-10, 11-4, 12-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Vivian Gomez, 11-9, 11-4, 11-6
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 5 Adrienne Fisher
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
But to do that Fisher will have to defeat top seed Paola Longoria in the semi-finals, as Longoria defeated Keely Franks, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3, in the quarters.
On the other side of the draw, Cheryl Gudinas and Rhonda Rajsich will face off in the semis, as Gudinas beat Samantha Salas, 12-10, 11-4, 12-10, and Rajsich defeated Vivian Gomez, 11-9, 11-4, 11-6.
The semi-finals will be played later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Keely Franks, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3
5 Adrienne Fisher d. 4 Kerri Wachtel, 3-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Samantha Salas, 12-10, 11-4, 12-10
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Vivian Gomez, 11-9, 11-4, 11-6
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 5 Adrienne Fisher
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, May 7, 2010
WPRO Ektelon World Championships, New Orleans - 32s & 16s
The top seeds are on track in New Orleans at the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Ektelon World Championships, as the top 5 seeds all advanced to the quarter finals. But the sixth seed, Jo Shattuck, fell to Samantha Salas in the Round of 16, losing 11-2, 11-9, 11-5.
There were two other minor upsets in the 16s, and both of those matches went five games. Tenth seed Vivian Gomez was up two games to one and held on in the fifth to defeat T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8. Also, ninth seed Keely Franks won the first two games against eighth seed Krystal Csuk, only to have Csuk win the next two and force a tie-breaker. But Franks won it in five, 11-8, 11-0, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6.
The quarter finals and semi-finals will go Saturday with the final on Sunday at which point we'll know who the #1 WPRO player of the year is.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Danielle Emerson
9 Keely Franks d. 8 Krystal Csuk, 11-8, 11-0, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6
5 Adrienne Fisher d. 12 Jennifer Saunders, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6
4 Kerri Wachtel d. 13 Cristina Amaya, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Doreen Fowler, 11-7, 11-4, 11-3
11 Samantha Salas d. 6 Jo Shattuck, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
10 Vivian Gomez d. 7 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 18 Anita Maldonado, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Danielle Emerson d. 17 Frederique T Lambert, default
9 Keely Franks - BYE
8 Krystal Csuk- BYE
5 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
12 Jennifer Saunders d. 21 Beth Sacco, 11-2, 11-0, 11-7
13 Cristina Amaya d. 20 Sherron Boyea, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
4 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Doreen Fowler d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6
11 Samantha Salas d. 22 Lynn Cherry, 11-3, 11-1, 11-0
6 Jo Shattuck - BYE
7 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
10 Vivian Gomez - BYE
18 Anita Maldonado d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 9 Keely Franks
4 Kerri Wachtel vs. 5 Adrienne Fisher
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 11 Samantha Salas
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 10 Vivian Gomez
Follow the bouncing ball....
There were two other minor upsets in the 16s, and both of those matches went five games. Tenth seed Vivian Gomez was up two games to one and held on in the fifth to defeat T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8. Also, ninth seed Keely Franks won the first two games against eighth seed Krystal Csuk, only to have Csuk win the next two and force a tie-breaker. But Franks won it in five, 11-8, 11-0, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6.
The quarter finals and semi-finals will go Saturday with the final on Sunday at which point we'll know who the #1 WPRO player of the year is.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
(with seeding)
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Danielle Emerson
9 Keely Franks d. 8 Krystal Csuk, 11-8, 11-0, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6
5 Adrienne Fisher d. 12 Jennifer Saunders, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6
4 Kerri Wachtel d. 13 Cristina Amaya, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Doreen Fowler, 11-7, 11-4, 11-3
11 Samantha Salas d. 6 Jo Shattuck, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
10 Vivian Gomez d. 7 T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-7, 6-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-8
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 18 Anita Maldonado, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Danielle Emerson d. 17 Frederique T Lambert, default
9 Keely Franks - BYE
8 Krystal Csuk- BYE
5 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
12 Jennifer Saunders d. 21 Beth Sacco, 11-2, 11-0, 11-7
13 Cristina Amaya d. 20 Sherron Boyea, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
4 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Doreen Fowler d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6
11 Samantha Salas d. 22 Lynn Cherry, 11-3, 11-1, 11-0
6 Jo Shattuck - BYE
7 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
10 Vivian Gomez - BYE
18 Anita Maldonado d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 9 Keely Franks
4 Kerri Wachtel vs. 5 Adrienne Fisher
3 Cheryl Gudinas vs. 11 Samantha Salas
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 10 Vivian Gomez
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wachtel in New Orleans for the WPRO Ektelon World Championships
There's an interesting twist to the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Ektelon World Championships in New Orleans this weekend, as Kerri Wachtel was a late entry into the draw. She's seeded fourth, and is a surprise participant in a tournament that shapes up as a battle for the #1 WPRO ranking between Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich, currently the #1 and #2 players, respectively. With only 50.6 ranking points between them, whoever does the best in New Orleans will finish the season at #1.
Wachtel will be trying to do what Kristen Bellows did last season, when she won the last event of the year in what was also a showdown between Longoria and Rajsich. Bellows defeated Rajsich in the semi and Longoria in the final, which meant Longoria finished as the #1 player for 2008-09.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Danielle Emerson vs. 17 Frederique T Lambert
9 Keely Franks - BYE
8 Krystal Csuk- BYE
5 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
12 Jennifer Saunders vs. 21 Beth Sacco
13 Cristina Amaya vs. 20 Sherron Boyea
4 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Doreen Fowler vs. 19 Linda Scales
11 Samantha Salas vs. 22 Lynn Cherry
6 Jo Shattuck - BYE
7 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
10 Vivian Gomez - BYE
15 Laura Brandt vs. 18 Anita Maldonado
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wachtel will be trying to do what Kristen Bellows did last season, when she won the last event of the year in what was also a showdown between Longoria and Rajsich. Bellows defeated Rajsich in the semi and Longoria in the final, which meant Longoria finished as the #1 player for 2008-09.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Danielle Emerson vs. 17 Frederique T Lambert
9 Keely Franks - BYE
8 Krystal Csuk- BYE
5 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
12 Jennifer Saunders vs. 21 Beth Sacco
13 Cristina Amaya vs. 20 Sherron Boyea
4 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Doreen Fowler vs. 19 Linda Scales
11 Samantha Salas vs. 22 Lynn Cherry
6 Jo Shattuck - BYE
7 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
10 Vivian Gomez - BYE
15 Laura Brandt vs. 18 Anita Maldonado
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, May 6, 2010
WPRO Ektelon World Championships, New Orleans - 32s
The last event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) season goes this weekend in New Orleans with the WPRO Ektelon World Championships May 6-9, 2010. Twenty one players are in the field, including WPRO #1 and #2 players, Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich. With only 50.6 ranking points between them, whoever does the best in New Orleans will finish the season at #1.
The same scenario was in place last season, but Kristen Bellows stole the spotlight by winning the event, defeating Rajsich in the semis and Longoria in the final. Someone could do that this season, but it won't be Bellows, as she's not in the draw.
We've done up an "unofficial" draw based on the tournament start times and latest WPRO rankings. Here it is.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Frederique T Lambert vs. 17 Anita Maldonado
9 Vivian Gomez - BYE
8 Keely Franks - BYE
5 Jo Shattuck - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya vs. 20/21 Lynn Cherry/Beth Sacco
13 Doreen Fowler vs. 20/21 Lynn Cherry/Beth Sacco
4 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Laura Brandt vs. 19 Sherron Boyea
11 Jen Saunders - BYE
6 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
7 Krystal Csuk - BYE
10 Samantha Salas - BYE
15 Danielle Emerson vs. 18 Linda Scales
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The same scenario was in place last season, but Kristen Bellows stole the spotlight by winning the event, defeating Rajsich in the semis and Longoria in the final. Someone could do that this season, but it won't be Bellows, as she's not in the draw.
We've done up an "unofficial" draw based on the tournament start times and latest WPRO rankings. Here it is.
WPRO Ektelon World Championships
New Orleans, Louisiana
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Frederique T Lambert vs. 17 Anita Maldonado
9 Vivian Gomez - BYE
8 Keely Franks - BYE
5 Jo Shattuck - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya vs. 20/21 Lynn Cherry/Beth Sacco
13 Doreen Fowler vs. 20/21 Lynn Cherry/Beth Sacco
4 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Laura Brandt vs. 19 Sherron Boyea
11 Jen Saunders - BYE
6 T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE
7 Krystal Csuk - BYE
10 Samantha Salas - BYE
15 Danielle Emerson vs. 18 Linda Scales
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, May 3, 2010
2010 Canadian Junior National Championships
Frédérique T. Lambert and Pedro Castro won the 18 & under divisions at the 2010 Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships on Saturday in Burlington, Ontario. It was Lambert's second consecutive 18U title, and Castro's first win in his last year of junior eligibility. He was 3rd last year.
Both finals were closely fought. Lambert defeated Brigitte Richard in the final, 15-7, 18-16, and Castro needed a tie-breaker to defeat Jamie Slamko, 14-16, 15-11, 12-10. It was a measure of revenge for Castro, as he lost to Slamko two years ago in the 16U final.
2010 Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships
Burlington, Ontario
Final Results
Girls 18U - Frédérique T. Lambert d. Brigitte Richard, 15-7, 18-16
Girls 16U - Brittany Nelson d. Michèle Morissette, 15-9, 14-16, 11-1
Girls 14U - Michèle Morissette d. Mckenzie Brayley, 15-2, 15-4
Girls 18U Doubles - Brigitte Richard & Valerie Fallu d. Alexa Kuczynski & Brittany Nelson, 15-9, 15-5
Girls 14U Doubles - Callie Hunter & Celine Cook d. Kira Brereton & Mariah Meston, 15-12, 8-15, 11-7
Boys 18U - Pedro Castro d. Jamie Slamko, 14-16, 15-11, 12-10
Boys 16U - Samuel Murray d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-12, 18-16
Boys 14U - Sami Harb d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-12, 10-15, 11-7
Boys 18U Doubles - Kevin Caouette & Jamie Slamko d. Pedro Castro & Samuel Murray, 15-6, 15-13
Boys 16U Doubles - Sebastien Juteau & Anthony Schonberger d. Mike Fuerth & Michael Capobianco, 15-4, 15-11
Boys 14U Doubles - Sami Harb & Matthew Swaine d. Connor Culhane & Nicholas Leung, 15-9, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
Both finals were closely fought. Lambert defeated Brigitte Richard in the final, 15-7, 18-16, and Castro needed a tie-breaker to defeat Jamie Slamko, 14-16, 15-11, 12-10. It was a measure of revenge for Castro, as he lost to Slamko two years ago in the 16U final.
2010 Canadian Junior National Racquetball Championships
Burlington, Ontario
Final Results
Girls 18U - Frédérique T. Lambert d. Brigitte Richard, 15-7, 18-16
Girls 16U - Brittany Nelson d. Michèle Morissette, 15-9, 14-16, 11-1
Girls 14U - Michèle Morissette d. Mckenzie Brayley, 15-2, 15-4
Girls 18U Doubles - Brigitte Richard & Valerie Fallu d. Alexa Kuczynski & Brittany Nelson, 15-9, 15-5
Girls 14U Doubles - Callie Hunter & Celine Cook d. Kira Brereton & Mariah Meston, 15-12, 8-15, 11-7
Boys 18U - Pedro Castro d. Jamie Slamko, 14-16, 15-11, 12-10
Boys 16U - Samuel Murray d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-12, 18-16
Boys 14U - Sami Harb d. Coby Iwaasa, 15-12, 10-15, 11-7
Boys 18U Doubles - Kevin Caouette & Jamie Slamko d. Pedro Castro & Samuel Murray, 15-6, 15-13
Boys 16U Doubles - Sebastien Juteau & Anthony Schonberger d. Mike Fuerth & Michael Capobianco, 15-4, 15-11
Boys 14U Doubles - Sami Harb & Matthew Swaine d. Connor Culhane & Nicholas Leung, 15-9, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
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