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....
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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....
2010 US Open - Clouse defends title successfully
Woody Clouse successfully defended his Classic Professional Racquetball Tour (CPRT) title at the 2010 US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis with a four game victory over Jeff Bell, 9-0, 5-9, 9-2, 9-0. Clouse, a left-hander, played well throughout the match, hitting aces and diving for balls.
After Bell won the second game, it seemed "the curse of the donut" might come into play; the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) players who served up donuts on Friday and Saturday both lost their matches.
But Clouse didn't succumb, and even threw up another zero on the scoreboard in game four to close out the match.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Men's Singles
Final
Woody Clouse d. Jeff Bell, 9-0, 5-9, 9-2, 9-0
Semi-finals
Woody Clouse d. Jimmy Lowe, 9-2, 9-7, 6-9, 9-5
Jeff Bell d. Brad Mccunniff, 9-2, 7-9, 6-9, 9-4, 12-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
After Bell won the second game, it seemed "the curse of the donut" might come into play; the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) players who served up donuts on Friday and Saturday both lost their matches.
But Clouse didn't succumb, and even threw up another zero on the scoreboard in game four to close out the match.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Men's Singles
Final
Woody Clouse d. Jeff Bell, 9-0, 5-9, 9-2, 9-0
Semi-finals
Woody Clouse d. Jimmy Lowe, 9-2, 9-7, 6-9, 9-5
Jeff Bell d. Brad Mccunniff, 9-2, 7-9, 6-9, 9-4, 12-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 23, 2010
2010 US Open - No Yankees in men's final
Kane Waselenchuk will have a chance to win a third consecutive US Open title and sixth overall on Sunday at the 2010 US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis, as he defeated Jack Huczek, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6. But Huczek gave Waselenchuk all he could handle and undoubtedly surprised many observers with his strong showing. Waselenchuk called Huczek's play "unbelievable".
Indeed, Huczek was strong off the mark, taking a 5-1 lead in game one, and increasing it to 10-4. Waselenchuk got the serve back and called a time out. After that he switched from drive serving to lobbing and when on a 5 point run. However, his comeback fell short as Huczek finished the game 11-9.
Then in game two, Huczek again took the lead early at 5-1. He got it to 6-2, but then Waselenchuk again came back and this time held Huczek off winning 11-6.
Game three was close early, but after being tied at 2-2, Waselenchuk ran it up to 8-2, and then finished it at 11-4.
In game four, Waselenchuk took an early lead at 4-0 and it looked like the writing was on the wall for Huczek. But he came back and tied it a 4-4 and then 5-5. Then Waselenchuk ran it up to 9-5, and switched back to drive serving.
Huczek fought off one match point at 10-6, and then a couple of hinders were called that didn't go Huczek's way - one he thought was down before Waselenchuk could get it and the other felt it should have been an avoidable against his opponent. On the next rally, Waselenchuk closed out the game, 11-6, and took the match in four games.
Huczek used a variety of serves, although mostly hard drives either straight or Zs. Also dove for the ball often and not just to keep the play going but also made some winners.
Alvaro Beltran has reached the US Open final for the first time in his career with a semi-final victory over Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3. Beltran will be the first Mexican player to appear in a US Open men's final.
An upset by the rankings, as Beltran is ranked 19th and Croft 3rd on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), but Beltran was the 4th ranked player when he suffered a knee injury in August 2009 that kept him out of action for most of the past year. With the tournament format this year that saw the top 16 players get seeded into the Round of 32, Beltran had to play two qualifying matches to make the 32s.
Those extra matches may have been the cause of Beltran's slow start on Saturday. Or it could have been Croft was on fire as he stormed out to a two game advantage, including a 11-0 second game. Croft was primarily drive serving but also used some lobs and hitting the majority of the serves to the Mexican's backhand. Croft also owned the front left corner, as buried many pinch shots there with his forehand.
Beltran scored the first point of game three and it was the first time he led in the match. Croft then went up 4-1, and it looked like it would be over in three games. But from that point on, it was all Beltran, who outscored Croft 32-11 the rest of the way.
Not that Croft ever gave up. He dove around the court for every available ball. So many times that his dive total might have reached triple digits. But Beltran was also diving and making winners.
In game four, it was close early, but then Beltran got up 7-3, and went on to win 11-7. Game five was all Beltran after Croft took the first point, as Beltran had a 10-1 lead. Croft fought off four match points, but it was just a matter of time at that point as Beltran won the fifth 11-3.
Afterwards, Croft said "the match started out great, and then ended horribly." He also expects to hear it from friend Mitch Williams for being up two games to zero and losing.
Sunday's men's final will be the first time in US Open history that an American is not involved.
The final is set for 1:00 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Alvaro Beltran d. Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alvaro Beltran
Follow the bouncing ball....
Indeed, Huczek was strong off the mark, taking a 5-1 lead in game one, and increasing it to 10-4. Waselenchuk got the serve back and called a time out. After that he switched from drive serving to lobbing and when on a 5 point run. However, his comeback fell short as Huczek finished the game 11-9.
Then in game two, Huczek again took the lead early at 5-1. He got it to 6-2, but then Waselenchuk again came back and this time held Huczek off winning 11-6.
Game three was close early, but after being tied at 2-2, Waselenchuk ran it up to 8-2, and then finished it at 11-4.
In game four, Waselenchuk took an early lead at 4-0 and it looked like the writing was on the wall for Huczek. But he came back and tied it a 4-4 and then 5-5. Then Waselenchuk ran it up to 9-5, and switched back to drive serving.
Huczek fought off one match point at 10-6, and then a couple of hinders were called that didn't go Huczek's way - one he thought was down before Waselenchuk could get it and the other felt it should have been an avoidable against his opponent. On the next rally, Waselenchuk closed out the game, 11-6, and took the match in four games.
Huczek used a variety of serves, although mostly hard drives either straight or Zs. Also dove for the ball often and not just to keep the play going but also made some winners.
Alvaro Beltran has reached the US Open final for the first time in his career with a semi-final victory over Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3. Beltran will be the first Mexican player to appear in a US Open men's final.
An upset by the rankings, as Beltran is ranked 19th and Croft 3rd on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), but Beltran was the 4th ranked player when he suffered a knee injury in August 2009 that kept him out of action for most of the past year. With the tournament format this year that saw the top 16 players get seeded into the Round of 32, Beltran had to play two qualifying matches to make the 32s.
Those extra matches may have been the cause of Beltran's slow start on Saturday. Or it could have been Croft was on fire as he stormed out to a two game advantage, including a 11-0 second game. Croft was primarily drive serving but also used some lobs and hitting the majority of the serves to the Mexican's backhand. Croft also owned the front left corner, as buried many pinch shots there with his forehand.
Beltran scored the first point of game three and it was the first time he led in the match. Croft then went up 4-1, and it looked like it would be over in three games. But from that point on, it was all Beltran, who outscored Croft 32-11 the rest of the way.
Not that Croft ever gave up. He dove around the court for every available ball. So many times that his dive total might have reached triple digits. But Beltran was also diving and making winners.
In game four, it was close early, but then Beltran got up 7-3, and went on to win 11-7. Game five was all Beltran after Croft took the first point, as Beltran had a 10-1 lead. Croft fought off four match points, but it was just a matter of time at that point as Beltran won the fifth 11-3.
Afterwards, Croft said "the match started out great, and then ended horribly." He also expects to hear it from friend Mitch Williams for being up two games to zero and losing.
Sunday's men's final will be the first time in US Open history that an American is not involved.
The final is set for 1:00 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Alvaro Beltran d. Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alvaro Beltran
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Longoria & Rajsich in women's final
Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich, the #1 and #2 seeds respectively, will meet in the finals of the US Open for the third consecutive year, as they won their semi-final matches at the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis. They have split the last two finals with Longoria winning in 2008 and Rajsich last year. If Rajsich wins on Sunday, she'll be the first woman to win four US Open titles.
Rajsich defeated Christie Huczek in one semi-final, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9, but early in that match it looked like the story would quite different, as Huczek led 5-0 in game one. But Rajsich then ran off 11 consecutive points to win it. Game two was close, but then with Rajsich leading 6-5 she pushed on to win 11-5.
In game three Rajsich was ahead early, but then Huczek came back and led 5-4. Rajsich then went up 8-5 before Huczek tied it at 8-8.
Rajsich then got two points to make it 10-8, but Huczek fought off three match points and closed the gap to 10-9. Then on her fourth opportunity, Rajsich finished the job, and won the match in three games.
In the other semi, Longoira beat fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-5, 12-10. She was in control of the first game with an early leads at 2-0 and 6-2, and Longoria stretched out that out to a 11-3 win.
Salas Solis took a 4-0 lead, but then only got one more point after that as Longoria stormed back using her strong drive serve and some great shot making.
Longoria got a big lead in game three at 9-2, only to see come all the way back to tie it at 10-10. At that point Longoria switched from her drive serve to a lob to the left - Salas Solis's backhand. It was a move that paid off as she got the next two points with the winning point coming when Salas Solis skipped a return of that lob serve.
The women's semi final will be on Sunday at 11 AM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-5, 12-10
Rhonda Rajsich d. Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
Final
Paola Longoria vs. Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich defeated Christie Huczek in one semi-final, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9, but early in that match it looked like the story would quite different, as Huczek led 5-0 in game one. But Rajsich then ran off 11 consecutive points to win it. Game two was close, but then with Rajsich leading 6-5 she pushed on to win 11-5.
In game three Rajsich was ahead early, but then Huczek came back and led 5-4. Rajsich then went up 8-5 before Huczek tied it at 8-8.
Rajsich then got two points to make it 10-8, but Huczek fought off three match points and closed the gap to 10-9. Then on her fourth opportunity, Rajsich finished the job, and won the match in three games.
In the other semi, Longoira beat fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-5, 12-10. She was in control of the first game with an early leads at 2-0 and 6-2, and Longoria stretched out that out to a 11-3 win.
Salas Solis took a 4-0 lead, but then only got one more point after that as Longoria stormed back using her strong drive serve and some great shot making.
Longoria got a big lead in game three at 9-2, only to see come all the way back to tie it at 10-10. At that point Longoria switched from her drive serve to a lob to the left - Salas Solis's backhand. It was a move that paid off as she got the next two points with the winning point coming when Salas Solis skipped a return of that lob serve.
The women's semi final will be on Sunday at 11 AM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas Solis, 11-3, 11-5, 12-10
Rhonda Rajsich d. Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
Final
Paola Longoria vs. Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Beltran in his first final
Alvaro Beltran has reached the US Open final for the first time in his career with a semi-final victory over Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3, at the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis. Beltran will be the first Mexican to appear in a US Open men's final.
It's an upset by the rankings, as Beltran is ranked 19th and Croft 3rd on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), but Beltran was the 4th ranked player when he suffered a knee injury in August 2009 that kept him out of action for most of the past year. With the tournament format this year that saw the top 16 players get seeded into the Round of 32, Beltran had to play two qualifying matches to make the 32s.
Those extra matches may have been the cause of Beltran's slow start on Saturday. Or it could simply have been that Croft was on fire as he stormed out to a two game advantage, including a 11-0 second game. Croft was primarily drive serving but also used some lobs and hit the majority of the serves to the Mexican's backhand. Croft also owned the front left corner, as buried many pinch shots there with his forehand.
Beltran scored the first point of game three and it was the first time he led in the match. Croft then went up 4-1, and it looked like it would be over in three games. But from that point on, it was all Beltran, who outscored Croft 32-11 the rest of the way.
Not that Croft ever gave up. He dove around the court for every available ball. So many times that his dive total might have reached triple digits. But Beltran was also diving and making winners.
In game four, it was close early, but then Beltran got up 7-3, and went on to win 11-7. Game five was all Beltran after Croft took the first point, as Beltran had a 10-1 lead. Croft fought off four match points, but it was just a matter of time at that point as Beltran won the fifth 11-3.
Afterwards, Croft said "the match started out great, and then ended horribly." He also expects to hear it from friend Mitch Williams for being up two games to zero and losing.
Beltran will play the winner of the second men's semi-final between Kane Waselenchuk and Jack Huczek which will happen later on Saturday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Alvaro Beltran d. Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Finals
Alvaro Beltran vs. Kane Waselenchuk or Jack Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
It's an upset by the rankings, as Beltran is ranked 19th and Croft 3rd on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), but Beltran was the 4th ranked player when he suffered a knee injury in August 2009 that kept him out of action for most of the past year. With the tournament format this year that saw the top 16 players get seeded into the Round of 32, Beltran had to play two qualifying matches to make the 32s.
Those extra matches may have been the cause of Beltran's slow start on Saturday. Or it could simply have been that Croft was on fire as he stormed out to a two game advantage, including a 11-0 second game. Croft was primarily drive serving but also used some lobs and hit the majority of the serves to the Mexican's backhand. Croft also owned the front left corner, as buried many pinch shots there with his forehand.
Beltran scored the first point of game three and it was the first time he led in the match. Croft then went up 4-1, and it looked like it would be over in three games. But from that point on, it was all Beltran, who outscored Croft 32-11 the rest of the way.
Not that Croft ever gave up. He dove around the court for every available ball. So many times that his dive total might have reached triple digits. But Beltran was also diving and making winners.
In game four, it was close early, but then Beltran got up 7-3, and went on to win 11-7. Game five was all Beltran after Croft took the first point, as Beltran had a 10-1 lead. Croft fought off four match points, but it was just a matter of time at that point as Beltran won the fifth 11-3.
Afterwards, Croft said "the match started out great, and then ended horribly." He also expects to hear it from friend Mitch Williams for being up two games to zero and losing.
Beltran will play the winner of the second men's semi-final between Kane Waselenchuk and Jack Huczek which will happen later on Saturday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Alvaro Beltran d. Ben Croft, 3-11, 0-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Finals
Alvaro Beltran vs. Kane Waselenchuk or Jack Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Rajsich advances to final
Second seed Rhonda Rajsich will have a chance to defend her US Open title, as she defeaeted Christie Huczek in semi-finals of the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9. Rajsich, the #2 player in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO), could be the first woman to win four titles on Sunday.
Early on it looked like the story would quite different, as Huczek led 5-0 in game one. But Rajsich then ran off 11 consecutive points to win it. Game two was close, but then with Rajsich leading 6-5 she pushed on to win 11-5.
In game three Rajsich was ahead early, but then Huczek came back and led 5-4. Rajsich then went up 8-5 before Huczek tied it at 8-8.
Rajsich then got two points to make it 10-8, but Huczek fought off three match points and closed the gap to 10-9. Then on her fourth opportunity, Rajsich finished the job, and won the match in three games.
Rajsich will face a Mexican woman in the final, as countrywomen Paola Longoira - the #1 seed - and Samantha Salas Solis - the 5th seed - will play in the other semi-final later.
The second women's semi final will be at 2 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis
Rhonda Rajsich d. Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
Final
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Paola Longoria or Samantha Salas Solis
Follow the bouncing ball....
Early on it looked like the story would quite different, as Huczek led 5-0 in game one. But Rajsich then ran off 11 consecutive points to win it. Game two was close, but then with Rajsich leading 6-5 she pushed on to win 11-5.
In game three Rajsich was ahead early, but then Huczek came back and led 5-4. Rajsich then went up 8-5 before Huczek tied it at 8-8.
Rajsich then got two points to make it 10-8, but Huczek fought off three match points and closed the gap to 10-9. Then on her fourth opportunity, Rajsich finished the job, and won the match in three games.
Rajsich will face a Mexican woman in the final, as countrywomen Paola Longoira - the #1 seed - and Samantha Salas Solis - the 5th seed - will play in the other semi-final later.
The second women's semi final will be at 2 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis
Rhonda Rajsich d. Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9
Final
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Paola Longoria or Samantha Salas Solis
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Women's Quarter Finals
The top two seeds - #1 Paola Longoria and #2 Rhonda Rajsich - are through to the semi-finals in Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw of the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis, and both won their quarter final matches in three straight games.
Longoria defeated Aimee Ruiz, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6, and Rajsich beat Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-1, 11-1, ending Parrilla's dream US Open run. She'd reached the quarters from the first round of qualifying.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas ran out of luck in Minneapolis as she lost in three straight games to Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7. Gudinas had been down in both of her previous matches and managed to come back and win. When she was up 7-4 in the third game against Huczek, it looked like a comeback was still a possibility, but that was not to be.
Fifth seed Samantha Salas Solis defeated 4th seed Kerri Wachtel in four games, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8.
The women's semi-finals will begin at 10 AM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Quarter-finals
Paola Longoria d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6
Samantha Salas Solis d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8
Christie Huczek d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-1, 11-1
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Christie Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria defeated Aimee Ruiz, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6, and Rajsich beat Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-1, 11-1, ending Parrilla's dream US Open run. She'd reached the quarters from the first round of qualifying.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas ran out of luck in Minneapolis as she lost in three straight games to Christie Huczek, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7. Gudinas had been down in both of her previous matches and managed to come back and win. When she was up 7-4 in the third game against Huczek, it looked like a comeback was still a possibility, but that was not to be.
Fifth seed Samantha Salas Solis defeated 4th seed Kerri Wachtel in four games, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8.
The women's semi-finals will begin at 10 AM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Quarter-finals
Paola Longoria d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6
Samantha Salas Solis d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-4, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8
Christie Huczek d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-1, 11-1
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Christie Huczek
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 22, 2010
2010 US Open - Men's Quarter Finals
By his own admission, 3rd seed Ben Croft won in "the worst way" as Mitch Williams had to retire due to injury in their quarter final match at the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis. Williams, the 6th ranked player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) was leading 9-4 in the fourth game and up 2-1 in games on Croft when he dove to his left for the ball.
He landed on his left shoulder and it was immediately evident that Williams was in pain. He took a injury time out, and then tried to continue. But after two rallies Williams realized that he couldn't continue. Hitting forehand shots was too painful.
Afterwards, Williams said that he "dislocated his shoulder" and although it had popped back in, he wasn't fit to continue. Thus, the match went to Croft, 0-11, 11-13, 11-2, 4-9, injury forfeit.
Croft, who won the World Championship in doubles with Williams in August, felt awful that his friend was not able to continue. "I didn't deserve this match. Mitch did," said Croft and he vowed to play "for Mitch" in the semi-finals Saturday.
Williams's 11-0 score in game one was the first 11-0 game in a quarter final, semi-final, or final match at the US Open since 2005, when Cliff Swain beat Alvaro Beltran 11-0 in the quarter finals and then beat Jack Huczek 11-0 in the semi-finals.
Croft will play Beltran in the semis, as Beltran defeated Jose Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12. Despite being down 7-2 in game three Rojas continued to battle, and it looked like his efforts would be rewarded with a fourth game as he led 12-11. However, Beltran fought off game point and then won three straight points to take the match.
Afterwards, Rojas said that he "put too much pressure on myself" in games one and two, and in game three he was able to relax. Doing that from the start may have made a difference in the outcome, but Beltran was solid.
Both players used a variety of drive serves and then hit lobs down the right wall when they had to hit a second serve.
Beltran hasn't been to the US Open semi-finals since 2000, when he lost to Sudsy Monchik. Beltan won't want to wait another decade for this opportunity.
The first quarter final was a feisty affair, as Charlie Pratt - playing in his first career quarter final - took game one off against 4th seed Jack Huczek. But Huczek persevered and came back to win the next three games and take the match in four, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5.
Both players used a variety of serves during the match, and made some fine shots and good gets to keep the ball in play, but they both protested some of the calls made by the referee, who had help from two linespeople.
Finally, two time defending US Open Champion, Kane Waselenchuk remains on track for a third straight title and sixth overall, as he defeated American Andy Hawthorne in the quarter finals by a decisive score line of 11-0, 11-1, 11-6.
Afterwards, Waselenchuk said "with no disrespect to Andy, I wanted to win 0, 0, 0." He almost accomplished that goal. But Waselenchuk also said he was "trying to make a statement" and he certainly accomplished that goal.
Next up for Waselenchuk is a renewal of his rivalry with American Jack Huczek in the semi-finals, which could also be a feisty affair. "I can't wait to play Jack," said Waselenchuk, who defeated Huczek in last year's US Open final.
The men's quarter finals continue on Friday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-0, 11-1, 11-6
Jack Huczek d. Charles Pratt, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Mitch Williams, 0-11, 11-13, 11-2, 4-9, injury forfeit
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Ben Croft vs. Alvaro Beltran
Follow the bouncing ball....
He landed on his left shoulder and it was immediately evident that Williams was in pain. He took a injury time out, and then tried to continue. But after two rallies Williams realized that he couldn't continue. Hitting forehand shots was too painful.
Afterwards, Williams said that he "dislocated his shoulder" and although it had popped back in, he wasn't fit to continue. Thus, the match went to Croft, 0-11, 11-13, 11-2, 4-9, injury forfeit.
Croft, who won the World Championship in doubles with Williams in August, felt awful that his friend was not able to continue. "I didn't deserve this match. Mitch did," said Croft and he vowed to play "for Mitch" in the semi-finals Saturday.
Williams's 11-0 score in game one was the first 11-0 game in a quarter final, semi-final, or final match at the US Open since 2005, when Cliff Swain beat Alvaro Beltran 11-0 in the quarter finals and then beat Jack Huczek 11-0 in the semi-finals.
Croft will play Beltran in the semis, as Beltran defeated Jose Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12. Despite being down 7-2 in game three Rojas continued to battle, and it looked like his efforts would be rewarded with a fourth game as he led 12-11. However, Beltran fought off game point and then won three straight points to take the match.
Afterwards, Rojas said that he "put too much pressure on myself" in games one and two, and in game three he was able to relax. Doing that from the start may have made a difference in the outcome, but Beltran was solid.
Both players used a variety of drive serves and then hit lobs down the right wall when they had to hit a second serve.
Beltran hasn't been to the US Open semi-finals since 2000, when he lost to Sudsy Monchik. Beltan won't want to wait another decade for this opportunity.
The first quarter final was a feisty affair, as Charlie Pratt - playing in his first career quarter final - took game one off against 4th seed Jack Huczek. But Huczek persevered and came back to win the next three games and take the match in four, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5.
Both players used a variety of serves during the match, and made some fine shots and good gets to keep the ball in play, but they both protested some of the calls made by the referee, who had help from two linespeople.
Finally, two time defending US Open Champion, Kane Waselenchuk remains on track for a third straight title and sixth overall, as he defeated American Andy Hawthorne in the quarter finals by a decisive score line of 11-0, 11-1, 11-6.
Afterwards, Waselenchuk said "with no disrespect to Andy, I wanted to win 0, 0, 0." He almost accomplished that goal. But Waselenchuk also said he was "trying to make a statement" and he certainly accomplished that goal.
Next up for Waselenchuk is a renewal of his rivalry with American Jack Huczek in the semi-finals, which could also be a feisty affair. "I can't wait to play Jack," said Waselenchuk, who defeated Huczek in last year's US Open final.
The men's quarter finals continue on Friday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Men's Singles
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-0, 11-1, 11-6
Jack Huczek d. Charles Pratt, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Mitch Williams, 0-11, 11-13, 11-2, 4-9, injury forfeit
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Rojas, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek
Ben Croft vs. Alvaro Beltran
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Women's Round of 16
All five top seeds are through to the quarter finals in Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw of the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis, although some had it easier than others in their Round of 16 matches. The top two seeds - Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich - and 5th seed Samantha Salas Solis all won in three games, but 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas and 4th seed Kerri Wachtel needed four games to advance.
Longoria defeated two time US Open Champion Jackie Paraiso, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8. Rajsich beat Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, and Salas Solis had a straight three game victory over Colombian Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-5, 11-1.
Wachtel was up against Mexican veteran left-hander Susana Acosta and Wachtel got 11 points in both of the first two games but the match was level as Acosta won the second game 13-11. Wachtel then won game three easily, 11-3, but found herself down 4-0 early in game 4.
Acosta extended that lead to 6-2 and it looked to be going tie-breaker, but then Wachtel - the 2001 US Open Champion - went on a run and got to 10 first, when she led 10-8. But Acosta fought off 8 match points before she drew even at 10-10.
Wachtel, who had been using a soft Z serve to the right side - Acosta's backhand, then changed serves and hit drive Zs to the right. That proved to be the winning formula as she won the next two points and took the match in four games, 11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 12-10.
Gudinas had a battle with young American Aubrey O'Brien, but ground out a four game victory, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8. O'Brien had her chances, as she led 6-2 in both games three and four.
But Gudinas came back in both games by using a variety of serves including a lob Z to the right - O'Brien's forehand. She hit that serve on match point, and O'Brien skipped an overhead return to end the match.
In other action, Christie Huczek, a three time US Open Champion, is also through to the quarters with a four game victory over Adrienne Fisher. After losing the first two games, Fisher came out on fire in game three as she stormed to 8-0 lead.
Huczek did get herself back in the game with lob serves to Fisher's backhand, and narrowed the gap to two points at 9-7. But Fisher was able to finish off the game, 11-7.
In game four, it was back to normal for Huczek as she went back to the drive serve, took a big 7-1 lead, and then won it 11-2. Fisher didn't go down without a fight though, as Huczek needed four match points to end the game and match.
In a battle of two young up and coming players, Mexican Jessica Parrilla defeated American Sharon Jackson in four games, 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7. She next play 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4.
Finally, Aimee Ruiz defeated Nancy Enriquez in four games, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7. The leftie won the match with a drive serve to the right side that caught in the corner for an ace.
Ruiz - the 2009 US National Singles Champion - is playing in her first US Open since 1999. She recently began working for Ektelon, so being in Minneapolis is a career opportunity both on court and off.
The women's quarter finals will begin at 5 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Round of 16
Paola Longoria d. Jacqueline Paraiso, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8
Aimee Ruiz d. Nancy Enriquez, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7
Samantha Salas Solis d. Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-5, 11-1
Kerri Wachtel d. Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Aubrey O'brien, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8
Christie Huczek d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-2
Jessica Parrilla d. Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7
Rhonda Rajsich d. Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Quarter-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Kerri Wachtel
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Christie Huczek
Jessica Parrilla vs. Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria defeated two time US Open Champion Jackie Paraiso, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8. Rajsich beat Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, and Salas Solis had a straight three game victory over Colombian Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-5, 11-1.
Wachtel was up against Mexican veteran left-hander Susana Acosta and Wachtel got 11 points in both of the first two games but the match was level as Acosta won the second game 13-11. Wachtel then won game three easily, 11-3, but found herself down 4-0 early in game 4.
Acosta extended that lead to 6-2 and it looked to be going tie-breaker, but then Wachtel - the 2001 US Open Champion - went on a run and got to 10 first, when she led 10-8. But Acosta fought off 8 match points before she drew even at 10-10.
Wachtel, who had been using a soft Z serve to the right side - Acosta's backhand, then changed serves and hit drive Zs to the right. That proved to be the winning formula as she won the next two points and took the match in four games, 11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 12-10.
Gudinas had a battle with young American Aubrey O'Brien, but ground out a four game victory, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8. O'Brien had her chances, as she led 6-2 in both games three and four.
But Gudinas came back in both games by using a variety of serves including a lob Z to the right - O'Brien's forehand. She hit that serve on match point, and O'Brien skipped an overhead return to end the match.
In other action, Christie Huczek, a three time US Open Champion, is also through to the quarters with a four game victory over Adrienne Fisher. After losing the first two games, Fisher came out on fire in game three as she stormed to 8-0 lead.
Huczek did get herself back in the game with lob serves to Fisher's backhand, and narrowed the gap to two points at 9-7. But Fisher was able to finish off the game, 11-7.
In game four, it was back to normal for Huczek as she went back to the drive serve, took a big 7-1 lead, and then won it 11-2. Fisher didn't go down without a fight though, as Huczek needed four match points to end the game and match.
In a battle of two young up and coming players, Mexican Jessica Parrilla defeated American Sharon Jackson in four games, 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7. She next play 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4.
Finally, Aimee Ruiz defeated Nancy Enriquez in four games, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7. The leftie won the match with a drive serve to the right side that caught in the corner for an ace.
Ruiz - the 2009 US National Singles Champion - is playing in her first US Open since 1999. She recently began working for Ektelon, so being in Minneapolis is a career opportunity both on court and off.
The women's quarter finals will begin at 5 PM CDT at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Round of 16
Paola Longoria d. Jacqueline Paraiso, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8
Aimee Ruiz d. Nancy Enriquez, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7
Samantha Salas Solis d. Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-5, 11-1
Kerri Wachtel d. Susana Acosta, 11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 12-10
Cheryl Gudinas d. Aubrey O'brien, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8
Christie Huczek d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-2
Jessica Parrilla d. Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7
Rhonda Rajsich d. Angela Grisar, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Quarter-finals
Paola Longoria vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Kerri Wachtel
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Christie Huczek
Jessica Parrilla vs. Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 21, 2010
2010 US Open - Men's Round of 16 Results
Alvaro Beltran has the biggest upset in the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) draw of the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis so far, as he defeated 2nd seed Rocky Carson, 12-10, 11-7, 12-10, in the Round of 16. The win splits the lifetime record they have against each at 10 wins each.
Beltran looked like he was going to have a comfortable win in game three, when he was up 8-4. But then Carson dug down and won six straight points to make it 10-8. But he couldn't get that last one, so Beltran came to tie it. Then when Beltran went ahead he finished the game and match off on his first opportunity.
This could be the earliest a high seed has gone out of the US Open since 2000 when then defending champion Jason Mannino lost in the Round of 32 to a fellow named Kane Waselenchuk.
Also, Beltran's win means that there will be a first time finalist in year's US Open men's final, as none of four men left on the bottom of the draw - Ben Croft, Mitch Williams, Jose Rojas, and Beltran - have been to the finals.
Beltran's victory was the second upset of the 16s. Charles Pratt provided the first upset as he defeated 5th seed Chris Crowther in three straight games, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9.
Alejandro Landa almost provided another, as he took the 7th seed Jose Rojas to five games, and that after managing only 2 points in the first two games. Landa was also up 4-0 in the tie-breaker using a lob Z to Rojas's forehand. But the current World Junior Champion came back, took the lead at 5-4, and didn't look back - winning 11-2, 11-0, 5-11, 7-11, 11-6.
Earlier in the day in the Round of 32, Former World Junior Champion and IRT #1 Jack Huczek defeated current World Junior Champion Carlos Keller Vargas of Bolivia, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, but Keller Vargas didn't go down without a fight as he dove around the court to keep the ball in play and made some great shots. In the end, Huczek was just too much for the Bolivian.
The men's quarter finals will be on Friday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Men's Singles
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-1, 11-
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8
Charles Pratt d. Chris Crowther, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 12-10, 11-4
Mitch Williams d. Juan Herrera, 11-2, 13-11, 11-2
Jose Rojas d. Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 11-0, 5-11, 7-11, 11-6
Alvaro Beltran d. Rocky Carson, 12-10, 11-7, 12-10
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Andy Hawthorne
Jack Huczek vs. Charles Pratt
Ben Croft vs. Mitch Williams
Jose Rojas vs. Alvaro Beltran
Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Tyler Otto, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
Marco Rojas d. Kris Odegard, 11-6, 11-4, 11-2
Anthony Herrera d. Andres Herrera, 10-12, 11-6, 11-1, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-9, 11-7
Chris Crowther d. Bradley Kirch, 11-3, 11-2, 1-11, 11-8
Charles Pratt d. Daniel De La Rosa, 10-12, 11-7, 11-3, 4-11, 11-7
Alejandro Herrera d. Jensen Allen, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Carlos keller Vargas, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Ben Croft d. Taylor Knoth, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-1
Javier Moreno d. Cesar Castro, 11-3, 11-8, 11-4
Juan Herrera d. Tony Carson, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9
Mitch Williams d. Matt Stamborski, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Jose Rojas d. David Horn, 11-2, 11-2, 11-7
Alejandro Landa d. Polo Gutierrez, 5-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10
Alvaro Beltran d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 11-1, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Beltran looked like he was going to have a comfortable win in game three, when he was up 8-4. But then Carson dug down and won six straight points to make it 10-8. But he couldn't get that last one, so Beltran came to tie it. Then when Beltran went ahead he finished the game and match off on his first opportunity.
This could be the earliest a high seed has gone out of the US Open since 2000 when then defending champion Jason Mannino lost in the Round of 32 to a fellow named Kane Waselenchuk.
Also, Beltran's win means that there will be a first time finalist in year's US Open men's final, as none of four men left on the bottom of the draw - Ben Croft, Mitch Williams, Jose Rojas, and Beltran - have been to the finals.
Beltran's victory was the second upset of the 16s. Charles Pratt provided the first upset as he defeated 5th seed Chris Crowther in three straight games, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9.
Alejandro Landa almost provided another, as he took the 7th seed Jose Rojas to five games, and that after managing only 2 points in the first two games. Landa was also up 4-0 in the tie-breaker using a lob Z to Rojas's forehand. But the current World Junior Champion came back, took the lead at 5-4, and didn't look back - winning 11-2, 11-0, 5-11, 7-11, 11-6.
Earlier in the day in the Round of 32, Former World Junior Champion and IRT #1 Jack Huczek defeated current World Junior Champion Carlos Keller Vargas of Bolivia, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2, but Keller Vargas didn't go down without a fight as he dove around the court to keep the ball in play and made some great shots. In the end, Huczek was just too much for the Bolivian.
The men's quarter finals will be on Friday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Men's Singles
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-1, 11-
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8
Charles Pratt d. Chris Crowther, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 12-10, 11-4
Mitch Williams d. Juan Herrera, 11-2, 13-11, 11-2
Jose Rojas d. Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 11-0, 5-11, 7-11, 11-6
Alvaro Beltran d. Rocky Carson, 12-10, 11-7, 12-10
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Andy Hawthorne
Jack Huczek vs. Charles Pratt
Ben Croft vs. Mitch Williams
Jose Rojas vs. Alvaro Beltran
Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Tyler Otto, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
Marco Rojas d. Kris Odegard, 11-6, 11-4, 11-2
Anthony Herrera d. Andres Herrera, 10-12, 11-6, 11-1, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-9, 11-7
Chris Crowther d. Bradley Kirch, 11-3, 11-2, 1-11, 11-8
Charles Pratt d. Daniel De La Rosa, 10-12, 11-7, 11-3, 4-11, 11-7
Alejandro Herrera d. Jensen Allen, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Jack Huczek d. Carlos keller Vargas, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Ben Croft d. Taylor Knoth, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-1
Javier Moreno d. Cesar Castro, 11-3, 11-8, 11-4
Juan Herrera d. Tony Carson, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9
Mitch Williams d. Matt Stamborski, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Jose Rojas d. David Horn, 11-2, 11-2, 11-7
Alejandro Landa d. Polo Gutierrez, 5-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10
Alvaro Beltran d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 11-1, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Vincent Gagnon, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open - Women's Round of 32 - UPDATED
Jessica Parrilla is the story of the early rounds of the 2010 US Open in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) main draw, as she upset 7th seed Jennifer Saunders to advance to the Round of 16, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7. This comes the day after the young Mexican won two qualifying matches, including a victory over the 2nd seeded qualifier Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6.
Parrilla will next meet Sharon Jackson, who was an upset winner over 10th seed Keely Franks, 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7.
In other action, 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas found herself in a two game deficit against Michelle Key, but once again Gudinas showed why she's been the US Open champion twice as she came back and won in five games, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7.
Both top two seeds advanced in three straight games. Number 1 seed Paola Longoria beat Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6, and Number 2 seed and defending champion Rhonda Rajsich defeated Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5.
The women's Round of 32 continues Thursday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The women will play twice on Friday: the Round of 16 and the quarter finals.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Paola Longoria d. Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
Jacqueline Paraiso d. Claudine Garcia, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8
Nancy Enriquez d. Krystal Csuk, 6-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Aimee Ruiz d. Jo Shattuck, 11-1, 11-4, 3-11, 11-6
Samantha Salas Solis d. Toshiko Sakamoto, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6
Cristina Amaya d. Maiko Sato, 11-5, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5
Susana Acosta d. Anita Maldonado, 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Kerri Wachtel d. Naomi Wakimoto, 11-13, 11-6, 12-10, 14-12
Cheryl Gudinas d. Michelle Key, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7
Aubrey O'brien d. Laura Brandt, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Christie Huczek d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Adrienne Fisher d. Jenny Daza Navia, 11-4, 11-5, 12-10
Jessica Parrilla d. Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
Sharon Jackson d. Keely Franks, 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7
Angela Grisar d. Janel Tisinger
Rhonda Rajsich d. Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5
Round of 16 - Friday
Paola Longoria vs. Jacqueline Paraiso
Nancy Enriquez vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Cristina Amaya
Kerri Wachtel vs. Susana Acosta
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Aubrey O'brien
Christie Huczek vs. Adrienne Fisher
Jessica Parrilla vs. Sharon Jackson
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Angela Grisar
Qualifying Results
Second Round
Aimee Ruiz d. Kimberly Irons, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Jenny Daza Navia d. Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-1
Naomi Wakimoto d. Carolina Gomez, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
Michelle Key d. Sarah Warhaftig, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1, 11-6
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Key, 11-2, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6
Da'monique Davis d. Lily Berry, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8
First Round
Jessica Parrilla d. Brigitte Richard, 11-6, 11-1, 11-7
Kimberly Irons d. Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Parrilla will next meet Sharon Jackson, who was an upset winner over 10th seed Keely Franks, 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7.
In other action, 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas found herself in a two game deficit against Michelle Key, but once again Gudinas showed why she's been the US Open champion twice as she came back and won in five games, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7.
Both top two seeds advanced in three straight games. Number 1 seed Paola Longoria beat Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6, and Number 2 seed and defending champion Rhonda Rajsich defeated Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5.
The women's Round of 32 continues Thursday at the Lifetime Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The women will play twice on Friday: the Round of 16 and the quarter finals.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Paola Longoria d. Da'monique Davis, 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
Jacqueline Paraiso d. Claudine Garcia, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8
Nancy Enriquez d. Krystal Csuk, 6-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Aimee Ruiz d. Jo Shattuck, 11-1, 11-4, 3-11, 11-6
Samantha Salas Solis d. Toshiko Sakamoto, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6
Cristina Amaya d. Maiko Sato, 11-5, 11-7, 3-11, 11-5
Susana Acosta d. Anita Maldonado, 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Kerri Wachtel d. Naomi Wakimoto, 11-13, 11-6, 12-10, 14-12
Cheryl Gudinas d. Michelle Key, 10-12, 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7
Aubrey O'brien d. Laura Brandt, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Christie Huczek d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-0, 11-4
Adrienne Fisher d. Jenny Daza Navia, 11-4, 11-5, 12-10
Jessica Parrilla d. Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
Sharon Jackson d. Keely Franks, 11-1, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7
Angela Grisar d. Janel Tisinger
Rhonda Rajsich d. Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5
Round of 16 - Friday
Paola Longoria vs. Jacqueline Paraiso
Nancy Enriquez vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Cristina Amaya
Kerri Wachtel vs. Susana Acosta
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Aubrey O'brien
Christie Huczek vs. Adrienne Fisher
Jessica Parrilla vs. Sharon Jackson
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Angela Grisar
Qualifying Results
Second Round
Aimee Ruiz d. Kimberly Irons, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Jenny Daza Navia d. Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-1
Naomi Wakimoto d. Carolina Gomez, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
Michelle Key d. Sarah Warhaftig, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1, 11-6
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Key, 11-2, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6
Da'monique Davis d. Lily Berry, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8
First Round
Jessica Parrilla d. Brigitte Richard, 11-6, 11-1, 11-7
Kimberly Irons d. Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Men's Qualifying Results
The Racquetball Blog staff apologies to all our readers as we've been a bit slow off the hop for this year's US Open in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Much of the staff was fighting off a bit of a cold bug, but we're feeling better and have the results from the men's qualifying for you below.
We'll bring you the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) results from the Round of 32 soon. Some qualifying results of note include Tim Landeryou's upset victory over Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-0, in the second round of qualifying. But Landeryou wasn't able to follow up that victory against Daniel De La Rosa, who won their match in three straight games, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6.
One of the longest qualifying matches was Jansen Allen versus Danny Lavely, which went more than two and a half hours before Allen prevailed in the fifth game, winning 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12. Allen did make it through to the main draw of 32 with a follow up win over Felipe Camacho, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4.
2010 US Open - Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Qualifying Draw
Final Round
Marco Rojas d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-2, 11-0, 11-8
Alvaro Beltran d. Roland Keller, 11-0, 9-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-1
Cesar Castro d. Felipe Munoz, ?
Jansen Allen d. Felipe Camacho, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4
Daniel De La Rosa d. Tim Landeryou, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6
Tony Carson d. Colin Mohr, 11-8, 11-4, 11-0
Polo Gutierrez d. Mike Orr, 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-1, 11-6
Andres Herrera d. Andres Ramirez, 11-5, 11-6, 11-3
Francisco Gomez Reyes d. Juan Rivas, 11-3, 12-10, 11-6
David Horn d. Missael Leija, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8
Matt Stamborski d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9
Bradley Kirch d. Nick Montalbano, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Ryan Meyer, 12-10, 11-5, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Armando Landa, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4
Vincent Gagnon d. Eric Muller, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Tyler Otto d. Alex Ackermann, "(8),(9),(6),6,7" [from R2]
Second Round
Marco Rojas d. Kris Odegard WBF - No Show
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Diaz, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6
Felipe Munoz d. Mike Ray, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10
Felipe Camacho d. Brent Mcdade, 11-8, 11-6, 11-0
Tim Landeryou d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-0
Tony Carson d. Jose Serrano, 14-12, 11-6, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Jeff Bell, 15-17, 11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 11-2
Andres Herrera d. Mauricio Zelada, WBF - Injury
Francisco Gomez Reyes d. Brandon Qualls, 11-7, 11-9, 11-3
David Horn d. Marco Mijares, 11-4, 11-1, 11-2
Arthur Schmeiser d. John Scott, 11-4, 11-9, 11-9
Nick Montalbano d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Eric Desrochers, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6
Armando Landa d. Alvaro Yanez, 11-1, 11-3, 11-6
Vincent Gagnon d. Estuardo Wer Llerena, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Myron Brough, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5
Alex Ackermann d. Kadim Carrasco, 11-3, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8
Eric Muller d. Jorge Hirsekorn, 12-10, 11-7, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Kevin List, 11-6, 11-4, 11-3
Ryan Meyer d. Carlos Oviedo, 11-1, 11-4, 6-11, 5-11, 11-8
Bradley Kirch d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-1, 11-4
Matt Stamborski d. Luis Reveron, 11-4, 11-4, 11-13, 11-3
Missael Leija d. Eduardo Avila, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Rivas d. Jim Bronson, 10-12, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3
Andres Ramirez d. Stacey Young, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5
Mike Orr d. Brandon Shoemaker, WBF - Injury
Colin Mohr d. Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Richard Eisemann, 11-4, 11-13, 11-9, 11-7
Jansen Allen d. Danny Lavely, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
Cesar Castro d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-1, 11-6, 13-11
Roland Keller d. Geoff Goldblatt, 10-12, 6-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
Vinny Carvallo d. Travis Mettenbrink, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10
First Round
Ryan Meyer d. Ramon Florez, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
Kevin List d. Roby Partovich, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
Eric Muller d. Bruce Robles, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7
Kadim Carrasco d. Greg Dorman, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Myron Brough d. Jose Ramos, WBF - No Show
Estuardo Wer Llerena d. Sadao Funatani, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Alvaro Yanez d. Sebastian Rivera, 12-10, 11-2, 11-3
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Chad Whitehead, 11-2, 11-3, 11-1
Francisco Troncoso d. Luis Camilo Diaz, 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
Arthur Schmeiser d. Alex Morales, 11-3, 11-4, 11-7
Marco Mijares d. Jeremy Mcglothin, 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
Brandon Qualls d. Blake Joseph Martin, WBF - No Show
Mauricio Zelada d. Matthew Majxner, (6),8,(5),11,4
Jeff Bell d. Justin Bullock, 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Jose Serrano d. Daniel Yamin, 12-10, 11-1,8
Tim Landeryou d. Dustin Webste, 11-0, 11-2, 11-9
Brent Mcdade d. Vicente Uriostegui Jr, 11-3, 11-4, 3-11, 11-2
Mike Ray d. Jamie Slamko, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8
Jose Diaz d. David Sable, 11-3, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7
Marco Rojas d. John Goth, 11-2, 12-10, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
We'll bring you the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) results from the Round of 32 soon. Some qualifying results of note include Tim Landeryou's upset victory over Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-0, in the second round of qualifying. But Landeryou wasn't able to follow up that victory against Daniel De La Rosa, who won their match in three straight games, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6.
One of the longest qualifying matches was Jansen Allen versus Danny Lavely, which went more than two and a half hours before Allen prevailed in the fifth game, winning 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12. Allen did make it through to the main draw of 32 with a follow up win over Felipe Camacho, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4.
2010 US Open - Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Qualifying Draw
Final Round
Marco Rojas d. Vinny Carvallo, 11-2, 11-0, 11-8
Alvaro Beltran d. Roland Keller, 11-0, 9-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-1
Cesar Castro d. Felipe Munoz, ?
Jansen Allen d. Felipe Camacho, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4
Daniel De La Rosa d. Tim Landeryou, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6
Tony Carson d. Colin Mohr, 11-8, 11-4, 11-0
Polo Gutierrez d. Mike Orr, 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-1, 11-6
Andres Herrera d. Andres Ramirez, 11-5, 11-6, 11-3
Francisco Gomez Reyes d. Juan Rivas, 11-3, 12-10, 11-6
David Horn d. Missael Leija, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8
Matt Stamborski d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9
Bradley Kirch d. Nick Montalbano, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Ryan Meyer, 12-10, 11-5, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Armando Landa, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4
Vincent Gagnon d. Eric Muller, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Tyler Otto d. Alex Ackermann, "(8),(9),(6),6,7" [from R2]
Second Round
Marco Rojas d. Kris Odegard WBF - No Show
Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Diaz, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6
Felipe Munoz d. Mike Ray, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10
Felipe Camacho d. Brent Mcdade, 11-8, 11-6, 11-0
Tim Landeryou d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 6-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-0
Tony Carson d. Jose Serrano, 14-12, 11-6, 11-6
Polo Gutierrez d. Jeff Bell, 15-17, 11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 11-2
Andres Herrera d. Mauricio Zelada, WBF - Injury
Francisco Gomez Reyes d. Brandon Qualls, 11-7, 11-9, 11-3
David Horn d. Marco Mijares, 11-4, 11-1, 11-2
Arthur Schmeiser d. John Scott, 11-4, 11-9, 11-9
Nick Montalbano d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Eric Desrochers, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6
Armando Landa d. Alvaro Yanez, 11-1, 11-3, 11-6
Vincent Gagnon d. Estuardo Wer Llerena, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3
Tyler Otto d. Myron Brough, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5
Alex Ackermann d. Kadim Carrasco, 11-3, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8
Eric Muller d. Jorge Hirsekorn, 12-10, 11-7, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Kevin List, 11-6, 11-4, 11-3
Ryan Meyer d. Carlos Oviedo, 11-1, 11-4, 6-11, 5-11, 11-8
Bradley Kirch d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-1, 11-4
Matt Stamborski d. Luis Reveron, 11-4, 11-4, 11-13, 11-3
Missael Leija d. Eduardo Avila, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Rivas d. Jim Bronson, 10-12, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3
Andres Ramirez d. Stacey Young, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5
Mike Orr d. Brandon Shoemaker, WBF - Injury
Colin Mohr d. Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Richard Eisemann, 11-4, 11-13, 11-9, 11-7
Jansen Allen d. Danny Lavely, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
Cesar Castro d. Takaaki Hirose, 11-1, 11-6, 13-11
Roland Keller d. Geoff Goldblatt, 10-12, 6-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4
Vinny Carvallo d. Travis Mettenbrink, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10
First Round
Ryan Meyer d. Ramon Florez, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2
Kevin List d. Roby Partovich, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
Eric Muller d. Bruce Robles, 11-3, 11-7, 11-7
Kadim Carrasco d. Greg Dorman, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
Myron Brough d. Jose Ramos, WBF - No Show
Estuardo Wer Llerena d. Sadao Funatani, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Alvaro Yanez d. Sebastian Rivera, 12-10, 11-2, 11-3
Carlos Keller Vargas d. Chad Whitehead, 11-2, 11-3, 11-1
Francisco Troncoso d. Luis Camilo Diaz, 11-7, 11-3, 11-1
Arthur Schmeiser d. Alex Morales, 11-3, 11-4, 11-7
Marco Mijares d. Jeremy Mcglothin, 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
Brandon Qualls d. Blake Joseph Martin, WBF - No Show
Mauricio Zelada d. Matthew Majxner, (6),8,(5),11,4
Jeff Bell d. Justin Bullock, 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Jose Serrano d. Daniel Yamin, 12-10, 11-1,8
Tim Landeryou d. Dustin Webste, 11-0, 11-2, 11-9
Brent Mcdade d. Vicente Uriostegui Jr, 11-3, 11-4, 3-11, 11-2
Mike Ray d. Jamie Slamko, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8
Jose Diaz d. David Sable, 11-3, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7
Marco Rojas d. John Goth, 11-2, 12-10, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
2010 US Open - Women's Round of 32
Day two of the 2010 US Open in Minneapolis and action in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) main draw has begun but only one match is complete. Second seed Rhonda Rajsich beat Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5.
The main upset of the qualifying rounds was Jessica Parrilla defeating the 2nd seeded qualifier Sheryl Lotts. Parrilla fought back from a 2-1 deficit in games to win it in the tie-breaker, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Paola Longoria vs. Da'monique Davis
Jacqueline Paraiso vs Claudine Garcia
Krystal Csuk vs Nancy Enriquez
Aimee Ruiz vs Jo Shattuck
Samantha Salas Solis vs Toshiko Sakamoto
Maiko Sato vs Cristina Amaya
Susana Acosta vs Anita Maldonado
Kerri Wachtel vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Cheryl Gudinas vs Michelle Key
Laura Brandt vs Aubrey O'brien
T. J. Baumbaugh vs Christie Huczek
Jenny Daza Navia vs Adrienne Fisher
Jennifer Saunders vs Jessica Parrilla
Sharon Jackson vs Keely Franks
Angela Grisar vs Janel Tisinger
Rhonda Rajsich d. Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5
Qualifying Results
Second Round
Aimee Ruiz d. Kimberly Irons, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Jenny Daza Navia d. Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-1
Naomi Wakimoto d. Carolina Gomez, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
Michelle Key d. Sarah Warhaftig, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1, 11-6
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Key, 11-2, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6
Da'monique Davis d. Lily Berry, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8
First Round
Jessica Parrilla d. Brigitte Richard, 11-6, 11-1, 11-7
Kimberly Irons d. Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
The main upset of the qualifying rounds was Jessica Parrilla defeating the 2nd seeded qualifier Sheryl Lotts. Parrilla fought back from a 2-1 deficit in games to win it in the tie-breaker, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6.
2010 US Open, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Paola Longoria vs. Da'monique Davis
Jacqueline Paraiso vs Claudine Garcia
Krystal Csuk vs Nancy Enriquez
Aimee Ruiz vs Jo Shattuck
Samantha Salas Solis vs Toshiko Sakamoto
Maiko Sato vs Cristina Amaya
Susana Acosta vs Anita Maldonado
Kerri Wachtel vs. Naomi Wakimoto
Cheryl Gudinas vs Michelle Key
Laura Brandt vs Aubrey O'brien
T. J. Baumbaugh vs Christie Huczek
Jenny Daza Navia vs Adrienne Fisher
Jennifer Saunders vs Jessica Parrilla
Sharon Jackson vs Keely Franks
Angela Grisar vs Janel Tisinger
Rhonda Rajsich d. Frédérique Lambert, 11-1, 11-9, 11-5
Qualifying Results
Second Round
Aimee Ruiz d. Kimberly Irons, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
Jessica Parrilla d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Jenny Daza Navia d. Linda Scales, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4
Toshiko Sakamoto d. Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-10, 11-7, 10-12, 11-1
Naomi Wakimoto d. Carolina Gomez, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5
Michelle Key d. Sarah Warhaftig, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1, 11-6
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Key, 11-2, 6-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6
Da'monique Davis d. Lily Berry, 11-8, 11-1, 11-8
First Round
Jessica Parrilla d. Brigitte Richard, 11-6, 11-1, 11-7
Kimberly Irons d. Masiel Rivera, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
2010 US Open - Vanderson withdraws
Ahead of Wednesday's qualifying rounds at the US Open, the big news is that Shane Vanderson - the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) 7th ranked player - has withdrawn due to personal family reasons. We wish Vanderson the best at this difficult time.
The IRT draw for the US Open has changed this year from last as the main draw starts with the Round of 32 with the top 16 players receiving seeds into that round and everyone else having to qualify for the other 16 spots. Previously at the US Open the IRT draw has started at the Round of 64. The top seeds in qualifying are Alvaro Beltran, Felipe Munoz, and Felipe Camacho.
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw also starts at the Round of 32, but the top 24 players are seeded for that round with the other players competing for the remaining 8 spots. The top seeds in WPRO qualifying are Aimee Ruiz and Sheryl Lotts.
Follow the bouncing ball....
The IRT draw for the US Open has changed this year from last as the main draw starts with the Round of 32 with the top 16 players receiving seeds into that round and everyone else having to qualify for the other 16 spots. Previously at the US Open the IRT draw has started at the Round of 64. The top seeds in qualifying are Alvaro Beltran, Felipe Munoz, and Felipe Camacho.
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw also starts at the Round of 32, but the top 24 players are seeded for that round with the other players competing for the remaining 8 spots. The top seeds in WPRO qualifying are Aimee Ruiz and Sheryl Lotts.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 18, 2010
Carson wins Lou Bradley Memorial
Rocky Carson won the Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin on the weekend, which is a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Carson played Chris Crowther in the final, and after the first game - won by Carson - Crowther defaulted due to a back injury.
It was clear in the first game that Crowther wasn't moving normally. However, it's believed that he'll be fine for the US Open in Minneapolis this week.
Carson defeated Juan Herrera in four games (3-1) in one semi-final while Crowther upset Ben Croft in the other semi - also in four games (3-1).
The Prairie Athletic Club has hosted the Lou Bradley tournament for 13 years, and has been an IRT event for the last 9. With over 200,000 square feet, the Prairie Athletic Club is the largest fitness club in Wisconsin.
2010 Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Final
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 1-0 - injury forfeit
Semi-final
Rocky Carson d. Juan Herrera, 3 games to 1
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 3 games to 1
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson d. Rafael Filippini, 3-0
Juan Herrera d. Blake Martin, 3-0
Chris Crowther d. Andreas Herrera, 3-0
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 3-2
(note: scores unavailable at source)
Follow the bouncing ball....
It was clear in the first game that Crowther wasn't moving normally. However, it's believed that he'll be fine for the US Open in Minneapolis this week.
Carson defeated Juan Herrera in four games (3-1) in one semi-final while Crowther upset Ben Croft in the other semi - also in four games (3-1).
The Prairie Athletic Club has hosted the Lou Bradley tournament for 13 years, and has been an IRT event for the last 9. With over 200,000 square feet, the Prairie Athletic Club is the largest fitness club in Wisconsin.
2010 Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Final
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 1-0 - injury forfeit
Semi-final
Rocky Carson d. Juan Herrera, 3 games to 1
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 3 games to 1
Quarter finals
Rocky Carson d. Rafael Filippini, 3-0
Juan Herrera d. Blake Martin, 3-0
Chris Crowther d. Andreas Herrera, 3-0
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 3-2
(note: scores unavailable at source)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Vanderson wins West Michigan Open
Shane Vanderson won the West Michigan Open on the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He defeated Mike Green in the final, 4-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9. The tournament was a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
In the semi-finals, Vanderson took out Brian Simpson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, while Green beat Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5.
2010 West Michigan Open, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Final
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Green, 4-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.
Semi-finals
Shane Vanderson d. Brian Simpson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Mike Green d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Vanderson took out Brian Simpson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, while Green beat Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5.
2010 West Michigan Open, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Final
Shane Vanderson d. Mike Green, 4-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.
Semi-finals
Shane Vanderson d. Brian Simpson, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Mike Green d. Cliff Swain, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
IRT Rankings - October 15, 2010
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) has released its updated rankings. Kane Waselenchuk remains the #1 IRT player. The top 5 remain the same with Rocky Carson in 2nd, Ben Croft 3rd, Jack Huczek 4th and Chris Crowther 5th.
But in the next five there are a couple of changes. Mitch Williams is now in 6th ahead of Shane Vanderson in 7th. Jose Rojas is also ahead of Andy Hawthorne. They are 9th and 10th respectively.
Small Differences
But the interesting thing ahead of next week's US Open is that only a few points separate some of the top 10 players. With two lower tier events this week, it's possible that a good result this weekend could change the seedings for Minneapolis.
Three examples. Crowther is 45 points behind Huczek, and Crowther's in the Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Huczek might actually be rooting for Crowther, as if Crowther goes into 4th Huczek wouldn't have to face Waselenchuk until the US Open final.
Vanderson is also only 52 points behind Williams. Vanderson's the only top 10 player in the West Michigan Open tournament, so if he can win at that event may be enough to put him back ahead of Williams.
Finally, Rojas and Hawthorne are separated by only 18 points, but it seems that Hawthorne isn't in either of this weekend's events, so they don't seem likely to change position.
IRT Rankings - Friday, 15 October 2010
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3829
2 Rocky CARSON, 2449
3 Ben CROFT, 2348
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2126
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2081
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1807
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1755
8 Jason MANNINO, 1584
9 Jose ROJAS, 1361
10 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1343
11 Anthony HERRERA, 971
12 Alejandro LANDA, 939
13 Juan HERRERA, 927
14 Charlie PRATT, 885
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 800
16 Javier MORENO, 575
17 Cliff SWAIN, 562
18 Kris ODEGARD, 525
19 Alvaro BELTRAN, 503
20 Felipe MUNOZ, 408
21 Felipe CAMACHO, 404
Follow the bouncing ball....
But in the next five there are a couple of changes. Mitch Williams is now in 6th ahead of Shane Vanderson in 7th. Jose Rojas is also ahead of Andy Hawthorne. They are 9th and 10th respectively.
Small Differences
But the interesting thing ahead of next week's US Open is that only a few points separate some of the top 10 players. With two lower tier events this week, it's possible that a good result this weekend could change the seedings for Minneapolis.
Three examples. Crowther is 45 points behind Huczek, and Crowther's in the Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Huczek might actually be rooting for Crowther, as if Crowther goes into 4th Huczek wouldn't have to face Waselenchuk until the US Open final.
Vanderson is also only 52 points behind Williams. Vanderson's the only top 10 player in the West Michigan Open tournament, so if he can win at that event may be enough to put him back ahead of Williams.
Finally, Rojas and Hawthorne are separated by only 18 points, but it seems that Hawthorne isn't in either of this weekend's events, so they don't seem likely to change position.
IRT Rankings - Friday, 15 October 2010
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3829
2 Rocky CARSON, 2449
3 Ben CROFT, 2348
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2126
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2081
6 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1807
7 Shane VANDERSON, 1755
8 Jason MANNINO, 1584
9 Jose ROJAS, 1361
10 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1343
11 Anthony HERRERA, 971
12 Alejandro LANDA, 939
13 Juan HERRERA, 927
14 Charlie PRATT, 885
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 800
16 Javier MORENO, 575
17 Cliff SWAIN, 562
18 Kris ODEGARD, 525
19 Alvaro BELTRAN, 503
20 Felipe MUNOZ, 408
21 Felipe CAMACHO, 404
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 11, 2010
Knoth wins Auburn VW Open
Taylor Knoth won the Auburn VW Open in Kent, Washington on the weekend, a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). He defeated Jimmy Lowe in the final, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10.
Knoth reached the final with a 11-3, 11-2, 11-5 victory over Grant Stalley, while Lowe got there by defeating Jeff Stark, 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5.
This weekend there will be two IRT events: the Lou Bradley Memorial in Madison, Wisconsin (a Tier 3 event) and the West Michigan Open in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Tier 4).
Then next week it's the big one. That's right, folks, we're only one week away from the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event. That begins October 20 in Minneapolis.
Auburn VW Open
Kent, Washington - October 8-10, 2010
Final
Taylor Knoth d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10
Semi-finals
Taylor Knoth d. Grant Stalley, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Jimmy Lowe d. Jeff Stark, 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Knoth reached the final with a 11-3, 11-2, 11-5 victory over Grant Stalley, while Lowe got there by defeating Jeff Stark, 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5.
This weekend there will be two IRT events: the Lou Bradley Memorial in Madison, Wisconsin (a Tier 3 event) and the West Michigan Open in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Tier 4).
Then next week it's the big one. That's right, folks, we're only one week away from the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event. That begins October 20 in Minneapolis.
Auburn VW Open
Kent, Washington - October 8-10, 2010
Final
Taylor Knoth d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-6, 11-7, 12-10
Semi-finals
Taylor Knoth d. Grant Stalley, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Jimmy Lowe d. Jeff Stark, 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am - Open Division Winners
Daniel De La Rosa and Nancy Enriquez were also winners at the Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am tournament on the weekend, as they finished on top of the men's and women's open divisions.
De La Rosa, seeded 11th, defeated top seed Alejandro Landa in the men's open final, 15-0, 14-15, 11-8. He beat Jose Diaz in the semi-finals, 11-15, 15-11, 11-4, while Landa defeated Felipe Munoz 15-6, 15-14 in the other semi.
On the women's side, 2nd seed Enriquez defeated the #1 seed Jackie Paraiso in two straight games, 15-10, 15-5. Enriquez reached the final with a win over Jessica Parilla, 15-8, 15-11 while Paraiso got a default win over Sofia Rascon.
The next main tournament for both the men and the women professionals is the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event, which will begin October 20 in Minneapolis.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Men's Open
Final
Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 15-0, 14-15, 11-8
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa d. Jose Diaz, 11-15, 15-11, 11-4
Alejandro Landa d. Felipe Munoz, 15-6, 15-14
Women's Open
Final
Nancy Enriquez d. Jackie Paraiso, 15-10, 15-5
Semi-finals
Nancy Enriquez d. Jessica Parilla, 15-8, 15-11
Jackie Paraiso d. Sofia Rascon, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
De La Rosa, seeded 11th, defeated top seed Alejandro Landa in the men's open final, 15-0, 14-15, 11-8. He beat Jose Diaz in the semi-finals, 11-15, 15-11, 11-4, while Landa defeated Felipe Munoz 15-6, 15-14 in the other semi.
On the women's side, 2nd seed Enriquez defeated the #1 seed Jackie Paraiso in two straight games, 15-10, 15-5. Enriquez reached the final with a win over Jessica Parilla, 15-8, 15-11 while Paraiso got a default win over Sofia Rascon.
The next main tournament for both the men and the women professionals is the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event, which will begin October 20 in Minneapolis.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Men's Open
Final
Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 15-0, 14-15, 11-8
Semi-finals
Daniel De La Rosa d. Jose Diaz, 11-15, 15-11, 11-4
Alejandro Landa d. Felipe Munoz, 15-6, 15-14
Women's Open
Final
Nancy Enriquez d. Jackie Paraiso, 15-10, 15-5
Semi-finals
Nancy Enriquez d. Jessica Parilla, 15-8, 15-11
Jackie Paraiso d. Sofia Rascon, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 4, 2010
WPRO Rankings - October 1, 2010
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) has released its rankings following last month's tournament in Cali, Colombia. The top four spots are unchanged with Paola Longoria #1, Rhonda Rajsich #2, Cheryl Gudinas #3 and Kerri Wachtel #4.
However, up to the 5th spot is Samantha Salas, which The Racquetball Blog believes is a career high for Salas. Furthermore, it's the first time that two Mexicans have been in the top 5. It's not the first time two non-Americans are in the top 5 though.
There were two non-Americans in the top 5 as recently as January 2009, when Longoria was #3 and Chilean Angela Grisar was 5th.
Jennifer Saunders has also moved up. She's now 7th ahead of Jo Shattuck in 8th and Keely Franks who's now 10th.
WPRO Rankings - October 1, 2010
Rank - Player - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria Mexico - 1647.28
2 Rhonda Rajsich USA - 1370.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas USA - 933.10
4 Kerri Wachtel USA - 446.10
5 Samantha Salas Mexico - 428.95
6 Adrienne Fisher USA - 394.40
7 Jennifer Saunders Canada - 331.85
8 Jo Shattuck USA - 322.60
9 Krystal Csuk USA - 310.60
10 Keely Franks USA - 264.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh USA - 254.20
12 Vivian Gomez USA - 249.75
13 Cristina Amaya Colombia - 217.48
14 Susy Acosta-Mendoza Mexico - 194.50
15 Kristen Bellows USA - 167.00
16 Doreen Fowler USA - 144.25
17 Aubrey O'Brien USA - 124.75
18 Angela Grisar Chile - 118.00
19 Claudine Garcia Dominican Republic - 113.60
20 Jackie Paraiso USA - 91.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
However, up to the 5th spot is Samantha Salas, which The Racquetball Blog believes is a career high for Salas. Furthermore, it's the first time that two Mexicans have been in the top 5. It's not the first time two non-Americans are in the top 5 though.
There were two non-Americans in the top 5 as recently as January 2009, when Longoria was #3 and Chilean Angela Grisar was 5th.
Jennifer Saunders has also moved up. She's now 7th ahead of Jo Shattuck in 8th and Keely Franks who's now 10th.
WPRO Rankings - October 1, 2010
Rank - Player - Country - Points
1 Paola Longoria Mexico - 1647.28
2 Rhonda Rajsich USA - 1370.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas USA - 933.10
4 Kerri Wachtel USA - 446.10
5 Samantha Salas Mexico - 428.95
6 Adrienne Fisher USA - 394.40
7 Jennifer Saunders Canada - 331.85
8 Jo Shattuck USA - 322.60
9 Krystal Csuk USA - 310.60
10 Keely Franks USA - 264.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh USA - 254.20
12 Vivian Gomez USA - 249.75
13 Cristina Amaya Colombia - 217.48
14 Susy Acosta-Mendoza Mexico - 194.50
15 Kristen Bellows USA - 167.00
16 Doreen Fowler USA - 144.25
17 Aubrey O'Brien USA - 124.75
18 Angela Grisar Chile - 118.00
19 Claudine Garcia Dominican Republic - 113.60
20 Jackie Paraiso USA - 91.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am - Finals
Kane Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson in the final of the Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am tournament, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5, to win his 17th consecutive tournament on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Waselenchuk hasn't lost since Jauary 2009.
On Sunday, Carson came out firing and had a big lead in game one, just as Jack Huczek did on Saturday against Waselenchuk in their semi-final match. But unlike Huczek, Carson couldn't withstand Waselenchuk's comeback, and lost game one, 11-9.
Game two was not close, as Waselenchuk built a comfortable 8-1 lead and went on to win 11-4. In game three, they were tied at 3-3, but again Waselenchuk went on a run to make the score 10-3. To his credit Carson didn't give up and clawed back a couple of points before Waselenchuk ended it at 11-5.
The next IRT tournament is the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event, which will begin October 20 in Minneapolis. Waselenchuk's the two time defending champion and has won 5 US Opens in his career.
Given his current form, you'd have to think that three weeks from now Waselenchuk will be hoisting the US Open trophy for the 6th time.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
On Sunday, Carson came out firing and had a big lead in game one, just as Jack Huczek did on Saturday against Waselenchuk in their semi-final match. But unlike Huczek, Carson couldn't withstand Waselenchuk's comeback, and lost game one, 11-9.
Game two was not close, as Waselenchuk built a comfortable 8-1 lead and went on to win 11-4. In game three, they were tied at 3-3, but again Waselenchuk went on a run to make the score 10-3. To his credit Carson didn't give up and clawed back a couple of points before Waselenchuk ended it at 11-5.
The next IRT tournament is the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious professional event, which will begin October 20 in Minneapolis. Waselenchuk's the two time defending champion and has won 5 US Opens in his career.
Given his current form, you'd have to think that three weeks from now Waselenchuk will be hoisting the US Open trophy for the 6th time.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am - Semi finals
Kane Waselenchuk and Rocky Carson won their semi-finals on Saturday and will meet on Sunday in the final of the Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am tournament. They are the #1 and #2 ranked players, respectively, on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), so it's not a surprise that they'll play in the final. What was a surprise is that Waselenchuk had a harder time getting there than Carson.
Waselenchuk played 4th seed Jack Huczek in the semi-finals, and Huczek came out on fire in game one. He put up a 7-0 lead with a combination of drive serves and drive z serves to the right side - Waselenchuk's backhand. Waselenchuk did come back to cut the lead to 7-5, but Huczek then went on to win game one 11-5.
A similar scenario played out in game two, as Huczek got a 8-3 lead. However, this time Waselenchuk stopped the bleeding and made a successful come back to win 11-8.
And after those two close games, Waselenchuk made sure it wasn't close in games three and four, as he stepped up his level of play to win the match in four games, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-3.
Carson was expected to have a tough time with 3rd seed Ben Croft in the other semi-final, but Carson won in three straight games, 11-8, 11-3, 12-10. Both the first and third games were close, and Croft actually had a chance to win the third game when he led 10-9. But he wasn't able to close it out.
Sunday will be the second meeting of the season for Carson and Waselenchuk. They met in the final of the Kansas City Pro-Am with Waselenchuk winning in three straight games.
The final will be at noon PDT on Sunday and is available with a subscription to the IRT Network.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Semi finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-8, 11-3, 12-10
Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk played 4th seed Jack Huczek in the semi-finals, and Huczek came out on fire in game one. He put up a 7-0 lead with a combination of drive serves and drive z serves to the right side - Waselenchuk's backhand. Waselenchuk did come back to cut the lead to 7-5, but Huczek then went on to win game one 11-5.
A similar scenario played out in game two, as Huczek got a 8-3 lead. However, this time Waselenchuk stopped the bleeding and made a successful come back to win 11-8.
And after those two close games, Waselenchuk made sure it wasn't close in games three and four, as he stepped up his level of play to win the match in four games, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-3.
Carson was expected to have a tough time with 3rd seed Ben Croft in the other semi-final, but Carson won in three straight games, 11-8, 11-3, 12-10. Both the first and third games were close, and Croft actually had a chance to win the third game when he led 10-9. But he wasn't able to close it out.
Sunday will be the second meeting of the season for Carson and Waselenchuk. They met in the final of the Kansas City Pro-Am with Waselenchuk winning in three straight games.
The final will be at noon PDT on Sunday and is available with a subscription to the IRT Network.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Semi finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-8, 11-3, 12-10
Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 1, 2010
Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am - Quarter finals
The top two seeds didn't have great starts in their quarter final matches, but both are through to the semi-finals at the Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am tournament. Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), was behind in both the first games against Jose Rojas, as Rojas got to 5 first in both game one and two. However, Waselenchuk recovered to win in three straight games, 11-6, 11-8, 11-2.
Second seed Rocky Carson had a tougher road, as he didn't just fall behind within a game, but dropped the first two to Chris Crowther. However, Crowther wasn't able to finish out the match, and Carson came back to win in five games, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5. Crowther did have a 5-3 lead in the tie-breaker, but Carson then won the next 8 points to win the match.
Carson will play Ben Croft in the quarter finals, as Croft beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 3-11, 11-3, 11-7 on Friday.
Jack Huczek survived a tough match against Mike Green, winning 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6. Green has a big drive serve, so he's definitely helped by the change to two serves this season. It looked like Green might pull the upset, as after leveling the match at one game a piece he had a game point in the third game at 10-9.
But Huczek got the serve back and another point to make it 10-10. They went back and forth for six rallies before Huczek put two straight points together. Even so Green took a 4 to -1 lead in the fourth game after Huczek was assessed a technical for hitting the ball after the rally was over. But Huczek fought back to tie it at 6-6 and from there Green didn't get another point.
The semi-finals and finals are available with a subscription to the IRT Network. The first semi is set for 4 PM PDT Saturday with the second semi to be played at 5 PM PDT. The final will be at noon on Sunday.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-8, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6
Ben Croft d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 3-11, 11-3, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5
Semi finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - 5 PM Saturday
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 4 PM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
Second seed Rocky Carson had a tougher road, as he didn't just fall behind within a game, but dropped the first two to Chris Crowther. However, Crowther wasn't able to finish out the match, and Carson came back to win in five games, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5. Crowther did have a 5-3 lead in the tie-breaker, but Carson then won the next 8 points to win the match.
Carson will play Ben Croft in the quarter finals, as Croft beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 3-11, 11-3, 11-7 on Friday.
Jack Huczek survived a tough match against Mike Green, winning 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6. Green has a big drive serve, so he's definitely helped by the change to two serves this season. It looked like Green might pull the upset, as after leveling the match at one game a piece he had a game point in the third game at 10-9.
But Huczek got the serve back and another point to make it 10-10. They went back and forth for six rallies before Huczek put two straight points together. Even so Green took a 4 to -1 lead in the fourth game after Huczek was assessed a technical for hitting the ball after the rally was over. But Huczek fought back to tie it at 6-6 and from there Green didn't get another point.
The semi-finals and finals are available with a subscription to the IRT Network. The first semi is set for 4 PM PDT Saturday with the second semi to be played at 5 PM PDT. The final will be at noon on Sunday.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-8, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Mike Green, 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-6
Ben Croft d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-6, 3-11, 11-3, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 7-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5
Semi finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek - 5 PM Saturday
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft - 4 PM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) won his Round of 16 match in the Racquet House San Diego Pro-Am tournament by defeating the only player he's lost to since September 2008: Alvaro Beltran. Waselenchuk took it in three straight games 11-9, 11-4, 11-9.
Waselenchuk will face Jose Rojas in the quarter finals, as Rojas was an upset winner over Shane Vanderson in four games, 11-5, 11-5, 7-11, 13-11.
On the other side of the draw, 2nd seed Rocky Carson defeated former #1 Cliff Swain in three straight games, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5, and will next face Chris Crowther in the quarter finals, as Crowther defeated Juan Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1.
The quarter finals are in progress and you can watch the action over the internet via the IRT Network, and today's play is free with subscribers being able to see the semi-finals and final on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Jose Rojas d. Shane Vanderson, 11-5, 11-5, 7-11, 13-11
Mike Green d. Mitch Williams, injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Landa, 11-5, 11-1, 9-11, 11-2
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Rocky Carson d. Cliff Swain, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Rojas
Jack Huczek v. Mike Green
Ben Croft v. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk will face Jose Rojas in the quarter finals, as Rojas was an upset winner over Shane Vanderson in four games, 11-5, 11-5, 7-11, 13-11.
On the other side of the draw, 2nd seed Rocky Carson defeated former #1 Cliff Swain in three straight games, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5, and will next face Chris Crowther in the quarter finals, as Crowther defeated Juan Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1.
The quarter finals are in progress and you can watch the action over the internet via the IRT Network, and today's play is free with subscribers being able to see the semi-finals and final on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
San Diego Racquet House Pro/Am
San Diego, California - September 30-October 3, 2010
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Jose Rojas d. Shane Vanderson, 11-5, 11-5, 7-11, 13-11
Mike Green d. Mitch Williams, injury forfeit
Jack Huczek d. Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Landa, 11-5, 11-1, 9-11, 11-2
Andy Hawthorne d. Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 6-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Rocky Carson d. Cliff Swain, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Rojas
Jack Huczek v. Mike Green
Ben Croft v. Andy Hawthorne
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
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