We hope that you got all the presents you wanted last week or scored some sweet deals in the post-Xmas sales or both. In between staff rehearsals of Auld Lang Syne for tonight, The Racquetball Blog has compiled its list of the Best Racquetball Stories of 2010.
We tried to whittle this list down to 10, but we felt 11 was a better fit. Thus, here's our Top 11 Racquetball Stories of 2010:
11) US Open in Minneapolis. After 14 years in Memphis, Tennessee the US Open moved to Minneapolis. Moreover, it was right smack dab in the middle of downtown, with the main club the Lifetime Fitness location underneath the Target Center. By all accounts the move was a positive one, so congratulations to US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim and USA Racquetball for making the transition to a new location so successful.
10) Jack Huczek. Huczek is the #4 IRT player, which would be a great accomplishment for most anyone else. But Huczek's been #1. He's a 3 time World Champion, but not since 2006. Huczek got hurt early in the year and hasn't seemed to be as good since. Yes, he played well at the US Open, winning the first game of his match against Kane Waselenchuk. But he's lost to Alvaro Beltran, Chris Crowther and Rocky Carson this season, as well as losing the World Championship final to Carson in August. Perhaps it is harsh to be so critical of someone who is the #4 player in the world, but Huczek's set a higher standard, and we're starting to wonder if he can reach that standard again.
9) Jason Mannino retires from International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and assumes the IRT Commissioner role full time. Mannino has taken the IRT mantle from Dave Negrete and run with it. There's more Grand Slam and Tier 1 events - including the first Grand Slam outside of the USA, new logo, new website, newsletters, and increased IRT Network coverage. All positive additions. Indeed, it's hard to say where Mannino has gone wrong.
8) Paola Longoria. She maintained her #1 position atop the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings, and was named Mexican Sportswoman of the Year, which is perhaps the highest recognition any racquetball player has even received. There were a couple of bumps on the road for Longoria in 2010 as she lost early on in singles at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships, and lost the US Open final for the second consecutive year, but she did win the IRF World Championship doubles title with Samantha Salas.
7) Rocky Carson defends World Championship. Carson won the 2010 IRF World Championship in August in Seoul, South Korea, successfully defending the title he first won in Ireland in 2008. This result reflects Carson's continued excellence, and he also won the IRT Corona Open in November.
6) Alvaro Beltran's return. Beltran's absence from the IRT last season due to injury was significant (we put it at #7 on last year's Top 10 list). He's the last man to defeat Kane Waselenchuk, and there was concern over how well he would play upon returning to the IRT. But he got to the semi-finals in his first tournament back, and then went one better on pro racquetball's biggest stage: the US Open, where he reached the final for the first time and took game one from Waselenchuk, who went on to win that match. We're very happy to see Beltran's returned to form.
5) Rhonda Rajsich wins Worlds and US Open. Rajsich successfully defended her World Championship title in August. Only Cheryl Gudinas and Michelle Gould with three each have more World titles than Rajsich. Then in October, Rajsich won her fourth US Open title, which is more than any other woman. Finally to end the year, Rajsich wins the Christmas Classic which should close the gap between her and Paola Longoria and make the WPRO season very interesting in the new year.
4) Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas win Women's Doubles at World Championships. The Mexican team in South Korea did what had only been done once before: win women's doubles. The US had won 13 of 14 women's doubles titles at Worlds, but they didn't win in 2010. Longoria and Salas beat Americans Aimee Ruiz and Jackie Paraiso in the final. It was only the 2nd time Paraiso had not won gold in doubles in 25 international appearances on Team USA.
3) Ben Croft. Croft won the US National doubles crown with Mitch Williams, and then they went on to win the IRF World Championship. Moreover, Croft was a semi-finalist in 6 of the last 10 IRT events as well as getting to the final of the Mexico Open, so he's clearly raised his skill level. He got to the #2 IRT ranking in November, but unfortunately that lasted all of one tournament. However, it provides great promise for Croft's future.
2) Samantha Salas. In addition to being part of the Mexican team to win the Women's Doubles World Championship, Salas won her first pro stop in 2010 at the Puget Sound Challenge. In addition, Salas has reached the semis of each WPRO stop this season, including at the US Open, which was a career best for that event (she hadn't even been a quarter finalist before). Salas's year was very impressive.
1) Kane Waselenchuk. The Racquetball Blog staff have mixed emotions about putting Waselenchuk #1, where we had him in 2009 and 2008. Mixed because on the one hand it seems so obvious as to be boring, but on the other hand how can you deny the newsworthiness of Waselenchuk's continued excellence? The man has not lost in almost two years. He's only played one tie-breaker in that period. It's an amazing record. How long can it continue? With Beltran's return, Croft's rise, Carson's continued excellence, and hopefully Huczek getting back on track, the IRT field should be stronger in the new year, when the tournaments are plentiful. Thus, it would be understandable to think that Waselenchuk's streak will end soon. But no one in the TRB office is betting on it.
There you have it. The top 11 racquetball stories of 2010. If you think we missed something, leave a comment.
Happy New Year everyone! Have some bubbly for us, but not too much. Bubbly hangovers can be doozies.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Importance of Sport and Games
The Racquetball Blog staff hopes you are having a fine December 25th.
Every year at this time, Queen Elizabeth II of England gives an address. It's of note to us this year, because she highlighted the importance of sport.
Specifically, the Queen said it is important to "build communities and create harmony and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games."
Hear, hear!
And following Her Majesty, all of us at The Racquetball Blog "wish you and all those you love and care for a very happy Christmas."
Follow the bouncing ball....
Every year at this time, Queen Elizabeth II of England gives an address. It's of note to us this year, because she highlighted the importance of sport.
Specifically, the Queen said it is important to "build communities and create harmony and one of the most powerful ways of doing this is through sport and games."
Hear, hear!
And following Her Majesty, all of us at The Racquetball Blog "wish you and all those you love and care for a very happy Christmas."
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Racquetball Mid-season Statistical Abstract
There have been 5 main events on both the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour. In all, 139 players have played at least one IRT match and 56 have played at least one WPRO match.
Here's a statistical abstract of what's happened so far this season.
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Total matches: 205
3 Game Matches: 121 (59.0%)
4 Game Matches: 52 (25.3%)
5 Game Matches: 32 (15.6%)
Most Total Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin at US Open, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
2nd: 101 by Jansen Allen and Danny Lavely at US Open, as Allen won 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
3rd: 100 by Alvaro Beltran and Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am, as Beltran won 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 13-11
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares v. Jeremy McGlothin at US Open
2nd: 56 by Polo Gutierrez v. Jeff Bell at US Open
3rd: 54 by Alvaro Beltran v. Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin v. Marco Mijares at US Open
2nd: 48 by Danny Lavely v. Jansen Allen at US Open
3rd: 46 by Anthony Herrera v. Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am AND by Rocky Carson v. Mitch Williams at Cali Grand Slam AND by Jack Huczek v. Alvaro Beltran at Kansas City Pro-Am
Fewest Points in a match: 35 - Anthony Herrera d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-0, 11-2, 11-0 in Cali, Colombia
2nd: 36 - Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 in Chihuahua
3rd: 37 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-0, 11-0 at Kansas City Pro-Am
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -5 by Andy Hawthorne at San Diego in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6.
2nd: -3 by Rocky Carson at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Mitch Williams, 3-11, 11-6, 11-5, 2-11, 11-8.
3rd: -2 by Colin Mohr at US Open in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6. AND by Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-5.
(note: we have no data for 22 IRT matches)
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
Total matches: 118
3 Game Matches: 63 (53.3%)
4 Game Matches: 40 (33.9%)
5 Game Matches: 14 (11.9%)
Most Total Points in a match: 101 by T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge, as Baumbaugh won 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
2nd: 95 by Susana Acosta and Jo Shattuck at Puget Sound Challenge, as Acosta won 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 AND by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado at US Open, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 36 by Paola Longoria and Claudia Andrade at Cali Grand Slam, as Longoria won 11-0, 11-0, 11-3 AND by Cheryl Gudinas and Beth Neff at Puget Sound Challenge as Gudinas won 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
3rd: 37 by Paola Longoria and Da'monique Davis at Christmas Classic, as Longoria won 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta v. Anita Maldonado at US Open
2nd: 53 by Cheryl Gudinas v. Michelle Key at US Open
3rd: 52 by T.J. Baumbaugh v. Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge
Most Points in a loss: 49 by Keely Franks v. T.J. Baumbaugh at Puget Sound Challenge
2nd: 46 by Jo Shattuck v. Susana Acosta at Puget Sound Challenge
3rd: 45 by Adrienne Fisher v. Susana Acosta at Christmas Classic
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
2nd: -2 by T.J. Baumbaugh at Christmas Classic in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
3rd: 0 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
(note: we have incomplete data for 1 WPRO match, which is not included in the above stats)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Here's a statistical abstract of what's happened so far this season.
International Racquetball Tour (IRT)
Total matches: 205
3 Game Matches: 121 (59.0%)
4 Game Matches: 52 (25.3%)
5 Game Matches: 32 (15.6%)
Most Total Points in a match: 108 by Marco Mijares and Jeremy McGlothin at US Open, as Mijares won 12-10, 11-5, 14-16, 9-11, 11-9
2nd: 101 by Jansen Allen and Danny Lavely at US Open, as Allen won 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 9-11, 14-12
3rd: 100 by Alvaro Beltran and Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am, as Beltran won 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 13-11
Most Points in a win: 57 by Marco Mijares v. Jeremy McGlothin at US Open
2nd: 56 by Polo Gutierrez v. Jeff Bell at US Open
3rd: 54 by Alvaro Beltran v. Jack Huczek at Kansas City Pro-Am
Most Points in a loss: 51 by Jeremy McGlothin v. Marco Mijares at US Open
2nd: 48 by Danny Lavely v. Jansen Allen at US Open
3rd: 46 by Anthony Herrera v. Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am AND by Rocky Carson v. Mitch Williams at Cali Grand Slam AND by Jack Huczek v. Alvaro Beltran at Kansas City Pro-Am
Fewest Points in a match: 35 - Anthony Herrera d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-0, 11-2, 11-0 in Cali, Colombia
2nd: 36 - Rocky Carson d. Javier Estrada, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 in Chihuahua
3rd: 37 - Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-0, 11-0 at Kansas City Pro-Am
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -5 by Andy Hawthorne at San Diego in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6.
2nd: -3 by Rocky Carson at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Mitch Williams, 3-11, 11-6, 11-5, 2-11, 11-8.
3rd: -2 by Colin Mohr at US Open in defeat of Cesar Castillo, 7-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 11-6. AND by Ben Croft at Kansas City Pro-Am in defeat of Anthony Herrera, 5-11, 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-5.
(note: we have no data for 22 IRT matches)
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO)
Total matches: 118
3 Game Matches: 63 (53.3%)
4 Game Matches: 40 (33.9%)
5 Game Matches: 14 (11.9%)
Most Total Points in a match: 101 by T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge, as Baumbaugh won 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7
2nd: 95 by Susana Acosta and Jo Shattuck at Puget Sound Challenge, as Acosta won 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 12-10 AND by Susana Acosta and Anita Maldonado at US Open, as Acosta won 11-3, 12-14, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2
Fewest points in a match: 36 by Paola Longoria and Claudia Andrade at Cali Grand Slam, as Longoria won 11-0, 11-0, 11-3 AND by Cheryl Gudinas and Beth Neff at Puget Sound Challenge as Gudinas won 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
3rd: 37 by Paola Longoria and Da'monique Davis at Christmas Classic, as Longoria won 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
Most Points in a win: 55 by Susana Acosta v. Anita Maldonado at US Open
2nd: 53 by Cheryl Gudinas v. Michelle Key at US Open
3rd: 52 by T.J. Baumbaugh v. Keely Franks at Puget Sound Challenge
Most Points in a loss: 49 by Keely Franks v. T.J. Baumbaugh at Puget Sound Challenge
2nd: 46 by Jo Shattuck v. Susana Acosta at Puget Sound Challenge
3rd: 45 by Adrienne Fisher v. Susana Acosta at Christmas Classic
Smallest difference in total points between match winner & loser: -4 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Jennifer Saunders, 3-11, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6, 11-7
2nd: -2 by T.J. Baumbaugh at Christmas Classic in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
3rd: 0 by Jessica Parrilla at US Open in defeat of Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
(note: we have incomplete data for 1 WPRO match, which is not included in the above stats)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Weekend Round Up - Croft wins in Minot
Ben Croft, racquetball's self-professed Iron Man, won another International Racquetball Tour (IRT) satellite event on the weekend, defeating Jack Huczek in a five game final at the ND Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9. The victory is further confirmation of Croft's 3rd place IRT ranking on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
Croft defeated Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8, in one semi-final and Huczek beat Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5. Lowe won the third place match against Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4.
Christmas Classic - Women's Open
Susana Acosta won the Women's Open division at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia. She defeated Cristina Amaya in the final, 15-7, 15-6. Both finalists needed three games to win their semi-final matches with Acosta beating T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 8-15, 11-5, and Amaya overcoming Nancy Enriquez, 15-13, 8-15, 11-4.
2010 ND Minot Open, Minot, North Dakota
Final: Ben Croft d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
3rd: Jimmy Lowe d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Croft defeated Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8, in one semi-final and Huczek beat Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5. Lowe won the third place match against Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4.
Christmas Classic - Women's Open
Susana Acosta won the Women's Open division at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia. She defeated Cristina Amaya in the final, 15-7, 15-6. Both finalists needed three games to win their semi-final matches with Acosta beating T. J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 8-15, 11-5, and Amaya overcoming Nancy Enriquez, 15-13, 8-15, 11-4.
2010 ND Minot Open, Minot, North Dakota
Final: Ben Croft d. Jack Huczek, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9
3rd: Jimmy Lowe d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Semi-finals
Ben Croft d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Jimmy Lowe, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, December 12, 2010
WPRO - Rajsich wins 2010 Christmas Classic
Rhonda Rajsich defeated Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4, to win the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia - a Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour Tier 1 event. It's Rajsich's third victory over Longoria in as many meetings between the #2 and #1, respectively, WPRO players this season.
Rajsich trails Longoria by less than 200 points in the WPRO rankings, and Longoria won this event last season, so the victory may be enough to put Rajsich back on top of the WPRO. She was the #1 WPRO player at the end of three consecutive seasons: 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The next WPRO event is the Coast to Coast California Open in Canoga Park, California January 7-9, 2011.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich trails Longoria by less than 200 points in the WPRO rankings, and Longoria won this event last season, so the victory may be enough to put Rajsich back on top of the WPRO. She was the #1 WPRO player at the end of three consecutive seasons: 2005-06 to 2007-08.
The next WPRO event is the Coast to Coast California Open in Canoga Park, California January 7-9, 2011.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 1 Paola Longoria, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, December 11, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Longoria & Rajsich in final
It'll be 1 v. 2 Sunday in the final of the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia as the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization's (WPRO's) #1 player - Paola Longoria - will face off against the #2 player - Rhonda Rajsich - in the final.
Longoria advanced to the final with a four game victory over fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5, while Rajsich had a similar win over fellow American Cheryl Gudinas, as Rajsich also won in four games, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.
This will be Longoria and Rajsich's third meeting this season, and Rajsich has won both previous times: the US Open final and the final in Cali, Colombia.
The final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 1 Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria advanced to the final with a four game victory over fellow Mexican Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5, while Rajsich had a similar win over fellow American Cheryl Gudinas, as Rajsich also won in four games, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.
This will be Longoria and Rajsich's third meeting this season, and Rajsich has won both previous times: the US Open final and the final in Cali, Colombia.
The final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
Final
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 1 Paola Longoria
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - No upsets in quarter finals
The top four Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) players will playoff later Saturday for positions in Sunday's final at the 2010 Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia as there there no upsets in the quarter finals.
In fact, all the quarters went three straight games except for 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who needed four games after dropping the first game to Susana Acosta. Gudinas won 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0.
The rematch of the last WPRO final had the same result Saturday, as 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis beat 5th seed Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11.
In the other quarter final matches, top seed Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
The semi-finals are Saturday evening and the final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Susana Acosta, 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
In fact, all the quarters went three straight games except for 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who needed four games after dropping the first game to Susana Acosta. Gudinas won 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0.
The rematch of the last WPRO final had the same result Saturday, as 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis beat 5th seed Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11.
In the other quarter final matches, top seed Paola Longoria beat 9th seed Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, and 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5.
The semi-finals are Saturday evening and the final is Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Susana Acosta, 7-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-0
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-5
Semi-finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 10, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Round of 16
Veteran Susana Acosta upset 6th seed Adrienne Fisher in five games, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7. Acosta's victory is the biggest upset so far at the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour - in Arlington, Virginia. In the quarter finals on Saturday, Acosta will play 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas who defeated Nancy Enriquez on Friday, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8.
The other upset in the Round of 16 on Friday was in the 8-9 game as 9th seed Krystal Csuk beat 8th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5. Csuk will play top seed Paola Longoria in the quarters, as Longoria defeated Da'monique Davis in three straight games, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0.
The other top seed, #2 Rhonda Rajsich, also had a three game victory over Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4.
Finally, #4 Samantha Salas Solis and #5 Kerri Wachtel both won on Friday and will play in the quarters on Saturday in what will be a rematch of the final from the last WPRO event: the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington. Salas Solis won that match for her first career WPRO Tier 1 victory.
The quarter finals go Saturday morning and early afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday evening. The final is scheduled for Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
9 Krystal Csuk d. 8 Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Cristina Amaya, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Angela Grisar, 11-4, 8-11, 11-1, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Nancy Enriquez, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8
11 Susana Acosta d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 11 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Jen Saunders
Follow the bouncing ball....
The other upset in the Round of 16 on Friday was in the 8-9 game as 9th seed Krystal Csuk beat 8th seed Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5. Csuk will play top seed Paola Longoria in the quarters, as Longoria defeated Da'monique Davis in three straight games, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0.
The other top seed, #2 Rhonda Rajsich, also had a three game victory over Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4.
Finally, #4 Samantha Salas Solis and #5 Kerri Wachtel both won on Friday and will play in the quarters on Saturday in what will be a rematch of the final from the last WPRO event: the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington. Salas Solis won that match for her first career WPRO Tier 1 victory.
The quarter finals go Saturday morning and early afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday evening. The final is scheduled for Sunday at noon local time.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-0
9 Krystal Csuk d. 8 Jo Shattuck, 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-5
5 Kerri Wachtel d. 12 Cristina Amaya, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Angela Grisar, 11-4, 8-11, 11-1, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Nancy Enriquez, 11-1, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8
11 Susana Acosta d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Laura Brandt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 5 Kerri Wachtel
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 11 Susana Acosta
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 7 Jen Saunders
Follow the bouncing ball....
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Round of 32
There have been several close matches in Arlington, Virginia at the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour but the only upset in the Round of 32 was in the 16-17 game as 17th seed Da'monique Davis defeated 16th seed Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6.
In two five game matches, Susana Acosta beat Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4 and T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4. Next up for Acosta will be Adrienne Fisher while Baumbaugh will face Jennifer Saunders in the Round of 16. Krystal Csuk also needed five games to get by Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5, and Csuk will next play Jo Shattuck.
As anticipated 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas will play Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, later Friday in the 16s as Enriquez defeated Linda Scales in three close games, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10.
The Round of 16 will be played later Friday with the quarter finals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Da'monique Davis d. 16 Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6
9 Krystal Csuk d. 24 Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya d. 21 Ana Paola Nunez, 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
13 Angela Grisar d. 20 Sarah Warhaftig, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10
11 Susana Acosta d. 22 Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jennifer Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh d. 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
15 Laura Brandt d. 18 Danielle Emerson, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Da'monique Davis
8 Jo Shattuck v. 9 Krystal Csuk
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Cristina Amaya
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Nancy Enriquez
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 Susana Acosta
7 Jennifer Saunders v. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Laura Brandt
Follow the bouncing ball....
In two five game matches, Susana Acosta beat Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4 and T. J. Baumbaugh defeated 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4. Next up for Acosta will be Adrienne Fisher while Baumbaugh will face Jennifer Saunders in the Round of 16. Krystal Csuk also needed five games to get by Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5, and Csuk will next play Jo Shattuck.
As anticipated 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas will play Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, later Friday in the 16s as Enriquez defeated Linda Scales in three close games, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10.
The Round of 16 will be played later Friday with the quarter finals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Da'monique Davis d. 16 Anita Maldonado, 9-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-6
9 Krystal Csuk d. 24 Kimberly Ferina, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya d. 21 Ana Paola Nunez, 8-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
13 Angela Grisar d. 20 Sarah Warhaftig, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez d. 19 Linda Scales, 11-7, 12-10, 12-10
11 Susana Acosta d. 22 Yolanda Jordan, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jennifer Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh d. 23 Sheryl Lotts, 3-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9, 11-4
15 Laura Brandt d. 18 Danielle Emerson, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria v. 17 Da'monique Davis
8 Jo Shattuck v. 9 Krystal Csuk
5 Kerri Wachtel v. 12 Cristina Amaya
4 Samantha Salas Solis v. 13 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas v. 14 Nancy Enriquez
6 Adrienne Fisher v. 11 Susana Acosta
7 Jennifer Saunders v. 10 T. J. Baumbaugh
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 15 Laura Brandt
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
WPRO - 2010 Christmas Classic - Preview
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour lands in Arlington, Virginia this weekend with the 2010 Christmas Classic - a Tier 1 event. There are 24 women in the draw including the WPRO's top 9 players.
The Racquetball Blog has done up a tentative draw based on the current WPRO rankings, and it looks like the finalists from last month's Puget Sound Challenge - Samantha Salas Solis and Kerri Wachtel - could meet in the quarter finals. But they could both face stiff competition in the Round of 16 from Angela Grisar and Cristina Amaya, respectively.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas could also have a tough match in the 16s, as she may face Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, providing Enriquez defeats Linda Scales in the Round of 32.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Anita Maldonado v. 17 Da'monique Davis
9 Krystal Csuk v. 24 Kimberly Ferina
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya v. 21 Ana Paola Nunez
13 Angela Grisar v. 20 Sarah Warhaftig
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Yolanda Jordan
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh v. 23 Sheryl Lotts
15 Laura Brandt v. 18 Danielle Emerson
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Racquetball Blog has done up a tentative draw based on the current WPRO rankings, and it looks like the finalists from last month's Puget Sound Challenge - Samantha Salas Solis and Kerri Wachtel - could meet in the quarter finals. But they could both face stiff competition in the Round of 16 from Angela Grisar and Cristina Amaya, respectively.
Third seed Cheryl Gudinas could also have a tough match in the 16s, as she may face Nancy Enriquez, the silver medalist from the 2010 World Championships, providing Enriquez defeats Linda Scales in the Round of 32.
2010 Christmas Classic, Arlington, Virginia
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Anita Maldonado v. 17 Da'monique Davis
9 Krystal Csuk v. 24 Kimberly Ferina
8 Jo Shattuck - BYE
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Cristina Amaya v. 21 Ana Paola Nunez
13 Angela Grisar v. 20 Sarah Warhaftig
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Nancy Enriquez v. 19 Linda Scales
11 Susana Acosta v. 22 Yolanda Jordan
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 T. J. Baumbaugh v. 23 Sheryl Lotts
15 Laura Brandt v. 18 Danielle Emerson
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, December 6, 2010
WPRO - Rajsich wins New Jersey Open
Rhonda Rajsich won the New Jersey Open - a satellite event of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour - in Woodbridge, New Jersey on the weekend. She defeated Aimee Ruiz in the final, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7.
In the semi-finals, Rajsich beat Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7, while Ruiz had to come back from two games down to defeat Cristina Amaya in five games, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7.
Rajsich's win comes ahead of this weekend's Tier 1 WPRO event: the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia, which will feature of a full slate of the top players, including WPRO #1 Paola Longoria.
2010 WPRO New Jersey Open
Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Aimee Ruiz d. Cristina Amaya, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Rajsich beat Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7, while Ruiz had to come back from two games down to defeat Cristina Amaya in five games, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7.
Rajsich's win comes ahead of this weekend's Tier 1 WPRO event: the Christmas Classic in Arlington, Virginia, which will feature of a full slate of the top players, including WPRO #1 Paola Longoria.
2010 WPRO New Jersey Open
Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Aimee Ruiz, 11-5, 11-9, 11-7
Semi-finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Anita Maldonado, 12-10, 11-3, 11-7
Aimee Ruiz d. Cristina Amaya, 2-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, December 5, 2010
IRT - Carson defeats Croft to win Rose City Pro-Am
Rocky Carson defeated Ben Croft, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2, to win the Rose City Pro/Am in Portland, Oregon - a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). It's Carson's second win in a row on tour as he also won the Corona Open last month in Chihuahua, Mexico.
After dropping the first game, Croft had a chance to level the match, as he led 10-7 in game two. But Carson fought back to tie the game at 10-10 and then using his characteristic off speed Z serve to the left, he finished off game two 12-10 to go up two games to none.
Carson took a 4-0 lead early in game three and looked on track for a three game sweep. But to his credit Croft didn't give up, fighting back to 6-6 - helped by a couple of crack out drive serves to the right side - and then pushed through to win 11-6.
But that win seemed to take all Croft had in him, as Carson took another early lead in game four, which Croft had no answer for. It was 9-0 before Croft got on the board to get a couple of points before Carson finished it at 11-2.
Afterwards, Croft said he "didn't play well" on Sunday, and Carson agreed saying he was lucky to get Croft on "an off day." But Croft said he always gives "100% effort" even if he's not playing well.
Asked how he felt after the match, Croft proclaimed himself the "Iron Man" of racquetball and that he'd be happy playing "back to back to back" all the time, even twice a week. That partly explains Croft's entry in next weekend's Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota; that's a Tier 4 IRT event.
Also, Croft said he's looking forward to next month's string of tournaments, when there are three Tier 1 events in a row: the California Open (January 6-9), New York City Pro/Am (January 13-16) and Lawler Sports Pro/Am (January 20-23).
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, while Croft got the best of Chris Crowther, 11-7, 11-8, 11-2.
Follow the bouncing ball....
After dropping the first game, Croft had a chance to level the match, as he led 10-7 in game two. But Carson fought back to tie the game at 10-10 and then using his characteristic off speed Z serve to the left, he finished off game two 12-10 to go up two games to none.
Carson took a 4-0 lead early in game three and looked on track for a three game sweep. But to his credit Croft didn't give up, fighting back to 6-6 - helped by a couple of crack out drive serves to the right side - and then pushed through to win 11-6.
But that win seemed to take all Croft had in him, as Carson took another early lead in game four, which Croft had no answer for. It was 9-0 before Croft got on the board to get a couple of points before Carson finished it at 11-2.
Afterwards, Croft said he "didn't play well" on Sunday, and Carson agreed saying he was lucky to get Croft on "an off day." But Croft said he always gives "100% effort" even if he's not playing well.
Asked how he felt after the match, Croft proclaimed himself the "Iron Man" of racquetball and that he'd be happy playing "back to back to back" all the time, even twice a week. That partly explains Croft's entry in next weekend's Minot Open in Minot, North Dakota; that's a Tier 4 IRT event.
Also, Croft said he's looking forward to next month's string of tournaments, when there are three Tier 1 events in a row: the California Open (January 6-9), New York City Pro/Am (January 13-16) and Lawler Sports Pro/Am (January 20-23).
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, while Croft got the best of Chris Crowther, 11-7, 11-8, 11-2.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, December 3, 2010
IRT - Rose City Pro-Am
It's been a bit of a slow time in the racquetball world of late, but there's a International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event this weekend. The Rose City Pro/Am in Portland, Oregon is a Tier 3 event that features some of the best IRT players.
The three C's will be there: Rocky Carson, Ben Croft and Chris Crowther, as well as Shane Vanderson, Charlie Pratt and recently crowned World Junior Champion Taylor Knoth, who'll be playing close to home this weekend.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the event beginning Saturday. They've redone their website, and it looks pretty good. The Racquetball Blog staff especially likes that when we go to the site now we're not greeted with the screaming audio track. It was fine the first few times, but after a year the scream had gotten old.
Follow the bouncing ball....
The three C's will be there: Rocky Carson, Ben Croft and Chris Crowther, as well as Shane Vanderson, Charlie Pratt and recently crowned World Junior Champion Taylor Knoth, who'll be playing close to home this weekend.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the event beginning Saturday. They've redone their website, and it looks pretty good. The Racquetball Blog staff especially likes that when we go to the site now we're not greeted with the screaming audio track. It was fine the first few times, but after a year the scream had gotten old.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WPRO Rankings - December 1, 2010
Paola Longoria continues to be #1 player in the latest rankings from the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Samantha Salas solidified her position as the 4th ranked player following her win at the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia, Washington.
Kerri Wachtel, the other finalist in Olympia, also gained points and remains 5th. Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas continue in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Susy Acosta is up to 12th ahead of Vivian Gomez and Cristina Amaya, who are 13th and 14th respectively. Also, Angela Grisar is back in the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings December 1, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1442.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1257.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 660.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 443.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 382.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 265.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 228.00
13 Vivian Gomez (USA) 208.00
14 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 187.98
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 105.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 90.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
Kerri Wachtel, the other finalist in Olympia, also gained points and remains 5th. Rhonda Rajsich and Cheryl Gudinas continue in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Susy Acosta is up to 12th ahead of Vivian Gomez and Cristina Amaya, who are 13th and 14th respectively. Also, Angela Grisar is back in the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings December 1, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1442.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1257.30
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 872.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 660.20
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 443.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 382.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 318.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 265.60
10 Keely Franks (USA) 243.50
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 231.70
12 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 228.00
13 Vivian Gomez (USA) 208.00
14 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 187.98
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 134.00
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
18 Doreen Fowler (USA) 105.50
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 113.20
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 90.00
Follow the bouncing ball....
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