Rhonda Rajsich won the 2011 Wilson Tour For Hope in Cincinnati on the weekend. She defeated Cheryl Gudinas in the final 11-3, 11-3, 11-1, to win the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour event.
Rajsich beat Krystal Csuk in one semi-final, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 13-11, while Gudinas defeated Angela Grisar 11-7, 13-11, 11-7, in the other. Grisar was a surprise winner over Kerri Wachtel in the quarter finals by scores of 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 12-10.
Rajsich and Wachtel teamed up to win the doubles event in Cincinnati. It was a five team round robin, but in what was effectively the final Rajsich and Wachtel beat Csuk and Gudinas, 15-1, 15-3.
Jack Huczek continued his good run of late with a win at the 33rd Annual Lewis Racquetball Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Huczek defeated Rocky Carson in the final, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5, to win the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Tier 2 event.
Huczek beat Ben Croft in the semis, 11-6, 11-0, 12-10, while Carson got past Chris Crowther. Huczek and Carson teamed up in doubles and won the event defeating Croft and Shane Vanderson in the final.
This coming weekend's big event happens in Canada with the second Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event of the season in Brossard, Quebec just south of Montreal. It will be players' last opportunity to make the team that will represent Canada at the Pan American Championships in Nicaragua in April.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Happy 36th Birthday Jason Mannino!
Many athletes retire without a clear idea of what they are going to do other than "spend more time with my family." Not you. You took on the leadership role of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) full time last summer after assuming the position from Dave Negrete in November 2009.
You won 22 IRT tournaments over your career, putting you 6th all time, and including two US Open titles in 1999 and 2006 - only Sudsy Monchik and Kane Waselenchuk have won more US Opens. Moreover, you were the #1 player at the end of the 2002-03 IRT season and a top 10 player from 1995-96 until your retirement at the end of the 2009-2010 season. Those fifteen top 10 finishes - fourteen of which were in the top 5 - are more than anyone else in the last 20 IRT seasons.
Your game style was unique, as you relied on a variety of half lob serves rather drive serves that are the usual weapon of professional racquetball players. Moreover, you were unrelenting in your effort to keep the ball in play during rallies. Anyone watching you play could be assured of seeing at least one dive during a game and often more than one on a single rally.
Your promise was evident early, as you won singles in Boy's 18 and under at Junior Worlds in 1994 to go with the Boy's 18 and under doubles title you won at Junior Worlds in 1992 with Monchik. That singles title is even more remarkable considering it came only two months after beginning to play again following severe injuries you suffered in a car accident.
Yes, you had a great impact on the IRT over your 192 appearances on tour (3rd most all time behind Cliff Swain and Ruben Gonzalez), but as the IRT commissioner you could have even greater impact.
You've had an action packed 36 years, and we wish you many more.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weekend Wind-up - Open Division results
The Men's Open final was a draw at the Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana, as finalists Lee Connell and Alejandro Herrera did a double default. Connell reached the finals by defeating Alok Mehta, 15-3, 15-5, while Herrera got there with a win over Adam Taylor, 15-10, 15-10.
Jose Martinez and Rich Bowman won the Men's Open Doubles title with a 15-8, 15-7 victory over David Schwent & John Scott. In the semi-finals, Martinez and Bowman defeated Dan Case & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk, while Schwent and Scott beat Andrew Price and Brad Schopieray by an injury default.
This Coming Weekend
This weekend there are no Tier 1 pro events, but there are two significant tournaments. In Cincinnati, the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is having the 2011 Wilson Tour For Hope, which features some of the best WPRO players including Rhonda Rajsich, Cheryl Gudinas, and Kerri Wachtel, who's one of the tournament organizers.
Over in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the 33rd Lewis Drug event is going on. It's a Tier 2 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event and has attracted several top players including Rocky Carson, Ben Croft, Jack Huczek, Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Men's Open Final
Lee Connell and Alejandro Herrera tied, double default
Semi-finals
Lee Connell d. Alok Mehta, 15-3, 15-5
Alejandro Herrera d. Adam Taylor, 15-10, 15-10
Men's Open Doubles Final
Jose Martinez & Rich Bowman d. David Schwent & John Scott, 15-8, 15-7
Semi-finals
Jose Martinez & Rich Bowman d. Dan Case & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk
David Schwent & John Scott d. Andrew Price & Brad Schopieray, injury default
Follow the bouncing ball....
Jose Martinez and Rich Bowman won the Men's Open Doubles title with a 15-8, 15-7 victory over David Schwent & John Scott. In the semi-finals, Martinez and Bowman defeated Dan Case & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk, while Schwent and Scott beat Andrew Price and Brad Schopieray by an injury default.
This Coming Weekend
This weekend there are no Tier 1 pro events, but there are two significant tournaments. In Cincinnati, the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is having the 2011 Wilson Tour For Hope, which features some of the best WPRO players including Rhonda Rajsich, Cheryl Gudinas, and Kerri Wachtel, who's one of the tournament organizers.
Over in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the 33rd Lewis Drug event is going on. It's a Tier 2 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event and has attracted several top players including Rocky Carson, Ben Croft, Jack Huczek, Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Men's Open Final
Lee Connell and Alejandro Herrera tied, double default
Semi-finals
Lee Connell d. Alok Mehta, 15-3, 15-5
Alejandro Herrera d. Adam Taylor, 15-10, 15-10
Men's Open Doubles Final
Jose Martinez & Rich Bowman d. David Schwent & John Scott, 15-8, 15-7
Semi-finals
Jose Martinez & Rich Bowman d. Dan Case & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk
David Schwent & John Scott d. Andrew Price & Brad Schopieray, injury default
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Waselenchuk wins 2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am
Kane Waselenchuk remains unbeaten on court for over two years as he won the final of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana on Sunday by defeating second seed Rocky Carson over five tough games, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6. In three previous matches with Waselenchuk this season, Carson averaged five points a game. He was better than that in each of the five games on Sunday.
It was the first time Waselenchuk was forced to play five games in a match since March 14, 2009 when Waselenchuk defeated Jack Huczek in the semi-finals of the Florida Spring Break event after losing the first two games. It was the first time he'd gone five with Carson since the final of the Motorola Racquetball World Championships in September 2008.
The IRT's next Tier 1 event is the San Diego Open, February 23-27.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
It was the first time Waselenchuk was forced to play five games in a match since March 14, 2009 when Waselenchuk defeated Jack Huczek in the semi-finals of the Florida Spring Break event after losing the first two games. It was the first time he'd gone five with Carson since the final of the Motorola Racquetball World Championships in September 2008.
The IRT's next Tier 1 event is the San Diego Open, February 23-27.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, January 22, 2011
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Semi-finals
It'll be #1 vs. #2 in the final of the Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana, a Tier 1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, as top seed Kane Waselenchuk will face second seed Rocky Carson on Sunday.
Waselenchuk defeated fourth seed Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6 in one semi-final while Carson beat third seed Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, in the other.
It'll be their fourth meeting of the season Sunday. Those matches were all finals, and Waselenchuk has won all three. Two of the matches went three games and the other went four. Carson averaged 5.0 points in the 10 games.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am final at noon CST Sunday.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk defeated fourth seed Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6 in one semi-final while Carson beat third seed Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4, in the other.
It'll be their fourth meeting of the season Sunday. Those matches were all finals, and Waselenchuk has won all three. Two of the matches went three games and the other went four. Carson averaged 5.0 points in the 10 games.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am final at noon CST Sunday.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, January 21, 2011
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Quarter-finals
The top four seeds are the semi-finalists at the Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana, a Tier 1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event. Top seed Kane Waselenchuk defeated 10th ranked Charlie Pratt in three straight games, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2.
Third seed Ben Croft had the hardest time of it, as he needed a five games to defeat Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8. Herrera was playing in his first career quarter final, but lived up to the moment in giving Croft all he could handle.
Croft will play Rocky Carson in the semi-finals, as Carson fended off Chris Crowther in the quarter finals, winning 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9.
Waselenchuk will face 4th seed Jack Huczek in the other semi-final, as Huczek defeated Andy Hawthorne in the quarters.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am semi-finals beginning at 4 PM CST Saturday.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Andy Hawthorne
Ben Croft d. Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek 5 PM CST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft 4 PM CST
Follow the bouncing ball....
Third seed Ben Croft had the hardest time of it, as he needed a five games to defeat Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8. Herrera was playing in his first career quarter final, but lived up to the moment in giving Croft all he could handle.
Croft will play Rocky Carson in the semi-finals, as Carson fended off Chris Crowther in the quarter finals, winning 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9.
Waselenchuk will face 4th seed Jack Huczek in the other semi-final, as Huczek defeated Andy Hawthorne in the quarters.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am semi-finals beginning at 4 PM CST Saturday.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
Jack Huczek d. Andy Hawthorne
Ben Croft d. Anthony Herrera, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek 5 PM CST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft 4 PM CST
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Round of 16
Two qualifiers caused upsets in the Round of 16 at the Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana, as Charlie Pratt defeated the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) 6th ranked player Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, and Anthony Herrera beat the 9th ranked player Jose Rojas, 10-12, 11-3, 12-10, 5-11, 12-10.
Herrera's win puts him in the quarter finals for the first time at a Tier 1 IRT event, while Pratt has reached the quarters for the third time in his career; those have all come this season.
In other action the #1 IRT player Kane Waselenchuk defeated Dan Case, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1, while #2 Rocky Carson beat Andres Herrera, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am all weekend, including the quarter finals Friday evening.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Dan Case, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Charlie Pratt d. Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9
Andy Hawthorne d. Alejandro Herrera, 14-12, 11-8, 11-0
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Landa, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 11-4, 11-6, 11-4
Anthony Herrera d. Jose Rojas, 10-12, 11-3, 12-10, 5-11, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Rocky Carson d. Andres Herrera, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Charlie Pratt
Jack Huczek v. Andy Hawthorne
Ben Croft v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Herrera's win puts him in the quarter finals for the first time at a Tier 1 IRT event, while Pratt has reached the quarters for the third time in his career; those have all come this season.
In other action the #1 IRT player Kane Waselenchuk defeated Dan Case, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1, while #2 Rocky Carson beat Andres Herrera, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5.
The IRT Network is web-casting the Lawler Sports Pro-Am all weekend, including the quarter finals Friday evening.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Terre Haute, Indiana
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Dan Case, 11-1, 11-1, 11-1
Charlie Pratt d. Shane Vanderson, 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9
Andy Hawthorne d. Alejandro Herrera, 14-12, 11-8, 11-0
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Landa, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Tony Carson, 11-4, 11-6, 11-4
Anthony Herrera d. Jose Rojas, 10-12, 11-3, 12-10, 5-11, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0
Rocky Carson d. Andres Herrera, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Charlie Pratt
Jack Huczek v. Andy Hawthorne
Ben Croft v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Preliminary Results
The preliminary round matches are over, and Dan Case made it through two rounds to reach the Round of 16 at the Lawler Sports Pro-Am in Terre Haute, Indiana, a Tier 1 event on The International Racquetball Tour (IRT). His reward is a match with the #1 IRT player Kane Waselenchuk.
There weren't any other surprises, but definitely some battles, including Charlie Pratt's victory over Richard Berich, which went four long games before Pratt won 10-12, 12-10, 11-8, 13-11.
The IRT Network will be web-casting Lawler Sports Pro-Am beginning today at 11:30 AM CST.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
Dan Case d. Dave Schwent, fft
Deli Stinnett d. Ira Baldwin, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9
Round 2
Dan Case d. John Scott, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Richard Berich d. Stacey Young, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
James Slamko d. Lee Connell, 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9
Brian Simpson d. Andrew Price, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Alex Ackerman d. Brad Shopieray, 13-11, 11-4, 6-11, 11-5
Juan Martinez d. Juan Pablo Rivas, 11-2, 11-2, 9-11, 11-4
Juan Garzon d. Geoff Goldblatt, 1-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7
Sebastian Franco d. Deli Stinnett, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 12-10
Round 3
Q8: Dan Case d. Eduardo Avila, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Richard Berich, 10-12, 12-10, 11-8, 13-11
Q4: Alejandro Herrera d. James Slamko, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Q5: Alejandro Landa d. Brian Simpson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-4
Q6: Tony Carson d. Alex Ackerman, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Q3: Anthony Herrera d. Juan Martinez, 11-4, 11-0, 9-11, 11-2
Q2: Juan Herrera d. Juan Garzon, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7
Q7: Andres Herrera d. Sebastian Franco, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Dan Case
Shane Vanderson v. Charlie Pratt
Andy Hawthorne v. Alejandro Herrera
Jack Huczek v. Alejandro Landa
Ben Croft v. Tony Carson
Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera
Chris Crowther v. Juan Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Andres Herrera
Follow the bouncing ball....
There weren't any other surprises, but definitely some battles, including Charlie Pratt's victory over Richard Berich, which went four long games before Pratt won 10-12, 12-10, 11-8, 13-11.
The IRT Network will be web-casting Lawler Sports Pro-Am beginning today at 11:30 AM CST.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
Dan Case d. Dave Schwent, fft
Deli Stinnett d. Ira Baldwin, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9
Round 2
Dan Case d. John Scott, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5
Richard Berich d. Stacey Young, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5
James Slamko d. Lee Connell, 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9
Brian Simpson d. Andrew Price, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Alex Ackerman d. Brad Shopieray, 13-11, 11-4, 6-11, 11-5
Juan Martinez d. Juan Pablo Rivas, 11-2, 11-2, 9-11, 11-4
Juan Garzon d. Geoff Goldblatt, 1-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7
Sebastian Franco d. Deli Stinnett, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 12-10
Round 3
Q8: Dan Case d. Eduardo Avila, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Richard Berich, 10-12, 12-10, 11-8, 13-11
Q4: Alejandro Herrera d. James Slamko, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
Q5: Alejandro Landa d. Brian Simpson, 11-2, 11-8, 11-4
Q6: Tony Carson d. Alex Ackerman, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4
Q3: Anthony Herrera d. Juan Martinez, 11-4, 11-0, 9-11, 11-2
Q2: Juan Herrera d. Juan Garzon, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7
Q7: Andres Herrera d. Sebastian Franco, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Dan Case
Shane Vanderson v. Charlie Pratt
Andy Hawthorne v. Alejandro Herrera
Jack Huczek v. Alejandro Landa
Ben Croft v. Tony Carson
Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera
Chris Crowther v. Juan Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Andres Herrera
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Preliminary Rounds
The draw for this weekend's Lawler Sports Pro-Am has been released, and we have it for you below. This Tier 1 event on The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) will begin Thursday with qualifying rounds in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The good news is that Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the IRT, is in the draw, so it seems the flu like symptoms that caused him to drop out of the New York Pro Am last weekend are behind him.
In this event the Herrera count is four, as Alejandro, Andres, Anthony, and Juan are all there. The Juan count is three: Rivas, Martinez and Garzon, which is one more than the number of Carsons (Rocky and Tony) and Alejandros (Herrera and Landa).
The IRT Network will be web-casting Lawler Sports Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 21 at noon CST.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
Dave Schwent v. Dan Case
Deli Stinnett v. Ira Baldwin
Round 2
John Scott v. Dave Schwent or Dan Case
Richard Berich v. Stacey Young
Lee Connell v. James Slamko
Brian Simpson v. Andrew Price
Alex Ackerman v. Brad Shopieray
Juan Pablo Rivas v. Juan Martinez
Juan Garzon v. Geoff Goldblatt
Sebastian Franco v. Deli Stinnett or Ira Baldwin
Round 3
Q8: Eduardo Avila v. John Scott or Dave Schwent or Dan Case
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Richard Berich or Stacey Young
Q4: Alejandro Herrera v. Lee Connell or James Slamko
Q5: Alejandro Landa v. Brian Simpson or Andrew Price
Q6: Tony Carson v. Alex Ackerman or Brad Shopieray
Q3: Anthony Herrera v. Juan Pablo Rivas or Juan Martinez
Q2: Juan Herrera v. Juan Garzon or Geoff Goldblatt
Q7: Andres Herrera v. Sebastian Franco or Deli Stinnett or Ira Baldwin
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Shane Vanderson v. Q1
Andy Hawthorne v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Jose Rojas v. Q3
Chris Crowther v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
The good news is that Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the IRT, is in the draw, so it seems the flu like symptoms that caused him to drop out of the New York Pro Am last weekend are behind him.
In this event the Herrera count is four, as Alejandro, Andres, Anthony, and Juan are all there. The Juan count is three: Rivas, Martinez and Garzon, which is one more than the number of Carsons (Rocky and Tony) and Alejandros (Herrera and Landa).
The IRT Network will be web-casting Lawler Sports Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 21 at noon CST.
2011 Lawler Sports Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
Dave Schwent v. Dan Case
Deli Stinnett v. Ira Baldwin
Round 2
John Scott v. Dave Schwent or Dan Case
Richard Berich v. Stacey Young
Lee Connell v. James Slamko
Brian Simpson v. Andrew Price
Alex Ackerman v. Brad Shopieray
Juan Pablo Rivas v. Juan Martinez
Juan Garzon v. Geoff Goldblatt
Sebastian Franco v. Deli Stinnett or Ira Baldwin
Round 3
Q8: Eduardo Avila v. John Scott or Dave Schwent or Dan Case
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Richard Berich or Stacey Young
Q4: Alejandro Herrera v. Lee Connell or James Slamko
Q5: Alejandro Landa v. Brian Simpson or Andrew Price
Q6: Tony Carson v. Alex Ackerman or Brad Shopieray
Q3: Anthony Herrera v. Juan Pablo Rivas or Juan Martinez
Q2: Juan Herrera v. Juan Garzon or Geoff Goldblatt
Q7: Andres Herrera v. Sebastian Franco or Deli Stinnett or Ira Baldwin
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Shane Vanderson v. Q1
Andy Hawthorne v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Jose Rojas v. Q3
Chris Crowther v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
IRT Rankings - January 22, 2010
Despite last weekend's results there are no changes in the top four players in the latest International Racquetball Tour (IRT) rankings, as Kane Waselenchuk remains #1, Rocky Carson #2, Ben Croft #3 and Jack Huczek #4.
Shane Vanderson did move up ahead of Mitch Williams, and sits in 5th spot. Also, Andy Hawthorne is in 8th spot ahead of Jose Rojas, who's 9th.
The most significant changes in the next 10 spots are Tony Carson and Andres Herrera moving up to sit in 19th and 20th, respectively.
IRT Rankings - January 18, 2011
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3983
2 Rocky CARSON, 3008
3 Ben CROFT, 2584
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2340
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2141
6 Shane VANDERSON, 1924
7 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1820
8 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1740
9 Jose ROJAS, 1736
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1459
11 Charlie PRATT, 1253
12 Juan HERRERA, 1037
13 Anthony HERRERA, 840
14 Alejandro LANDA, 701
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 725
16 Jason MANNINO, 615
17 Cliff SWAIN, 512
18 Javier MORENO, 465
19 Tony CARSON, 404
20 Andres HERRERA, 318
Follow the bouncing ball....
Shane Vanderson did move up ahead of Mitch Williams, and sits in 5th spot. Also, Andy Hawthorne is in 8th spot ahead of Jose Rojas, who's 9th.
The most significant changes in the next 10 spots are Tony Carson and Andres Herrera moving up to sit in 19th and 20th, respectively.
IRT Rankings - January 18, 2011
Rank Player Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 3983
2 Rocky CARSON, 3008
3 Ben CROFT, 2584
4 Jack HUCZEK, 2340
5 Chris CROWTHER, 2141
6 Shane VANDERSON, 1924
7 Mitch WILLIAMS, 1820
8 Andy HAWTHORNE, 1740
9 Jose ROJAS, 1736
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1459
11 Charlie PRATT, 1253
12 Juan HERRERA, 1037
13 Anthony HERRERA, 840
14 Alejandro LANDA, 701
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 725
16 Jason MANNINO, 615
17 Cliff SWAIN, 512
18 Javier MORENO, 465
19 Tony CARSON, 404
20 Andres HERRERA, 318
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Huczek wins 2011 New York City Pro-Am
Jack Huczek ended a tournament winning dought of over two years on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) by defeating Rocky Carson, 7-11, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, in the final of the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York on Sunday. Huczek's last win came in October 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta at the Canadian Racquetball Classic.
Huczek's victory makes his career IRT record against Carson 21-14, although that doesn't count the two victories Carson had over Huczek at the last two International Racquetball Federation World Championships, including last summer in Seoul, South Korea.
The victory may be enough to move Huczek into 3rd on the IRT rankings ahead of Ben Croft, who was a quarter-finalist in New York, where he lost to Shane Vanderson.
The IRT's event is the Lawler Sports Pro-Am next weekend January 20-23 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Final
Jack Huczek d. Rocky Carson, 7-11, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Huczek's victory makes his career IRT record against Carson 21-14, although that doesn't count the two victories Carson had over Huczek at the last two International Racquetball Federation World Championships, including last summer in Seoul, South Korea.
The victory may be enough to move Huczek into 3rd on the IRT rankings ahead of Ben Croft, who was a quarter-finalist in New York, where he lost to Shane Vanderson.
The IRT's event is the Lawler Sports Pro-Am next weekend January 20-23 in Terre Haute, Indiana.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Final
Jack Huczek d. Rocky Carson, 7-11, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Waselenchuk withdraws from semi-finals
Shock news from the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) as top seed Kane Waselenchuk has withdrawn from the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York due to illness. In a notice on the IRT website, an apologetic Waselenchuk states he's been "very sick with flu like symptoms" this past week, so he's withdrawn from his semi-final match versus Jack Huczek, who will advance to Sunday's final.
The loss ends Waslenchuk's match winning streak at 81. Although the loss didn't come on court, so one could still say Waselenchuk hasn't been beaten on court in over two years. In that period there have been other tournaments that Waselenchuk has missed due to illness or injury, including the Corona Open in November.
Huczek will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson, who defeated Shane Vanderson in the other semi-final, 12-10, 9-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7. Vanderson was playing in his first semi-final of the season.
Afterwards Vanderson said he felt like he "played well enough to win," but there were a "couple loose points" that made the difference. He credited Carson's play saying Carson always takes advantage of any loose points.
Carson credited Vanderson for hitting good shots early in the match, when he wasn't. In fact, Carson got so frustrated with himself that he got a technical for hitting the ball after the rally was over.
But he turned it around, and felt the "last game was as good as I've played all tournament."
Both players denied looking ahead to a final without Waselenchuk. Vanderson said "Rocky's too good to look ahead."
The IRT Network will web-cast the New York Pro-Am final Sunday at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Semi-finals
Jack Huczek d. Kane Waselenchuk, fft
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 12-10, 9-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7
Final
Rocky Carson v. Jack Huczek Noon PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball....
The loss ends Waslenchuk's match winning streak at 81. Although the loss didn't come on court, so one could still say Waselenchuk hasn't been beaten on court in over two years. In that period there have been other tournaments that Waselenchuk has missed due to illness or injury, including the Corona Open in November.
Huczek will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson, who defeated Shane Vanderson in the other semi-final, 12-10, 9-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7. Vanderson was playing in his first semi-final of the season.
Afterwards Vanderson said he felt like he "played well enough to win," but there were a "couple loose points" that made the difference. He credited Carson's play saying Carson always takes advantage of any loose points.
Carson credited Vanderson for hitting good shots early in the match, when he wasn't. In fact, Carson got so frustrated with himself that he got a technical for hitting the ball after the rally was over.
But he turned it around, and felt the "last game was as good as I've played all tournament."
Both players denied looking ahead to a final without Waselenchuk. Vanderson said "Rocky's too good to look ahead."
The IRT Network will web-cast the New York Pro-Am final Sunday at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Semi-finals
Jack Huczek d. Kane Waselenchuk, fft
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 12-10, 9-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7
Final
Rocky Carson v. Jack Huczek Noon PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, January 14, 2011
2011 New York City Pro-Am - QFs
Shane Vanderson, playing the best he's played in a long time, upset the International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) #3 player, Ben Croft in four games, 11-(-1), 11-6, 11-13, 11-9, in the quarter finals of the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York. Vanderson was superb in game one, getting up 9-0 and frustrating Croft so much that he got a technical for hitting the ball after the rally was over, leading to the negative score line.
Speaking after the match, Croft was composed but clearly frustrated and said as much, saying he "played garbage" and "just wasn't into it" for some reason that Croft couldn't put his finger on. But he credited his opponent as well, saying Vanderson "couldn't miss in the first two games."
Vanderson, looking fitter than last year, said he felt "great" and was "excited" and "happy to be here." His play reflected that as he moved around the court with energy including one rally he won with two dives that kept the ball in play.
Vanderson will play #2 seed Rocky Carson in the semis, as Carson defeated Andy Hawthorne, 11-1, 11-6, 11-4.
Top seed Kane Waselenchuk beat Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-4, to also advance to the semis, and he'll play Jack Huczek, who defeated Vincent Gagnon, 8-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3.
The IRT Network is web-casting the New York Pro-Am all weekend.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek v. Vincent Gagnon, 8-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Ben Croft, 11-(-1), 11-6, 11-13, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-1, 11-6, 11-4
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek
Rocky Carson v. Shane Vanderson
Follow the bouncing ball....
Speaking after the match, Croft was composed but clearly frustrated and said as much, saying he "played garbage" and "just wasn't into it" for some reason that Croft couldn't put his finger on. But he credited his opponent as well, saying Vanderson "couldn't miss in the first two games."
Vanderson, looking fitter than last year, said he felt "great" and was "excited" and "happy to be here." His play reflected that as he moved around the court with energy including one rally he won with two dives that kept the ball in play.
Vanderson will play #2 seed Rocky Carson in the semis, as Carson defeated Andy Hawthorne, 11-1, 11-6, 11-4.
Top seed Kane Waselenchuk beat Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-4, to also advance to the semis, and he'll play Jack Huczek, who defeated Vincent Gagnon, 8-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3.
The IRT Network is web-casting the New York Pro-Am all weekend.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-4
Jack Huczek v. Vincent Gagnon, 8-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Ben Croft, 11-(-1), 11-6, 11-13, 11-9
Rocky Carson d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-1, 11-6, 11-4
Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek
Rocky Carson v. Shane Vanderson
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Round of 16
Jose Rojas upset Chris Crowther, the #5 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4, in the Round of 16 at the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York. He'll next play #1 seed Kane Waselenchuk, who defeated Tony Carson in the 16s, 11-5, 13-11, 11-7.
Second seed Rocky Carson defeated Nick Montalbano, 11-3, 12-10, 11-4 in the early match of the day. Carson's next opponent will be Andy Hawthorne who defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10.
Still to come on the top of the draw in the Round of 16, Jack Huczek faces Alejandro Landa and Mitch Williams takes on Vincent Gagnon. On the bottom part of the draw, Ben Croft plays Alejandro Herrera and Shane Vanderson meets Juan Herrera.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the New York Pro-Am all weekend.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Tony Carson, 11-5, 13-11, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4
Vincent Gagnon d. Mitch Williams, 11-3, 11-5, fft
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Landa, 11-6, 11-5, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-8, 12-10, 11-9
Shane Vanderson d. Juan Herrera, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10
Rocky Carson d. Nick Montalbano, 11-3, 12-10, 11-4
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Rojas
Jack Huczek v. Vincent Gagnon
Ben Croft v. Shane Vanderson
Rocky Carson v. Andy Hawthorne
Follow the bouncing ball....
Second seed Rocky Carson defeated Nick Montalbano, 11-3, 12-10, 11-4 in the early match of the day. Carson's next opponent will be Andy Hawthorne who defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10.
Still to come on the top of the draw in the Round of 16, Jack Huczek faces Alejandro Landa and Mitch Williams takes on Vincent Gagnon. On the bottom part of the draw, Ben Croft plays Alejandro Herrera and Shane Vanderson meets Juan Herrera.
The IRT Network will be web-casting the New York Pro-Am all weekend.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Tony Carson, 11-5, 13-11, 11-7
Jose Rojas d. Chris Crowther, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4
Vincent Gagnon d. Mitch Williams, 11-3, 11-5, fft
Jack Huczek d. Alejandro Landa, 11-6, 11-5, 11-1
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-8, 12-10, 11-9
Shane Vanderson d. Juan Herrera, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9
Andy Hawthorne d. Charlie Pratt, 11-3, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10
Rocky Carson d. Nick Montalbano, 11-3, 12-10, 11-4
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Rojas
Jack Huczek v. Vincent Gagnon
Ben Croft v. Shane Vanderson
Rocky Carson v. Andy Hawthorne
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Preliminary Results
Two Canadians and a young American are the surprise qualifiers for the Round of 16 at the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York, which is a Tier 1 event on The International Racquetball Tour (IRT).
Canadian Vincent Gagnon, bronze medalist at the 2010 World Championships, got to the 16s with wins over Mitch Posner, 11-0, 11-1, 11-1, and Anthony Herrera, 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7. He'll now face Mitch Williams in the 16s.
Mexican Alejandro Landa also reached the 16s with wins over Jonathan Clay, 11-2, 11-1, 11-1, and Lee Connell, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7. Connell will face Jack Huczek on Friday in the Round of 16.
In the most surprising result, young American Nick Montalbano defeated Mexican veteran Javier Moreno, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4 to reach the 16s, where he'll play Rocky Carson.
However, Ruben Gonzalez did not reach the 16s. He did beat Glenn Carlson, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12, but then lost to Alejandro Herrera, 11-0, 3-11, 11-9, 12-10, in the final qualifying round. Herrera will face Ben Croft in the 16s on Friday.
The IRT Network will be web-casting New York Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 14 at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
David Horn d. Tom Keogh
Agustin Tristan d. Juan Felipe Garzon
Vincent Gagnon d. Mitch Posner, 11-0, 11-1, 11-1
Lee Connell d. Jonathan Clay, 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
Ruben Gonzalez d. Glen Carlson, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12
Sebastian Franco d. Stacey Young, 12-14-, 11-4, 11-0, 6-11, 11-1
Juan Pablo Rivas d. John Chisholm, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Jack Goldberg, fft
Round 2
Q8: Tony Carson d. David Horn, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10
Q1: Jose Rojas d. Agustin Tristan, 11-2, 11-5, 11-8
Q4: Vincent Gagnon d. Anthony Herrera, 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7
Q5: Alejandro Landa d. Lee Connell, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7
Q6: Alejandro Herrera d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-0, 3-11, 11-9, 12-10
Q3: Juan Herrera d. Sebastian Franco, 11-0, 11-7, 11-8
Q2: Charlie Pratt d. Juan Pablo Rivas, 11-3, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7
Q7: Nick Montalbano d. Javier Moreno, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Tony Carson
Chris Crowther v. Jose Rojas
Mitch Williams v. Vincent Gagnon
Jack Huczek v. Alejandro Landa
Ben Croft v. Alejandro Herrera
Shane Vanderson v. Juan Herrera
Andy Hawthorne v. Charlie Pratt
Rocky Carson v. Nick Montalbano
Follow the bouncing ball....
Canadian Vincent Gagnon, bronze medalist at the 2010 World Championships, got to the 16s with wins over Mitch Posner, 11-0, 11-1, 11-1, and Anthony Herrera, 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7. He'll now face Mitch Williams in the 16s.
Mexican Alejandro Landa also reached the 16s with wins over Jonathan Clay, 11-2, 11-1, 11-1, and Lee Connell, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7. Connell will face Jack Huczek on Friday in the Round of 16.
In the most surprising result, young American Nick Montalbano defeated Mexican veteran Javier Moreno, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4 to reach the 16s, where he'll play Rocky Carson.
However, Ruben Gonzalez did not reach the 16s. He did beat Glenn Carlson, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12, but then lost to Alejandro Herrera, 11-0, 3-11, 11-9, 12-10, in the final qualifying round. Herrera will face Ben Croft in the 16s on Friday.
The IRT Network will be web-casting New York Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 14 at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
David Horn d. Tom Keogh
Agustin Tristan d. Juan Felipe Garzon
Vincent Gagnon d. Mitch Posner, 11-0, 11-1, 11-1
Lee Connell d. Jonathan Clay, 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
Ruben Gonzalez d. Glen Carlson, 11-7, 11-3, 14-12
Sebastian Franco d. Stacey Young, 12-14-, 11-4, 11-0, 6-11, 11-1
Juan Pablo Rivas d. John Chisholm, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Jack Goldberg, fft
Round 2
Q8: Tony Carson d. David Horn, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10
Q1: Jose Rojas d. Agustin Tristan, 11-2, 11-5, 11-8
Q4: Vincent Gagnon d. Anthony Herrera, 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7
Q5: Alejandro Landa d. Lee Connell, 11-4, 11-4, 11-7
Q6: Alejandro Herrera d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-0, 3-11, 11-9, 12-10
Q3: Juan Herrera d. Sebastian Franco, 11-0, 11-7, 11-8
Q2: Charlie Pratt d. Juan Pablo Rivas, 11-3, 4-11, 11-6, 11-7
Q7: Nick Montalbano d. Javier Moreno, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Tony Carson
Chris Crowther v. Jose Rojas
Mitch Williams v. Vincent Gagnon
Jack Huczek v. Alejandro Landa
Ben Croft v. Alejandro Herrera
Shane Vanderson v. Juan Herrera
Andy Hawthorne v. Charlie Pratt
Rocky Carson v. Nick Montalbano
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Preliminary Rounds
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season continues this weekend with the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York, where IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk will try to continue his match tournament winning streak that now stretches over two years.
There are 24 players competing for the 8 open spots in the Round of 16, so there will be two rounds of qualifying matches. One of those players is Ruben Gonzalez, who will be trying to get into the Round of 16 for the 29th consecutive season. He has to defeat Glen Garlson and Alejandro Herrera to get there.
Vincent Gagnon, bronze medalist at the 2010 World Championships, is also in Syosset and he could have a good match with Anthony Herrera, providing Gagnon beat Mitch Posner in the first round of qualifying. If Gagnon gets by Herrera, then he'd face Mitch Williams in the 16s.
Other good preliminary match ups are between two young guns with Jose Rojas meeting Agustin Tristan and also Mexican veteran Javier Moreno versus young American Nick Montalbano.
The 5-8 seeds have been juggled for this event, so that Mitch Williams is seeded 5th, Shane Vanderson 6th, Andy Hawthorne 7th, and Chris Crowther 8th. Hawthorne is ahead of Rojas in the rankings based on his victory over Rojas last weekend at the California Open.
The IRT Network will be web-casting New York Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 14 at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
David Horn d. Tom Keogh, 11-7, 11-4, 6-11, 11-6
Agustin Tristan d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-1, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2
Vincent Gagnon v. Mitch Posner
Lee Connell v. Jonathan Clay
Ruben Gonzalez v. Glenn Carlson
Sebastian Franco v. Stacey Young
Juan Pablo Rivas v. John Chisholm
Nick Montalbano d. Jack Goldberg, fft
Round 2
Q8: Tony Carson v. David Horn
Q1: Jose Rojas v. Agustin Tristan
Q4: Anthony Herrera v. Vincent Gagnon or Mitch Posner
Q5: Alejandro Landa v. Lee Connell or Jonathan Clay
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. Ruben Gonzalez or Glen Carlson
Q3: Juan Herrera v. Sebastian Franco or Stacey Young
Q2: Charlie Pratt v. Juan Pablo Rivas or John Chilholm
Q7: Javier Moreno v. Nick Montalbano
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Chris Crowther v. Q1
Mitch Williams v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Shane Vanderson v. Q3
Andy Hawthorne v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
There are 24 players competing for the 8 open spots in the Round of 16, so there will be two rounds of qualifying matches. One of those players is Ruben Gonzalez, who will be trying to get into the Round of 16 for the 29th consecutive season. He has to defeat Glen Garlson and Alejandro Herrera to get there.
Vincent Gagnon, bronze medalist at the 2010 World Championships, is also in Syosset and he could have a good match with Anthony Herrera, providing Gagnon beat Mitch Posner in the first round of qualifying. If Gagnon gets by Herrera, then he'd face Mitch Williams in the 16s.
Other good preliminary match ups are between two young guns with Jose Rojas meeting Agustin Tristan and also Mexican veteran Javier Moreno versus young American Nick Montalbano.
The 5-8 seeds have been juggled for this event, so that Mitch Williams is seeded 5th, Shane Vanderson 6th, Andy Hawthorne 7th, and Chris Crowther 8th. Hawthorne is ahead of Rojas in the rankings based on his victory over Rojas last weekend at the California Open.
The IRT Network will be web-casting New York Pro-Am beginning on Friday January 14 at noon EST.
2011 New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York
Round 1
David Horn d. Tom Keogh, 11-7, 11-4, 6-11, 11-6
Agustin Tristan d. Juan Felipe Garzon, 11-1, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2
Vincent Gagnon v. Mitch Posner
Lee Connell v. Jonathan Clay
Ruben Gonzalez v. Glenn Carlson
Sebastian Franco v. Stacey Young
Juan Pablo Rivas v. John Chisholm
Nick Montalbano d. Jack Goldberg, fft
Round 2
Q8: Tony Carson v. David Horn
Q1: Jose Rojas v. Agustin Tristan
Q4: Anthony Herrera v. Vincent Gagnon or Mitch Posner
Q5: Alejandro Landa v. Lee Connell or Jonathan Clay
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. Ruben Gonzalez or Glen Carlson
Q3: Juan Herrera v. Sebastian Franco or Stacey Young
Q2: Charlie Pratt v. Juan Pablo Rivas or John Chilholm
Q7: Javier Moreno v. Nick Montalbano
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Chris Crowther v. Q1
Mitch Williams v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Shane Vanderson v. Q3
Andy Hawthorne v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Happy 28th Birthday Jack Huczek!
Tempus fugit. Time flies. Yes, this is a cliché, but it's also a truth. No more better proof for it than the fact that today Jack Huczek is 28 years old. Twenty eight! Racquetball's wonder kid is no longer a kid.
Two years ago The Racquetball Blog also acknowledged this day stating Huczek's "built one of the strongest career records in racquetball. In years to come, when people talk about the best players of all time, they will have to consider [Huczek] in the discussion."
That's still true. However, in the last year things haven't gone as well for Huczek. A commonly known guideline of learning is that it takes 10 years to become an expert at something. A less commonly known thought is that athletic careers will often last 20 years: 10 years to get to the top followed by 10 years at the top, and then athletes often feel that's enough. Time to do something else.
Huczek won the Boys 8 and under World Junior title in 1992 and won 10 consecutive World Junior titles, two in each age division until 2002. A remarkable record that's unlikely to be broken or even equaled, but it means he's been at the top of racquetball for about 20 years. How much longer can we expect him to continue?
Huczek's career could continue for some time, but we wonder about how much he'll want to continue, especially so as he's been #1 on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), been World Champion (three times), been Pan Am Games champion, but now has been losing to players he didn't lose to before, like Ben Croft, Alvaro Beltran and Chris Crowther, as well as losing to players he was previously level with in Rocky Carson and Kane Waselenchuk.
Thus, while we celebrate Jack Huczek's birthday and career today, we're hoping that we'll be celebrating his career in present tense - rather than past tense - for some years to come.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Two years ago The Racquetball Blog also acknowledged this day stating Huczek's "built one of the strongest career records in racquetball. In years to come, when people talk about the best players of all time, they will have to consider [Huczek] in the discussion."
That's still true. However, in the last year things haven't gone as well for Huczek. A commonly known guideline of learning is that it takes 10 years to become an expert at something. A less commonly known thought is that athletic careers will often last 20 years: 10 years to get to the top followed by 10 years at the top, and then athletes often feel that's enough. Time to do something else.
Huczek won the Boys 8 and under World Junior title in 1992 and won 10 consecutive World Junior titles, two in each age division until 2002. A remarkable record that's unlikely to be broken or even equaled, but it means he's been at the top of racquetball for about 20 years. How much longer can we expect him to continue?
Huczek's career could continue for some time, but we wonder about how much he'll want to continue, especially so as he's been #1 on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), been World Champion (three times), been Pan Am Games champion, but now has been losing to players he didn't lose to before, like Ben Croft, Alvaro Beltran and Chris Crowther, as well as losing to players he was previously level with in Rocky Carson and Kane Waselenchuk.
Thus, while we celebrate Jack Huczek's birthday and career today, we're hoping that we'll be celebrating his career in present tense - rather than past tense - for some years to come.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2011 California Open - Open division winners
The men's and women's open divisions at the California Open in Canoga Park, California, were won by James Slamko and Janel Tisinger, respectively.
Slamko defeated Jose Diaz in the final after beating Greg Solis in the semi-finals. Diaz beat David Horn in the other semi.
On the womens' side, Tisinger defeated Frédérique Lambert in the final. In the semis, Lambert defeated Sofia Rascon while Tisinger beat Maiko Sato.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
Men's Open
Final
James Slamko d. Jose Diaz
Semi-final
James Slamko d. Greg Solis
Jose Diaz d. David Horn
Women's Open
Final
Janel Tisinger d. Frédérique Lambert
Semi-final
Janel Tisinger d. Maiko Sato
Frédérique Lambert d. Sofia Rascon
Follow the bouncing ball....
Slamko defeated Jose Diaz in the final after beating Greg Solis in the semi-finals. Diaz beat David Horn in the other semi.
On the womens' side, Tisinger defeated Frédérique Lambert in the final. In the semis, Lambert defeated Sofia Rascon while Tisinger beat Maiko Sato.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
Men's Open
Final
James Slamko d. Jose Diaz
Semi-final
James Slamko d. Greg Solis
Jose Diaz d. David Horn
Women's Open
Final
Janel Tisinger d. Frédérique Lambert
Semi-final
Janel Tisinger d. Maiko Sato
Frédérique Lambert d. Sofia Rascon
Follow the bouncing ball....
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Follow the bouncing ball....
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Waselenchuk wins 2011 California Open
Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) defeated the #2 IRT player, Rocky Carson, 12-14, 11-4, 11-6, 11-1, to win the California Open in Canoga Park, California Sunday.
Carson came out strong in game one taking an early lead at 6-3. Waselenchuk came back and leveled the game at 7-7, but Carson did get to 10 first with a 10-9 advantage. But then they went back and forth. Carson had six opportunities to win the game before he finally converted one, winning 14-12.
The energy - mental and physical - needed to get that first game seemed to take its toll on Carson as Waselenchuk took an early lead in game two at 6-0. But Carson recomposed himself and seemed to be back in the game as he narrowed the gap at 7-4. But that was as close as it got as Waselenchuk won it 11-4.
In game three, Carson was re-energized, and as in game one took the early lead going up 4-1. Waselenchuk fought back and took the lead at 6-4, then Carson tied at 6-6. Yet Waselenchuk again closed out the game holding Carson to only six points with an 11-6 victory.
Being down 2-1 in games is a big hill to climb, but being down 2-1 to Waselenchuk must seem like facing Everest. At least that seemed to be Carson's body language in game four, as Waselenchuk took the early lead and built it to a 11-1 win. Carson didn't go quietly as Waselenchuk needed several match points before finishing it off, but the outcome never seemed in doubt.
Carson was most successful when he was drive serving straight down the right wall - to Waselenchuk's backhand. Waselenchuk used a variety of serves both drives and lobs, so he kept Carson on his toes by not settling into any pattern that allowed Carson to be comfortable.
It's now been two full years since Waselenchuk lost an IRT match. His last loss was to Alvaro Beltran at the 2009 California Open.
The IRT event shifts coasts next weekend for the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York on Long Island January 13-16. The IRT Network will be web-casting the tournament beginning on Friday at noon EST.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 12-14, 11-4, 11-6, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson came out strong in game one taking an early lead at 6-3. Waselenchuk came back and leveled the game at 7-7, but Carson did get to 10 first with a 10-9 advantage. But then they went back and forth. Carson had six opportunities to win the game before he finally converted one, winning 14-12.
The energy - mental and physical - needed to get that first game seemed to take its toll on Carson as Waselenchuk took an early lead in game two at 6-0. But Carson recomposed himself and seemed to be back in the game as he narrowed the gap at 7-4. But that was as close as it got as Waselenchuk won it 11-4.
In game three, Carson was re-energized, and as in game one took the early lead going up 4-1. Waselenchuk fought back and took the lead at 6-4, then Carson tied at 6-6. Yet Waselenchuk again closed out the game holding Carson to only six points with an 11-6 victory.
Being down 2-1 in games is a big hill to climb, but being down 2-1 to Waselenchuk must seem like facing Everest. At least that seemed to be Carson's body language in game four, as Waselenchuk took the early lead and built it to a 11-1 win. Carson didn't go quietly as Waselenchuk needed several match points before finishing it off, but the outcome never seemed in doubt.
Carson was most successful when he was drive serving straight down the right wall - to Waselenchuk's backhand. Waselenchuk used a variety of serves both drives and lobs, so he kept Carson on his toes by not settling into any pattern that allowed Carson to be comfortable.
It's now been two full years since Waselenchuk lost an IRT match. His last loss was to Alvaro Beltran at the 2009 California Open.
The IRT event shifts coasts next weekend for the New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, New York on Long Island January 13-16. The IRT Network will be web-casting the tournament beginning on Friday at noon EST.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 12-14, 11-4, 11-6, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria wins 2011 California Open, retains #1 WPRO ranking
Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich for the first time this season to win the California Open in Canoga Park, California and retain the #1 ranking in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Longoria won in four games, 11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 14-12.
Longoria won the first two games and was up early in game three at 2-0 and 4-3, but Rajsich showed that she wasn't going to give in easily, and won game three to force a fourth game. That fourth game was a see-saw affair, as Longoria went up 4-0. Rajsich tied it at 4-4. But Longoria again took the lead at 8-4 and then 10-5.
Rajsich kept working and leveled it at 10-10 and then took a 11-10 lead. Predictably for this game, Longoria came back and took the lead at 12-11, and Rajsich countered and tied it again at 12-12.
Then with Longoria having taken a 13-12 advantage, she hit a shot from deep in the court that she thought to be the winner. So did Rajsich. Longoria was ecstatic and relieved until she realized the referee called her shot a skip. The IRT Network replay proved the referee was correct.
But it only resulted in a couple of more rallies and no more points for Rajsich as Longoria got the serve back and finally won the match on her 6th match point opportunity.
The next Tier 1 WPRO event is Great Balls of Fire in Miami, Florida February 25-27. There is a WPRO satellite event later this month with the Wilson Tour of Hope event in Cincinnati, Ohio January 28-30.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 14-12
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria won the first two games and was up early in game three at 2-0 and 4-3, but Rajsich showed that she wasn't going to give in easily, and won game three to force a fourth game. That fourth game was a see-saw affair, as Longoria went up 4-0. Rajsich tied it at 4-4. But Longoria again took the lead at 8-4 and then 10-5.
Rajsich kept working and leveled it at 10-10 and then took a 11-10 lead. Predictably for this game, Longoria came back and took the lead at 12-11, and Rajsich countered and tied it again at 12-12.
Then with Longoria having taken a 13-12 advantage, she hit a shot from deep in the court that she thought to be the winner. So did Rajsich. Longoria was ecstatic and relieved until she realized the referee called her shot a skip. The IRT Network replay proved the referee was correct.
But it only resulted in a couple of more rallies and no more points for Rajsich as Longoria got the serve back and finally won the match on her 6th match point opportunity.
The next Tier 1 WPRO event is Great Balls of Fire in Miami, Florida February 25-27. There is a WPRO satellite event later this month with the Wilson Tour of Hope event in Cincinnati, Ohio January 28-30.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Final
1 Paola Longoria d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-6, 11-8, 5-11, 14-12
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, January 8, 2011
2011 California Open - WPRO Semi-finals
Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich will meet in the final of a Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) event for the fourth time this season on Sunday, when they'll battle for the California Open title in Canoga Park, California. Longoria is the #1 WPRO player, but Rajsich could take back the top spot with a victory Sunday, as she's had a better record this season including wins over Longoria in their three previous meetings.
In the semi-finals, Longoria defeated 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis in three straight games, 11-0, 11-7, 11-5, while Rajsich had to come back against 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas, after Gudinas won the first game. Rajsich then won the next three to take the match, 10-12, 11-2, 11-1, 11-6.
The final can be seen on the IRT Network at 11 AM PST (2 PM EST) Sunday.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Semi finals (with seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-0, 11-7, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 10-12, 11-2, 11-1, 11-6
Final
1 Paola Longoria vs. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
In the semi-finals, Longoria defeated 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis in three straight games, 11-0, 11-7, 11-5, while Rajsich had to come back against 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas, after Gudinas won the first game. Rajsich then won the next three to take the match, 10-12, 11-2, 11-1, 11-6.
The final can be seen on the IRT Network at 11 AM PST (2 PM EST) Sunday.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Semi finals (with seeding)
1 Paola Longoria d. 4 Samantha Salas Solis, 11-0, 11-7, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 3 Cheryl Gudinas, 10-12, 11-2, 11-1, 11-6
Final
1 Paola Longoria vs. 2 Rhonda Rajsich
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 California Open - IRT Semi-finals
It'll be 1 versus 2 Sunday in the final of the California Open in Canoga Park, California, as Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), will play the IRT's #2 player, Rocky Carson.
On Saturday, Waselenchuk trailed 4th seed Jack Huczek in both the first and second games of their semi-final match, yet won it in three straight games, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3. In game one, Huczek was up 5-2 in game one but Waselenchuk ran off 9 straight points to take it 11-5.
In game two, Huczek took a 6-0 lead and held the lead to 9-5. But again Waselenchuk came back to win, 11-9. Game three was all Waselenchuk as he led 10-1 and won it 11-3.
Afterwards, Waselenchuk said it was a "tough match" as "Jack is a great player." Asked about changing gears in game one, Waselenchuk said it wasn't that so much as he "took more time and focussed on the serve."
Waselenchuk's goal with the serve was not to hit aces, but rather "just trying to get weak returns," as then he could convert those into points.
Second seed Rocky Carson beat 3rd seed Ben Croft in four games, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, in the other semi-final match.
The IRT Network is web-casting the final of the California Open Sunday at noon PM PST.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7
IRT - Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
On Saturday, Waselenchuk trailed 4th seed Jack Huczek in both the first and second games of their semi-final match, yet won it in three straight games, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3. In game one, Huczek was up 5-2 in game one but Waselenchuk ran off 9 straight points to take it 11-5.
In game two, Huczek took a 6-0 lead and held the lead to 9-5. But again Waselenchuk came back to win, 11-9. Game three was all Waselenchuk as he led 10-1 and won it 11-3.
Afterwards, Waselenchuk said it was a "tough match" as "Jack is a great player." Asked about changing gears in game one, Waselenchuk said it wasn't that so much as he "took more time and focussed on the serve."
Waselenchuk's goal with the serve was not to hit aces, but rather "just trying to get weak returns," as then he could convert those into points.
Second seed Rocky Carson beat 3rd seed Ben Croft in four games, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, in the other semi-final match.
The IRT Network is web-casting the final of the California Open Sunday at noon PM PST.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jack Huczek, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Ben Croft, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7
IRT - Final
Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 California Open - WPRO Early Results
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) portion of the California Open is now at the semi-final stage and like the men the top four players are in the semi-finals. Top seed Paola Longoria will play 4th seed Samantha Salas Solis in one semi-final with 2nd seed Rhonda Rajsich versus 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas in the other semi-final.
The semi-final matches can be seen on the IRT Network.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 8 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 12 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Maiko Sato, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
8 Krystal Csuk d. 9 Susana Acosta, 3-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10
12 Angela Grisar d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Nancy Enriquez, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Da'monique Davis, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
11 Cristina Amaya d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 3-11, 11-3
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 Keely Franks, 11-7, 11-5, 11-2
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Jacqueline Paraiso, 11-1, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-8
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Maiko Sato v. 17 Frédérique Lambert
9 Susana Acosta v. 24 Kathy Gluvna-Isett
8 Krystal Csuk v. Cindy Tilbury
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Angela Grisar v. 21 Jocelyn Loredo
13 Nancy Enriquez v. 20 Sofia Rascon
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Da'monique Davis v. 19 Janel Tisinger
11 Cristina Amaya v. 22 Christie Noller
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 Keely Franks v. 23 Mary Scaran
15 Jacqueline Paraiso v. 18 Kimberly Ferina
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The semi-final matches can be seen on the IRT Network.
2011 California Open, Canoga Park, California
Semi finals
1 Paola Longoria vs. 4 Samantha Salas Solis
2 Rhonda Rajsich vs. 3 Cheryl Gudinas
Quarter finals
1 Paola Longoria d. 8 Krystal Csuk
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 12 Angela Grisar
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 11 Cristina Amaya
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 7 Jen Saunders
Round of 16
1 Paola Longoria d. 16 Maiko Sato, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
8 Krystal Csuk d. 9 Susana Acosta, 3-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10
12 Angela Grisar d. 5 Kerri Wachtel, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9
4 Samantha Salas Solis d. 13 Nancy Enriquez, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7
3 Cheryl Gudinas d. 14 Da'monique Davis, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1
11 Cristina Amaya d. 6 Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 3-11, 11-3
7 Jen Saunders d. 10 Keely Franks, 11-7, 11-5, 11-2
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Jacqueline Paraiso, 11-1, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-8
Round of 32
1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Maiko Sato v. 17 Frédérique Lambert
9 Susana Acosta v. 24 Kathy Gluvna-Isett
8 Krystal Csuk v. Cindy Tilbury
5 Kerri Wachtel - BYE
12 Angela Grisar v. 21 Jocelyn Loredo
13 Nancy Enriquez v. 20 Sofia Rascon
4 Samantha Salas Solis - BYE
3 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
14 Da'monique Davis v. 19 Janel Tisinger
11 Cristina Amaya v. 22 Christie Noller
6 Adrienne Fisher - BYE
7 Jen Saunders - BYE
10 Keely Franks v. 23 Mary Scaran
15 Jacqueline Paraiso v. 18 Kimberly Ferina
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, January 7, 2011
2011 California Open - IRT Round of 16 Results
The top seeds are on track at the California Open in Canoga Park, California, the first International Racquetball Tour (IRT) competition of 2011. Top seed Kane Waselenchuk and 2nd seed Rocky Carson are through to the semi-finals with two three straight game victories Friday in the Round of 16 and the quarter finals.
Waselenchuk defeated fellow Canadian Kris Odegard, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3, in the Round of 16 and then beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, in the quarter finals. On the other side of the draw, Carson beat Tony Carson, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6, in the 16s and then Shane Vanderson in the quarter finals, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2.
In the other two quarter final matches Jack Huczek defeated Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7, and Ben Croft beat Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5.
The IRT Network is web-casting California Open matches all weekend.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Quarter Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Jack Huczek d. Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Kris Odegard, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3
Andy Hawthorne d. Jose Rojas, 7-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Anthony Herrera, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10
Ben Croft d. Andres Herrera, 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
Charlie Pratt d. Mitch Williams, 11-3, 6-11, 12-10, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Ryan Meyer, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Tony Carson, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6
IRT Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek 4 PM PST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft 3 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk defeated fellow Canadian Kris Odegard, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3, in the Round of 16 and then beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, in the quarter finals. On the other side of the draw, Carson beat Tony Carson, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6, in the 16s and then Shane Vanderson in the quarter finals, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2.
In the other two quarter final matches Jack Huczek defeated Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7, and Ben Croft beat Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5.
The IRT Network is web-casting California Open matches all weekend.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT Quarter Final
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9
Jack Huczek d. Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-3, 11-0, 11-2
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Kris Odegard, 11-4, 11-0, 11-3
Andy Hawthorne d. Jose Rojas, 7-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Juan Herrera, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
Jack Huczek d. Anthony Herrera, 11-5, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10
Ben Croft d. Andres Herrera, 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-3
Charlie Pratt d. Mitch Williams, 11-3, 6-11, 12-10, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Ryan Meyer, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7
Rocky Carson d. Tony Carson, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6
IRT Semi-finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Jack Huczek 4 PM PST
Rocky Carson v. Ben Croft 3 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, January 6, 2011
2011 California Open - IRT First Round Results
There were a couple of upsets in the final round of qualifying in the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) competition of the California Open in Canoga Park, California. Alvaro Beltran, finalist at last year's US Open, was up two games on Ryan Meyer, but then had to default due to injury. Apparently Beltran hurt his back hitting balls between games.
The other upset - by the seeding - happened in one of the matches that we'd highlighted earlier, as Tony Carson defeated Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9. Carson's victory sets up a Carson-Carson battle in the Round of 16, as Tony will face Rocky Carson.
In other Round of 16 matches, Jose Rojas and Andy Hawthorne will face off again. The 8th and 9th seeds, respectively, they have split their two meetings this season with each player winning in three straight games.
On the top side of the draw there are two Canadians with K first names as top seed Kane Waselenchuk will play Kris Odegard in a battle of former Canadian Champions.
The IRT Network will be web-casting California Open matches beginning January 7 at noon PST (3 EST).
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT - Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Kris Odegard
Jose Rojas v. Andy Hawthorne
Chris Crowther v. Juan Herrera
Jack Huczek v. Anthony Herrera
Ben Croft v. Andres Herrera
Mitch Williams v. Charlie Pratt
Shane Vanderson v. Ryan Meyer
Rocky Carson v. Tony Carson
Qualifying Rounds
Round 3
Q8: Kris Odegard d. Johnnie Molinari, 11-1, 11-3, 11-0
Q1: Andy Hawthorne d. Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-6, 3-11, 11-4
Q4: Juan Herrera d. Mike Orr, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8
Q5: Anthony Herrera d. David Horn, 12-10, 3-11, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6
Q6: Andres Herrera d. Alejandro Herrera, fft
Q3: Charlie Pratt d. Keith Minor, 11-8, 14-12, 11-9
Q2: Ryan Meyer d. Alvaro Beltran, 8-11, 0-11, injury fft
Q7: Tony Carson d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9
Round 2
Johnnie Molinari d. Felipe Munoz, fft
Jose Diaz d. Dawoud Gharfarshad, 7-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-5
Mike Orr d. Hank Minardo, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
David Horn d. Maheed Shahin, 11-1, 11-5, 11-7
Andres Herrera d. James Slamko, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9
Keith Minor d. Joel Barshaw, 11-0, 11-4, 11-2
Takaaki Hirose v. Ryan Meyer
Tony Carson v. Jeremy McGlothin, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Round 1
Johnnie Molinari d. Brian Pineda, fft
Maheed Shahin d. Blake Martin, 11-5, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8
James Slamko d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-0, 11-9
Jeremy McGlothin d. Armondo Bermutez, fft
Follow the bouncing ball....
The other upset - by the seeding - happened in one of the matches that we'd highlighted earlier, as Tony Carson defeated Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9. Carson's victory sets up a Carson-Carson battle in the Round of 16, as Tony will face Rocky Carson.
In other Round of 16 matches, Jose Rojas and Andy Hawthorne will face off again. The 8th and 9th seeds, respectively, they have split their two meetings this season with each player winning in three straight games.
On the top side of the draw there are two Canadians with K first names as top seed Kane Waselenchuk will play Kris Odegard in a battle of former Canadian Champions.
The IRT Network will be web-casting California Open matches beginning January 7 at noon PST (3 EST).
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
IRT - Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Kris Odegard
Jose Rojas v. Andy Hawthorne
Chris Crowther v. Juan Herrera
Jack Huczek v. Anthony Herrera
Ben Croft v. Andres Herrera
Mitch Williams v. Charlie Pratt
Shane Vanderson v. Ryan Meyer
Rocky Carson v. Tony Carson
Qualifying Rounds
Round 3
Q8: Kris Odegard d. Johnnie Molinari, 11-1, 11-3, 11-0
Q1: Andy Hawthorne d. Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-6, 3-11, 11-4
Q4: Juan Herrera d. Mike Orr, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8
Q5: Anthony Herrera d. David Horn, 12-10, 3-11, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6
Q6: Andres Herrera d. Alejandro Herrera, fft
Q3: Charlie Pratt d. Keith Minor, 11-8, 14-12, 11-9
Q2: Ryan Meyer d. Alvaro Beltran, 8-11, 0-11, injury fft
Q7: Tony Carson d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9
Round 2
Johnnie Molinari d. Felipe Munoz, fft
Jose Diaz d. Dawoud Gharfarshad, 7-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-5
Mike Orr d. Hank Minardo, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
David Horn d. Maheed Shahin, 11-1, 11-5, 11-7
Andres Herrera d. James Slamko, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9
Keith Minor d. Joel Barshaw, 11-0, 11-4, 11-2
Takaaki Hirose v. Ryan Meyer
Tony Carson v. Jeremy McGlothin, 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Round 1
Johnnie Molinari d. Brian Pineda, fft
Maheed Shahin d. Blake Martin, 11-5, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8
James Slamko d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-0, 11-9
Jeremy McGlothin d. Armondo Bermutez, fft
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 California Open - WPRO First Round
Below is the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw for this weekend's California Open in Canoga Park, California. The most interesting potential match up is one of former #1 players in Jacqueline Paraiso and Rhonda Rajsich.
Rajsich will be looking to win this event, as that could put her back on top of the WPRO rankings ahead of Paola Longoria. Rajsich was #1 for three seasons prior to Longoria, who has been on top for the last two years.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
WPRO Round 1
Paola Longoria - BYE
Maiko Sato v. Frédérique Lambert
Susana Acosta v. Kathy Gluvna-Isett
Krystal Csuk v. Cindy Tilbury
Kerri Wachtel - BYE
Angela Grisar v. Jocelyn Loredo
Nancy Enriquez v. Sofia Rascon
Samantha Salas - BYE
Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
Da'monique Davis v. Janel Tisinger
Cristina Amaya v. Cheristie Noller
Adrienne Fisher - BYE
Jennifer Saunders - BYE
Keely Franks v. Mary Scaran
Jacqueline Paraiso v. Kimberly Ferina
Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich will be looking to win this event, as that could put her back on top of the WPRO rankings ahead of Paola Longoria. Rajsich was #1 for three seasons prior to Longoria, who has been on top for the last two years.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
WPRO Round 1
Paola Longoria - BYE
Maiko Sato v. Frédérique Lambert
Susana Acosta v. Kathy Gluvna-Isett
Krystal Csuk v. Cindy Tilbury
Kerri Wachtel - BYE
Angela Grisar v. Jocelyn Loredo
Nancy Enriquez v. Sofia Rascon
Samantha Salas - BYE
Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
Da'monique Davis v. Janel Tisinger
Cristina Amaya v. Cheristie Noller
Adrienne Fisher - BYE
Jennifer Saunders - BYE
Keely Franks v. Mary Scaran
Jacqueline Paraiso v. Kimberly Ferina
Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2011 California Open - IRT First Rounds
The California Open kicks off the second half of the pro season this week in Canoga Park, California. It's not a Grand Slam event money-wise, but it is in the sense that both the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) players are competing there. We have the IRT draw for you below.
Mitch Williams returns to the tour following his shoulder injury at the US Open. He might have an opportunity to avenge the loss to Ben Croft caused by that injury as they could face each other in the quarter finals.
The possible highlight match ups of the qualifying rounds will be between Javier Moreno and Tony Carson for the Q7 spot that will put the winner against Rocky Carson, while Alejandro Herrera and Andres Herrera could face off for the Q6 spot to battle Ben Croft in the Round of 16.
The IRT Network will be web-casting California Open matches beginning January 6.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
Round 1
Brian Pineda v. Johnnie Molinari
Maheed Shahin v. Blake Martin
Francisco Troncoso v. James Slamko
Jeremy McGlothin v. Armondo Bermutez
Round 2
Felipe Munoz v. Brian Pineda or Johnnie Molinari
Jose Diaz v. Dawoud Gharfarshad
Mike Orr v. Hank Minardo
David Horn v. Maheed Shahin or Blake Martin
Andres Herrera v. Francisco Troncoso or James Slamko
Keith Minor v. Joel Barshaw
Takaaki Hirose v. Ryan Meyer
Tony Carson v. Jeremy McGlothin or Armondo Bermutez
Round 3
Q8: Kris Odegard v. Felipe Munoz or Brian Pineda or Johnnie Molinari
Q1: Andy Hawthorne v. Jose Diaz or Dawoud Gharfarshad
Q4: Juan Herrera v. Mike Orr or Hank Minardo
Q5: Anthony Herrera v. David Horn or Maheed Shahin or Blake Martin
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. Andres Herrera or Francisco Troncoso or James Slamko
Q3: Charlie Pratt v. Keith Minor or Joel Barshaw
Q2: Alvaro Beltran v. Takaaki Hirose or Ryan Meyer
Q7: Javier Moreno v. Tony Carson or Jeremy McGlothin or Armondo Bermutez
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Jose Rojas v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Mitch Williams v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mitch Williams returns to the tour following his shoulder injury at the US Open. He might have an opportunity to avenge the loss to Ben Croft caused by that injury as they could face each other in the quarter finals.
The possible highlight match ups of the qualifying rounds will be between Javier Moreno and Tony Carson for the Q7 spot that will put the winner against Rocky Carson, while Alejandro Herrera and Andres Herrera could face off for the Q6 spot to battle Ben Croft in the Round of 16.
The IRT Network will be web-casting California Open matches beginning January 6.
2011 California Open - Canoga Park, California
Round 1
Brian Pineda v. Johnnie Molinari
Maheed Shahin v. Blake Martin
Francisco Troncoso v. James Slamko
Jeremy McGlothin v. Armondo Bermutez
Round 2
Felipe Munoz v. Brian Pineda or Johnnie Molinari
Jose Diaz v. Dawoud Gharfarshad
Mike Orr v. Hank Minardo
David Horn v. Maheed Shahin or Blake Martin
Andres Herrera v. Francisco Troncoso or James Slamko
Keith Minor v. Joel Barshaw
Takaaki Hirose v. Ryan Meyer
Tony Carson v. Jeremy McGlothin or Armondo Bermutez
Round 3
Q8: Kris Odegard v. Felipe Munoz or Brian Pineda or Johnnie Molinari
Q1: Andy Hawthorne v. Jose Diaz or Dawoud Gharfarshad
Q4: Juan Herrera v. Mike Orr or Hank Minardo
Q5: Anthony Herrera v. David Horn or Maheed Shahin or Blake Martin
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. Andres Herrera or Francisco Troncoso or James Slamko
Q3: Charlie Pratt v. Keith Minor or Joel Barshaw
Q2: Alvaro Beltran v. Takaaki Hirose or Ryan Meyer
Q7: Javier Moreno v. Tony Carson or Jeremy McGlothin or Armondo Bermutez
Main Draw - Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Jose Rojas v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q4
Jack Huczek v. Q5
Ben Croft v. Q6
Mitch Williams v. Q3
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, January 3, 2011
WPRO Rankings - January 3, 2011
Rhonda Rajsich has narrowed the gap between her and Paola Longoria to a little over 50 points in the latest rankings from the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO). Longoria maintains the #1 ranking but Rajsich, winner of two of the last three WPRO events, is right on her heels.
The only change in the top 10 is at #10 as Susy Acosta is back in the top 10 up two spots from last month when she was 12th. Acosta rose past T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks, who are virtually tied in 11th and 12th, as only 0.20 points separates them; Baumbaugh holds the narrow advantage.
Also of note, Aimee Ruiz is up to 16th from 19th and Anita Maldonado cracks the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings January 3, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1367.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1314.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 867.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 711.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 419.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 363.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 300.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 283.60
10 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 261.80
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 225.70
12 Keely Franks (USA) 225.50
13 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 214.38
14 Vivian Gomez (USA) 180.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 114.00
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 112.00
18 Anita Maldonado (USA) 104.50
Follow the bouncing ball....
The only change in the top 10 is at #10 as Susy Acosta is back in the top 10 up two spots from last month when she was 12th. Acosta rose past T.J. Baumbaugh and Keely Franks, who are virtually tied in 11th and 12th, as only 0.20 points separates them; Baumbaugh holds the narrow advantage.
Also of note, Aimee Ruiz is up to 16th from 19th and Anita Maldonado cracks the top 20 at #20.
WPRO Rankings January 3, 2010
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1367.78
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1314.90
3 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 867.60
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 711.40
5 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 419.10
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 363.90
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 331.10
8 Jo Shattuck (USA) 300.35
9 Krystal Csuk (USA) 283.60
10 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 261.80
11 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 225.70
12 Keely Franks (USA) 225.50
13 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 214.38
14 Vivian Gomez (USA) 180.00
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.00
16 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 135.60
17 Claudine Garcia (Dominican Republic) 128.60
16 Aubrey O'Brien (USA) 114.00
20 Angela Grisar (Chile) 112.00
18 Anita Maldonado (USA) 104.50
Follow the bouncing ball....
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