Tony Carson won the men's open division at the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan, on the weekend. He defeated Eric Desrochers, 11-15, 15-0, 11-10.
In the semi-finals, Carson defeated Lee Connell, 15-12, 15-14, and Desrochers beat Andrew Price, 15-11, 15-8.
The Davison event was successful by all accounts, but there is one troubling thing about it from our perspective. There were 116 participants, but only 7 women. Having only 6% of the tournament participants female is a shockingly low percentage.
This is something that we've noticed in the time that we've been writing The Racquetball Blog, and the issue of getting more women and girls to play racquetball needs to be addressed.
The IRT will be back in action this weekend, as the Seattle Pro/Am begins Thursday November 3 and runs to Sunday November 6.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Men's Open
Final: Tony Carson d. Eric Desrochers, 11-15, 15-0, 11-10
Semi-finals:
Tony Carson d. Lee Connell, 15-12, 15-14
Eric Desrochers d. Andrew Price, 15-11, 15-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Red Swain Shootout - Waselenchuk defeats Crowther
Kane Waselenchuk continued his winning streak on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) with a straight game victory over Chris Crowther in the final of the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan, winning 11-2, 11-2, 11-4. It was their second meeting in a final, and Waselenchuk also won the previous one in September of last year in Cali, Colombia.
Waselenchuk served mostly drive Zs to Crowther's backhand in game one. Crowther fought hard early in that game, but once Waselenchuk got going he was unstoppable, winning 11-2.
Game two was similar, as they were tied 2-2, but Crowther didn't score another point. Waselenchuk began to hit some drive serves to the right side, which gave Crowther another option to think about so Waselenchuk's serves to the left side were even more effective.
Waselenchuk continued to roll in game three, as he took a 10-0 lead before Crowther put some points together and doubled his point total for the match, going down 11-4.
The IRT will be back in action next weekend, as the Seattle Pro/Am begins Thursday November 3 and runs to Sunday November 6.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Final - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Chris Crowther, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk served mostly drive Zs to Crowther's backhand in game one. Crowther fought hard early in that game, but once Waselenchuk got going he was unstoppable, winning 11-2.
Game two was similar, as they were tied 2-2, but Crowther didn't score another point. Waselenchuk began to hit some drive serves to the right side, which gave Crowther another option to think about so Waselenchuk's serves to the left side were even more effective.
Waselenchuk continued to roll in game three, as he took a 10-0 lead before Crowther put some points together and doubled his point total for the match, going down 11-4.
The IRT will be back in action next weekend, as the Seattle Pro/Am begins Thursday November 3 and runs to Sunday November 6.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Final - Sunday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Chris Crowther, 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Red Swain Shootout - Waselenchuk & Crowther advance to final
Kane Waselenchuk and Chris Crowther advanced to the final of the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan after winning their respective semi-final matches. They'll face each other in a final for the 2nd time. The first was a little over a year ago in Cali, Colombia, when Waselenchuk won in four games.
Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), was expected to be in the final, and got there with a straight game victory over Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4.
On the other hand, Crowther was up against IRT #3 Ben Croft in the semi-finals, and that after already facing IRT #2 Rocky Carson in the quarter finals. But for Crowther the outcome was the same: victory.
As in his match with Carson, Crowther found himself down a game. But this time he was 2-1 down after winning the first game and losing the next two. But with his back against the wall, Crowther came back, winning a tight game four and carrying the momentum over to the tie breaker to win the match in five games, 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6.
The expected outcome for Sunday's final would be another Waselenchuk win, but Crowther's already done the unexpected twice, and some say that whatever happens twice must happen a third time.
The final of the Red Swain Shootout can be seen via the IRT Network at Noon EDT Sunday.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6
Finals - Sunday Noon EDT
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), was expected to be in the final, and got there with a straight game victory over Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4.
On the other hand, Crowther was up against IRT #3 Ben Croft in the semi-finals, and that after already facing IRT #2 Rocky Carson in the quarter finals. But for Crowther the outcome was the same: victory.
As in his match with Carson, Crowther found himself down a game. But this time he was 2-1 down after winning the first game and losing the next two. But with his back against the wall, Crowther came back, winning a tight game four and carrying the momentum over to the tie breaker to win the match in five games, 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6.
The expected outcome for Sunday's final would be another Waselenchuk win, but Crowther's already done the unexpected twice, and some say that whatever happens twice must happen a third time.
The final of the Red Swain Shootout can be seen via the IRT Network at Noon EDT Sunday.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6
Finals - Sunday Noon EDT
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 28, 2011
Red Swain Shootout - Quarter final matches
There won't be another Kane Waselenchuk-Rocky Carson showdown Sunday at the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan, because Carson, the #2 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), was upset by Chris Crowther in the quarter finals, 5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6.
It's only Crowther's 2nd victory over Carson on tour. After splitting the first two games Crowther was solidly in control of game three. Game four was a see-saw battle, with Crowther ahead 3-1, then Carson ahead 5-3. They were tied at 6-6, then Crowther edged ahead 8-6, and went on to win 11-6, serving an ace on match point.
Waselenchuk did his part to advance, as he beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4, to advance to the semi-finals on Saturday. Jose Rojas will be Waselenchuk's opponent in the semis. In the quarters, Rojas defeated Shane Vanderson in five games, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4.
Ben Croft also advanced to the semis with a five game victory over Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10. Croft will play Crowther in the semis.
The semi-finals of the Red Swain Shootout can be seen via the IRT Network beginning at 4:00 PM EDT Saturday.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4
Jose Rojas d. Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Rocky Carson, 5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas - 5:00 PM EDT
Ben Croft vs. Chris Crowther - 4:00 PM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
It's only Crowther's 2nd victory over Carson on tour. After splitting the first two games Crowther was solidly in control of game three. Game four was a see-saw battle, with Crowther ahead 3-1, then Carson ahead 5-3. They were tied at 6-6, then Crowther edged ahead 8-6, and went on to win 11-6, serving an ace on match point.
Waselenchuk did his part to advance, as he beat Andy Hawthorne, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4, to advance to the semi-finals on Saturday. Jose Rojas will be Waselenchuk's opponent in the semis. In the quarters, Rojas defeated Shane Vanderson in five games, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4.
Ben Croft also advanced to the semis with a five game victory over Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10. Croft will play Crowther in the semis.
The semi-finals of the Red Swain Shootout can be seen via the IRT Network beginning at 4:00 PM EDT Saturday.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4
Jose Rojas d. Shane Vanderson, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4
Ben Croft d. Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Rocky Carson, 5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Semi-finals - Saturday
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas - 5:00 PM EDT
Ben Croft vs. Chris Crowther - 4:00 PM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Red Swain Shootout - Round of 16
Ho hum, Kane Waselenchuk won another match. The #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) defeated fellow Canadian Lee Connell, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1, in the Round of 16 at the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan.
Next up for Waselenchuk will be Andy Hawthorne who beat Tony Carson, 11-0, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3. Hawthorne was strong in games 1 and 4, but had a couple of prolonged lapses of form in games 2 and 3. He was able to recover from it in game 2, but not in game 3. Hawthorne won't be able to afford any lapses later today when he plays Waselenchuk in the quarter finals.
Third seed Ben Croft had a battle with James Slamko, losing the first game but winning the next three to take the match, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10. Slamko was three points from taking a 2-0 lead in games, when he led 8-6 in game two, but Croft turned the momentum around, switching serves from the lob nick he was using to a drive serve.
Croft was comfortably in control of game three, although Slamko did come back to 10-7 before losing 11-7. Game four also started comfortably for Croft, as he led 7-4 and 9-5.
But then Slamko staged a late comeback, tying the game at 9-9, and then taking the lead at 10-9. But he couldn't close it out as Croft fought off the game point and then scored three straight points to take the game, 12-10, and match, 3 games to 1.
In the final Round of 16 match, Jose Rojas defeated Cliff Swain, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10. Rojas led comfortably in games one and two, and had 6-2 and 9-4 leads in game three, but Swain used his great serve to come back and tie it at 9-9 and 10-10. However, Rojas closed the door on the former IRT #1 by winning the last two points to take the game and the match.
Earlier, Rocky Carson had little trouble with young left hander Brad Schopieray, winning 11-4, 11-5, 11-2, although Schopieray did have a 4-1 lead in game 2. Carson's response to that was a 7 point run to lead 8-4, and then win it 11-5. Game 5 was similar as they were tied at 2-2, and Carson won the next 9 points to take the game and match.
The IRT Network's webcast of the Red Swain Shootout continues Friday with the rest of the Round of 16 and quarter finals Friday evening.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Lee Connell, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Tony Carson, 11-0, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Brandon Cortese, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
Jose Rojas d. Cliff Swain, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
Ben Croft d. James Slamko, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10
Charlie Pratt d. Conrad Cole, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Anthony Herrera, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Brad Schopieray, 11-4, 11-5, 11-2
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Andy Hawthorne
Jose Rojas v. Shane Vanderson
Ben Croft v. Charlie Pratt
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Next up for Waselenchuk will be Andy Hawthorne who beat Tony Carson, 11-0, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3. Hawthorne was strong in games 1 and 4, but had a couple of prolonged lapses of form in games 2 and 3. He was able to recover from it in game 2, but not in game 3. Hawthorne won't be able to afford any lapses later today when he plays Waselenchuk in the quarter finals.
Third seed Ben Croft had a battle with James Slamko, losing the first game but winning the next three to take the match, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10. Slamko was three points from taking a 2-0 lead in games, when he led 8-6 in game two, but Croft turned the momentum around, switching serves from the lob nick he was using to a drive serve.
Croft was comfortably in control of game three, although Slamko did come back to 10-7 before losing 11-7. Game four also started comfortably for Croft, as he led 7-4 and 9-5.
But then Slamko staged a late comeback, tying the game at 9-9, and then taking the lead at 10-9. But he couldn't close it out as Croft fought off the game point and then scored three straight points to take the game, 12-10, and match, 3 games to 1.
In the final Round of 16 match, Jose Rojas defeated Cliff Swain, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10. Rojas led comfortably in games one and two, and had 6-2 and 9-4 leads in game three, but Swain used his great serve to come back and tie it at 9-9 and 10-10. However, Rojas closed the door on the former IRT #1 by winning the last two points to take the game and the match.
Earlier, Rocky Carson had little trouble with young left hander Brad Schopieray, winning 11-4, 11-5, 11-2, although Schopieray did have a 4-1 lead in game 2. Carson's response to that was a 7 point run to lead 8-4, and then win it 11-5. Game 5 was similar as they were tied at 2-2, and Carson won the next 9 points to take the game and match.
The IRT Network's webcast of the Red Swain Shootout continues Friday with the rest of the Round of 16 and quarter finals Friday evening.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Lee Connell, 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Andy Hawthorne d. Tony Carson, 11-0, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Brandon Cortese, 11-5, 11-1, 11-1
Jose Rojas d. Cliff Swain, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10
Ben Croft d. James Slamko, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 12-10
Charlie Pratt d. Conrad Cole, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Anthony Herrera, 11-3, 11-6, 11-2
Rocky Carson d. Brad Schopieray, 11-4, 11-5, 11-2
Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk v. Andy Hawthorne
Jose Rojas v. Shane Vanderson
Ben Croft v. Charlie Pratt
Rocky Carson v. Chris Crowther
Follow the bouncing ball....
Red Swain Shootout - Swain wins, Gonzalez loses
There will be a past legend-legend in the making match at the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan, this weekend's International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event. But it won't be past IRT #1 Ruben Gonzalez versus current #1 Kane Waselenchuk. Rather it'll be past IRT #1 versus current IRT #4 Jose Rojas.
Cliff Swain, who won the last IRT event held in Davison back in 1993, won two matches - both in three straight games - to qualify for the round of 16 and a match with two time World Junior Champion Jose Rojas.
For his part, Gonzalez was up 2-1 on Lee Connell, but as anyone who's seen Connell play, it's hard to ever count him out, as Connell will give it his all until the very end. Undoubtedly that effort helped him come back and defeat Gonzalez, 11-3, 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3. Thus, Connell will face Waselenchuk in the Round of 16 on Friday.
Other surprise qualifiers for the 16s are Brandon Cortese, who won two matches to get there, and Conrad Cole, who did likewise, but the second one was a default win over Juan Herrera, which is likely a Pan Am Games effect, as Herrera was in Guadalajara, Mexico representing Colombia the past two weeks.
The IRT Network's webcast of the Red Swain Shootout on Friday starts at 11:30 AM EDT with the Round of 16.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round 1 (64s)
Andrew Price d. Sami Harb, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
Brandon Cortese d. Brian Pineda, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Cliff Swain d. Jason Kennedy, 11-1, 11-4, 11-7
Dan Case d. Nathan Tucker, 8-11, 13-11, 11-1, 11-8
Conrad Cole d. Mark Brower, 11-3, 11-3, 11-1
Eric Desrochers d. Jim Bronson, 7-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3
Round 2 (32s)
Q8: Lee Connell d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-3, 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3
Q1: Tony Carson vs. Andrew Price, 11-5, 11-5, 11-6
Q4: Brandon Cortese d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10, 14-12
Q5: Cliff Swain d. Erik Leetch, 11-2, 11-6, 13-11
Q6: James Slamko d. Dan Case, 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-1
Q3: Conrad Cole d. Juan Herrera, WBF
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Eric Desrochers, 11-6, 12-10, 2-11, 11-5
Q7: Brad Schopieray d. John Scott, 11-9, 11-2, 11-9
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Lee Connell
Andy Hawthorne v. Tony Carson
Shane Vanderson v. Brandon Cortese
Jose Rojas v. Cliff Swain
Ben Croft v. James Slamko
Charlie Pratt v. Conrad Cole
Chris Crowther v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Brad Schopieray
Follow the bouncing ball....
Cliff Swain, who won the last IRT event held in Davison back in 1993, won two matches - both in three straight games - to qualify for the round of 16 and a match with two time World Junior Champion Jose Rojas.
For his part, Gonzalez was up 2-1 on Lee Connell, but as anyone who's seen Connell play, it's hard to ever count him out, as Connell will give it his all until the very end. Undoubtedly that effort helped him come back and defeat Gonzalez, 11-3, 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3. Thus, Connell will face Waselenchuk in the Round of 16 on Friday.
Other surprise qualifiers for the 16s are Brandon Cortese, who won two matches to get there, and Conrad Cole, who did likewise, but the second one was a default win over Juan Herrera, which is likely a Pan Am Games effect, as Herrera was in Guadalajara, Mexico representing Colombia the past two weeks.
The IRT Network's webcast of the Red Swain Shootout on Friday starts at 11:30 AM EDT with the Round of 16.
Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round 1 (64s)
Andrew Price d. Sami Harb, 11-6, 11-8, 11-3
Brandon Cortese d. Brian Pineda, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Cliff Swain d. Jason Kennedy, 11-1, 11-4, 11-7
Dan Case d. Nathan Tucker, 8-11, 13-11, 11-1, 11-8
Conrad Cole d. Mark Brower, 11-3, 11-3, 11-1
Eric Desrochers d. Jim Bronson, 7-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3
Round 2 (32s)
Q8: Lee Connell d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-3, 10-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3
Q1: Tony Carson vs. Andrew Price, 11-5, 11-5, 11-6
Q4: Brandon Cortese d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10, 14-12
Q5: Cliff Swain d. Erik Leetch, 11-2, 11-6, 13-11
Q6: James Slamko d. Dan Case, 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-1
Q3: Conrad Cole d. Juan Herrera, WBF
Q2: Anthony Herrera d. Eric Desrochers, 11-6, 12-10, 2-11, 11-5
Q7: Brad Schopieray d. John Scott, 11-9, 11-2, 11-9
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Lee Connell
Andy Hawthorne v. Tony Carson
Shane Vanderson v. Brandon Cortese
Jose Rojas v. Cliff Swain
Ben Croft v. James Slamko
Charlie Pratt v. Conrad Cole
Chris Crowther v. Anthony Herrera
Rocky Carson v. Brad Schopieray
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Red Swain Shootout - First Round Draws
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is back in action today with the Red Swain Shootout in Davison, Michigan. There are two rounds of qualifying on Thursday.
Ruben Gonzalez continues his quest to make the top 10 by year's end, and he'll play Canadian Lee Connell first in the second round of qualifying. If he defeats Connell, then he'll be up against IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk in what would be a battle of a legend from the past and legend from the present, and such battles usually go to the present.
Three of the top 8 IRT players - Rocky Carson, Chris Crowther, Shane Vanderson - spent most of the last two weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico playing on Team USA for the Pan Am Games, so we'll see if there's any Pan Am Games hangover.
The IRT Network is webcasting the Red Swain Shootout beginning Thursday at 8 PM EDT with Gonzalez versus Connell, and continuing with the main draw on Friday when the Round of 16 begins at 11:30 AM EDT.
2011 Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round 1 (64s)
Andrew Price vs. Sami Harb
Brian Pineda vs. Brandon Cortese
Cliff Swain vs. Jason Kennedy
Dan Case vs. Nathan Tucker
Conrad Cole vs. Mark Brower
Eric Desrochers vs. Jim Bronson
Round 2 (32s)
Q8: Ruben Gonzalez vs. Lee Connell
Q1: Tony Carson vs. Andrew Price or Sami Harb
Q4: Arthur Schmeiser vs. Brian Pineda or Brandon Cortese
Q5: Erik Leetch vs. Cliff Swain or Jason Kennedy
Q6: James Slamko vs. Dan Case or Nathan Tucker
Q3: Juan Herrera vs. Conrad Cole or Mark Brower
Q2: Anthony Herrera vs. Eric Desrochers or Jim Bronson
Q7: Brad Shopieray vs. John Scott
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q4
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Jose Rojas v. Q3
Ben Croft v. Q6
Charlie Pratt v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q5
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Ruben Gonzalez continues his quest to make the top 10 by year's end, and he'll play Canadian Lee Connell first in the second round of qualifying. If he defeats Connell, then he'll be up against IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk in what would be a battle of a legend from the past and legend from the present, and such battles usually go to the present.
Three of the top 8 IRT players - Rocky Carson, Chris Crowther, Shane Vanderson - spent most of the last two weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico playing on Team USA for the Pan Am Games, so we'll see if there's any Pan Am Games hangover.
The IRT Network is webcasting the Red Swain Shootout beginning Thursday at 8 PM EDT with Gonzalez versus Connell, and continuing with the main draw on Friday when the Round of 16 begins at 11:30 AM EDT.
2011 Red Swain Shootout, Davison, Michigan
Round 1 (64s)
Andrew Price vs. Sami Harb
Brian Pineda vs. Brandon Cortese
Cliff Swain vs. Jason Kennedy
Dan Case vs. Nathan Tucker
Conrad Cole vs. Mark Brower
Eric Desrochers vs. Jim Bronson
Round 2 (32s)
Q8: Ruben Gonzalez vs. Lee Connell
Q1: Tony Carson vs. Andrew Price or Sami Harb
Q4: Arthur Schmeiser vs. Brian Pineda or Brandon Cortese
Q5: Erik Leetch vs. Cliff Swain or Jason Kennedy
Q6: James Slamko vs. Dan Case or Nathan Tucker
Q3: Juan Herrera vs. Conrad Cole or Mark Brower
Q2: Anthony Herrera vs. Eric Desrochers or Jim Bronson
Q7: Brad Shopieray vs. John Scott
Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Andy Hawthorne v. Q4
Shane Vanderson v. Q2
Jose Rojas v. Q3
Ben Croft v. Q6
Charlie Pratt v. Q1
Chris Crowther v. Q5
Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
IRT Rankings - October 18, 2011
Kane Waselenchuk, 7 time US Open winner, remains the #1 ranked player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) with Rocky Carson in #2. Ben Croft is up to #3.
Jose Rojas has reached a career high ranking at #5, behind retired Jack Huczek. Chris Crowther is up to #6 and Andy Hawthorne has fallen to #7.
Rounding out the top ten are Shane Vanderson in 8th, Charlie Pratt 9th and Tony Carson in 10th.
Young players Daniel De La Rosa is #16, Taylor Knoth is #18, and Felipe Camacho #19, which we believe are all career highs.
The IRT is back in action this weekend with the Red Swain Memorial tournament in Davison, Michigan.
IRT Rankings 2010-11 Season Ending - October 18, 2011
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4816
2 Rocky CARSON, 4179
4 Ben CROFT, 2840
3 Jack HUCZEK, 2670
6 Jose ROJAS, 2391
7 Chris CROWTHER, 2309
5 Andy HAWTHORNE, 2296
8 Shane VANDERSON, 2157
9 Charlie PRATT, 1729
12 Tony CARSON, 1396
11 Anthony HERRERA, 1199
13 Javier MORENO, 1172
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1081
14 Juan HERRERA, 748
16 Daniel DE LA ROSA, 656
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 587
18 Alejandro LANDA, 484
18 Taylor KNOTH, 457
19 Felipe CAMACHO, 442
20 Andres HERRERA, 430
Follow the bouncing ball....
Jose Rojas has reached a career high ranking at #5, behind retired Jack Huczek. Chris Crowther is up to #6 and Andy Hawthorne has fallen to #7.
Rounding out the top ten are Shane Vanderson in 8th, Charlie Pratt 9th and Tony Carson in 10th.
Young players Daniel De La Rosa is #16, Taylor Knoth is #18, and Felipe Camacho #19, which we believe are all career highs.
The IRT is back in action this weekend with the Red Swain Memorial tournament in Davison, Michigan.
IRT Rankings 2010-11 Season Ending - October 18, 2011
Rank - Player - Points
1 Kane WASELENCHUK, 4816
2 Rocky CARSON, 4179
4 Ben CROFT, 2840
3 Jack HUCZEK, 2670
6 Jose ROJAS, 2391
7 Chris CROWTHER, 2309
5 Andy HAWTHORNE, 2296
8 Shane VANDERSON, 2157
9 Charlie PRATT, 1729
12 Tony CARSON, 1396
11 Anthony HERRERA, 1199
13 Javier MORENO, 1172
10 Alvaro BELTRAN, 1081
14 Juan HERRERA, 748
16 Daniel DE LA ROSA, 656
15 Alejandro HERRERA, 587
18 Alejandro LANDA, 484
18 Taylor KNOTH, 457
19 Felipe CAMACHO, 442
20 Andres HERRERA, 430
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Mexico sweeps team gold
Mexico swept the team competitions at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico Tuesday. The Mexican women needed only two matches to defeat Team USA, but the Mexican men needed to win the doubles to beat the American men.
Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas both won their singles matches for Mexico, so they did not have to team up in doubles to defeat the USA. Longoria beat Rhonda Rajsich, 14-15, 15-6, 11-1, for the second time in a month, as she also bested Rajsich at the US Open in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Salas defeated Cheryl Gudinas, 15-8, 15-2, to win Mexico's first gold medal in a Pan Am Games team competition, and perhaps their first ever in international competition.
On the men's side, Rocky Carson got the USA off on the right foot, winning the opening match of the men's final, 15-8, 15-5, against Gilberto Mejia. But Alvaro Beltran leveled the match at 1-1 with a 15-12, 15-8 victory over Chris Crowther.
Thus it came down to the doubles.
Americans Shane Vanderson and Crowther won the first game of the doubles match, but Mexicans Javier Moreno and Beltran won the next two to take the match, 11-15, 15-9, 11-4, and earn a second team gold for Mexico.
The Racquetball Blog believes this is the first time that the USA has not won a team gold medal at an international racquetball competition. They have lost the men's or the overall title (to Canada in all cases) at the World Championships, but always won the women's title.
The 2015 Pan American Games will be held July 10-26 in Toronto, Canada.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Finals
Mexico d. USA, 2-0
- Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 14-15, 15-6, 11-1
- Samantha Salas d. Cheryl Gudinas, 15-8, 15-2
Men's Team - Final
Mexico d. USA, 2-1
- Rocky Carson d. Gilberto Mejia, 15-8, 15-5
- Alvaro Beltran d. Chris Crowther, 15-12, 15-8
- Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Crowther & Shane Vanderson, 11-15, 15-9, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas both won their singles matches for Mexico, so they did not have to team up in doubles to defeat the USA. Longoria beat Rhonda Rajsich, 14-15, 15-6, 11-1, for the second time in a month, as she also bested Rajsich at the US Open in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Salas defeated Cheryl Gudinas, 15-8, 15-2, to win Mexico's first gold medal in a Pan Am Games team competition, and perhaps their first ever in international competition.
On the men's side, Rocky Carson got the USA off on the right foot, winning the opening match of the men's final, 15-8, 15-5, against Gilberto Mejia. But Alvaro Beltran leveled the match at 1-1 with a 15-12, 15-8 victory over Chris Crowther.
Thus it came down to the doubles.
Americans Shane Vanderson and Crowther won the first game of the doubles match, but Mexicans Javier Moreno and Beltran won the next two to take the match, 11-15, 15-9, 11-4, and earn a second team gold for Mexico.
The Racquetball Blog believes this is the first time that the USA has not won a team gold medal at an international racquetball competition. They have lost the men's or the overall title (to Canada in all cases) at the World Championships, but always won the women's title.
The 2015 Pan American Games will be held July 10-26 in Toronto, Canada.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Finals
Mexico d. USA, 2-0
- Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 14-15, 15-6, 11-1
- Samantha Salas d. Cheryl Gudinas, 15-8, 15-2
Men's Team - Final
Mexico d. USA, 2-1
- Rocky Carson d. Gilberto Mejia, 15-8, 15-5
- Alvaro Beltran d. Chris Crowther, 15-12, 15-8
- Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Crowther & Shane Vanderson, 11-15, 15-9, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 24, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Mexico & USA to meet in final
Two more Mexico-USA showdowns will close out the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico on Tuesday, as those countries advanced to the team competition finals with wins in the semi-finals.
On the women's side, Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas saw off Ecuador with a win in doubles over Maria Cordova and Maria Paz Munoz, 15-7, 15-3. Then Longoria beat Munoz in singles, 15-13, 15-10.
The American women got the final with a win over Bolivia. Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Jenny Daza and Cintia Loma in doubles, 15-6, 15-8, and Rajsich beat Loma, 15-4, 15-13, in singles.
On the men's side, Mexico defeated Colombia with a win in doubles, 15-11, 15-11, by Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno against Francisco Gomez and Jose Torres, and in singles as Gilberto Mejia beat Alejandro Herrera, 15-9, 15-3.
The USA defeated Ecuador in two matches. Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson Jose Alvarez and Fernando Rios, 15-6, 15-1, and Rocky Carson defeated Rios, 15-6, 15-8.
The team competition concludes Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Ecuador, 2-0
USA d. Bolivia, 2-0
Women's Team - Finals
Mexico vs. USA
Men's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Colombia, 2-0
USA d. Ecuador, 2-0
Men's Team - Final
Mexico vs. USA
Follow the bouncing ball....
On the women's side, Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas saw off Ecuador with a win in doubles over Maria Cordova and Maria Paz Munoz, 15-7, 15-3. Then Longoria beat Munoz in singles, 15-13, 15-10.
The American women got the final with a win over Bolivia. Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Jenny Daza and Cintia Loma in doubles, 15-6, 15-8, and Rajsich beat Loma, 15-4, 15-13, in singles.
On the men's side, Mexico defeated Colombia with a win in doubles, 15-11, 15-11, by Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno against Francisco Gomez and Jose Torres, and in singles as Gilberto Mejia beat Alejandro Herrera, 15-9, 15-3.
The USA defeated Ecuador in two matches. Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson Jose Alvarez and Fernando Rios, 15-6, 15-1, and Rocky Carson defeated Rios, 15-6, 15-8.
The team competition concludes Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Ecuador, 2-0
USA d. Bolivia, 2-0
Women's Team - Finals
Mexico vs. USA
Men's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Colombia, 2-0
USA d. Ecuador, 2-0
Men's Team - Final
Mexico vs. USA
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 23, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Team competition begins
The team competition of the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico began Sunday. In this competition, countries compete against each other in a best of three matches, consisting of two singles matches and a doubles match. The order of the matches varies, so, for example, the doubles match could be the first, second or third match, if necessary.
An aspect of the team competition is that countries can shuffle their line ups from the individual competitions, so the players who competed in singles or doubles or both may not be the same in the team competition as it was in the earlier individual competition.
For example, it seems Chris Crowther is playing singles and doubles for the USA.
The first result goes to the Ecuador men's team, who defeated Dominican Republic 2-0, winning the two singles matches, as Fernando Rios defeated Luis Perez, 15-10, 15-10, and Jose Ugalde beat Ramon De Leon, 15-8, 15-7. Ecuador will now play Canada in the quarter finals.
In other early men's action, Argentina defeated Costa Rica with a doubles win, 15-8, 15-12, after spliting their singles matches with Daniel Maggi (Arg) beating Teobaldo Fumero (CR), 15-3, 15-14, and Felipe Camacho (CR) besting Shai Manzuri (Arg), 7-15, 15-4, 11-1. Argentina will now play Mexico in the quarter finals.
Finally in the first round, Bolivia beat Honduras in two straight matches. Ricardo Monroy beat Selvin Cruz, 15-2, 15-2, and Carlos Keller defeated Raul Banegas, 15-1, 15-12. Bolivia then played the USA in the quarter finals, and lost 2-0.
American Chris Crowther was part of both winning matches against Bolivia, as he beat Carlos Keller, 15-7, 15-10, and teamed with Shane Vanderson to win doubles over Roland Keller and Monroy, 15-7, 15-10.
Mexico also won 2-0 in the men's quarter finals. Alvaro Beltran was part of the two wins for Mexico as they defeated Argentina. Beltran defeated Shai Manzuri, 15-6, 15-4, and teamed with Javier Moreno to win doubles over Manzuri and Daniel Maggi, 15-10, 15-10.
USA will play Ecuador in the semi-finals, as Ecuador defeated Canada 2-1. Jose Alvarez and Fernando Rios (Ecuador) beat Mike Green and Kris Odegard in doubles, 15-7, 11-15, 11-8. Vincent Gagnon leveled the match at 1-1 with a 15-7, 15-9 victory over Jose Ugalde. But in the tie-breaker, Rios defeated Tim Landeryou, 15-13, 15-13.
In women's quarter final action, top seeded Mexico beat Venezuela. Samantha Salas defeated Mariana Tobon, 15-0, 15-6, and then teamed with Paola Longoria to defeat Tobon and Ishey Paredes, 15-3, 15-1.
Ecuador defeated Canada, 2-1, with wins in singles - Maria Paz Munoz defeating Jennifer Saunders, 15-4, 15-11 - and doubles - Munor and Maria Cordova beat Saunders and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-15, 15-10, 11-1. Frédérique Lambert defeated Cordova, 15-7, 8-15, 11-2.
The USA beat the Dominican Republic, 2-0, as Cheryl Gudinas beat Yira Portes, 15-0, 15-1, and Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Portes and Claudine Garcia, 15-9, 15-6.
Bolivia were also 2-0 winners, defeating Chile, as Maria Vargas beat Carla Munoz, 15-5, 15-6, and Jenny Daza and Cintia Loma beat Munoz and Angela Grisar, 15-6, 15-7.
In the first round match, Venezuela beat Argentina, 2-1. Mariana Tobon (Ven) beating Dafne Macrino (Arg), 15-2, 15-3, Véronique Guillemette (Arg) defeating Ishey Paredes, 15-6, 15-6, then Tobon and Paredes won the doubles 15-8, 13-15, 11-9, over Guillemette and Macrino.
The team competition runs Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Venezuela, 2-0
Ecuador d. Canada, 2-1
Bolivia d. Chile, 2-0
USA d. Dominican Republic, 2-0
Women's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Ecuador
USA vs. Bolivia
Men's Team - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Argentina, 2-0
Colombia d. Venezuela, 2-1
USA d. Bolivia, 2-0
Ecuador d. Canada, 2-1
Men's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico vs. Colombia
USA vs. Ecuador
Men's Team - First round
Ecuador d. Dominican Republic, 2-0
Bolivia d. Honduras, 2-1
Argentina d. Costa Rica, 2-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
An aspect of the team competition is that countries can shuffle their line ups from the individual competitions, so the players who competed in singles or doubles or both may not be the same in the team competition as it was in the earlier individual competition.
For example, it seems Chris Crowther is playing singles and doubles for the USA.
The first result goes to the Ecuador men's team, who defeated Dominican Republic 2-0, winning the two singles matches, as Fernando Rios defeated Luis Perez, 15-10, 15-10, and Jose Ugalde beat Ramon De Leon, 15-8, 15-7. Ecuador will now play Canada in the quarter finals.
In other early men's action, Argentina defeated Costa Rica with a doubles win, 15-8, 15-12, after spliting their singles matches with Daniel Maggi (Arg) beating Teobaldo Fumero (CR), 15-3, 15-14, and Felipe Camacho (CR) besting Shai Manzuri (Arg), 7-15, 15-4, 11-1. Argentina will now play Mexico in the quarter finals.
Finally in the first round, Bolivia beat Honduras in two straight matches. Ricardo Monroy beat Selvin Cruz, 15-2, 15-2, and Carlos Keller defeated Raul Banegas, 15-1, 15-12. Bolivia then played the USA in the quarter finals, and lost 2-0.
American Chris Crowther was part of both winning matches against Bolivia, as he beat Carlos Keller, 15-7, 15-10, and teamed with Shane Vanderson to win doubles over Roland Keller and Monroy, 15-7, 15-10.
Mexico also won 2-0 in the men's quarter finals. Alvaro Beltran was part of the two wins for Mexico as they defeated Argentina. Beltran defeated Shai Manzuri, 15-6, 15-4, and teamed with Javier Moreno to win doubles over Manzuri and Daniel Maggi, 15-10, 15-10.
USA will play Ecuador in the semi-finals, as Ecuador defeated Canada 2-1. Jose Alvarez and Fernando Rios (Ecuador) beat Mike Green and Kris Odegard in doubles, 15-7, 11-15, 11-8. Vincent Gagnon leveled the match at 1-1 with a 15-7, 15-9 victory over Jose Ugalde. But in the tie-breaker, Rios defeated Tim Landeryou, 15-13, 15-13.
In women's quarter final action, top seeded Mexico beat Venezuela. Samantha Salas defeated Mariana Tobon, 15-0, 15-6, and then teamed with Paola Longoria to defeat Tobon and Ishey Paredes, 15-3, 15-1.
Ecuador defeated Canada, 2-1, with wins in singles - Maria Paz Munoz defeating Jennifer Saunders, 15-4, 15-11 - and doubles - Munor and Maria Cordova beat Saunders and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 12-15, 15-10, 11-1. Frédérique Lambert defeated Cordova, 15-7, 8-15, 11-2.
The USA beat the Dominican Republic, 2-0, as Cheryl Gudinas beat Yira Portes, 15-0, 15-1, and Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Portes and Claudine Garcia, 15-9, 15-6.
Bolivia were also 2-0 winners, defeating Chile, as Maria Vargas beat Carla Munoz, 15-5, 15-6, and Jenny Daza and Cintia Loma beat Munoz and Angela Grisar, 15-6, 15-7.
In the first round match, Venezuela beat Argentina, 2-1. Mariana Tobon (Ven) beating Dafne Macrino (Arg), 15-2, 15-3, Véronique Guillemette (Arg) defeating Ishey Paredes, 15-6, 15-6, then Tobon and Paredes won the doubles 15-8, 13-15, 11-9, over Guillemette and Macrino.
The team competition runs Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Team - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Venezuela, 2-0
Ecuador d. Canada, 2-1
Bolivia d. Chile, 2-0
USA d. Dominican Republic, 2-0
Women's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico d. Ecuador
USA vs. Bolivia
Men's Team - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Argentina, 2-0
Colombia d. Venezuela, 2-1
USA d. Bolivia, 2-0
Ecuador d. Canada, 2-1
Men's Team - Semi-finals
Mexico vs. Colombia
USA vs. Ecuador
Men's Team - First round
Ecuador d. Dominican Republic, 2-0
Bolivia d. Honduras, 2-1
Argentina d. Costa Rica, 2-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 22, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - 3 Gold for Mexico, 1 for USA
Tonight Mexican Paola Longoria has two gold medals around her neck as she won women's singles and doubles (with Samantha Salas) at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. American Rhonda Rajsich has two silver medals, as she fell to Longoria in both finals, each of which required a tie-breaker to decide the outcome.
In singles, Longoria beat Rajsich, 12-15, 15-10, 11-9, to win Pan Am Games gold for the first time by a Mexican. In fact, it's the first Pan Am Games medal of any sort for Mexico in women's singles.
Rajsich's silver medal is her first Pan Am Games medal in individual competition.
In women's doubles, the Mexicans took the first game but then needed a third game to overcome Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz, 15-12, 5-15, 11-5.
The men's singles final was a showdown of the 2003 Pan Am Games bronze medalists with American Rocky Carson defeating Mexican Gilberto Mejia in two straight games, 15-1, 15-13. Carson's win continues the streak of American men winning Pan Am Games gold. He joins the list of Pan Am Games gold medalists with John Ellis (1995), Adam Karp (1999), and Jack Huczek (2003).
In men's doubles, Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico won gold for the second consecutive Pan Am Games, having done it in 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. They defeated Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn of Venezuela, 15-14, 15-4, in the final.
Nevertheless, Castro and Hirsekorn are the first non-North Americans to win silver at the Pan Am Games. Pan Am Games finals have exclusively been between players from Mexico, the USA and Canada prior to today.
Mexico increased its gold medal haul from two in 2003 - men's and women's doubles - to three in 2011 - women's singles, men's and women's doubles. USA's gold medal count decreased as a result of Mexico's increase, as the Americans won only one gold in Guadalajara.
Only Mexico and the USA have ever won gold at the Pan Am Games.
The racquetball competition's individual competition concluded Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men Singles - Final
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Gilberto Mejia (Mex), 15-1, 15-13
Women Singles - Final
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 12-15, 15-10, 11-9
Men Doubles - Final
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) d. Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela), 15-14, 15-4
Women Singles - Final
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Rhonda Rajsich & Aimee Ruiz (USA), 12-15, 5-15, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
In singles, Longoria beat Rajsich, 12-15, 15-10, 11-9, to win Pan Am Games gold for the first time by a Mexican. In fact, it's the first Pan Am Games medal of any sort for Mexico in women's singles.
Rajsich's silver medal is her first Pan Am Games medal in individual competition.
In women's doubles, the Mexicans took the first game but then needed a third game to overcome Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz, 15-12, 5-15, 11-5.
The men's singles final was a showdown of the 2003 Pan Am Games bronze medalists with American Rocky Carson defeating Mexican Gilberto Mejia in two straight games, 15-1, 15-13. Carson's win continues the streak of American men winning Pan Am Games gold. He joins the list of Pan Am Games gold medalists with John Ellis (1995), Adam Karp (1999), and Jack Huczek (2003).
In men's doubles, Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico won gold for the second consecutive Pan Am Games, having done it in 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. They defeated Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn of Venezuela, 15-14, 15-4, in the final.
Nevertheless, Castro and Hirsekorn are the first non-North Americans to win silver at the Pan Am Games. Pan Am Games finals have exclusively been between players from Mexico, the USA and Canada prior to today.
Mexico increased its gold medal haul from two in 2003 - men's and women's doubles - to three in 2011 - women's singles, men's and women's doubles. USA's gold medal count decreased as a result of Mexico's increase, as the Americans won only one gold in Guadalajara.
Only Mexico and the USA have ever won gold at the Pan Am Games.
The racquetball competition's individual competition concluded Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men Singles - Final
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Gilberto Mejia (Mex), 15-1, 15-13
Women Singles - Final
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 12-15, 15-10, 11-9
Men Doubles - Final
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) d. Cesar Castro & Jorge Hirsekorn (Venezuela), 15-14, 15-4
Women Singles - Final
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Rhonda Rajsich & Aimee Ruiz (USA), 12-15, 5-15, 11-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 21, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Doubles Playoffs Day 2
Mexicans Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno will have a chance to defend the men's doubles title they won at the 2003 Pan Am Games, as they reached the final of the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico with a tie-breaker win over Americans Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson, 9-15, 15-1, 11-4.
Mexico will face Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn, who didn't score as many points as their Canadian opponents Tim Landeryou and Kris Odegard, but they won more games, taking the semi-final 15-14, 3-15, 11-10 in a match that lasted 94 min. The tie-breaker alone took 37 min.
This is the first time Venezuela has made a final at the Pan Am Games. The Venezuela did earn bronze in men's doubles at the 1995 Pan Am Games. Also, it's the first men's doubles final without the USA or Canada as one of the finalists.
Mexico will also play for gold on the women's side, as Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas beat Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Munoz, 15-5, 15-5.
If successful, it would be the second consecutive Pan Am Games gold for Mexico in women's doubles, as Susana Acosta and Rosa Torres won gold in 2003 beating Americans Jackie Rice and Kim Russell in the final.
Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz will have a chance to reverse that 2003 result, as they reached the final with a 15-8, 15-5 victory over Ecuadorians Maria Cordova and Maria Munoz in the other semi-final.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico d. USA, 9-15, 15-1, 11-4
Venezuela d. Canada, 15-14, 3-15, 11-10
Men's Doubles - Final
Mexico vs. Venezuela
Women's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico d. Chile, 15-5, 15-5
USA d. Ecuador, 15-8, 15-5
Women's Doubles - Final
Mexico vs. USA
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mexico will face Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn, who didn't score as many points as their Canadian opponents Tim Landeryou and Kris Odegard, but they won more games, taking the semi-final 15-14, 3-15, 11-10 in a match that lasted 94 min. The tie-breaker alone took 37 min.
This is the first time Venezuela has made a final at the Pan Am Games. The Venezuela did earn bronze in men's doubles at the 1995 Pan Am Games. Also, it's the first men's doubles final without the USA or Canada as one of the finalists.
Mexico will also play for gold on the women's side, as Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas beat Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Munoz, 15-5, 15-5.
If successful, it would be the second consecutive Pan Am Games gold for Mexico in women's doubles, as Susana Acosta and Rosa Torres won gold in 2003 beating Americans Jackie Rice and Kim Russell in the final.
Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz will have a chance to reverse that 2003 result, as they reached the final with a 15-8, 15-5 victory over Ecuadorians Maria Cordova and Maria Munoz in the other semi-final.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico d. USA, 9-15, 15-1, 11-4
Venezuela d. Canada, 15-14, 3-15, 11-10
Men's Doubles - Final
Mexico vs. Venezuela
Women's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico d. Chile, 15-5, 15-5
USA d. Ecuador, 15-8, 15-5
Women's Doubles - Final
Mexico vs. USA
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 Pan Am Games - Singles Playoffs Day 2
Mexico and the USA have chances to sweep men's and women's singles gold medals at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, as both finals are Mexico-USA showdowns. The women's final will be a repeat of the US Open from two weeks ago, as Paola Longoria will face Rhonda Rajsich, while on the men's side it's Rocky Carson versus Gilberto Mejia.
Longoria got there with a semi-final win over American Cheryl Gudinas - the gold medalist in women's singles at the two most recent Pan Am Games racquetball competitions: 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and 1999 in Winnipeg, Canada. Longoria won 15-7, 15-10.
Rajsich defeated Bolivian Maria Vargas, 15-6, 15-7, in the semi-finals, and will try to carry on the tradition of American Pan Am Games gold medalists in women's singles that began with Michelle Gould in 1995 and continued with Gudinas in 1999 and 2003.
Carson's got a similar tradition to continue, as previous Pan Am Games gold medalists in men's singles have all been American: John Ellis in 1995, Adam Karp in 1999, and Jack Huczek in 2003.
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Alavro Beltran, 15-12, 15-12, and Mejia defeated Canadian Vincent Gagnon, 15-11, 14-15, 11-5.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men Singles - Semi finals (Friday)
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Alvaro Beltran (Mex), 15-12, 15-12
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Vincent Gagnon (Can), 15-11, 14-15, 11-5
Men Singles - Finals
Rocky Carson (USA) vs. Gilberto Mejia (Mex)
Women Singles - Semi finals (Friday)
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Cheryl Gudinas (USA), 15-7, 15-10
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-6, 15-7
Women Singles - Finals
Paola Longoria (Mex) vs. Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
Men Singles - Quarter finals
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Fernando Rios (Ecu), 15-10, 15-5
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Carlos Keller (Bol), 15-11, 15-0
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 15-10, 15-8
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Luis Perez (Dom), 15-7, 15-9
Women Singles - Quarter finals
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Samantha Salas (Mex), 15-7, 15-5
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 13-15, 15-4, 11-1
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Jenny Daza (Bol), 15-6, 15-13
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-13, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria got there with a semi-final win over American Cheryl Gudinas - the gold medalist in women's singles at the two most recent Pan Am Games racquetball competitions: 2003 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and 1999 in Winnipeg, Canada. Longoria won 15-7, 15-10.
Rajsich defeated Bolivian Maria Vargas, 15-6, 15-7, in the semi-finals, and will try to carry on the tradition of American Pan Am Games gold medalists in women's singles that began with Michelle Gould in 1995 and continued with Gudinas in 1999 and 2003.
Carson's got a similar tradition to continue, as previous Pan Am Games gold medalists in men's singles have all been American: John Ellis in 1995, Adam Karp in 1999, and Jack Huczek in 2003.
In the semi-finals, Carson beat Alavro Beltran, 15-12, 15-12, and Mejia defeated Canadian Vincent Gagnon, 15-11, 14-15, 11-5.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Men Singles - Semi finals (Friday)
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Alvaro Beltran (Mex), 15-12, 15-12
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Vincent Gagnon (Can), 15-11, 14-15, 11-5
Men Singles - Finals
Rocky Carson (USA) vs. Gilberto Mejia (Mex)
Women Singles - Semi finals (Friday)
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Cheryl Gudinas (USA), 15-7, 15-10
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-6, 15-7
Women Singles - Finals
Paola Longoria (Mex) vs. Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
Men Singles - Quarter finals
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Fernando Rios (Ecu), 15-10, 15-5
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Carlos Keller (Bol), 15-11, 15-0
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 15-10, 15-8
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Luis Perez (Dom), 15-7, 15-9
Women Singles - Quarter finals
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Samantha Salas (Mex), 15-7, 15-5
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 13-15, 15-4, 11-1
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Jenny Daza (Bol), 15-6, 15-13
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-13, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 20, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Doubles Playoffs Day 1
The doubles playoff at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico has mostly gone according to the seedings. One exception is on the women's side, where the Ecuador team of Maria Cordova and Maria Munoz beat Bolivians Jenny Daza and Cinto Loma, 15-10, 2-15, 11-7, to reach semi-finals.
The other women's quarter finals were all decided in two straight games. Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas defeated Canadians Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-1, 15-2. Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Dominican Republicans Claudine Garcia and Yira Portes, 15-2, 15-6. And Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Munoz beat Veronique Guillemette and Dafne Macrino of Argentina, 15-12, 15-6.
On the men's side, Mexicans Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno are through to the semi-finals with a 15-4, 15-7 win over Colombians Francisco Gomez and Jose Torres.
Next up for Mexico will be the USA, as Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson beat the Argentina team of Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri, 15-9, 15-6.
On the other side of the men's draw, it'll be Canada versus Venezuela in the semi-finals, as Canadians Tim Landeryou and Kris Odegard beat Bolivians Roland Keller and Ricardo Monroy, 3-15, 15-10, 11-8 and Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn won a three game match against 2nd seeds Teobaldo Fumero and Felipe Camacho, 9-15, 15-11, 11-6.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Doubles - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Canada, 15-1, 15-2
Chile d. Argentina, 15-12, 15-6
Ecuador d. Bolivia, 15-10, 2-15, 11-7
USA d. Dominican Republic, 15-2, 15-6
Women's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico vs. Chile
USA vs. Ecuador
Men's Doubles - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Colombia, 15-4, 15-7
USA d. Argentina, 15-9, 15-6
Canada d. Bolivia, 3-15, 15-10, 11-8
Venezuela d. Costa Rica, 9-15, 15-11, 11-6
Men's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico vs. USA
Canada vs. Venezuela
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Canada d. Venezuela, 15-6, 15-13
Chile BYE
Argentina BYE
Bolivia BYE
Ecuador BYE
Dominican Republic BYE
USA BYE
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Colombia d. Dominican Republic, 10-15, 15-2, 11-6
USA BYE
Argentina BYE
Canada BYE
Bolivia d. Ecuador, 15-14, 15-8
Venezuela d. Honduras, 15-10, 15-7
Costa Rica BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
The other women's quarter finals were all decided in two straight games. Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas defeated Canadians Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-1, 15-2. Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Aimee Ruiz beat Dominican Republicans Claudine Garcia and Yira Portes, 15-2, 15-6. And Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Munoz beat Veronique Guillemette and Dafne Macrino of Argentina, 15-12, 15-6.
On the men's side, Mexicans Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno are through to the semi-finals with a 15-4, 15-7 win over Colombians Francisco Gomez and Jose Torres.
Next up for Mexico will be the USA, as Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson beat the Argentina team of Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri, 15-9, 15-6.
On the other side of the men's draw, it'll be Canada versus Venezuela in the semi-finals, as Canadians Tim Landeryou and Kris Odegard beat Bolivians Roland Keller and Ricardo Monroy, 3-15, 15-10, 11-8 and Venezuelans Cesar Castro and Jorge Hirsekorn won a three game match against 2nd seeds Teobaldo Fumero and Felipe Camacho, 9-15, 15-11, 11-6.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women's Doubles - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Canada, 15-1, 15-2
Chile d. Argentina, 15-12, 15-6
Ecuador d. Bolivia, 15-10, 2-15, 11-7
USA d. Dominican Republic, 15-2, 15-6
Women's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico vs. Chile
USA vs. Ecuador
Men's Doubles - Quarter finals
Mexico d. Colombia, 15-4, 15-7
USA d. Argentina, 15-9, 15-6
Canada d. Bolivia, 3-15, 15-10, 11-8
Venezuela d. Costa Rica, 9-15, 15-11, 11-6
Men's Doubles - Semi finals
Mexico vs. USA
Canada vs. Venezuela
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Canada d. Venezuela, 15-6, 15-13
Chile BYE
Argentina BYE
Bolivia BYE
Ecuador BYE
Dominican Republic BYE
USA BYE
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Colombia d. Dominican Republic, 10-15, 15-2, 11-6
USA BYE
Argentina BYE
Canada BYE
Bolivia d. Ecuador, 15-14, 15-8
Venezuela d. Honduras, 15-10, 15-7
Costa Rica BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 Pan Am Games - Singles Playoffs Day 1
Heartbreak for Canada in women's singles as both Jennifer Saunders and Frédérique Lambert lost their first matches in the playoffs at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Veteran Angela Grisar of Chile defeated Saunders, 15-11, 15-7, and Bolivian Maria Vargas beat Lambert, 15-11, 15-8. The losses mean that Canada may miss the podium in women's play for the first time ever at the Pan Am Games. The Canadian team of Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice are still in doubles, but if they win their first match against Venezuela, they will face the top seeded Mexican team of Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas.
Compounding Canada's misery was Mike Green's loss to Mexican Gilberto Mejia, 15-13, 7-15, 11-2, although Mejia was the higher seed. Canadian Vincent Gagnon did win his singles match on Thursday, beating Felipe Camacho of Costa Rica, 15-9, 15-11.
Results from other matches were more expected with the possible exception of Colombian Juan Herrera's victory over Bolivian Ricardo Monroy in two straight games, 15-13, 15-7.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles - Round of 16
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-4, 15-4
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Maria Cordova (Ecu), 15-10, 15-1
Angela Grisar (Chile) d. Jennifer Saunders (Can), 15-11, 15-7
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-12, 15-6
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Frédérique Lambert (Can), 15-11, 15-8
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-1, 15-1
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Claudine Garcia (Dom), 15-4, 15-10
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-6, 15-5
Men Singles - Round of 16
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-3, 15-3
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-0, 15-0, WO
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-11, 15-6
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-7, 15-6
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Michael Green (Can), 15-13, 7-15, 11-2
Juan Herrera (Col) d. Ricardo Monroy (Bol), 15-13, 15-7
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Cesar Castillo (Ven), 12-15, 15-10, 11-6
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-9, 15-11
Women Singles - Quarter finals (Friday)
Paola Longoria (Mex) vs. Samantha Salas (Mex)
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) vs. Angela Grisar (Chile)
Maria Vargas (Bol) vs. Jenny Daza (Bol)
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) vs. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador)
Men Singles - Quarter finals (Friday)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) vs. Fernando Rios (Ecu)
Rocky Carson (USA) vs. Carlos Keller (Bol)
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) vs. Juan Herrera (Col)
Vincent Gagnon (Can) vs. Luis Perez (Dom)
Women Singles - Round of 32
Paola Longoria (Mex) BYE
Ishey Paredes (Ven) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 14-15, 15-7, 11-5
Maria Cordova (Ecu) BYE
Samantha Salas (Mex) BYE
Jennifer Saunders (Can) BYE
Angela Grisar (Chile) BYE
Cristina Amaya (Col) BYE
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) BYE
Frédérique Lambert (Can) BYE
Maria Vargas (Bol) BYE
Carla Munoz (Chile) BYE
Jenny Daza (Bol) BYE
Claudine Garcia (Dom) BYE
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) BYE
Mariana Tobon (Ven) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-0, 15-0, WO
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) BYE
Men Singles - Round of 32
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) BYE
Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-12, 11-15, 11-8
Cesar Castro (Ven) BYE
Fernando Rios (Ecu) BYE
Rocky Carson (USA) BYE
Alejandro Herrera (Col) BYE
Alex Ackermann (USA) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-12, 15-5
Carlos Keller (Bol) BYE
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) BYE
Michael Green (Can) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-7, 15-3
Juan Herrera (Col) BYE
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) BYE
Cesar Castillo (Ven) BYE
Luis Perez (Dom) BYE
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-8, 15-11
Vincent Gagnon (Can) BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Veteran Angela Grisar of Chile defeated Saunders, 15-11, 15-7, and Bolivian Maria Vargas beat Lambert, 15-11, 15-8. The losses mean that Canada may miss the podium in women's play for the first time ever at the Pan Am Games. The Canadian team of Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice are still in doubles, but if they win their first match against Venezuela, they will face the top seeded Mexican team of Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas.
Compounding Canada's misery was Mike Green's loss to Mexican Gilberto Mejia, 15-13, 7-15, 11-2, although Mejia was the higher seed. Canadian Vincent Gagnon did win his singles match on Thursday, beating Felipe Camacho of Costa Rica, 15-9, 15-11.
Results from other matches were more expected with the possible exception of Colombian Juan Herrera's victory over Bolivian Ricardo Monroy in two straight games, 15-13, 15-7.
The racquetball competition's individual competition will conclude Saturday October 22 and a team competition will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles - Round of 16
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-4, 15-4
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Maria Cordova (Ecu), 15-10, 15-1
Angela Grisar (Chile) d. Jennifer Saunders (Can), 15-11, 15-7
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-12, 15-6
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Frédérique Lambert (Can), 15-11, 15-8
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-1, 15-1
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Claudine Garcia (Dom), 15-4, 15-10
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-6, 15-5
Men Singles - Round of 16
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-3, 15-3
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-0, 15-0, WO
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-11, 15-6
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-7, 15-6
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Michael Green (Can), 15-13, 7-15, 11-2
Juan Herrera (Col) d. Ricardo Monroy (Bol), 15-13, 15-7
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Cesar Castillo (Ven), 12-15, 15-10, 11-6
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-9, 15-11
Women Singles - Quarter finals (Friday)
Paola Longoria (Mex) vs. Samantha Salas (Mex)
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) vs. Angela Grisar (Chile)
Maria Vargas (Bol) vs. Jenny Daza (Bol)
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) vs. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador)
Men Singles - Quarter finals (Friday)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) vs. Fernando Rios (Ecu)
Rocky Carson (USA) vs. Carlos Keller (Bol)
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) vs. Juan Herrera (Col)
Vincent Gagnon (Can) vs. Luis Perez (Dom)
Women Singles - Round of 32
Paola Longoria (Mex) BYE
Ishey Paredes (Ven) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 14-15, 15-7, 11-5
Maria Cordova (Ecu) BYE
Samantha Salas (Mex) BYE
Jennifer Saunders (Can) BYE
Angela Grisar (Chile) BYE
Cristina Amaya (Col) BYE
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) BYE
Frédérique Lambert (Can) BYE
Maria Vargas (Bol) BYE
Carla Munoz (Chile) BYE
Jenny Daza (Bol) BYE
Claudine Garcia (Dom) BYE
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) BYE
Mariana Tobon (Ven) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-0, 15-0, WO
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) BYE
Men Singles - Round of 32
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) BYE
Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-12, 11-15, 11-8
Cesar Castro (Ven) BYE
Fernando Rios (Ecu) BYE
Rocky Carson (USA) BYE
Alejandro Herrera (Col) BYE
Alex Ackermann (USA) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-12, 15-5
Carlos Keller (Bol) BYE
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) BYE
Michael Green (Can) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-7, 15-3
Juan Herrera (Col) BYE
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) BYE
Cesar Castillo (Ven) BYE
Luis Perez (Dom) BYE
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-8, 15-11
Vincent Gagnon (Can) BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Elimination Round of 32
The elimination round draws have been made for men's and women's singles at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Mexican Samantha Salas's loss to Frédérique Lambert of Canada on Wednesday means that there cannot be two medals for Mexico in women's singles, as Salas is drawn to meet team-mate Paola Longoria in the quarter finals.
Lambert is drawn into the 3rd seed slot, behind American Rhonda Rajsich (2nd) and ahead of American Cheryl Gudinas (4th). Lambert's team-mate Jennifer Saunders is scheduled to face Angela Grisar of Chile in the Round of 16, but Grisar withdrew from a match earlier in the week and lost by walk over to Rajsich today, which might mean that Grisar is out of singles and Saunders will get a pass into the quarter finals against either Gudinas or Colombian Cristina Amaya.
Grisar did play her doubles match on Tuesday, so she's not completely out of the competition.
Mexico will be happier with the men's draw as the two Mexicans are on opposite sides of the draw: Alvaro Beltran in the top spot and Gilberto Mejia in the 3rd seed spot.
The USA and Canada won't be so happy as their players are on the same side of the draw with the two Americans on the top of the draw and the two Canadians on the bottom. However, it's slightly worse for the USA as Rocky Carson and Alex Ackermann will have to face off in the quarters while Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon will have to meet in the semi-finals - assuming all those players get that far.
Beltran and Carson are both on the top of the draw, so they will meet in the semi finals (if at all), not the final.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles - Elimination Round of 32
Paola Longoria (Mex) BYE
Ishey Paredes (Ven) vs. Marie Gomar (Gua)
Maria Cordova (Ecu) BYE
Samantha Salas (Mex) BYE
Jennifer Saunders (Can) BYE
Angela Grisar (Chile) BYE
Cristina Amaya (Col) BYE
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) BYE
Frédérique Lambert (Can) BYE
Maria Vargas (Bol) BYE
Carla Munoz (Chile) BYE
Jenny Daza (Bol) BYE
Claudine Garcia (Dom) BYE
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) BYE
Veronique Guillemette (Arg) vs. Mariana Tobon (Ven)
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) BYE
Men Singles - Elimination Round of 32
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) BYE
Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) vs. Jose Ugalde (Ecu)
Cesar Castro (Ven) BYE
Fernando Rios (Ecu) BYE
Rocky Carson (USA) BYE
Alejandro Herrera (Col) BYE
Alex Ackermann (USA) vs. Raul Banegas (Hon)
Carlos Keller (Bol) BYE
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) BYE
Michael Green (Can) vs. Ramon De Leon (Dom)
Juan Herrera (Col) BYE
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) BYE
Cesar Castillo (Ven) BYE
Luis Perez (Dom) BYE
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) vs. Selvin Cruz (Honduras)
Vincent Gagnon (Can) BYE
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Canada vs. Venezuela
Chile BYE
Argentina BYE
Bolivia BYE
Ecuador BYE
Dominican Republic BYE
USA
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Colombia vs. Dominican Republic
USA BYE
Argentina BYE
Canada BYE
Bolivia vs. Ecuador
Venezuela vs. Honduras
Costa Rica BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Lambert is drawn into the 3rd seed slot, behind American Rhonda Rajsich (2nd) and ahead of American Cheryl Gudinas (4th). Lambert's team-mate Jennifer Saunders is scheduled to face Angela Grisar of Chile in the Round of 16, but Grisar withdrew from a match earlier in the week and lost by walk over to Rajsich today, which might mean that Grisar is out of singles and Saunders will get a pass into the quarter finals against either Gudinas or Colombian Cristina Amaya.
Grisar did play her doubles match on Tuesday, so she's not completely out of the competition.
Mexico will be happier with the men's draw as the two Mexicans are on opposite sides of the draw: Alvaro Beltran in the top spot and Gilberto Mejia in the 3rd seed spot.
The USA and Canada won't be so happy as their players are on the same side of the draw with the two Americans on the top of the draw and the two Canadians on the bottom. However, it's slightly worse for the USA as Rocky Carson and Alex Ackermann will have to face off in the quarters while Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon will have to meet in the semi-finals - assuming all those players get that far.
Beltran and Carson are both on the top of the draw, so they will meet in the semi finals (if at all), not the final.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles - Elimination Round of 32
Paola Longoria (Mex) BYE
Ishey Paredes (Ven) vs. Marie Gomar (Gua)
Maria Cordova (Ecu) BYE
Samantha Salas (Mex) BYE
Jennifer Saunders (Can) BYE
Angela Grisar (Chile) BYE
Cristina Amaya (Col) BYE
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) BYE
Frédérique Lambert (Can) BYE
Maria Vargas (Bol) BYE
Carla Munoz (Chile) BYE
Jenny Daza (Bol) BYE
Claudine Garcia (Dom) BYE
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) BYE
Veronique Guillemette (Arg) vs. Mariana Tobon (Ven)
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) BYE
Men Singles - Elimination Round of 32
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) BYE
Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) vs. Jose Ugalde (Ecu)
Cesar Castro (Ven) BYE
Fernando Rios (Ecu) BYE
Rocky Carson (USA) BYE
Alejandro Herrera (Col) BYE
Alex Ackermann (USA) vs. Raul Banegas (Hon)
Carlos Keller (Bol) BYE
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) BYE
Michael Green (Can) vs. Ramon De Leon (Dom)
Juan Herrera (Col) BYE
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) BYE
Cesar Castillo (Ven) BYE
Luis Perez (Dom) BYE
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) vs. Selvin Cruz (Honduras)
Vincent Gagnon (Can) BYE
Women's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Canada vs. Venezuela
Chile BYE
Argentina BYE
Bolivia BYE
Ecuador BYE
Dominican Republic BYE
USA
Men's Doubles - Round of 16
Mexico BYE
Colombia vs. Dominican Republic
USA BYE
Argentina BYE
Canada BYE
Bolivia vs. Ecuador
Venezuela vs. Honduras
Costa Rica BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 Pan Am Games - Day 3
A surprise result has come early on day three of racquetball at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, as Canadian Frédérique Lambert has defeated Mexican Samantha Salas, 9-15, 15-11, 11-6. That result might put the Mexican women - Salas and Paola Longoria on the same side of the draw in the elimination round.
No other surprises in women's singles, as Rhonda Rajsich, Paola Longoria, Cheryl Gudinas, and Jennifer Saunders were all winners Wednesday.
In men's singles, both Mexicans won. Alvaro Beltran beat Cesar Castillo, 15-11, 15-11, and Gilberto Mejia defeated American Alex Ackermann, 15-11, 15-6.
The other American in men's singles - Rocky Carson - won his match, defeating Ricardo Monroy of Bolivia, 15-12, 15-7.
Finally, it was not a good day for Canada, as both Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon lost. Green fell to World Junior Champion Carlos Keller of Bolivia, 15-10, 4-15, 11-6, and Gagnon was beaten by Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 6-15, 15-5, 11-9.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual competition, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles (by group)
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-6, 15-3
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 15-0, 15-0 walk over
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Samantha Salas (Mex), 9-15, 15-11, 11-6
Cristina Amaya (Col) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 9-15, 15-2, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-2, 15-13
Claudine Garcia (Dom) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-8, 15-1
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Jenny Daza (Bol), 15-13, 15-2
Veronique Guillemette (Arg) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-9, 15-10
Men Singles (by group)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Cesar Castillo (Ven), 15-11, 15-11
Juan Herrera (Col) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-12, 15-5
Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. Vincent Gagnon (Can), 6-15, 15-5, 11-9
Cesar Castro (Ven) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-6, 15-2
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-11, 15-6
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-7, 15-4
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Michael Green (Can), 15-10, 4-15, 11-6
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-13, 15-11
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Ricardo Monroy (Bol), 15-12, 15-7
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-8, 15-4
Women's Doubles
Mexico d. Dominican Republic, 15-1, 15-0
USA d. Ecuador, 15-6, 15-3
Bolivia d. Canada, 15-4, 15-4
Men's Doubles
Mexico d. Venezuela, 12-15, 15-5, 1-0, retired
USA d. Colombia, 15-4, 15-9
Costa Rica d. Bolivia, 9-15, 15-12, 11-6
Canada d. Argentina, 15-10, 15-5
Dominican Republic d. Honduras, 11-15, 15-13, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
No other surprises in women's singles, as Rhonda Rajsich, Paola Longoria, Cheryl Gudinas, and Jennifer Saunders were all winners Wednesday.
In men's singles, both Mexicans won. Alvaro Beltran beat Cesar Castillo, 15-11, 15-11, and Gilberto Mejia defeated American Alex Ackermann, 15-11, 15-6.
The other American in men's singles - Rocky Carson - won his match, defeating Ricardo Monroy of Bolivia, 15-12, 15-7.
Finally, it was not a good day for Canada, as both Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon lost. Green fell to World Junior Champion Carlos Keller of Bolivia, 15-10, 4-15, 11-6, and Gagnon was beaten by Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 6-15, 15-5, 11-9.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual competition, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles (by group)
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador), 15-6, 15-3
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 15-0, 15-0 walk over
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Samantha Salas (Mex), 9-15, 15-11, 11-6
Cristina Amaya (Col) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 9-15, 15-2, 11-9
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-2, 15-13
Claudine Garcia (Dom) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-8, 15-1
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Jenny Daza (Bol), 15-13, 15-2
Veronique Guillemette (Arg) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-9, 15-10
Men Singles (by group)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Cesar Castillo (Ven), 15-11, 15-11
Juan Herrera (Col) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-12, 15-5
Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. Vincent Gagnon (Can), 6-15, 15-5, 11-9
Cesar Castro (Ven) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-6, 15-2
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-11, 15-6
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-7, 15-4
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Michael Green (Can), 15-10, 4-15, 11-6
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-13, 15-11
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Ricardo Monroy (Bol), 15-12, 15-7
Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-8, 15-4
Women's Doubles
Mexico d. Dominican Republic, 15-1, 15-0
USA d. Ecuador, 15-6, 15-3
Bolivia d. Canada, 15-4, 15-4
Men's Doubles
Mexico d. Venezuela, 12-15, 15-5, 1-0, retired
USA d. Colombia, 15-4, 15-9
Costa Rica d. Bolivia, 9-15, 15-12, 11-6
Canada d. Argentina, 15-10, 15-5
Dominican Republic d. Honduras, 11-15, 15-13, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Day 2
Day two of racquetball has concluded at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, and again the surprising results came in doubles. The USA men's team of Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson lost to Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero, 9-15, 15-12, 11-7.
But that wasn't the only surprising result in men's doubles, as Colombians Juan Torres and Francisco Gomez defeated Bolivians Ricardo Monroy and Roland Keller, 15-7, 6-15, 11-3.
Then in women's doubles, former Canadian Véronique Guillemette, who's now playing for Argentina with Dafne Macrino defeated her former team-mates Canadians Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-10, 15-10.
Earlier in the day, Chilean Angela Grisar, former top 4 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO), retired midway through the second game of her match with Maria Cordova of Ecuador, losing 14-15, 8-7 - retired. Apparently, Grisar's nursing a knee injury.
But Grisar did play her doubles match, and won that with Carla Munoz, as they defeated the Dominican Republic pair of Claudine Garcia and Yire Portes, 3-15, 15-8, 11-5.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual competition, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles (by group)
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-2, 15-4
Maria Cordova (Ecu) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 14-15, 8-7, retired
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-3, 15-11
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-1, 15-4
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Claudine Garcia (Dom), 15-11, 14-15, 11-2
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-3, 15-8
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-6, 15-7
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-14, 15-10
Men Singles (by group)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 15-3, 15-5
Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-13, 15-2
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-7, 15-7
Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-7, 15-3
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Fernando Rios (Ecu), 15-7, 15-8
Alex Ackermann (USA) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-3, 15-6
Michael Green (Can) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-11
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Luis Perez (Dom), 15-4, 15-6
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-7, 15-8
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-7
Women's Doubles
Chile d. Dominican Republic, 3-15, 15-8, 11-5
Ecuador d. Venezuela, 15-11, 15-7
Argentina d. Canada, 15-10, 15-10
Men's Doubles
Venezuela d. Ecuador, 15-9, 13-15, 11-9
Costa Rica d. USA, 9-15, 15-12, 11-7
Colombia d. Bolivia, 15-7, 6-15, 11-3
Canada d. Dominican Republic, 15-1, 15-8
Argentina d. Honduras, 15-12, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
But that wasn't the only surprising result in men's doubles, as Colombians Juan Torres and Francisco Gomez defeated Bolivians Ricardo Monroy and Roland Keller, 15-7, 6-15, 11-3.
Then in women's doubles, former Canadian Véronique Guillemette, who's now playing for Argentina with Dafne Macrino defeated her former team-mates Canadians Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice, 15-10, 15-10.
Earlier in the day, Chilean Angela Grisar, former top 4 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO), retired midway through the second game of her match with Maria Cordova of Ecuador, losing 14-15, 8-7 - retired. Apparently, Grisar's nursing a knee injury.
But Grisar did play her doubles match, and won that with Carla Munoz, as they defeated the Dominican Republic pair of Claudine Garcia and Yire Portes, 3-15, 15-8, 11-5.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual competition, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles (by group)
Maria Paz Munoz (Ecuador) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-2, 15-4
Maria Cordova (Ecu) d. Angela Grisar (Chile), 14-15, 8-7, retired
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-3, 15-11
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-1, 15-4
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Claudine Garcia (Dom), 15-11, 14-15, 11-2
Maria Vargas (Bol) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-3, 15-8
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-6, 15-7
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-14, 15-10
Men Singles (by group)
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 15-3, 15-5
Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-13, 15-2
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-7, 15-7
Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-7, 15-3
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Fernando Rios (Ecu), 15-7, 15-8
Alex Ackermann (USA) d. Selvin Cruz (Honduras), 15-3, 15-6
Michael Green (Can) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-11
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Luis Perez (Dom), 15-4, 15-6
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-7, 15-8
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-8, 15-7
Women's Doubles
Chile d. Dominican Republic, 3-15, 15-8, 11-5
Ecuador d. Venezuela, 15-11, 15-7
Argentina d. Canada, 15-10, 15-10
Men's Doubles
Venezuela d. Ecuador, 15-9, 13-15, 11-9
Costa Rica d. USA, 9-15, 15-12, 11-7
Colombia d. Bolivia, 15-7, 6-15, 11-3
Canada d. Dominican Republic, 15-1, 15-8
Argentina d. Honduras, 15-12, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 17, 2011
2011 Pan Am Games - Day 1
Early results from day one of the 2011 Pan American Games racquetball competition in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the shock result of the day came late, as the Mexican doubles team of Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno lost to the Ecuadoran team of Alvarez and Fernando Rios, 8-15, 15-8, 11-7.
The competition has a pool play initially, so the Mexicans are eliminated, but they will get a worse draw in the elimination round later in the week. Or perhaps other teams will get a worse draw, as they'll have to play Mexico earlier in the elimination round than if Mexico had won today.
There were no surprises in women's singles, as the favorites all winning easily. But there were a couple of close matches though, as Jenny Daza of Bolivia defeated Ishey Paredes of Venezuela, 15-12, 15-11 and veteran Claudine Garcia from Dominican Republic beat Bolivian Maria Vargas, 15-10, 15-13.
There were a couple of surprises in men's singles, however, as Canadian champion Mike Green lost to Luis Perez of Dominican Republic, 3-15, 15-10, 11-7. Also, the two Colombian brothers Juan and Alejandro Herrera lost to two Venezuelan Cesars.
Cesar Castillo beat Juan Herrera, 8-15, 15-6, 11-6, and Cesar Castro defeated Alejandro Herrera, 15-5, 15-8.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual compeition,, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-0, 15-4
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-3, 15-4
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-6, 15-14
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Cordova (Ecu), 15-6, 15-3
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-12, 15-11
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-2, 15-8
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-3, 15-1
Claudine Garcia (Dom) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-10, 15-13
Men Singles
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-4, 15-11
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Selvin Cruz (Hon), 15-3, 15-3
Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 8-15, 15-6, 11-6
Cesar Castro (Ven) d. Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-5, 15-8
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Michael Green (Can), 3-15, 15-10, 11-7
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-6, 15-8
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-14, 15-7
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-4, 15-12
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-5, 15-2
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-3, 15-4
Women's Doubles
Boliva d. Argentina, 15-4, 15-9
Mexico d. Chile, 15-1, 15-4
USA d. Venezuela, 15-7, 15-7
Men's Doubles
Ecuador d. Mexico, 8-15, 15-8, 11-7
USA d. Bolivia, 15-7, 15-13
Canada d. Honduras, 15-7, 15-2
Costa Rica d. Colombia, 15-13, 15-9
Argentina d. Dominican Republic, 15-11, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
The competition has a pool play initially, so the Mexicans are eliminated, but they will get a worse draw in the elimination round later in the week. Or perhaps other teams will get a worse draw, as they'll have to play Mexico earlier in the elimination round than if Mexico had won today.
There were no surprises in women's singles, as the favorites all winning easily. But there were a couple of close matches though, as Jenny Daza of Bolivia defeated Ishey Paredes of Venezuela, 15-12, 15-11 and veteran Claudine Garcia from Dominican Republic beat Bolivian Maria Vargas, 15-10, 15-13.
There were a couple of surprises in men's singles, however, as Canadian champion Mike Green lost to Luis Perez of Dominican Republic, 3-15, 15-10, 11-7. Also, the two Colombian brothers Juan and Alejandro Herrera lost to two Venezuelan Cesars.
Cesar Castillo beat Juan Herrera, 8-15, 15-6, 11-6, and Cesar Castro defeated Alejandro Herrera, 15-5, 15-8.
The racquetball competition has two parts. An individual compeition,, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday Oct 23 to Tuesday October 25.
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara, Mexico
Women Singles
Paola Longoria (Mex) d. Carla Munoz (Chile), 15-0, 15-4
Samantha Salas (Mex) d. Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-3, 15-4
Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. Cristina Amaya (Col), 15-6, 15-14
Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. Maria Cordova (Ecu), 15-6, 15-3
Jenny Daza (Bol) d. Ishey Paredes (Ven), 15-12, 15-11
Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. Veronique Guillemette (Arg), 15-2, 15-8
Cheryl Gudinas (USA) d. Marie Gomar (Gua), 15-3, 15-1
Claudine Garcia (Dom) d. Maria Vargas (Bol), 15-10, 15-13
Men Singles
Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. Raul Banegas (Hon), 15-4, 15-11
Gilberto Mejia (Mex) d. Selvin Cruz (Hon), 15-3, 15-3
Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. Juan Herrera (Col), 8-15, 15-6, 11-6
Cesar Castro (Ven) d. Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-5, 15-8
Luis Perez (Dom) d. Michael Green (Can), 3-15, 15-10, 11-7
Ricardo Monroy (Bol) d. Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-6, 15-8
Carlos Keller (Bol) d. Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica), 15-14, 15-7
Fernando Rios (Ecu) d. Alex Ackermann (USA), 15-4, 15-12
Rocky Carson (USA) d. Jose Ugalde (Ecu), 15-5, 15-2
Vincent Gagnon (Can) d. Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-3, 15-4
Women's Doubles
Boliva d. Argentina, 15-4, 15-9
Mexico d. Chile, 15-1, 15-4
USA d. Venezuela, 15-7, 15-7
Men's Doubles
Ecuador d. Mexico, 8-15, 15-8, 11-7
USA d. Bolivia, 15-7, 15-13
Canada d. Honduras, 15-7, 15-2
Costa Rica d. Colombia, 15-13, 15-9
Argentina d. Dominican Republic, 15-11, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 14, 2011
2011 Pan American Games - Guadalajara begins today!
The 2011 Pan American Games begin today in Guadalajara, Mexico. The racquetball competition begins on Monday, and has two parts. An individual compeition, which will run Monday to Saturday (Oct 17-22) and a team competition, which will run Sunday October 23 to Tuesday October 25.
The Pan American Games are the second largest multi-sport event in the world behind only the Summer Olympic Games. These games serve as an Olympic qualifying event for several sports, such as water polo and field hockey, so this is really a big deal.
Of course, racquetball isn't an Olympic sport, so many view the Pan Am Games as racquetball's Olympics, although only countries in the Americas can compete. However, the strongest racquetball nations - the USA, Mexico and Canada - are in the Americas so it is an Olympic level competition in that regard.
The last time racquetball was in the Pan Am Games was in 2003 in the Dominican Republic. The 2007 games were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Brazil is just about the only country in the Americas that doesn't have an active racquetball community. Thus, the local organizing committee of the 2007 chose to leave racquetball off the program.
There was no question that racquetball, as a non-core Pan Am Games sport, was going to be left off the program in Mexico, as Mexico is a racquetball powerhouse. In fact, racquetball player Paola Longoria was in charge of lighting the first torch for the Pan Am Games as it began its journey from Mexico City to Guadalajara.
Team rosters
Longoria will be one of the Mexican players competing in Guadalajara, and she'll be playing singles and doubles along with Samatha Salas Solis, who's also scheduled to play both events.
Alvaro Beltran will also play both events on the men's side for Mexcio. Javier Moreno will be his doubles partner, and Gilberto Meija will be the other singles player.
The USA roster has had a couple of shake-ups from what might have been expected back in the spring. These have resulted from Jack Huczek's retirement, Ben Croft's job commitments, and Jackie Paraiso's family commitments.
Thus, the American team will be Rhonda Rajsich playing both singles and doubles, with Aimee Ruiz, and Cheryl Gudinas filling the other women's singles spot. On the men's side, Rocky Carson will play singles with Alex Ackermann and the US men's doubles team will be Chris Crowther and Shane Vanderson.
Canada's representatives are going to be Jennifer Saunders and Frédérique T. Lambert in women's singles and Josée Grand'Maître and Brandi Jacobson Prentice in women's doubles. The Canadian men are Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon in singles with Kris Odegard and Tim Landeryou in doubles.
There will certainly be strong players from other countries, such as Angela Grisar of Chile, Cristina Amaya of Colombia and Ricardo Monroy of Bolivia.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When less is more (or fewer is greater)
To win a racquetball game, you have to score more points than your opponent. So over a racquetball match winner will usually score more points than the match loser. But not necessarily, as you can lose games big and win close, which could produce a total score that is not in your favor even though you win more games.
In 14 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) events last season, the player who won the match had few points than his opponent 11 times. But this season in 2 IRT events, this has happened 6 times already.
The lowest point difference between players so far this season has been in Javier Moreno's win over Chris Crowther by scores of 11-7, 1-11, 11-8, 1-11, 11-4, so Moreno scored 6 fewer points than Crowther, but still carried the day.
That's almost as efficient a win as possible, as Moreno scored only 35 points in winning the match (33 is the minimum necessary to win a match of that's best of five games to eleven points).
The Moreno-Crowther match is also remarkable, because they scored only 76 total points over five games. Last season only two five game matches had fewer than 76 points (and two more had 76 points).
Just more evidence that the expected doesn't always happen in sports.
Follow the bouncing ball....
In 14 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) events last season, the player who won the match had few points than his opponent 11 times. But this season in 2 IRT events, this has happened 6 times already.
The lowest point difference between players so far this season has been in Javier Moreno's win over Chris Crowther by scores of 11-7, 1-11, 11-8, 1-11, 11-4, so Moreno scored 6 fewer points than Crowther, but still carried the day.
That's almost as efficient a win as possible, as Moreno scored only 35 points in winning the match (33 is the minimum necessary to win a match of that's best of five games to eleven points).
The Moreno-Crowther match is also remarkable, because they scored only 76 total points over five games. Last season only two five game matches had fewer than 76 points (and two more had 76 points).
Just more evidence that the expected doesn't always happen in sports.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, October 10, 2011
2011 US Open Bits 'n' Bobs
WPRO Awards
During the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) final, the US Open scoreboard announced the WPRO award winners for the past season. Rhonda Rajsich was the Player of the Year, and Samantha Salas was named Most Improved Player, as she was last year.
Also, the Janet Myers Sportsmanship Award went to Maiko Sato and Da'monique Davis was named WPRO Rookie of the Year.
Open Division Winners
Canadian Frédérique Lambert defeated Mexican Susana Acosta for the Women's Open title, 14-15, 15-5, 11-8. In the semi-finals, Lambert beat T.J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 15-10, and Acosta took out Sharon Jackson, 15-8, 15-0.
The Men's Open division has gone to a non-American for the last 9 years, and Mexican Daniel De La Rosa made it ten as he defeated American Taylor Knoth in the final, 15-2, 15-8. Both De La Rosa and Knoth got to the final with 11-10 victories in the semi-finals. De La Rosa beat Jose Diaz, 12-15, 15-1, 11-10, while Knoth took out Alejandro Herrera, 15-8, 14-15, 11-10.
Josh Tucker (in 2002) is the last American to win Men's Open at the US Open.
Polo Gutierrez and Alejandro Landa won Men's Open Doubles by defeating Javier Moreno and Shayne Royster, 13-15, 15-10, 11-8. Cristina Cordova and Maria Paz Munoz took the Women's Open Doubles title with a 15-1, 15-8 win over Claudia Andrade and Claudine Garcia.
Finally, the Open Mixed Doubles title went to Canadians Lambert and Corey Osborne, who defeated Americans Diaz and Aimee Ruiz, 10-15, 15-14, 11-10.
2012 US Open
During the finals on Sunday, Doug Ganim, US Open Tournament Director, announced that next year's US Open would be held in the same week as this year's tournament. The US Open Racquetball Championships Facebook page confirmed this today stating that the dates for 2012 will be October 3-7.
However, last year they announced that the dates for this year would be at the end of October, and it turned out to the beginning of October, so we don't recommend paying for any hotel rooms in advance just yet.
Follow the bouncing ball....
During the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) final, the US Open scoreboard announced the WPRO award winners for the past season. Rhonda Rajsich was the Player of the Year, and Samantha Salas was named Most Improved Player, as she was last year.
Also, the Janet Myers Sportsmanship Award went to Maiko Sato and Da'monique Davis was named WPRO Rookie of the Year.
Open Division Winners
Canadian Frédérique Lambert defeated Mexican Susana Acosta for the Women's Open title, 14-15, 15-5, 11-8. In the semi-finals, Lambert beat T.J. Baumbaugh, 15-2, 15-10, and Acosta took out Sharon Jackson, 15-8, 15-0.
The Men's Open division has gone to a non-American for the last 9 years, and Mexican Daniel De La Rosa made it ten as he defeated American Taylor Knoth in the final, 15-2, 15-8. Both De La Rosa and Knoth got to the final with 11-10 victories in the semi-finals. De La Rosa beat Jose Diaz, 12-15, 15-1, 11-10, while Knoth took out Alejandro Herrera, 15-8, 14-15, 11-10.
Josh Tucker (in 2002) is the last American to win Men's Open at the US Open.
Polo Gutierrez and Alejandro Landa won Men's Open Doubles by defeating Javier Moreno and Shayne Royster, 13-15, 15-10, 11-8. Cristina Cordova and Maria Paz Munoz took the Women's Open Doubles title with a 15-1, 15-8 win over Claudia Andrade and Claudine Garcia.
Finally, the Open Mixed Doubles title went to Canadians Lambert and Corey Osborne, who defeated Americans Diaz and Aimee Ruiz, 10-15, 15-14, 11-10.
2012 US Open
During the finals on Sunday, Doug Ganim, US Open Tournament Director, announced that next year's US Open would be held in the same week as this year's tournament. The US Open Racquetball Championships Facebook page confirmed this today stating that the dates for 2012 will be October 3-7.
However, last year they announced that the dates for this year would be at the end of October, and it turned out to the beginning of October, so we don't recommend paying for any hotel rooms in advance just yet.
Follow the bouncing ball....
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Waselenchuk wins #7
Kane Waselenchuk won his fourth consecutive US Open Racquetball Championship title and his seventh overall on Sunday, as he defeated Rocky Carson, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-7. He is undefeated in US Open finals, and extended his own record of US Open victories to seven.
Early, it looked like seven might not happen, as Carson led all of game one, although Waselenchuk did tie it at 7-7, before Carson won 11-7.
But games two and three, were vintage Waselenchuk as he took big leads of 8-0 and 7-0, respectively in each game, winning both easily.
Game three was a different matter as Carson battled Waselenchuk all the way. They were tied at 3-3. Carson led 5-3, and 7-6, but Waselenchuk came back took a 9-7 lead and then won 11-7 on a push shot into the front right corner.
It was a shot that Waselenchuk used to close out two games against Jose Rojas in their semi-final. Asked about it afterwards, Waselenchuk said he'd hit that shot "100,000s of times. No doubt that I was not going to skip it."
Speaking to the crowd, Waselenchuk thanked himself for working so hard, while wearing a t-shirt with the number 7 on it, signifying the number of US Open titles he's won.
Waselenchuk also acknowledged the efforts of his opponent, saying "Rocky is a gentleman on and off the court, and I really respect him." In fact, Waselenchuk said this was the "hardest I've had to work" to win a US Open.
For his part, Carson said his goal was to "have Kane roll every shot, and he rolled a lot of them." So it was mission accomplished in that respect, but not goal achieved for Carson, who stated he'd be back next year to try and win another US Open title.
Carson won the US Open in 2007.
Prior to the final neither Waselenchuk or Carson had lost a game at this year's US Open.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Early, it looked like seven might not happen, as Carson led all of game one, although Waselenchuk did tie it at 7-7, before Carson won 11-7.
But games two and three, were vintage Waselenchuk as he took big leads of 8-0 and 7-0, respectively in each game, winning both easily.
Game three was a different matter as Carson battled Waselenchuk all the way. They were tied at 3-3. Carson led 5-3, and 7-6, but Waselenchuk came back took a 9-7 lead and then won 11-7 on a push shot into the front right corner.
It was a shot that Waselenchuk used to close out two games against Jose Rojas in their semi-final. Asked about it afterwards, Waselenchuk said he'd hit that shot "100,000s of times. No doubt that I was not going to skip it."
Speaking to the crowd, Waselenchuk thanked himself for working so hard, while wearing a t-shirt with the number 7 on it, signifying the number of US Open titles he's won.
Waselenchuk also acknowledged the efforts of his opponent, saying "Rocky is a gentleman on and off the court, and I really respect him." In fact, Waselenchuk said this was the "hardest I've had to work" to win a US Open.
For his part, Carson said his goal was to "have Kane roll every shot, and he rolled a lot of them." So it was mission accomplished in that respect, but not goal achieved for Carson, who stated he'd be back next year to try and win another US Open title.
Carson won the US Open in 2007.
Prior to the final neither Waselenchuk or Carson had lost a game at this year's US Open.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Finals
Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-7
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria wins 2nd US Open title
Paola Longoria won her 2nd US Open title Sunday, as she beat Rhonda Rajsich in three straight games, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9, in the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis.
Longoria, the 2nd ranked player in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO), played her third straight US Open final with WPRO #1 Rajsich.
Longoria drove serve throughout the match, and it was an effective strategy against Rajsich, who never seemed to a serve she was comfortable with. Rajsich played very well in the semi-final on Saturday against Kerri Wachtel, so she may have peaked too early.
Game one was close early, as they were tied at 4-4. Then Longoria opened up a lead at 8-4, and 10-5, as she held on to win 11-7.
Game two was also close early. Rajsich led 3-2, when Longoria got the serve back and hit two straight aces to make it 4-3, and she didn't relinquish the lead, as Longoria won 11-5.
In game three, it was close the whole way. In fact, Rajsich led most of that game, including at 5-2. But Longoria tied it at 9-9, and then got the final two points to win her 2nd US Open title.
Longoria first won the US Open in 2008, when she defeated Cheryl Gudinas in the final.
Longoria's three straight game victory is the first US Open women's final to go three straight games since 2006, when Christie Huczek (nee Van Hees) defeated Cheryl Gudinas.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Final
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria, the 2nd ranked player in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO), played her third straight US Open final with WPRO #1 Rajsich.
Longoria drove serve throughout the match, and it was an effective strategy against Rajsich, who never seemed to a serve she was comfortable with. Rajsich played very well in the semi-final on Saturday against Kerri Wachtel, so she may have peaked too early.
Game one was close early, as they were tied at 4-4. Then Longoria opened up a lead at 8-4, and 10-5, as she held on to win 11-7.
Game two was also close early. Rajsich led 3-2, when Longoria got the serve back and hit two straight aces to make it 4-3, and she didn't relinquish the lead, as Longoria won 11-5.
In game three, it was close the whole way. In fact, Rajsich led most of that game, including at 5-2. But Longoria tied it at 9-9, and then got the final two points to win her 2nd US Open title.
Longoria first won the US Open in 2008, when she defeated Cheryl Gudinas in the final.
Longoria's three straight game victory is the first US Open women's final to go three straight games since 2006, when Christie Huczek (nee Van Hees) defeated Cheryl Gudinas.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Final
Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Clouse a 3 time US Open Champion
Woody Clouse won a third straight Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) title at the US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis Sunday, defeating former Canadian champion Corey Osborne in three straight games, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Final
Woody Clouse d. Corey Osborne, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Final
Woody Clouse d. Corey Osborne, 9-3, 9-5, 9-1
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Clouse & Osborne will playoff for CPRT US Open title
Woody Clouse will try to win his third straight Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) title at the US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis Sunday, as he beat Travis Aldinger in the semi-finals, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1.
Clouse's opponent in Sunday's final will be former Canadian champion Corey Osborne, who defeated the 2008 CPRT US Open champion Jimmy Lowe in the other semi-final, 9-8, 8-9, 9-5, 9-7.
The semis will be go later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Semi Finals
Woody Clouse d. Travis Aldinger, 9-2, 9-2, 9-1
Corey Osborne d. Jimmy Lowe, 9-8, 8-9, 9-5, 9-7
CPRT Final
Woody Clouse vs. Corey Osborne - Sunday 10 AM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Clouse's opponent in Sunday's final will be former Canadian champion Corey Osborne, who defeated the 2008 CPRT US Open champion Jimmy Lowe in the other semi-final, 9-8, 8-9, 9-5, 9-7.
The semis will be go later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Semi Finals
Woody Clouse d. Travis Aldinger, 9-2, 9-2, 9-1
Corey Osborne d. Jimmy Lowe, 9-8, 8-9, 9-5, 9-7
CPRT Final
Woody Clouse vs. Corey Osborne - Sunday 10 AM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk & Carson to face off in US Open final
Three time defending champion Kane Waselenchuk can make it four times on Sunday as he'll be in the final of the US Open Racquetball Championships again after defeating Jose Rojas in the semi-finals, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3. It was another dominating performance by Waselenchuk, who hasn't lost a US Open match since 2002.
After dropping the first two games, Rojas actually tied Waselenchuk at 3-3 in the third using some high lobs into the back right corner - the backhand side of the leftie Waselenchuk. But the champ closed the door after that by continuing to use a combination of drive serves on first serve and backhand Z lob serves to the right on second serve, and didn't allow his young opponent another point.
Waselenchuk's opponent will be second seed Rocky Carson, who won his semi-final match against Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5. Carson, the #2 ranked player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), will play in his fourth US Open final on Sunday, and his first since 2008.
Carson won the first game comfortably, but game two was tight, as he and Crowther were tied at 4-4, 7-7, and 8-8. Crowther led at 8-7, but he couldn't close it out.
Crowther led again early in game three at 4-1, but Carson came back to lead 5-4 and didn't look back as he won game three, 11-5, taking the match in three straight games.
Carson hasn't dropped a game in Minneapolis this year, giving up only 3.75 point per game.
Three time defending champion Kane Waselenchuk plays Jose Rojas in the other semi-final later on Saturday.
The final can be viewed via the IRT Network on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Semi finals (Saturday)
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5
IRT Finals (Sunday)
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Rocky Carson 1 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
After dropping the first two games, Rojas actually tied Waselenchuk at 3-3 in the third using some high lobs into the back right corner - the backhand side of the leftie Waselenchuk. But the champ closed the door after that by continuing to use a combination of drive serves on first serve and backhand Z lob serves to the right on second serve, and didn't allow his young opponent another point.
Waselenchuk's opponent will be second seed Rocky Carson, who won his semi-final match against Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5. Carson, the #2 ranked player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), will play in his fourth US Open final on Sunday, and his first since 2008.
Carson won the first game comfortably, but game two was tight, as he and Crowther were tied at 4-4, 7-7, and 8-8. Crowther led at 8-7, but he couldn't close it out.
Crowther led again early in game three at 4-1, but Carson came back to lead 5-4 and didn't look back as he won game three, 11-5, taking the match in three straight games.
Carson hasn't dropped a game in Minneapolis this year, giving up only 3.75 point per game.
Three time defending champion Kane Waselenchuk plays Jose Rojas in the other semi-final later on Saturday.
The final can be viewed via the IRT Network on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Semi finals (Saturday)
Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-1, 11-8, 11-5
IRT Finals (Sunday)
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Rocky Carson 1 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich & Longoria to meet in US Open final
Two time defending US Open champion Rhonda Rajsich will have a chance to defend her title Sunday, as she defeated Kerri Wachtel, 11-0, 11-3, 11-6, on Saturday in the second semi-final of the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) division of the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis.
Rajsich overpowered Wachtel, who didn't score a point until she was down 8-0 in game two. Rajsich used a variety of drive serves to keep Wachtel off balance. Wachtel hit lob serves early in the match, but they weren't effective.
Rajsich's opponent in the final will be Mexican Paola Longoria, the #2 WPRO player. Rajsich and Longoria have met in the last two US Open finals, and Rajsich won both times.
Earlier Saturday, Longoria won an all Mexico semi-final as she defeated Samantha Salas Solis, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8. Longoria got a good start to the match, leading 5-1 in game one. But Salas did come back to 5-4, yet she couldn't get an equalizer as Longoria went on to win it 11-5.
Longoria got a good start to the match, leading 5-1 in game one. But Salas did come back to 5-4, but she couldn't get an equalizer as Longoria went on to win it 11-5.
Game two was a similar story as Longoria led early at 6-1 and 8-3 before winning comfortably at 11-4.
During the first two games, both players hit a variety of drive serves. But in game three Salas switched to lob serves to Longoria's backhand and got an early lead at 3-0.
Longoria came back to level the game at 5-5 and then took a lead at 8-5. It was Salas's turn to come back, and she did tying the match at 8-8. Longoria then served it out with 3/4 speed Z serves to the back left corner - Salas's backhand.
You can watch the final via the IRT Network.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Semi finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas Solis, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-0, 11-3, 11-6
WPRO Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Paola Longoria - Sunday 11 AM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rajsich overpowered Wachtel, who didn't score a point until she was down 8-0 in game two. Rajsich used a variety of drive serves to keep Wachtel off balance. Wachtel hit lob serves early in the match, but they weren't effective.
Rajsich's opponent in the final will be Mexican Paola Longoria, the #2 WPRO player. Rajsich and Longoria have met in the last two US Open finals, and Rajsich won both times.
Earlier Saturday, Longoria won an all Mexico semi-final as she defeated Samantha Salas Solis, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8. Longoria got a good start to the match, leading 5-1 in game one. But Salas did come back to 5-4, yet she couldn't get an equalizer as Longoria went on to win it 11-5.
Longoria got a good start to the match, leading 5-1 in game one. But Salas did come back to 5-4, but she couldn't get an equalizer as Longoria went on to win it 11-5.
Game two was a similar story as Longoria led early at 6-1 and 8-3 before winning comfortably at 11-4.
During the first two games, both players hit a variety of drive serves. But in game three Salas switched to lob serves to Longoria's backhand and got an early lead at 3-0.
Longoria came back to level the game at 5-5 and then took a lead at 8-5. It was Salas's turn to come back, and she did tying the match at 8-8. Longoria then served it out with 3/4 speed Z serves to the back left corner - Salas's backhand.
You can watch the final via the IRT Network.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Semi finals
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas Solis, 11-5, 11-4, 11-8
Rhonda Rajsich d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-0, 11-3, 11-6
WPRO Final
Rhonda Rajsich d. Paola Longoria - Sunday 11 AM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Clouse, Lowe, Aldinger & Osborne in CPRT Semis at US Open
The semi-finals are set in the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) division of the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis, and like the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) draw there are two former US Open champions and two newcomers in the semis.
Two time defending champion, Woody Clouse is there after defeating Richard Eisemann, 9-1, 9-7, 9-4, and he'll play newcomer Travis Aldinger, who was a 9-2, 6-9, 9-5, 9-4, winner over Keith Minor.
On the other side of the draw, 2008 US Open champion Jimmy Lowe will face former Canadian champion Corey Osborne. Lowe beat Doug Ganim in straight games, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7, while Osborne need a full five games to fend off Brad McCunniff, winning 3-9, 9-7, 9-7, 7-9, 9-3.
The semis will be go later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Quarter Finals
Woody Clouse d. Richard Eisemann, 9-1, 9-7, 9-4
Travis Aldinger d. Keith Minor, 9-2, 6-9, 9-5, 9-4
Jimmy Lowe d. Doug Ganim, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7
Corey Osborne d. Brad McCunniff, 3-9, 9-7, 9-7, 7-9, 9-3
CPRT Semi Finals
Woody Clouse vs. Travis Aldinger
Jimmy Lowe vs. Corey Osborne
Follow the bouncing ball....
Two time defending champion, Woody Clouse is there after defeating Richard Eisemann, 9-1, 9-7, 9-4, and he'll play newcomer Travis Aldinger, who was a 9-2, 6-9, 9-5, 9-4, winner over Keith Minor.
On the other side of the draw, 2008 US Open champion Jimmy Lowe will face former Canadian champion Corey Osborne. Lowe beat Doug Ganim in straight games, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7, while Osborne need a full five games to fend off Brad McCunniff, winning 3-9, 9-7, 9-7, 7-9, 9-3.
The semis will be go later on Saturday with the final on Sunday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CPRT Quarter Finals
Woody Clouse d. Richard Eisemann, 9-1, 9-7, 9-4
Travis Aldinger d. Keith Minor, 9-2, 6-9, 9-5, 9-4
Jimmy Lowe d. Doug Ganim, 9-7, 9-6, 9-7
Corey Osborne d. Brad McCunniff, 3-9, 9-7, 9-7, 7-9, 9-3
CPRT Semi Finals
Woody Clouse vs. Travis Aldinger
Jimmy Lowe vs. Corey Osborne
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, October 7, 2011
Top 4 seeds through to WPRO semis at US Open
Kerri Wachtel ended Da'monique Davis's run through the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) draw Friday at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis with a straight game victory, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8.
Wachtel will now face top seed and two time defending champion Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, in an all-American semi-final on Saturday.
The other semi-final will be an all-Mexican battle, as 2nd seed Paola Longoria faces off with 3rd seed Samantha Salas Solis.
In Friday's quarter finals, Longoria beat Krystal Csuk, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6, while Salas Solis ended Kristen Bellows's dream of a US Open title in four games, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-1.
Salas Solis is the only remaining player not to have a US Open title to her name, as Longoria won in 2008, Wachtel in 2001, and Rajsich in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
You can watch the action via the IRT Network all tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5
Kerri Wachtel d. Da'monique Davis, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8
Samantha Salas Solis d. Kristen Bellows, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-1
Paola Longoria d. Krystal Csuk, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6
WPRO Semi finals
Kerri Wachtel vs. Rhonda Rajsich - Saturday 3 PM CDT
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis - Saturday Noon CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wachtel will now face top seed and two time defending champion Rhonda Rajsich, who defeated Jennifer Saunders, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, in an all-American semi-final on Saturday.
The other semi-final will be an all-Mexican battle, as 2nd seed Paola Longoria faces off with 3rd seed Samantha Salas Solis.
In Friday's quarter finals, Longoria beat Krystal Csuk, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6, while Salas Solis ended Kristen Bellows's dream of a US Open title in four games, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-1.
Salas Solis is the only remaining player not to have a US Open title to her name, as Longoria won in 2008, Wachtel in 2001, and Rajsich in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
You can watch the action via the IRT Network all tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich d. Jennifer Saunders, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5
Kerri Wachtel d. Da'monique Davis, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8
Samantha Salas Solis d. Kristen Bellows, 11-8, 4-11, 11-8, 11-1
Paola Longoria d. Krystal Csuk, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6
WPRO Semi finals
Kerri Wachtel vs. Rhonda Rajsich - Saturday 3 PM CDT
Paola Longoria vs. Samantha Salas Solis - Saturday Noon CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Two newbies and two veterans in the IRT semi-finals at US Open
Kane Waselenchuk remains on track for a fourth consecutive US Open title and seventh overall, as he beat Charlie Pratt, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2, in the quarter finals of US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis. The #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), Waselenchuk drove serve throughout the match and followed that up with his characteristically unconventional shot making. He hasn't lost a US Open match since 2002.
Waselenchuk's opponent in the semi-finals will be Jose Rojas, who won the 4th/5th seed match against Andy Hawthorne. Rojas, seeded 5th, beat Hawthorne, seeded 4th, in four games, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2. Rojas'll be making his first appearance in a US Open semi-final.
Second seed Rocky Carson will face Chris Crowther in the other semi-final. Carson beat Shane Vanderson in straight games, 11-5, 11-0, 11-6.
Crowther upset 3rd seed Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-(-2), 11-8, to reach the semis for the first time in his career. Crowther won with his characteristic hard hitting game style, drive serving to Croft and hitting drive Z serves on second serve.
Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Quarter finals (Friday)
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charles Pratt, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
Jose Rojas d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-(-2), 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-5, 11-0, 11-6
IRT Semi finals (Saturday)
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas - 4 PM CDT
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther - 1 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk's opponent in the semi-finals will be Jose Rojas, who won the 4th/5th seed match against Andy Hawthorne. Rojas, seeded 5th, beat Hawthorne, seeded 4th, in four games, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2. Rojas'll be making his first appearance in a US Open semi-final.
Second seed Rocky Carson will face Chris Crowther in the other semi-final. Carson beat Shane Vanderson in straight games, 11-5, 11-0, 11-6.
Crowther upset 3rd seed Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-(-2), 11-8, to reach the semis for the first time in his career. Crowther won with his characteristic hard hitting game style, drive serving to Croft and hitting drive Z serves on second serve.
Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Quarter finals (Friday)
Kane Waselenchuk d. Charles Pratt, 11-1, 11-4, 11-2
Jose Rojas d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2
Chris Crowther d. Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-(-2), 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Shane Vanderson, 11-5, 11-0, 11-6
IRT Semi finals (Saturday)
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jose Rojas - 4 PM CDT
Rocky Carson vs. Chris Crowther - 1 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Live tweeting of US Open
US OPEN - WPRO Round of 16
Da'monique Davis had the best win of her Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) career early Friday, as she knocked off two time US Open champion Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6, in the Round of 16 at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis.
The win put Davis in the quarter finals for the second time in two WPRO events this season. She didn't make it past the Round of 16 in any of the eight WPRO tournaments she played last season.
Davis will play Kerri Wachtel in the quarter finals, as Wachtel fought off Aimee Ruiz in four games, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4, 13-11. Ruiz had leads of 7-1 and 10-4 in game four, so it looked like a tie breaker was going to be needed to determine the winner.
But Wachtel, the 2001 US Open champion, came back with drive Z serves to the right side - Ruiz's backhand side, and also hit great serve returns off of Ruiz's lob serves, including volleying pinch shot winners.
In other action, former top 4 player Kristen Bellows is trying to do a Clijsters: win a Grand Slam event after basically not playing on tour for two seasons. She was a winner over 6th seed Adrienne Fisher, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9.
Also, 9th seed Jennifer Saunders has reached the US Open quarter finals for the first time with a win over Cristina Amaya, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5. Saunders will play top seed Rhonda Rajsich in the quarters, as Rajsich defeated Sharon Jackson, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3, in the Round of 16.
The WPRO Round of 16 and quarter finals will be played on Friday.
You can watch the action via the IRT Network all tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Sharon Jackson, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3
Jennifer Saunders d. Cristina Amaya, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5
Da'monique Davis d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6
Kerri Wachtel d. Aimee Ruiz, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4, 13-11
Samantha Salas Solis d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9
Kristen Bellows d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9
Krystal Csuk d. Susana Acosta, 11-7, 11-9, 2-11, 17-15
Paola Longoria d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6
WPRO Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Jennifer Saunders
Kerri Wachtel vs. Da'monique Davis
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Kristen Bellows
Paola Longoria vs. Krystal Csuk
Follow the bouncing ball....
The win put Davis in the quarter finals for the second time in two WPRO events this season. She didn't make it past the Round of 16 in any of the eight WPRO tournaments she played last season.
Davis will play Kerri Wachtel in the quarter finals, as Wachtel fought off Aimee Ruiz in four games, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4, 13-11. Ruiz had leads of 7-1 and 10-4 in game four, so it looked like a tie breaker was going to be needed to determine the winner.
But Wachtel, the 2001 US Open champion, came back with drive Z serves to the right side - Ruiz's backhand side, and also hit great serve returns off of Ruiz's lob serves, including volleying pinch shot winners.
In other action, former top 4 player Kristen Bellows is trying to do a Clijsters: win a Grand Slam event after basically not playing on tour for two seasons. She was a winner over 6th seed Adrienne Fisher, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9.
Also, 9th seed Jennifer Saunders has reached the US Open quarter finals for the first time with a win over Cristina Amaya, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5. Saunders will play top seed Rhonda Rajsich in the quarters, as Rajsich defeated Sharon Jackson, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3, in the Round of 16.
The WPRO Round of 16 and quarter finals will be played on Friday.
You can watch the action via the IRT Network all tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich d. Sharon Jackson, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3
Jennifer Saunders d. Cristina Amaya, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5
Da'monique Davis d. Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 4-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6
Kerri Wachtel d. Aimee Ruiz, 3-11, 11-9, 11-4, 13-11
Samantha Salas Solis d. Sheryl Lotts, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9
Kristen Bellows d. Adrienne Fisher, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9
Krystal Csuk d. Susana Acosta, 11-7, 11-9, 2-11, 17-15
Paola Longoria d. Jessica Parrilla, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6
WPRO Quarter finals
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Jennifer Saunders
Kerri Wachtel vs. Da'monique Davis
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Kristen Bellows
Paola Longoria vs. Krystal Csuk
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, October 6, 2011
US Open - IRT Round of 16
There won't be a repeat of last year's final in the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) division at the US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis, as one of the finalists lost in the Round of 16 on Friday. Last year's champion, Kane Waselenchuk won in the 16s, but Alvaro Beltran lost.
Waselenchuk defeated Alejandro Landa in the three straight games, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3, while Beltran fell to Charlie Pratt, 5-11, 0-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5.
It's rare to lose a game 11-0 and come back to win, as Pratt did against Beltran, but it's the second time that it happened on Thursday as Andy Hawthorne dropped game two against Kris Odegard in the Round of 32 11-0 yet won the match. And it's the second time Pratt has done it, as he lost the second game against Jose Rojas last season in St Louis but won the match in four games.
Earlier Thursday, the first match of the 16s was a barn burner! Mexican veteran Javier Moreno gave American youngster Jose Rojas all he could handle, but came up just a little short, as Rojas took it in five tough games, 10-12, 11-5, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7.
Rojas actually had a chance to end it in game four, but failed on his first match point, as he skipped a shot after Moreno had hit a pinch into the front left corner. Moreno then finished out game four to force a tie-breaker, but not without Rojas making two consecutive dives to the save the ball off the back wall to keep the rally going on game point.
In the fifth game, Rojas was ahead early at 3-0, but Moreno then took the lead at 7-5. Rojas got to 7-6 on a rally that had each player dive twice with Rojas diving over Moreno to hit a winning down the line shot. From there, Rojas didn't look back as he closed out the match without giving up another point.
Rojas will play Andy Hawthorne in the quarter finals on Friday, as Hawthorne made short work of Taylor Knoth, winning 11-1, 11-3, 11-8.
Also of note, Shane Vanderson went down two games against Gilberto Mejia but came back to win, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10 .
All top 8 seeds have made the quarter finals at the US Open. We're checking the records to see when the last time that's happened, if ever.
The IRT's Round of 16 continues Thursday at Life Time Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis with the quarter final to follow on Friday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alejandro Landa, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3
Charles Pratt d. Alvaro Beltran, 5-11, 0-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Jose Rojas d. Javier Moreno, 10-12, 11-5, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7
Andy Hawthorne d. Taylor Knoth, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-4, 11-6, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Tony Carson, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Gilberto Mejia, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10
Rocky Carson d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-0, 11-1, 11-6
IRT Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Charles Pratt 6 PM CDT
Andy Hawthorne vs. Jose Rojas 1 PM CDT
Ben Croft vs. Chris Crowther 2 PM CDT
Rocky Carson vs. Shane Vanderson 5 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk defeated Alejandro Landa in the three straight games, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3, while Beltran fell to Charlie Pratt, 5-11, 0-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5.
It's rare to lose a game 11-0 and come back to win, as Pratt did against Beltran, but it's the second time that it happened on Thursday as Andy Hawthorne dropped game two against Kris Odegard in the Round of 32 11-0 yet won the match. And it's the second time Pratt has done it, as he lost the second game against Jose Rojas last season in St Louis but won the match in four games.
Earlier Thursday, the first match of the 16s was a barn burner! Mexican veteran Javier Moreno gave American youngster Jose Rojas all he could handle, but came up just a little short, as Rojas took it in five tough games, 10-12, 11-5, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7.
Rojas actually had a chance to end it in game four, but failed on his first match point, as he skipped a shot after Moreno had hit a pinch into the front left corner. Moreno then finished out game four to force a tie-breaker, but not without Rojas making two consecutive dives to the save the ball off the back wall to keep the rally going on game point.
In the fifth game, Rojas was ahead early at 3-0, but Moreno then took the lead at 7-5. Rojas got to 7-6 on a rally that had each player dive twice with Rojas diving over Moreno to hit a winning down the line shot. From there, Rojas didn't look back as he closed out the match without giving up another point.
Rojas will play Andy Hawthorne in the quarter finals on Friday, as Hawthorne made short work of Taylor Knoth, winning 11-1, 11-3, 11-8.
Also of note, Shane Vanderson went down two games against Gilberto Mejia but came back to win, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10 .
All top 8 seeds have made the quarter finals at the US Open. We're checking the records to see when the last time that's happened, if ever.
The IRT's Round of 16 continues Thursday at Life Time Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis with the quarter final to follow on Friday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk d. Alejandro Landa, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3
Charles Pratt d. Alvaro Beltran, 5-11, 0-11, 11-3, 11-2, 11-5
Jose Rojas d. Javier Moreno, 10-12, 11-5, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7
Andy Hawthorne d. Taylor Knoth, 11-1, 11-3, 11-8
Ben Croft d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-4, 11-6, 12-10
Chris Crowther d. Tony Carson, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Gilberto Mejia, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10
Rocky Carson d. Daniel De La Rosa, 11-0, 11-1, 11-6
IRT Quarter finals
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Charles Pratt 6 PM CDT
Andy Hawthorne vs. Jose Rojas 1 PM CDT
Ben Croft vs. Chris Crowther 2 PM CDT
Rocky Carson vs. Shane Vanderson 5 PM CDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open - WPRO Round of 32
Results from the Round of 32 in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) division at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis have been mostly as expected.
The top seeds have all won comfortably, including 1st seed Rhonda Rajsich, a winner over Ivonne Carpio, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3, 2nd seed Paola Longoria, who beat Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-5, 11-0, 11-1, and 3rd seed Samantha Salas Solis, who defeated Cristina Cordova, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1.
Three minor upsets occurred, as 19th seed Sheryl Lotts beat 14th seed Laura Brandt, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8, and 18th seed Jessica Parrilla defeated 15th seed Keely Franks, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5.
Kristen Bellows, the 22nd seed was also a winner over 11th seed T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6, which is an upset according to the seeding, but Bellows was a top 4 player a few years ago, but hasn't played much in the last couple of seasons. She'll now play Adrienne Fisher, who was a straight game winner over Laura Fenton, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6.
The WPRO 32s will be completed Thursday with the Round of 16 and quarter finals on Friday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Rhonda Rajsich d. Ivonne Carpio, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Sharon Jackson d. Linda Scales, 11-6, 11-4, 10-12, 11-8
Jennifer Saunders d. Tracy Hawthorne, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3
Cristina Amaya d. Lily Berry, 11-6, 11-4, 11-0
Cheryl Gudinas d. Debbie Beldring, 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
Da'monique Davis d. Jocelyn Loredo, 13-11, 5-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9
Aimee Ruiz d. Frederique Lambert, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3
Kerri Wachtel d. Mercedes Arias, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Samantha Salas Solis d. Cristina Cordova, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
Sheryl Lotts d. Laura Brandt, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8
Kristen Bellows d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6
Adrienne Fisher d. Laura Fenton, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
Susana Acosta d. Carla Munoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
Krystal Csuk d. Claudine Garcia, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-2
Jessica Parrilla d. Keely Franks, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-5, 11-0, 11-1
WPRO Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Sharon Jackson
Jennifer Saunders vs. Cristina Amaya
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Da'monique Davis
Kerri Wachtel vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Sheryl Lotts
Adrienne Fisher vs Kristen Bellows
Susana Acosta vs. Krystal Csuk
Paola Longoria vs. Jessica Parrilla
Follow the bouncing ball....
The top seeds have all won comfortably, including 1st seed Rhonda Rajsich, a winner over Ivonne Carpio, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3, 2nd seed Paola Longoria, who beat Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-5, 11-0, 11-1, and 3rd seed Samantha Salas Solis, who defeated Cristina Cordova, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1.
Three minor upsets occurred, as 19th seed Sheryl Lotts beat 14th seed Laura Brandt, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8, and 18th seed Jessica Parrilla defeated 15th seed Keely Franks, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5.
Kristen Bellows, the 22nd seed was also a winner over 11th seed T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6, which is an upset according to the seeding, but Bellows was a top 4 player a few years ago, but hasn't played much in the last couple of seasons. She'll now play Adrienne Fisher, who was a straight game winner over Laura Fenton, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6.
The WPRO 32s will be completed Thursday with the Round of 16 and quarter finals on Friday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
WPRO Round of 32
Rhonda Rajsich d. Ivonne Carpio, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Sharon Jackson d. Linda Scales, 11-6, 11-4, 10-12, 11-8
Jennifer Saunders d. Tracy Hawthorne, 11-0, 11-2, 11-3
Cristina Amaya d. Lily Berry, 11-6, 11-4, 11-0
Cheryl Gudinas d. Debbie Beldring, 11-0, 11-1, 11-2
Da'monique Davis d. Jocelyn Loredo, 13-11, 5-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9
Aimee Ruiz d. Frederique Lambert, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-3
Kerri Wachtel d. Mercedes Arias, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Samantha Salas Solis d. Cristina Cordova, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
Sheryl Lotts d. Laura Brandt, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8
Kristen Bellows d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6
Adrienne Fisher d. Laura Fenton, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
Susana Acosta d. Carla Munoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
Krystal Csuk d. Claudine Garcia, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-2
Jessica Parrilla d. Keely Franks, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5
Paola Longoria d. Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-5, 11-0, 11-1
WPRO Round of 16
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Sharon Jackson
Jennifer Saunders vs. Cristina Amaya
Cheryl Gudinas vs. Da'monique Davis
Kerri Wachtel vs. Aimee Ruiz
Samantha Salas Solis vs. Sheryl Lotts
Adrienne Fisher vs Kristen Bellows
Susana Acosta vs. Krystal Csuk
Paola Longoria vs. Jessica Parrilla
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open - IRT Round of 32
The first match of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Round of 32 at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis started as a teeter-totter and then turned into a barn burner, as 4th ranked Andy Hawthorne beat two time Canadian Champion Kris Odegard in five games, 11-1, 0-11, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12.
After the first two games went 11-1 to Hawthorne and 11-0 to Odegard you had a suspicion that it might go five, and it did. Hawthorne was up 8-3 in the fifth, but Odegard fought back and served for the match twice at 10-9 and 11-10. But Odegard couldn't close it out, as Hawthorne came through in the end.
Next up for Hawthorne will be Taylor Knoth who defeated Juan Herrera, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8.
The other top seeds have all made it through to the Round of 16. The top three players won in straight games. Three time defending champion and top seed Kane Waselenchuk defeated Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1, 2nd seed Rocky Carson beat Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-2, 11-7, and 3rd seed Ben Croft ousted Ruben Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10.
The IRT's Round of 32 continues Thursday at Life Time Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis with the Round of 16 to be played later on Thursday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Round of 32
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1
Alejandro Landa d. Andres Herrera, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7
Alvaro Beltran d. Polo Gutierrez, 11-6, 4-11, 11-4, 11-4
Charles Pratt d. Juan Martinez III, 8-11, 11-0, 11-4, 11-8
Jose Rojas d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-9, 11-2, 11-2
Javier Moreno d. Fernado Rios, 11-4, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Herrera, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Kris Odegard, 11-1, 0-11, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12
Ben Croft d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Tim Landeryou, 11-9, 1-11, 3-11, 14-12, 11-2
Tony Carson d. Tyler Otto, 11-1, 11-4, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Doug Ganim, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Nick Montalbano, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5
Gilberto Mejia d. Anthony Herrera, 11-1, 12-10, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Felipe Camacho, 11-1, 6-11, 11-3, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-2, 11-7
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alejandro Landa
Charles Pratt vs. Alvaro Beltran
Jose Rojas vs. Javier Moreno
Andy Hawthorne vs. Taylor Knoth
Ben Croft vs. Alejandro Herrera
Chris Crowther vs. Tony Carson
Shane Vanderson vs. Gilberto Mejia
Rocky Carson vs. Daniel De La Rosa
Follow the bouncing ball....
After the first two games went 11-1 to Hawthorne and 11-0 to Odegard you had a suspicion that it might go five, and it did. Hawthorne was up 8-3 in the fifth, but Odegard fought back and served for the match twice at 10-9 and 11-10. But Odegard couldn't close it out, as Hawthorne came through in the end.
Next up for Hawthorne will be Taylor Knoth who defeated Juan Herrera, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8.
The other top seeds have all made it through to the Round of 16. The top three players won in straight games. Three time defending champion and top seed Kane Waselenchuk defeated Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1, 2nd seed Rocky Carson beat Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-2, 11-7, and 3rd seed Ben Croft ousted Ruben Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10.
The IRT's Round of 32 continues Thursday at Life Time Fitness - Target Center in Minneapolis with the Round of 16 to be played later on Thursday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network throughout the tournament.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
IRT Round of 32
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-7, 11-1
Alejandro Landa d. Andres Herrera, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7
Alvaro Beltran d. Polo Gutierrez, 11-6, 4-11, 11-4, 11-4
Charles Pratt d. Juan Martinez III, 8-11, 11-0, 11-4, 11-8
Jose Rojas d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-9, 11-2, 11-2
Javier Moreno d. Fernado Rios, 11-4, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Herrera, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8
Andy Hawthorne d. Kris Odegard, 11-1, 0-11, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12
Ben Croft d. Ruben Gonzalez, 11-5, 11-6, 12-10
Alejandro Herrera d. Tim Landeryou, 11-9, 1-11, 3-11, 14-12, 11-2
Tony Carson d. Tyler Otto, 11-1, 11-4, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Doug Ganim, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3
Shane Vanderson d. Nick Montalbano, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5
Gilberto Mejia d. Anthony Herrera, 11-1, 12-10, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Felipe Camacho, 11-1, 6-11, 11-3, 11-8
Rocky Carson d. Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-2, 11-7
IRT Round of 16
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alejandro Landa
Charles Pratt vs. Alvaro Beltran
Jose Rojas vs. Javier Moreno
Andy Hawthorne vs. Taylor Knoth
Ben Croft vs. Alejandro Herrera
Chris Crowther vs. Tony Carson
Shane Vanderson vs. Gilberto Mejia
Rocky Carson vs. Daniel De La Rosa
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
US Open - IRT 3rd Round Qualifying Results
The 16 qualifiers for the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Round of 32 at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis have been decided, and The Legend Ruben Gonzalez is one of them, as he defeated Costa Rican Andres Acuña in five games, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 10-12, 11-1. Gonzalez will play 3rd seed Ben Croft in the 32s on Thursday.
In some other matches, the 2010 Junior World Champion Taylor Knoth beat former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne in four games, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4, and will play Juan Herrera in the 32s. Another former Canadian Champion, Kris Odegard, fared better as he beat Ryan Meyer, 11-1, 11-0, 11-6.
US Junior Champion Nick Montalbano bested American veteran Brian Simpson, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4, and Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimzu defeated American Danny Lavely, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6.
And US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim made the 32s with a four game victory over Jose Daniel Alvarez, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5.
The IRT's Round of 32 begins at 9:10 AM CDT Thursday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network from that time.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Qualifying Rounds
Round 3
Q1: Andres Herrera vs. Ivan Villegas, 11-4, 13-11, 11-4
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-3, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7
Q9: Juan Martinez III d. Rafael Filippini, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5
Q8: Polo Gutierrez d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-1, 11-6, 11-2
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Armando Bermudez, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4
Q12: Hiroshi Shimizu d. Danny Lavely, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6
Q13: Kris Odegard d. Ryan Meyer, 11-1, 11-0, 11-6
Q4: Taylor Knoth d. Corey Osborne, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
Q3: Tim Landeryou d. Coby Iwaasa, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3
Q14: Ruben Gonzalez d. Andres Acuña, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 10-12, 11-1
Q11: Doug Ganim d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Jose Daniel Ugalde, 11-6, 11-1, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. Cliff Swain, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Q10: Nick Montalbano d. Brian Simpson, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4
Q15: Jansen Allen d. Teobaldo Fumero A., 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9
Q2: Felipe Camacho d. Andres Ramirez, 8-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Mauricio Zelada
Alejandro Landa vs. Andres Herrera
Alvaro Beltran vs. Polo Gutierrez
Charles Pratt vs. Juan Martinez III
Jose Rojas vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Javier Moreno vs Fernando Rios
Juan Herrera vs. Taylor Knoth
Andy Hawthorne vs. Kris Odegard
Ben Croft vs. Ruben Gonzalez
Alejandro Herrera vs. Tim Landeryou
Tony Carson vs. Tyler Otto
Chris Crowther vs. Doug Ganim
Shane Vanderson vs. Nick Montalbano
Anthony Herrera vs. Gilberto Mejia
Daniel De La Rosa vs. Felipe Camacho
Rocky Carson vs. Jansen Allen
Round 2
Q1: Andres Herrera d. Barret Husulak, 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Ivan Villegas d. Cesar Castillo, 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 18-16, 4-11, 11-6
Jose Diaz d. Brent McDade, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1
Q9: Rafael Filippini d. Brad Schopieray, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Martinez III d. Brian Watson, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt d. Rodrigo Garay, fft
Polo Gutierrez d. John Goth, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3, 11-3
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Erik Leetch, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Armando Bermudez d. Joel Barshaw, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 10-12, 11-6
Q12: Danny Lavely d. Grant Stalley, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Ron Briggs, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
Q13: Ryan Meyer d. Fabian Mendieta, 11-9, 12-14, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Joshua Hungerford, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Q4: Corey Osborne d. Jose Serrano, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Carlos Torres Honoj, 12-10, 4-11, 11-1, 11-0
Q3: Coby Iwaasa d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Tim Landeryou d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-0, 11-4
Q14: Andres Acuña d. Stacey Young, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Ruben Gonzalez d. Bruce Robles, 11-8, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6
Q11: Doug Ganim d. Sebastian Franco, 11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. John Scott, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Luiz Felipe Munoz Torrontegui, fft
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. James Slamko, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Cliff Swain d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Q10: Brian Simpson d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Ivan Saenz, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. d. Mike Ray, 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-2
Jansen Allen d. Esteban Pastora, 11-3, 11-2, 12-10
Q2: Andres Ramirez d. Brian Pineda, 11-7, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8
Felipe Camacho d. James Landeryou, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9
Round 1
Barret Husulak d. Pedro Castro, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8
Rafael Filippini d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
John Goth d. Matthew Barserian, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
Fernando Rios d. Wade Shadlock, 11-2, 11-1, 11-2
Juan Carlos Torres Honoj d. Ernesto Ruíz, 11-8, 11-0, 11-9
Coby Iwaasa d. Juan Rios, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Zachary Wertz, 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3
Gilberto Mejia d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Ivan Saenz d. Mike Isbell, 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4
Samuel Murray d. James Landeryou, 11-6, 11-9, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
In some other matches, the 2010 Junior World Champion Taylor Knoth beat former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne in four games, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4, and will play Juan Herrera in the 32s. Another former Canadian Champion, Kris Odegard, fared better as he beat Ryan Meyer, 11-1, 11-0, 11-6.
US Junior Champion Nick Montalbano bested American veteran Brian Simpson, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4, and Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimzu defeated American Danny Lavely, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6.
And US Open Tournament Director Doug Ganim made the 32s with a four game victory over Jose Daniel Alvarez, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5.
The IRT's Round of 32 begins at 9:10 AM CDT Thursday. Matches can be viewed via the IRT Network from that time.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Qualifying Rounds
Round 3
Q1: Andres Herrera vs. Ivan Villegas, 11-4, 13-11, 11-4
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-3, 8-11, 6-11, 11-7
Q9: Juan Martinez III d. Rafael Filippini, 11-3, 11-5, 11-5
Q8: Polo Gutierrez d. Geoff Goldblatt, 11-1, 11-6, 11-2
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Armando Bermudez, 11-6, 11-3, 11-4
Q12: Hiroshi Shimizu d. Danny Lavely, 11-1, 11-4, 11-6
Q13: Kris Odegard d. Ryan Meyer, 11-1, 11-0, 11-6
Q4: Taylor Knoth d. Corey Osborne, 10-12, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4
Q3: Tim Landeryou d. Coby Iwaasa, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3
Q14: Ruben Gonzalez d. Andres Acuña, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 10-12, 11-1
Q11: Doug Ganim d. Jose Daniel Alvarez, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Jose Daniel Ugalde, 11-6, 11-1, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. Cliff Swain, 11-9, 11-4, 11-9
Q10: Nick Montalbano d. Brian Simpson, 11-7, 11-4, 11-4
Q15: Jansen Allen d. Teobaldo Fumero A., 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9
Q2: Felipe Camacho d. Andres Ramirez, 8-11, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Mauricio Zelada
Alejandro Landa vs. Andres Herrera
Alvaro Beltran vs. Polo Gutierrez
Charles Pratt vs. Juan Martinez III
Jose Rojas vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Javier Moreno vs Fernando Rios
Juan Herrera vs. Taylor Knoth
Andy Hawthorne vs. Kris Odegard
Ben Croft vs. Ruben Gonzalez
Alejandro Herrera vs. Tim Landeryou
Tony Carson vs. Tyler Otto
Chris Crowther vs. Doug Ganim
Shane Vanderson vs. Nick Montalbano
Anthony Herrera vs. Gilberto Mejia
Daniel De La Rosa vs. Felipe Camacho
Rocky Carson vs. Jansen Allen
Round 2
Q1: Andres Herrera d. Barret Husulak, 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Ivan Villegas d. Cesar Castillo, 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 18-16, 4-11, 11-6
Jose Diaz d. Brent McDade, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1
Q9: Rafael Filippini d. Brad Schopieray, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Martinez III d. Brian Watson, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt d. Rodrigo Garay, fft
Polo Gutierrez d. John Goth, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3, 11-3
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Erik Leetch, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Armando Bermudez d. Joel Barshaw, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 10-12, 11-6
Q12: Danny Lavely d. Grant Stalley, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Ron Briggs, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
Q13: Ryan Meyer d. Fabian Mendieta, 11-9, 12-14, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Joshua Hungerford, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Q4: Corey Osborne d. Jose Serrano, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Carlos Torres Honoj, 12-10, 4-11, 11-1, 11-0
Q3: Coby Iwaasa d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Tim Landeryou d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-0, 11-4
Q14: Andres Acuña d. Stacey Young, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Ruben Gonzalez d. Bruce Robles, 11-8, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6
Q11: Doug Ganim d. Sebastian Franco, 11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. John Scott, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Luiz Felipe Munoz Torrontegui, fft
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. James Slamko, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Cliff Swain d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Q10: Brian Simpson d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Ivan Saenz, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. d. Mike Ray, 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-2
Jansen Allen d. Esteban Pastora, 11-3, 11-2, 12-10
Q2: Andres Ramirez d. Brian Pineda, 11-7, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8
Felipe Camacho d. James Landeryou, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9
Round 1
Barret Husulak d. Pedro Castro, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8
Rafael Filippini d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
John Goth d. Matthew Barserian, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
Fernando Rios d. Wade Shadlock, 11-2, 11-1, 11-2
Juan Carlos Torres Honoj d. Ernesto Ruíz, 11-8, 11-0, 11-9
Coby Iwaasa d. Juan Rios, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Zachary Wertz, 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3
Gilberto Mejia d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Ivan Saenz d. Mike Isbell, 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4
Samuel Murray d. James Landeryou, 11-6, 11-9, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open - WPRO Qualifying Results
There were only two qualifying matches in the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) division at the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis. In those matches, Ivonne Carpio defeated Youngock Lee, 11-4, 11-2, 11-1, and Maria Paz Muñoz beat Maria Paz Riquelme, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1.
Thus, Carpio will play top seed and defending champion Rhonda Rajsich in the Round of 32 on Thursday, while Paz Muñoz is drawn against Paola Longoria.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Qualifying
Q8: Ivonne Carpio d. Youngock Lee, 11-4, 11-2, 11-1
Q7: Maria Paz Muñoz vs Maria Paz Riquelme, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
WPRO Round of 32
Rhonda Rajsich vs Ivonne Carpio
Sharon Jackson vs Linda Scales
Jennifer Saunders vs Tracy Hawthorne
Laura Fenton vs Christina Amaya
Cheryl Gudinas vs Debbie Beldring
Jocelyn Loredo vs Da'monique Davis
Aimee Ruiz vs Frederique Lambert
Kerri Wachtel vs. Mercedes Arias
Samantha Salas Solis vs Cristina Cordova
Sheryl Lotts vs Laura Brandt
T. J. Baumbaugh vs Kristen Bellows
Lily Berry vs Adrienne Fisher
Susana Acosta vs Carla Munoz
Claudine Garcia vs Krystal Csuk
Keely Franks vs Jessica Parrilla
Paola Longoria vs. Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thus, Carpio will play top seed and defending champion Rhonda Rajsich in the Round of 32 on Thursday, while Paz Muñoz is drawn against Paola Longoria.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) Qualifying
Q8: Ivonne Carpio d. Youngock Lee, 11-4, 11-2, 11-1
Q7: Maria Paz Muñoz vs Maria Paz Riquelme, 11-5, 11-3, 11-1
WPRO Round of 32
Rhonda Rajsich vs Ivonne Carpio
Sharon Jackson vs Linda Scales
Jennifer Saunders vs Tracy Hawthorne
Laura Fenton vs Christina Amaya
Cheryl Gudinas vs Debbie Beldring
Jocelyn Loredo vs Da'monique Davis
Aimee Ruiz vs Frederique Lambert
Kerri Wachtel vs. Mercedes Arias
Samantha Salas Solis vs Cristina Cordova
Sheryl Lotts vs Laura Brandt
T. J. Baumbaugh vs Kristen Bellows
Lily Berry vs Adrienne Fisher
Susana Acosta vs Carla Munoz
Claudine Garcia vs Krystal Csuk
Keely Franks vs Jessica Parrilla
Paola Longoria vs. Maria Paz Muñoz
Follow the bouncing ball....
US Open - IRT Qualifying Results
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) qualifying matches kicked off Day 1 of the 16th US Open Racquetball Championships in Minneapolis. Most of the 1st round qualifying matches went three straight games, including Mexican Gilberto Meija's win over Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-2, 11-0. Meija won the doubles world championship in 2002 with Polo Gutierrez.
In an all Canadan battle, Barret Husulak lost the first two games against Pedro Castro, but won the next three to take the match, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8. He'll play Andres Herrera in the 2nd round of qualifying.
UPDATE: With almost all of second round of qualifying completed, there are several interesting 3rd matches to come Wednesday night. Former Junior World Champion Taylor Knoth will play former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne with the winner to face Juan Herrera in the Round of 32 on Thursday.
Some other matches that catch our eye are former #1 Cliff Swain against Gilberto Meija, young American Danny Lavely versus Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimzu, American veteran Brian Simpson facing current US Junior Champion Nick Montalbano, and The Legend Ruben Gonzalez will continue his quest to be in the IRT top 10 against Andres Acuña of Costa Rica.
IRT qualifying continues Wednesday with the main draw of 32 beginning on Thursday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Qualifying Rounds
Round 2
Q1: Andres Herrera d. Barret Husulak, 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Ivan Villegas d. Cesar Castillo, 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 18-16, 4-11, 11-6
Jose Diaz d. Brent McDade, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1
Q9: Rafael Filippini d. Brad Schopieray, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Martinez III d. Brian Watson, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt d. Rodrigo Garay, fft
Polo Gutierrez d. John Goth, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3, 11-3
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Erik Leetch, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Armando Bermudez d. Joel Barshaw, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 10-12, 11-6
Q12: Danny Lavely d. Grant Stalley, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Ron Briggs, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
Q13: Ryan Meyer d. Fabian Mendieta, 11-9, 12-14, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Joshua Hungerford, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Q4: Corey Osborne d. Jose Serrano, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Carlos Torres Honoj, 12-10, 4-11, 11-1, 11-0
Q3: Coby Iwaasa d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Tim Landeryou d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-0, 11-4
Q14: Andres Acuña d. Stacey Young, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Ruben Gonzalez d. Bruce Robles, 11-8, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6
Q11: Sebastian Franco vs Doug Ganim
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. John Scott, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Luiz Felipe Munoz Torrontegui, fft
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. James Slamko, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Cliff Swain d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Q10: Brian Simpson d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Ivan Saenz, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. d. Mike Ray, 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-2
Jansen Allen d. Esteban Pastora, 11-3, 11-2, 12-10
Q2: Andres Ramirez d. Brian Pineda, 11-7, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8
Felipe Camacho d. James Landeryou, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9
Round 3
Q1: Andres Herrera vs. Ivan Villegas
Q16: Mauricio Zelada vs. Jose Diaz
Q9: Rafael Filippini vs. Juan Martinez III
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt vs. Polo Gutierrez
Q5: Fernando Rios vs. Armando Bermudez
Q12: Danny Lavely vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Q13: Ryan Meyer vs. Kris Odegard
Q4: Corey Osborne vs. Taylor Knoth
Q3: Coby Iwaasa vs. Tim Landeryou
Q14: Andres Acuña vs. Ruben Gonzalez
Q11: Doug Ganim vs. Jose Daniel Alvarez
Q6: Tyler Otto vs. Jose Daniel Ugalde
Q7: Gilberto Mejia vs. Cliff Swain
Q10: Brian Simpson vs. Nick Montalbano
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. vs. Jansen Allen
Q2: Andres Ramirez vs. Felipe Camacho
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Q16
Alejandro Landa vs. Q1
Alvaro Beltran vs. Q8
Charles Pratt vs. Q9
Jose Rojas vs. Q12
Javier Moreno vs Q5
Juan Herrera vs. Q4
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q13
Ben Croft vs. Q14
Alejandro Herrera vs. Q3
Tony Carson vs. Q6
Chris Crowther vs. Q11
Shane Vanderson vs. Q10
Anthony Herrera vs. Q7
Daniel De La Rosa vs. Q2
Rocky Carson vs. Q15
Qualifying Round 1
Barret Husulak d. Pedro Castro, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8
Rafael Filippini d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
John Goth d. Matthew Barserian, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
Fernando Rios d. Wade Shadlock, 11-2, 11-1, 11-2
Juan Carlos Torres Honoj d. Ernesto Ruíz, 11-8, 11-0, 11-9
Coby Iwaasa d. Juan Rios, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Zachary Wertz, 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3
Gilberto Mejia d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Ivan Saenz d. Mike Isbell, 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4
James Landeryou d. Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-9, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
In an all Canadan battle, Barret Husulak lost the first two games against Pedro Castro, but won the next three to take the match, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8. He'll play Andres Herrera in the 2nd round of qualifying.
UPDATE: With almost all of second round of qualifying completed, there are several interesting 3rd matches to come Wednesday night. Former Junior World Champion Taylor Knoth will play former Canadian Champion Corey Osborne with the winner to face Juan Herrera in the Round of 32 on Thursday.
Some other matches that catch our eye are former #1 Cliff Swain against Gilberto Meija, young American Danny Lavely versus Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimzu, American veteran Brian Simpson facing current US Junior Champion Nick Montalbano, and The Legend Ruben Gonzalez will continue his quest to be in the IRT top 10 against Andres Acuña of Costa Rica.
IRT qualifying continues Wednesday with the main draw of 32 beginning on Thursday.
2011 US Open Racquetball Championships, Minneapolis, Minnesota
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Qualifying Rounds
Round 2
Q1: Andres Herrera d. Barret Husulak, 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Ivan Villegas d. Cesar Castillo, 11-8, 4-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6
Q16: Mauricio Zelada d. Alejandro Cardona, 11-6, 18-16, 4-11, 11-6
Jose Diaz d. Brent McDade, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1
Q9: Rafael Filippini d. Brad Schopieray, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
Juan Martinez III d. Brian Watson, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt d. Rodrigo Garay, fft
Polo Gutierrez d. John Goth, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3, 11-3
Q5: Fernando Rios d. Erik Leetch, 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Armando Bermudez d. Joel Barshaw, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 10-12, 11-6
Q12: Danny Lavely d. Grant Stalley, 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7
Hiroshi Shimizu d. Ron Briggs, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0
Q13: Ryan Meyer d. Fabian Mendieta, 11-9, 12-14, 11-6, 11-2
Kris Odegard d. Joshua Hungerford, 11-9, 11-3, 11-8
Q4: Corey Osborne d. Jose Serrano, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5
Taylor Knoth d. Juan Carlos Torres Honoj, 12-10, 4-11, 11-1, 11-0
Q3: Coby Iwaasa d. Arthur Schmeiser, 11-4, 11-5, 11-3
Tim Landeryou d. Francisco Gomez Reyes, 11-4, 11-0, 11-4
Q14: Andres Acuña d. Stacey Young, 11-0, 11-2, 11-2
Ruben Gonzalez d. Bruce Robles, 11-8, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6
Q11: Sebastian Franco vs Doug Ganim
Jose Daniel Alvarez d. John Scott, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10
Q6: Tyler Otto d. Wesley Miller, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Luiz Felipe Munoz Torrontegui, fft
Q7: Gilberto Mejia d. James Slamko, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3
Cliff Swain d. Deli Stinnett, 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Q10: Brian Simpson d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4
Nick Montalbano d. Ivan Saenz, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. d. Mike Ray, 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-2
Jansen Allen d. Esteban Pastora, 11-3, 11-2, 12-10
Q2: Andres Ramirez d. Brian Pineda, 11-7, 4-11, 11-2, 11-8
Felipe Camacho d. James Landeryou, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-9
Round 3
Q1: Andres Herrera vs. Ivan Villegas
Q16: Mauricio Zelada vs. Jose Diaz
Q9: Rafael Filippini vs. Juan Martinez III
Q8: Geoff Goldblatt vs. Polo Gutierrez
Q5: Fernando Rios vs. Armando Bermudez
Q12: Danny Lavely vs. Hiroshi Shimizu
Q13: Ryan Meyer vs. Kris Odegard
Q4: Corey Osborne vs. Taylor Knoth
Q3: Coby Iwaasa vs. Tim Landeryou
Q14: Andres Acuña vs. Ruben Gonzalez
Q11: Doug Ganim vs. Jose Daniel Alvarez
Q6: Tyler Otto vs. Jose Daniel Ugalde
Q7: Gilberto Mejia vs. Cliff Swain
Q10: Brian Simpson vs. Nick Montalbano
Q15: Teobaldo Fumero A. vs. Jansen Allen
Q2: Andres Ramirez vs. Felipe Camacho
IRT Round of 32
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Q16
Alejandro Landa vs. Q1
Alvaro Beltran vs. Q8
Charles Pratt vs. Q9
Jose Rojas vs. Q12
Javier Moreno vs Q5
Juan Herrera vs. Q4
Andy Hawthorne vs. Q13
Ben Croft vs. Q14
Alejandro Herrera vs. Q3
Tony Carson vs. Q6
Chris Crowther vs. Q11
Shane Vanderson vs. Q10
Anthony Herrera vs. Q7
Daniel De La Rosa vs. Q2
Rocky Carson vs. Q15
Qualifying Round 1
Barret Husulak d. Pedro Castro, 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8
Rafael Filippini d. Akio Shimizu, 11-3, 11-1, 11-6
John Goth d. Matthew Barserian, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
Fernando Rios d. Wade Shadlock, 11-2, 11-1, 11-2
Juan Carlos Torres Honoj d. Ernesto Ruíz, 11-8, 11-0, 11-9
Coby Iwaasa d. Juan Rios, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4
Jose Daniel Ugalde d. Zachary Wertz, 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-3
Gilberto Mejia d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-2, 11-0
Ivan Saenz d. Mike Isbell, 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4
James Landeryou d. Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-9, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball....
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