Friday, October 7, 2011

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....

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