IRT - New York City Pro Am Semi-finals

Once again the top two International Racquetball Tour (IRT) players will meet in an IRT final, as #1 Kane Waselenchuk and #2 Rocky Carson won their respective semi-final matches at the Cactus Salon NYC Pro/Am in Syosset, N.Y. on Saturday. But like in Friday's quarter finals Waselenchuk won in three straight games while Carson needed more games - this time a fifth game tie-breaker - to advance.

Waselenchuk beat 4th seed Jose Rojas, 11-4, 11-0, 11-6. After being in control in games one and two, Waselenchuk found himself behind in the middle of game three at 5-4. But he never looked fazed by Rojas's play, winning six straight points to reach match point at 10-5.

However, Rojas didn't roll over, and fought off three match points before succumbing to Waselechuk.

Afterwards when asked about some of the unusual shots he made, Waselenchuk said it's "just something that comes to my mind" and that it's not for the crowd.

Rojas felt he "played pretty well," although his arm was very sore afterwards. Waselenchuk also thought Rojas's game is "maturing" and that the player who's 9 years his junior could be #1 one day, though Waselenchuk will do everything he can to push that day as far into the future as possible.

The other semi-final went the distance before Carson overcame challenger Chris Crowther, including coming back from 2-1 down in games to win 11-3, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6.

In the tie-breaker, Carson was down 4-1 when he skipped a serve, and then in frustration hit the ball out of the court, resulting in a technical penalty and loss of point. Thus, the score when to 4-0.

But it seemed to spur Carson on, as he won the next 10 points before Crowther clawed a couple back, which at that point seemed like it was just delaying the inevitable. And it was, as Carson won the match on his second match point.

The IRT Network will web-cast the finals of NYC Pro-Am on Sunday at noon EST.

2012 New York City Pro/Am - Long Island, N.Y.

Semi-finals - Saturday

Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-4, 11-0, 11-6
Rocky Carson d. Chris Crowther, 11-3, 5-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6

Final - Sunday Noon EST

Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson

Follow the bouncing ball....