Waselenchuk defeats Beltran to win Ektelon Nationals

Kane Waselenchuk finished the 2011-12 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season on a high, as he won the Ektelon Nationals in Fullerton, California, by defeating Alvaro Beltran in Sunday's final, 11-3, 12-10, 11-1. The victory was Waselenchuk's 9th of the season and he's now finished #1 at the end of seven IRT seasons, which is the most ever. He was previously tied with Cliff Swain for most seasons ending at #1, as Swain also did it six times.

After losing game one, Beltran led for most of game two, including at 6-4 and 8-6. But Waselenchuk tied it at 8-8 and then led 9-8, and it looked like all was lost for Beltran.

However, credit to the Mexican, as he came back and with drive serves to Waselenchuk's backhand got the lead back at 10-9. He had game point on his racquet but skipped a back hand shot that looked to be a good set up.

That was all Waselenchuk needed as he stepped in and tied the game at 10-10, before going on to win 12-10. Waselenchuk used the momentum gained from that comeback to easily win game three, and take the title.

IRT Ektelon Nationals - Fullerton, California

Final

Kane Waselenchuk d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 12-10, 11-2

Semi-finals

Kane Waselenchuk d. Polo Gutierrez, 11-1, 11-1, 11-6
Alvaro Beltran d. Rocky Carson, 3-11, 12-10, 11-13, 11-8, 11-5

Follow the bouncing ball….