2013 World Games - Americans shut out in the semi-finals

Big upsets in the semi-finals of the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia as no Americans won any of the semi-final matches. Thus, there are three Mexicans and one Colombian in the finals.

Mexican Paola Longoria was no surprise to reach the final, as she is undefeated on the pro tour and internationally since May 2011. Saturday, she defeated American Rhonda Rajsich, 15-8, 15-14.

In the other semi-final, Colombian Cristina Amaya, playing at home, upset 3rd seed Cheryl Gudinas (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-3, to assure the host nation of one medal in racquetball.

Gudinas and Rajsich will play for bronze on Sunday, as they did at last year's World Championships, which was won by Gudinas.

On the men's side, top seed Rocky Carson of the USA lost to 4th seed Gilberto Mejia of Mexico, 15-10, 9-15, 11-9, in what has to be considered a major upset, as Carson is the #2 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) - the men's pro tour, where he rarely loses.

Mejia is ranked 54th, though mainly due to not playing many IRT events.

Mejia will face fellow Mexican Polo Gutierrez, the 2nd seed, as he defeated 3rd seed Jose Rojas of the USA, 15-9, 8-15, 11-9.

Carson and Rojas will play for bronze on Sunday.

The other men's and women's quarters are still to be played. They will be followed by the semi-finals this evening and the finals on Sunday.

2013 World Games, Cali, Colombia

Men's Singles

Semi-finals - Saturday (24 hour times)

4. Gilberto Mejia (Mexico) d. 1. Rocky Carson (USA), 15-10, 9-15, 11-9
2. Polo Gutierrez (Mexico) v. Jose Rojas (USA), 15-9, 8-15, 11-9

Final - Sunday (24 hour time)

2. Polo Gutierrez (Mexico) v. 4. Gilberto Mejia (Mexico) - 16:30

3rd Place - Sunday (24 hour time)

1. Rocky Carson (USA) v. v. Jose Rojas (USA) - 14:00

Women's Singles

Semi-finals - Saturday (24 hour times)

1. Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 4. Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-8, 15-14
15. Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 3. Cheryl Gudinas (USA), 15-12, 8-15, 11-3

Final - Sunday (24 hour time)

1. Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 15. Cristina Amaya (Colombia) - 15:00

3rd place Sunday (24 hour time)

3. Cheryl Gudinas (USA) v. 4. Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - 13:00

Follow the bouncing ball….