Iwassa, Pflaster & Buehler open winners at Ghost of Georgetown

Coby Iwaasa won the Men's Open division at the 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas on the weekend. He defeated Bradly Rogers in the final, 15-4, 15-4.

Iwaasa beat Daeyong Kwon in one semi-final, 15-8, 15-13, and Rogers defeated Gerardo Guevara, 15-7, 7-15, 11-9, in the other.

Kwon beat Guervara for third place, 15-10, 15-5.

Daniel Pflaster and Kevin Buehler won Men's Open Doubles, defeating Rogers and Rosco Halsey in the final, 15-6, 15-12.

In the semi-finals, Pflaster and Buehler beat Iwaasa and Roland Keller, 15-14, 12-15, 11-7, while Rogers and Halsey defeated Cody Hudson and John Hudson, 15-6, 15-12.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Men's Open Final

Coby Iwaasa d. Bradly Rogers, 15-4, 15-4

3rd place

Daeyong Kwon d. Gerardo Guevara, 15-10, 15-5

Semi-finals

Coby Iwaasa d. Daeyong Kwon, 15-8, 15-13
Bradly Rogers d. Gerardo Guevara, 15-7, 7-15, 11-9

Men's Open Doubles Final

Daniel Pflaster & Kevin Buehler d. Bradly Rogers & Rosco Halsey, 15-6, 15-12

Semi-finals

Daniel Pflaster & Kevin Buehler d. Coby Iwaasa & Roland Keller, 15-14, 12-15, 11-7
Bradly Rogers & Rosco Halsey d. Cody Hudson & John Hudson, 15-6, 15-12

Follow the bouncing ball….

Waselenchuk wins 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown

Kane Waselenchuk had a dominant day, and defeated Rocky Carson in three games, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2, to win the 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event in Overland Park, Kansas. But could it have been different?

Waselenchuk served first in game one, and Carson forced him to skip a shot. Carson then attempted to hit a lob Z serve to the right side - Waselenchuk's backhand, which is a serve that we've not seen Carson use against Waselenchuk.

Perhaps it's not a serve Carson has practiced much, as he tried it on both first and second serve, and hit it short both times for a double fault. Carson never tried that serve again in the match. It's hard say that the turning point of a match happened before even one point was scored, but maybe that happened today.

It was 5-0 for Waselenchuk before Carson got to serve again.

Waselenchuk ran the score to 9-1, and closed it out at 11-5. Carson didn't get five points in the next two games, as Waselenchuk was in complete control.

There weren't many aces by Waselenchuk, but several service winners and serve, return, kill rallies.

Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, and the rest of the IRT players, will be in Minneapolis next month for the US Open Racquetball Championships October 8-12. He'll be trying to win his 10th US Open title; his 9 titles are already a record. If Waselenchuk wins this year, he'll have won over half of the men's US Open titles, as the event is in its 19th year.

It'd be foolish to bet against him.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Final

Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2

Follow the bouncing ball….

Waselenchuk & Carson to face off in Ghost of Georgetown final

Kane Waselenchuk and Rocky Carson, the #1 and #2 players on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) will meet yet again, as they won their respective semi-finals on Saturday at the 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas.

Waselenchuk beat Ben Croft in three straight games, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5, in one semi, while Carson defeated Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 11-2, 4-11, 11-5, in the other.

Waselenchuk and Carson also met in the final last week in San Marcos, Texas, which was the first IRT event of the season. Waselenchuk won that in four games.

Waselenchuk's record against Carson is 51-3, with two of the three losses the result of injuries. The only time Carson defeated Waselenchuk was in May 2003 at Pro Nationals, where Carson won in three straight games.

The final will be on the IRT Network at noon Sunday.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Semi-finals

Kane Waselenchuk d. Ben Croft, 11-0, 11-5, 11-5
Rocky Carson d. Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 11-2, 4-11, 11-5

Final

Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson - Noon CDT Sunday

Follow the bouncing ball….

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown - Quarterfinals

Ben Croft needed five games, but he made defeated Jose Rojas, the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) #4 player, 10-12, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5, in the quarterfinals of the 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas. Croft was winless last weekend in the first IRT event of the season, but he's in the semi-finals this weekend. That's the good news for him.

The bad news is he'll face Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, in the semis on Saturday, after Waselenchuk beat Chris Crowther in the quarters, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0. Waselenchuk's only lost twice in over six seasons*, so Croft has his work cut out for him on Saturday.

Like Croft, Alvaro Beltran was shutout last weekend in San Marcos, Texas, but he's also in the semi-finals this weekend, as he defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 11-4, 11-1, in Friday's quarterfinals.

Beltran will take on IRT #2, Rocky Carson, in the semis, as Carson beat the player who beat Beltran last week: Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-4.

The semi-finals will be on the IRT Network with the final at noon Sunday.

(note: twice in completed matches; not counting injury defaults)

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Quarterfinals

Kane Waselenchuk d. Chris Crowther, 11-3, 11-5, 11-0
Ben Croft d. Jose Rojas, 10-12, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-5

Alvaro Beltran d. Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 11-4, 11-1
Rocky Carson d. Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-3, 11-4

Semi-finals

Kane Waselenchuk v. Ben Croft - 5 PM CDT
Rocky Carson v. Alvaro Beltran - 4 PM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown - Round of 16

Two upsets in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas, as Marco Rojas defeated Daniel De La Rosa, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, and Charlie Pratt beat Tony Carson, 10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 11-0.

In their tie-breaker, Rojas was in complete control, as he led start to finish with leads of 3-0 and 7-2. De La Rosa cut the difference to 7-4, but that was as close as he got. Both players drove serve, although Rojas used more variety than De La Rosa, who primarily drove serve to Rojas's backhand.

Rojas will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson in the quarterfinals, as Carson beat Daeyong Kwon, 11-1, 11-0, 13-11, in the 16s.

Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, beat Gerardo Guevara, 11-3, 11-2, 11-3, despite the young Mexican's best efforts. Waselenchuk will play Chris Crowther in the quarters.

Crowther fought off match point in game four of his match with Jansen Allen, as he came back to win in five games, 5-11, 11-9, 2-11, 12-10, 11-4. In the tie-breaker, they were tied at 4-4, but after that Allen only served a couple of times as Crowther went on to win.

The quarterfinals begin at 5 PM Friday, and can be viewed live via the IRT Network. The semi-finals will be Saturday at 4 PM CDT. The final will be at noon on Sunday.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk d. Gerardo Guevara, 11-3, 11-2, 11-3
Chris Crowther d. Jansen Allen, 5-11, 11-9, 2-11, 12-10, 11-4

Ben Croft d. Matthew Majxner, 11-6, 11-6, 11-1
Jose Rojas d. Danny Lavely, 11-2, 11-0, 11-8

Alvaro Beltran d. Jaime Martell, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Tony Carson, 10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 11-0

Marco Rojas d. Daniel De La Rosa, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4
Rocky Carson d. Daeyong Kwon, 11-1, 11-0, 13-11

Quarterfinals

Kane Waselenchuk v. Chris Crowther
Jose Rojas v. Matthew Majxner

Alvaro Beltran v. Charlie Pratt
Rocky Carson v. Marco Rojas

Follow the bouncing ball….

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown - Qualifying results

No surprises in the qualifying round of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas. Jansen Allen, Marco Rojas and Charlie Pratt are all into the Round of 16.

Allen will play Chris Crowther, Rojas faces Daniel De La Rosa, and Pratt is against Tony Carson. All of those should be good matches.

The Round of 16 can be viewed live via the IRT Network from 10 AM CDT Friday. The quarterfinals begin at 6 PM CDT.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Qualifying Round

Gerardo Guevara d. Joe Workman, 11-3, 11-2, 11-3
Jansen Allen d. Lee Stitzel, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0

Matthew Majxner d. Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 11-2, 11-3, 11-3
Danny Lavely d. Cody Hudson, 11-9, 11-2, 11-3

Jaime Martell d. Coby Iwaasa, 11-7, 12-10, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Dakota Remington, 11-1, 11-3, 11-0

Marco Rojas d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-4, 11-0, 11-0
Daeyong Kwon d. Travis Woodbury, 11-3, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk v. Gerardo Guevara
Chris Crowther v. Jansen Allen

Ben Croft v. Matthew Majxner
Jose Rojas v. Danny Lavely or Cody Hudson

Alvaro Beltran v. Coby Iwaasa or Jaime Martell
Tony Carson v. Charlie Pratt

Daniel De La Rosa v. Marco Rojas
Rocky Carson v. Daeyong Kwon

Follow the bouncing ball….

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown - Qualifying

The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is in action for a second straight week with the 15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas. There's a smaller draw than last week's season opening Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas, so there's only one round of qualifying.

Likely the best qualifying match will be a battle of two young guns: Canadian Coby Iwaasa versus Mexican Jaime Martell. The winner will play Alvaro Beltran in the Round of 16, and Beltran will be looking to get his first win of the season, as he was upset last week in the 16s by Alejandro Landa.

Landa made it all the way to the semi-finals in San Marcos, but he is not in the draw this week.

However, Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT #1 and the winner last week in San Marcos, and the rest of the top eight players are, as well as Jansen Allen, Marco Rojas and Charlie Pratt.

An interesting quarterfinal match up could be IRT #2 Rocky Carson versus #5 Daniel De La Rosa. The IRT will rotate the 5 to 8 seeds in the draw in some Tier 1 events, which is why these players are on course to meet each other in Kansas.

All the action can be viewed live via the IRT Network from 10 AM CDT Friday with the first Round of 16 matches.

15th Annual Ghost of Georgetown
Overland Park, Kansas

Qualifying Round

Gerardo Guevara v. Joe Workman
Jansen Allen v. Lee Stitzel

Matthew Majxner v. Alexi David Cocco Hayes
Danny Lavely v. Cody Hudson

Coby Iwaasa v. Jaime Martell
Charlie Pratt v. Dakota Remington

Marco Rojas v. Troy Vanbemmelen
Daeyong Kwon v. Travis Woodbury

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Chris Crowther v. Q1

Ben Croft v. Q4
Jose Rojas v. Q5

Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
Tony Carson v. Q3

Daniel De La Rosa v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….

Longoria defeats Vargas to win LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas

Paola Longoria, the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), won again Sunday night, as she defeated Maria Jose Vargas in the final of the 2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas in Huixquilucan, Mexico, 11-8, 2-11, 11-3, 11-7. The win extends Longoria's undefeated streak that goes back to May 2011.

Longoria started well, going out to a 5-0 lead in game one of the final. However, Vargas caught up, and tied the game at 5-5, but two aces and a Vargas skip made the score 8-5 for Longoria.

Again Vargas responded, coming back to tie the game at 8-8, helped by an ace of her own. Both players drove serve throughout the match. In game one, they primarily drove serve to the left side: their opponent's backhand.

Longoria got the serve back with a backhand down the line, and scored three unanswered points, the last coming from a forehand pinch shot, as she won game one 11-8.

In game two, Vargas started strong, hitting aces to the right side for her first and third points, as she went out to a 6-0 lead, which caused Longoria to call a timeout.

But that deficit was too much to overcome. Although it took Vargas more rallies to get the last four points than the first seven, she only allowed Longoria two, winning game two 11-2.

Momentum seemed to be in Vargas's favour, but Longoria started game three with two aces. Vargas hit back, scoring two points including an ace, to level the game at 2-2.

But then Longoria went ahead, and although Vargas stayed close for awhile, Longoria never gave up the lead. The key rally may have been when Vargas was called for an avoidable hinder, which looked like it should only have been a hinder. That made it 5-3 for Longoria, and Vargas only served three times afterwards, without scoring, as Longoria won game three 11-3.

In game four, Longoria took the lead early at 4-1. At that point, Vargas took an injury timeout, as she had been hit in the leg by a racquet, although it wasn't clear when that happened. When play resumed, Longoria ran four quick points to make it 8-1, and it seemed that Vargas's day was done.

However, Vargas isn't one to simply roll over, even for the best player on tour, and she got the serve back after Longoria skipped a forehand shot. Vargas made the best of it, cutting the lead to one at 7-8.

Longoria got the serve back with a pinch shot, and did not surrender the serve, hitting an ace, a winning forehand, and then on match point taking advantage of a short ceiling ball by Vargas to pinch the ball in the front right corner for the game, 11-7, and the match, three games to one.

Next up for the LPRT will be the US Open in Minneapolis, October 9-12. Longoria will be trying to win her fourth consecutive US Open, and the fifth of her career.

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas
Huixquilucan, Mexico

Final

1 Paola Longoria v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas, 11-8, 2-11, 11-3, 11-7

Follow the bouncing ball….

One for Waselenchuk, who wins 2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open

Kane Waselenchuk won the 2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas, which is the first tournament of the 2014-15 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season. Waselenchuk, the IRT's top player, beat the #2 player - Rocky Carson - 11-8, 7-11, 11-3, 11-2, in the final Saturday night.

A close game one went to Waselenchuk, 11-8, and they were close in game two also, as they were tied at 4-4. But then Carson pulled ahead with four straight points. Waselenchuk got the serve back, and called a time out. He closed the score to 9-7, helped by two ace serves.

But a skip by Waselenchuk gave the serve back to Carson, who scored two straight points to win the game, 11-7, and level the match at 1-1.

Waselenchuk often responds to losses by coming out stronger, and he did just that in game four, going out to an 8-0 lead. Carson dug in, and it took awhile for Waselenchuk to close out the game, but he did so at 11-3.

Carson got the first point of game four, but Waselenchuk got the next ten to lead 10-1, and put the writing on the wall. But as in game three, Waselenchuk stalled, as it took him five match points to close out the game, and win the match in four games.

But a win is a win, and although Carson got one game, Waselenchuk was in control most of the match. He made several great shots, but perhaps the best came in game four, when Waselenchuk hit a behind the back shot in centre court that went for a pinch winner to the front right corner that made the score 7-1. Few players could even make contact like that, let along make a winning shot from it.

The IRT will be back in action next week in Overland Park, Kansas, where the Ghost of Georgetown tournament will begin on Thursday with the qualifying rounds.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Final

Kane Waselenchuk d. Rocky Carson, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3, 11-2

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas Semi-finals

Paola Longoria, the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), won her semi-final at the 2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas in Huixquilucan, Mexico, defeating Frédérique Lambert, 11-4, 11-3, 11-9, in the semi-finals.

In Sunday's final, Longoria will play LPRT #3 Maria Jose Vargas who beat #2 Rhonda Rajsich in the other semi-final, 11-8, 11-4, 11-9. After playing a close first game, Vargas blew out Rajsich in game two by going out to an 8-0 lead, and then winning comfortably.

Game three was again close, although Vargas led it early. However, Rajsich used a backhand drive serve to fight back and tied it at 8-8. She even went ahead 9-8.

But Vargas got the serve back with a forehand winner that Rajsich couldn't reach despite diving for it. Then Vargas hit another forehand winner, and forced an error from Rajsich to get her first match point.

On match point, Vargas double faulted with two drive serves to the left. But Rajsich couldn't take advantage, as Vargas got the serve right back.

On her second match point, Vargas won it with a forehand pinch shot.

Sunday's will begin at 6 PM CDT, and can be viewed via the LPRT Network.

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas
Huixquilucan, Mexico

Semi-finals

1 Paola Longoria d. 5 Frédérique Lambert, 11-4, 11-3, 11-9
3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 2 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-8, 11-4, 11-9

Final

1 Paola Longoria v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas - Sunday 6 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas - Quarterfinals

Three quarterfinals are over at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas in Huixquilucan, Mexico, and there's been one upset, but not a big one. Frédérique Lambert, the 5th seed, defeated 4th seed Cristina Amaya, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2, in their quarterfinal match.

Lambert will face LPRT #1 Paola Longoria in the semi-finals Saturday night, as Longoria beat 9th seed Sofia Rascon, 11-6, 11-4, 11-3, in the quarters.

The other quarterfinal winners were #2 Rhonda Rajsich, who needed four games to defeat Michelle Key, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7, and #3 Maria Jose Vargas, who made quick work of Mexican veteran Susana Acosta, 11-1, 11-6, 11-0.

Saturday's semi-finals begin Saturday evening at 6 PM CDT, and can be viewed via the LPRT Network.

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas
Huixquilucan, Mexico

Singles - Quarterfinals

1 Paola Longoria d. 9 Sofia Rascon, 11-6, 11-4, 11-3
5 Frédérique Lambert d. 4 Cristina Amaya, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2

3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 6 Susana Acosta, 11-1, 11-6, 11-0
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 10 Michelle Key, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7

Singles - Semi-finals

1 Paola Longoria v. 5 Frédérique Lambert
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 3 Maria Jose Vargas

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - Waselenchuk to meet Carson in final

It will be #1 versus #2 in the first final of the 2014-15 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season, as Kane Waselenchuk and Rocky Carson won their respective semi-final matches at the 2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas. Waselenchuk, the IRT's top player, beat Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-4, 11-1, and Carson, IRT @2, defeated Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 13-11, 11-6, in the semis.

Both matches were three straight, and each had one relatively easy game, but the other games were competitive. Waselenchuk started well against Rojas, going up 5-0 and 8-2 in game one. But Rojas held tough and closed the gap to two at 8-6 before Waselenchuk closed it out.

In game two, Rojas led 4-2, but then Waselenchuk switched serving strategies to use a walking serve from right centre to left centre, and drove the ball to the left, right and hit Zs to the left. The result was nine straight points, including three aces, and an 11-6 win.

After that streak, there was no recovery for Rojas, as Waselenchuk easily won the third game, 11-1.

Carson looked strong in the first game against Landa, winning 11-2. But in game two, they were back and forth early, resulting in a 5-5 tie. Then Carson got on a roll, and ran the score to 10-6.

However, Landa has been the comeback kid this tournament, making three comebacks to defeat Chris Crowther on Friday. Today, Landa scored five straight points to have a game point of his own at 11-10.

But on that rally, Landa skipped a shot that gave the serve back to Carson, but Carson failed to score. So, Landa got a second opportunity, but a long rally ended with a forehand pinch shot by Carson for a winner.

Landa didn't get another opportunity, as the veteran Carson scored the next three points to go up 2-0.

Game three had a similar pattern to game two, as they were again close early, and tied at 6-6. But Carson held Landa at six, as he scored five unanswered points to win the game 11-6 and take the match in three straight games.

The final will be 7 PM Saturday night on the IRT Network, but tune in early to see an interview with Waselenchuk.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Semi-finals - Saturday

Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-4, 11-1
Rocky Carson d. Alejandro Landa, 11-2, 13-11, 11-6

Final - Saturday

Kane Waselenchuk v. Rocky Carson - 7 PM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas - Round of 16 & of 32

Paola Longoria, the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) began the 2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas in Huixquilucan, Mexico, with a comfortable three straight game win against Regina Franco, 11-0, 11-3, 11-1.

But there were a couple of upsets in the Round of 16, including Sofia Rascon's win against Da'monique Davis, 11-7, 10-12, 11-6, 11-9. Rascon's reward is a match with Longoria in the quarterfinals Saturday afternoon.

Michelle Key was the other upset winner, as she defeated veteran Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5.

Also two matches in the 16s went five games, as both Frédérique Lambert and Susana Acosta lost the first games of their matches badly. Lambert dropped game one versus Carla Muñoz, 11-2, before winning in five, 2-11, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-2. Acosta didn't even score a point in her first game against Sheryl Lotts, but then won in five, 0-11, 12-10, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9.

Saturday's quarterfinals begin at 11 AM CDT and can be seen live via the LPRT Network. The semi-finals will begin Saturday evening at 6 PM CDT.

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas
Huixquilucan, Mexico

Singles - Round of 32

1 Paola Longoria - BYE
17 Regina Franco d. 16 Monserrat Mejia, 11-8, 3-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-5

9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE

5 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
12 Carla Muñoz - BYE

13 Carolina Luque - BYE
4 Cristina Amaya - BYE

3 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
14 Jessica Parrilla - BYE

11 Sheryl Lotts - BYE
6 Susana Acosta - BYE

7 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
10 Michelle Key - BYE

15 Alexandra Herrera d. 18 Maritza Franco, 11-4, 11-5, 11-1
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE

Singles - Round of 16

1 Paola Longoria d. 17 Regina Franco, 11-0, 11-3, 11-1
9 Sofia Rascon d. 8 Da'monique Davis, 11-7, 10-12, 11-6, 11-9

5 Frédérique Lambert d. 12 Carla Muñoz, 2-11, 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 11-2
4 Cristina Amaya d. 13 Carolina Luque, 11-2, 11-3, 11-2

3 Maria Jose Vargas d. 14 Jessica Parrilla, 11-2, 11-4, 11-1
6 Susana Acosta d. 11 Sheryl Lotts, 0-11, 12-10, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9

10 Michelle Key d. 7 Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5
2 Rhonda Rajsich d. 15 Alexandra Herrera, 11-6, 8-11, 11-1, 11-3

Singles - Quarterfinals

1 Paola Longoria v. 9 Sofia Rascon - 2 PM CDT
4 Cristina Amaya v. 5 Frédérique Lambert - 1 PM CDT

3 Maria Jose Vargas v. 6 Susana Acosta - Noon CDT
2 Rhonda Rajsich v. 10 Michelle Key - 11 AM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 IRT Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - Quarterfinals

The top two seeds won their quarterfinal matches in three straight games at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas. Kane Waselenchuk, the IRT's top player, beat Tony Carson, 11-5, 11-3, 11-2, and IRT #2 Rocky Carson (no relation to Tony) defeated Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5.

Waselenchuk was actually down 5-0 to Tony Carson in game one of their match, but then reeled off 11 straight points to win it. Waselenchuk didn't stop there, as he scored the first four points of game two, as he went on to sweep the match in three straight.

Alejandro Landa had taken out the IRT #3 player, Alvaro Beltran, in the Round of 16 earlier in the day, and he ousted the #6 player Chris Crowther in the quarterfinals, in a match that looked like it would also be three straight games.

However, after Landa won games one and two, 11-7, 11-8, respectively, the veteran Crowther responded by winning game three, 11-5, and game four, 11-3, to set up a tie-breaker.

In game five, Crowther had the momentum and went up 5-0, which led to a Landa timeout. Landa scored the next point, but then Crowther got three more to make the score 9-1. It looked like Crowther was going to complete the comeback. In fact, Crowther hit a winner to make it 10-1, but Landa showed the referee that the ball had broken, so 9-1 was replayed.

Cue the comeback.

Landa began to hit an off speed Z serve to the left side - Crowther's backhand, and scored a few points, which made the score 9-4 with Landa serving. Crowther called a timeout.

Landa kept up with that Z serve, which he did by standing a few feet fro the left side wall and taking a couple of steps to the centre, and he tied the game at 9-9.

After an exchange of timeouts, Landa got his first match point with a backhand down the line. On that match point, he tried to fool Crowther by going for a drive to the right side, but it was short, so he again hit the Z to the left. But this time Crowther won the rally, and tied the score at 10-10.

Landa got the serve back, and hit a hard drive serve to the right side, which was a serve that had worked well for him in games one and two. This time Crowther was all over it, getting a side out.

Crowther hit a drive serve ace to the right side to make the score 11-10, and give him match point. But his next serve is short, so Crowther hits a Z to the left that leads to a Landa side out.

Landa ties the game with a forehand winner, 11-11. On the ensuing rally, the ball comes around the right side and off the back wall, and Landa's shot hits Crowther. A hinder is called, although Landa wanted a replay, as Crowther made no effort to move.

Crowther wins the replay, and makes the score 12-11 after Landa skips his return of Crowther's drive serve to the left side. Crowther hits that serve again, and thinks Landa's return is another skip, but Landa's shot was a very tight side wall-front wall shot.

On the next two rallies, Landa hit forehand winners to make the score 13-12. Crowther fought off that match point with a forehand cross court return that caused Landa to dive to keep the ball in play, which led to a set up that Crowther put away.

Crowther drove serve to the left, and Landa hit a winning return. Landa hit another Z to the left, and on that rally Landa hit a cross court to the left when Crowther was on the right. Crowther got to it and attempted to hit a ceiling ball, but it didn't get to the front wall: skip. Match Landa.

Thus, Landa reaches the semi-finals for the first time since January 2013, when he was in the semis of the California Open. There he lost to Waselenchuk, but in four games, as he won the third. He only played three IRT events last season, but Landa is no slouch, so Rocky Carson will have his hands full in their semi-final.

IRT #4 Jose Rojas also needed five games to defeat IRT #5 Daniel De La Rosa, 9-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-4, 11-6. Both players primarily drove serve, and often to the right side, although for both that meant hitting it to their opponent's forehand.

In the breaker, they were close early, and then Rojas pulled away to 6-2. De La Rosa closed it to 6-5, but never tied it. An awful serve return by De La Rosa on Rojas's second serve lob to the right side - De La Rosa tried to crush it with an overhead shot that he tanked into the floor - make the score 8-5.

De La Rosa got the serve back and closed it to 6-9, but then double faulted when his second serve lob to the left side was short. Rojas made it 10-6 with a forehand winner.

Then on match point, Rojas hit a drive serve Z to the left side that De La Rosa returned to the ceiling. Rojas hit a backhand splat shot that De La Rosa dove for to try to keep the rally going, but he was unsuccessful.

The win put Rojas into the semi-finals against Waselenchuk, which is a repeat match up of last season's first tournament. Then Rojas beat Waselenchuk, which was only the second time he'd lost a completed match in six seasons.

Waselenchuk will surely not want that to happen again, and especially so, as he's playing close to home. Waselenchuk lives in Austin, Texas, which is a short drive from San Marcos, the site of this weekend's tournament.

Last season's first event was in Overland Park, Kansas, which is where the IRT will be next week.

The semi-finals and final are all on Saturday with the semis in the morning and the final at night. You can watch them via the IRT Network.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Quarterfinals

Kane Waselenchuk d. Tony Carson, 11-5, 11-3, 11-2
Jose Rojas d. Daniel De La Rosa, 9-11, 11-6, -11, 11-4, 11-6

Alejandro Landa d. Chris Crowther, 11-7, 11-8, 5-11, 3-11, 14-12
Rocky Carson d. Marco Rojas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5

Semi-finals - Saturday

Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Rojas - 11:15 AM CDT
Rocky Carson v. Alejandro Landa - Noon CDT

Final - Saturday - 6:45 PM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 IRT Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - Round of 16

Two upsets in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas, as Alejandro Landa takes out 3rd seed Alvaro Beltran in four games, 4-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7, and Marco Rojas beat 7th seed Ben Croft in five games, 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-0.

How big is Landa's victory? Consider he did not make it past the Round of 16 last season (only two appearances), and Beltran never failed to reach at least the quarterfinal in all 11 events last season. Thus, Landa's win is a major one, and he'll play Chris Crowther next, as Crowther beat Charlie Pratt in the 16s, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-1.

Rojas's win is less surprising, as he did reach the quarters five times last year and the semi-finals once. Croft lost twice in the 16s last season in eight appearances (once to Pratt and once to Jansen Allen).

Young Canadian Coby Iwaasa came within a game of causing another upset, as he went tie-breaker with 5th seed Daniel De La Rosa before losing, 2-11, 11-8, 11-1, 9-11, 11-6.

The other Round of 16 matches were won in three straight games by IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk, #2 Rocky Carson, #4 Jose Rojas, and #8 Tony Carson (no relation to Rocky). Waselenchuk and Tony Carson will face off in the quarters while Rocky Carson faces Marco Rojas (Jose's brother).

The quarterfinals begin Friday afternoon, and can be viewed live via the IRT Network.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk d. Matthew Majxner, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
Tony Carson d. Jansen Allen, 11-5, 11-8, 12-10

Daniel De La Rosa d. Coby Iwaasa, 2-11, 11-8, 11-1, 9-11, 11-6
Jose Rojas d. Andree Parrilla, 11-4, 11-7, 11-7

Alejandro Landa d. Alvaro Beltran, 4-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-7
Chris Crowther d. Charlie Pratt, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-1

Marco Rojas d. Ben Croft, 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-0
Rocky Carson d. Danny Lavely, 11-2, 11-7, 11-2

Quarterfinals

Kane Waselenchuk v. Tony Carson - 5 PM CDT
Jose Rojas v. Daniel De La Rosa - 7 PM CDT

Chris Crowther v. Alejandro Landa - 6 PM CDT
Rocky Carson v. Marco Rojas - 4 PM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas Preview

The 2014-15 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) continues this weekend with the 2014 Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas in Huixquilucan, Mexico. There's a small field this weekend, as only 18 players are in the field, but the LPRT's #1 player, Paola Longoria, is in the field and she'll be the big draw for the weekend.

Longoria is undefeated since May 2011, and she'll be looking to continue that streak on home soil this weekend.

Most of the top 10 will be in Huixaquilucan, including LPRT #2 Rhonda Rajsich and #3 Maria Jose Vargas. Samantha Salas, the 4th ranked LPRT player, is missing this tournament, reportedly due to injury.

Even with a small draw there should be several exciting matches, and you can follow the action live via the LPRT Network beginning on Saturday.

2014 LPRT Abiertos Mexicano de Racquetas
Huixquilucan, Mexico

Singles - Round of 32

1 Paola Longoria - BYE
16 Monserrat Mejia v. 17 Regina Franco

9 Sofia Rascon - BYE
8 Da'monique Davis - BYE

5 Frédérique Lambert - BYE
12 Carla Muñoz - BYE

13 Carolina Luque - BYE
4 Cristina Amaya - BYE

3 Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
14 Jessica Parrilla - BYE

11 Sheryl Lotts - BYE
6 Susana Acosta - BYE

7 Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
10 Michelle Key - BYE

15 Alexandra Herrera v. 18 Maritza Franco
2 Rhonda Rajsich - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 IRT Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - Qualifying Rounds

Qualifying is done at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season opening tournament - the Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas - and there were a few upsets in qualifying Friday.

Canadian Coby Iwaasa defeated Jose Diaz, 11-1, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8, to reach the Round of 16 for the second time in his career. He'll play Daniel De La Rosa in the 16s. Mexican Andree Parrilla, the World Junior U16 Champion, also reached the 16s for the second time in his career with a win against Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8.

Another upset was Danny Lavely's win over Alex Ackermann, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 2-11, 11-5, which put Lavely into the 16s against IRT #2 Rocky Carson.

Some highlights of the Round of 16 should be Chris Crowther versus Charlie Pratt, Ben Croft versus Marco Rojas, and Tony Carson versus Jansen Allen.

All the action can be viewed live via the IRT Network from 10 AM CDT Friday with the first Round of 16 matches.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Qualifying Round 1

Matthew Majxner - BYE
Scott McClellan d. Vincente Hernandez, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3

Bruce Robles d. Rudy Duran, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6
Robert Collins - BYE

Jansen Allen - BYE
BYE

Daeyong Kwon - BYE
Juan Esparza - BYE

Coby Iwaasa - BYE
Kenny Green Jr. d. Jody Morris, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8

BYE
Jose Diaz - BYE

Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Jaime Martell d. Roland Keller, 11-7, 11-2, 11-6

Allen Hernandez d. David Mendoza, 11-8, 11-4, 11-3
Andree Parrilla - BYE

Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Pedro Gonzalez d. Rhett Collins, 11-2, 11-8, 11-2

Omar Hernandez d. Luis Corona, fft
Alejandro Landa - BYE

Charlie Pratt - BYE
BYE

Gerardo Guevara d. Stan Briggs, 11-1, 11-1, 11-0
Sebastian Franco - BYE

Joe Workman - BYE
Eddie Sada - BYE

BYE
Marco Rojas - BYE

Alex Ackermann - BYE
Arturo Burruel d. Matt Benton, 11-1, 11-6, 11-8

Joel Ernst d. Eduardo Munoz, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-9
Danny Lavely - BYE

Qualifying Round 2

Matthew Majxner d. Scott McClellan, 11-8, 11-4, 11-0
Robert Collins d. Bruce Robles, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 12-10

Jansen Allen - BYE
Daeyong Kwon d. Juan Esparza, 11-7, 11-3, 11-4

Coby Iwaasa d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-3, 11-0, 11-1
Jose Diaz - BYE

Hiroshi Shimizu d. Jaime Martell, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4
Andree Parrilla d. Allen Hernandez, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6

Pedro Gonzalez d. Jake Bredenbeck, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10
Alejandro Landa d. Omar Hernandez, 11-1, 11-0, 11-2

Charlie Pratt - BYE
Gerardo Guevara d. Sebastian Franco, 11-4, 11-5, 13-15, 11-9

Eddie Sada d. Joe Workman, 11-2, 11-3, 8-11, 2-11, 11-5
Marco Rojas - BYE

Alex Ackermann d. Arturo Burruel, 11-5, 11-4, 11-5
Danny Lavely d. Joel Ernst, 11-7, 11-5, 11-4

Qualifying Round 3

Matthew Majxner d. Robert Collins, 11-2, 11-7, 11-9
Jansen Allen d. Daeyong Kwon, 11-6, 12-10, 11-3

Coby Iwaasa d. Jose Diaz, 11-1, 10-12, 11-9, 11-8
Andree Parrilla d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8

Alejandro Landa d. Pedro Gonzalez, 9-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7
Charlie Pratt d. Gerardo Guevara, 11-4, 11-2, 11-5

Marco Rojas d. Eddie Sada, 11-6, 11-1, 11-2
Danny Lavely d. Alex Ackermann, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 2-11, 11-5

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk v. Matthew Majxner
Tony Carson v. Jansen Allen

Daniel De La Rosa v. Coby Iwaasa
Jose Rojas v. Andree Parrilla

Alvaro Beltran v. Alejandro Landa
Chris Crowther v. Charlie Pratt

Ben Croft v. Marco Rojas
Rocky Carson v. Danny Lavely

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 IRT Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - Preview

The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season opens today with the Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas. All the top players are in the draw, and they will be in action Friday, when the Round of 16 begins.

But today there will be three rounds of qualifying action with a few interesting potential matches. For example, Jose Diaz will likely play young Canadian Coby Iwaasa in the Round of 32.

Also in the Round of 32, Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu could face current World Junior U16 Champion Andree Parrilla of Mexico, although Shimizu will have to face either Roland Keller or Jaime Martell first, and neither of those players is a pushover.

Other likely matches in the 32s are Jake Bredenbeck versus Alejandro Landa, Charlie Pratt versus Sebastian Franco, and Alex Ackermann versus Danny Lavely.

Action can be viewed via the IRT Network from 10 AM CDT Friday with the Round of 16.

Welcome back IRT! We've missed you.

2014 Krowning Moment Bobcat Open
San Marcos, Texas

Qualifying Round 1

Matthew Majxner - BYE
Vincente Hernandez v. Scott McClellan

Bruce Robles v. Rudy Duran
Robert Collins - BYE

Jansen Allen - BYE
BYE

Daeyong Kwon - BYE
Juan Esparza - BYE

Coby Iwaasa - BYE
Kenny Green Jr. v. Jody Morris

BYE
Jose Diaz - BYE

Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Roland Keller v. Jaime Martell

Allen Hernandez v. David Mendoza
Andree Parrilla - BYE

Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Pedro Gonzalez v. Rhett Collins

Luis Corona v. Omar Hernandez
Alejandro Landa - BYE

Charlie Pratt - BYE
BYE

Gerardo Guevara v. Stan Briggs
Sebastian Franco - BYE

Joe Workman - BYE
Eddie Sada - BYE

BYE
Marco Rojas - BYE

Alex Ackermann - BYE
Arturo Burruel v. Matt Benton

Joel Ernst v. Eduardo Munoz
Danny Lavely - BYE

Qualifying Round 2

Matthew Majxner v. Vincente Hernandez or Scott McClellan
Robert Collins v. Bruce Robles or Rudy Duran

Jansen Allen - BYE
Daeyong Kwon v. Juan Esparza

Coby Iwaasa v. Kenny Green Jr. or Jody Morris
Jose Diaz - BYE

Hiroshi Shimizu v. Roland Keller or Jaime Martell
Andree Parrilla v. Allen Hernandez or David Mendoza

Jake Bredenbeck v. Pedro Gonzalez or Rhett Collins
Alejandro Landa v. Luis Corona or Omar Hernandez

Charlie Pratt - BYE
Sebastian Franco v. Gerardo Guevara or Stan Briggs

Joe Workman v. Eddie Sada
Marco Rojas - BYE

Alex Ackermann v. Arturo Burruel or Matt Benton
Danny Lavely v. Joel Ernst or Eduardo Munoz

Round of 16

Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
Tony Carson v. Q1

Daniel De La Rosa v. Q4
Jose Rojas v. Q5

Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
Chris Crowther v. Q3

Ben Croft v. Q2
Rocky Carson v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014-15 IRT Season Preview

The International Racquetball Tour's (IRT's) 2014-15 season begins Thursday in San Marcos, Texas with the Krowning Moment Bobcat Open. We'll review last season for you below, but first here's the Tier 1 and Grand Slam IRT tournament schedule for 2014-15.

September 18-21 - Krowning Moment Bobcat Open - San Marcos, Tex.
September 25-28 - Novascors Kansas City Open - Kansas City
October 8-12 - UnitedHealthcare US Open - Minneapolis
October 16-19 - Pete Pierce's St Louis Party with the Pros - St Louis

November 6-9 - Red Swain Shootout - Davison, Mich.
November 13-16 - 24th Annual Turkey Shootout - Garden City, Kan.
November 20-23 - Long Beach Open Doubles - Long Beach, Calif.
December 4-7 - Kitsap Splat Pro/Am - Washington

December 11-14 - Rollout New Jersey Open - Fairfield, N.J.
January 8-11 - Coast to Coast California Open - Fountain Valley, Calif.
January 15-18 - Cactus Salon NYC Pro/Am - Long Island, N.Y.
January 22-25 - Lewis Drug Pro/Am - Sioux Falls, S.D.

March 6-8 - Florida IRT Pro/Am - Florida
March 12-15 - Shamrock Shootout - Lombard, Ill.
April 23-26 - IRT Pro Nationals - TBD
April 30-May 3 - Stockton Pro/Am - Stockton, Calif.
May 14-17 - Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions - Portland, Ore.

Seventeen events is six more than last season, which is great, although sometimes the events announced at the start of the season don't all occur. But it is a promising schedule.

The most interesting aspect of the schedule is that most of the events will occur before the new year, which is a change from what has usually happened in recent seasons, when most events happened after January 1.

All eleven events from last year are back on the schedule with eight new additions, including this weekend's Krowning Moment Bobcat Open. Returning to the schedule from a season away is the Party with the Pros in St Louis, but rather than be in the spring it's going to be in the October.

One of the intriguing additions to the schedule is a pro doubles event in Long Beach, Calif. at the end of November. This is a follow up to last year's popular doubles in Sioux Falls, and there will also be a pro doubles event in the US Open. More pro doubles will be an exciting addition to the IRT schedule.

Now, let's review last year's results. First, a rundown of results by event, and then a summary of the players who finished in the quarters or better over the season.

2013-14 IRT Season - Event Summary
Event - Final - Semi-Finalists

Kansas City: J. Rojas d. R. Carson - Semis: Waslenchuk, Beltran
US Open : Waselenchuk d. R. Carson - Croft, Beltran
Davison: Beltran d. De La Rosa - Semis: Swain, R. Carson
Garden City: R. Carson d. Beltran - Semis: Croft, J. Rojas
New Jersey Open: Waselenchuk d. J. Rojas - Semis: Beltran, R. Carson
California Open: Waselenchuk d. R. Carson - Semis: J. Rojas, Beltran
New York City: Waselenchuk d. Beltran - Semis: Marco Rojas, De La Rosa
Sioux Falls: Waselenchuk d. Beltran - Semis: Crowther, R. Carson
Florida Spring Break: Waselenchuk d. R. Carson - Semis: T. Carson, C. Pratt
Stockton: Waselenchuk d. Beltran - Semis: J. Rojas, R. Carson
Portland: Waselenchuk d. R. Carson - Semis: De La Rosa, Croft

2013-14 IRT Season - Player Summary
IRT Rank - Player - Wins - Seconds - Semis - Quarters

1) Kane Waselenchuk - 8 wins, 0 seconds, 1 semi-finals, 0 quarters
2) Alvaro Beltran - 1 win, 4 seconds, 4 semis, 2 qtr
2) Rocky Carson - 1 win, 5 seconds, 4 semis, 1 qtrs
4) Jose Rojas - 1 win, 1 second, 3 semis, 4 qrts
5) Daniel De La Rosa - 1 second, 2 semis, 7 qtrs
6) Chris Crowther - 1 semi, 7 qtrs
7) Ben Croft - 3 semis, 4 qtrs
8) Tony Carson - 1 semi, 4 qrts
9) Jansen Allen - 8 qtrs
10) Marco Rojas - 1 semi, 5 qtrs
11) Charlie Pratt - 1 qrt
13) Cliff Swain - 1 semi, 1 qtr
17) David Horn - 1 qtr

The 2013-14 IRT Statistical Abstract

Total matches played: 372

Percentage of 3 game matches: 56.5 (210 of 372)
Percentage of 4 game matches: 23.1 (86)
Percentage of 5 game matches: 13.4 (50)
Percentage of matches that were defaults or data was incomplete: 6.5 (24)

Most points for in a victory: 54 - (i) Mike Green d. Charlie Pratt, 11-4, 11-1, 13-15, 8-11, 11-3, (ii) Jansen Allen d. Andy Hawthorne, 11-3, 8-11, 13-15, 11-7, 11-5, in Sioux Falls, & (iii) Alvaro Beltran d. Cliff Swain, 11-13, 9-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-7, in Stockton

Most points scored in a loss: 48 - (i) Joshua Hungerford against Mauricio Zelada, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, at the US Open, & (ii) David Horn against Jose Rojas, 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6, 14-12, in Stockton

Most points in a 5 game match: 101 - Jose Rojas d. David Horn, 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6, 14-12, in Stockton
Most points in a 4 game match: 81 - Alex Ackermann d. Joseph Palazzo, 13-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-3 in the New Jersey Open
Most points in a 3 game match: 70 - Mike Harmon d. Shai Manzuri, 11-9, 14-12, 13-11 in US Open

Largest margin of victory 5 game match: 22 - Coby Iwaasa over Alex Ackermann, 9-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-0, in the US Open
Largest margin of victory 4 game match: 26 - Coby Iwaasa over Seung Jun Jeon, 11-3, 7-11, 11-0, 11-0 in the US Open
Largest margin of victory 3 game match: 33 by Jose Daniel Ugalda over Tyler Freeman, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0 in the US Open

Smallest margin of victory 5 game match: -4 - Mauricio Zelada d. Joshua Hungerford, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, at the US Open
Smallest margin of victory 4 game match: 2 - Daniel De La Rosa d. Alex Ackerman, 11-7, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7 in the Red Swain Memorial
Smallest margin of victory 3 game match: 6 - Mike Harmon d. Shai Manzuri, 11-9, 14-12, 13-11, at the US Open

Waselenchuk loses once & then wins out

Kane Waselenchuk, once again finished on top of the IRT standings, although for the first time since 2009, he lost a completed match. But that happened in the first tournament of the season, when Jose Rojas defeated him in the semi-finals of the Ghost of Georgetown tournament.

However, Waselenchuk won all of his other matches, although he did miss two events after the US Open due to injury. Injuries were the only way that Waselenchuk lost over the previous four seasons, and we fully expect him to be dominant again this season.

Waselenchuk's skill level is unquestionable. The real question is what the other players' skill levels are at.

Are the other players are getting worse?

Some results suggest that the rest of the field may have taken a step backwards last season, as in 2012-13, 20 players reached the quarterfinals or better, but only 12 players did so last season. There was one more event in 2012-13 versus 2013-14, so one more opportunity to reach the quarters, but that still seems like a significant decrease.

Further, if we look at qualifier wins - these are wins by a player who qualified for the Round of 16 by playing in at least the Round of 32 and possibly higher - the evidence is also troubling, as only nine times did a player who qualified for the Round of 16 advance past that round. Five players accounted for the nine times: Jansen Allen (three times), Marco Rojas and Charlie Pratt (both twice), once each by David Horn and veteran Cliff Swain, who isn't someone that is going to play a large part in the future of the IRT.

But perhaps the issue is not that the younger players haven't improved themselves, but rather than established players have stepped up their skills, so that these results are due to a concentration of excellence at the top rather than a reduction of excellence in the next level of players.

Some players have improved

Daniel De La Rosa is one example of a player who has stepped up his level of play, as he raised his ranking from 9th at the end of 2012-13 to 5th last season. Furthermore, Alvaro Beltran won an IRT event for the first time in his long career, which help him finish tied for 2nd with Rocky Carson.

Also, both Jansen Allen and Marco Rojas finished in the top 10 of the season ending rankings last year with Allen rising from 17th the year before to 9th and Rojas going up from 13th to 10th.

Clearly, some players are raising their game.

Moreover, two seasons ago 14 players reached the quarterfinals or better, which is approximately what the figure was last season (12), so maybe the 2012-13 number of 20 doing so is the outlier that we shouldn't worry about.

Certainly with a 17 tournament schedule there will be plenty of opportunities for young players to demonstrate that they are improving their skills. And we'll happily relate their progress this season to you here at The Racquetball Blog.

Follow the bouncing ball....

Tisinger & Carson win 3 Wallball World Championships

Janel Tisinger defeated Jessica Parrilla, 15-10, 15-10, to win the final of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) final at the 3 Wallball World Championships in Las Vegas, as Tisinger once again made the argument for being the best women's outdoor racquetball player.

In women's doubles, Michelle Key and Rhonda Rajsich beat Parrilla and Jackie Paraiso, 15-14, 12-15, 11-4. Earlier in the semi-finals, Key and Rajsich defeated Tisinger and Aimee Ruiz.

Rocky Carson continues to be the dominant outdoor men's racquetball player, winning Men's Singles by defeating Daniel De La Rosa, 12-15, 15-4, 15-2, and Men's Doubles with partner Alvaro Beltran by beating Greg Solis and Robert Sostre, 15-8, 10-15, 11-6.

2014 3 Wallball World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada

Women's Pro

Singles - Final

Janel Tisinger d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-10, 15-10

Doubles - Final

Michelle Key & Rhonda Rajsich d. Jackie Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla, 15-14, 12-15, 11-4

Men's Pro

Singles - Final

Rocky Carson d. Daniel De La Rosa, 12-15, 15-4, 11-2

Doubles - Semi-finals

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. Daniel De La Rosa & Joe Young, 15-8, 13-15, 11-2
Greg Solis & Robert Sostre v. Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz, 15-7, 11-15, 11-1

Doubles - Final

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. Greg Solis & Robert Sostre, 15-8, 10-15, 11-6

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 3 Wallball World Championships - Singles Semi-finals

Jessica Parrilla will play Janel Tisinger in the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) final of the 3 Wallball World Championships in Las Vegas, as Parrilla defeated Michelle Key in the semi-finals, 15-12, 15-8, and Tisinger beat Jackie Paraiso, 15-8, 12-15, 11-4.

On the men's side, it'll be 1 v. 3, as top seed Rocky Carson and 3rd seed Daniel De La Rosa will face off in the men's pro final. Carson beat Charlie Pratt in one semi-final, 15-10, 15-4, and De La Rosa defeated Alvaro Beltran, 14-15, 15-4, 11-3.

The finals can be seen live from Las Vegas via the Ektelon TV network.

2014 3 Wallball World Championships
Las Vegas

Women's Pro

Singles - Semi-finals

Janel Tisinger d. Jackie Paraiso, 15-8, 12-15, 11-4
Jessica Parrilla d. Michelle Key, 15-12, 15-8

Singles - Final

Janel Tisinger v. Jessica Parrilla - Noon Sunday MDT

Doubles - Final

Jackie Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla v. Michelle Key & Rhonda Rajsich - 11 AM Sunday MDT

Men's Pro

Singles - Semi-finals

Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 15-10, 15-4
Daniel De La Rosa d. Alvaro Beltran, 14-15, 15-4, 11-3

Singles - Final

Rocky Carson v. Daniel De La Rosa - Noon Sunday PDT

Doubles - Quarterfinals

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. Bret Harnett & Rick Koll, 15-10, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa & Joe Young d. Scott Davis & Craig Lane, 15-3, 15-4

Greg Solis & Robert Sostre d. Cliff Swain & Josh Tucker, 15-11, 15-8
Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz d. Brian Pineda & Chris Mcdonald, 8-15, 15-12, 11-6

Doubles - Semi-finals

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. Daniel De La Rosa & Joe Young, 15-8, 13-15, 11-2
Greg Solis & Robert Sostre v. Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz - Sunday

Doubles - Final

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. Greg Solis & Robert Sostre or Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz - Sunday 1 PM MDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2014 3 Wallball World Championships - Quarterfinals & Semi-finals

The 3 Wallball World Championships are happening in Las Vegas this weekend, and some notable racquetball competition is going on. The tournament is a Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) satellite event.

There was a big upset in that division, as Jessica Parrilla defeated Rhonda Rajsich, 15-12, 15-3, in the quarterfinals on Friday. Parrilla will play Michelle Key in the semi-finals Saturday, as Key beat Luisa Santillan, 15-3, 15-9, in the quarters.

On the top side, Janel Tisinger and Jackie Paraiso will face off in the semis after winning their respective quarterfinal matches. Tisinger beat Linda Tyler (neé Scales), 15-10, 15-8, and Paraiso defeated Cecilia Orozco, 15-9, 15-14.

In women's doubles, Paraiso and Parrilla have teamed up and they defeated Celeste & Mary Schoumaker, 15-11, 15-4, in one semi-final, while Key and Rajsich beat USA indoor champions Aimee Ruiz and Tisinger, 15-3, 15-8.

In the men's quarterfinals, top seed Rocky Carson defeated Roland Keller, 15-4, 15-0, and will play Charlie Pratt in the semis, as Pratt beat Greg Solis, 15-8, 15-12.

On the bottom of the draw, 2nd seed Alvaro Beltran defeated Daeyong Kwon, 15-7, 15-9, and Daniel De La Rosa beat Andree Parrilla, 15-12, 15-11, to set up an all Mexican semi-final.

Beltran and De La Rosa will also be facing off in doubles, as Beltran and Carson will play De La Rosa and Joe Young in one doubles semi-final. The other will be 3rd seeds Greg Solis and Robert Sostre versus either 2nd Brian Pineda and Chris Mcdonald or Brandon Davis and Jesus Ustarroz.

The competition is being live streamed from Las Vegas via the Ektelon TV network.

2014 3 Wallball World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada

Women's Pro

Singles - Quarterfinals

Janel Tisinger d. Linda Tyler, 15-10, 15-8
Jackie Paraiso d. Cecilia Orozco, 15-9, 15-14

Jessica Parrilla d. Rhonda Rajsich, 15-12, 15-3
Michelle Key d. Luisa Santillan, 15-3, 15-9

Singles - Semi-finals

Janel Tisinger v. Jackie Paraiso
Michelle Key v. Jessica Parrilla

Doubles - Semi-finals

Jackie Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla d. Celeste & Mary Schoumaker, 15-11, 15-4
Michelle Key & Rhonda Rajsich d. Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger, 15-3, 15-8

Doubles - Final

Jackie Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla v. Michelle Key & Rhonda Rajsich

Men's Pro

Singles - Quarterfinals

Rocky Carson d. Roland Keller, 15-4, 15-0
Charlie Pratt d. Greg Solis, 15-8, 15-12

Daniel De La Rosa d. Andree Parrilla, 15-12, 15-11
Alvaro Beltran d. Daeyong Kwon, 15-7, 15-9

Singles - Semi-finals

Rocky Carson v. Charlie Pratt
Alvaro Beltran v. Daniel De La Rosa

Doubles - Quarterfinals

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. Bret Harnett & Rick Koll, 15-10, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa & Joe Young d. Scott Davis & Craig Lane, 15-3, 15-4

Greg Solis & Robert Sostre d. Cliff Swain & Josh Tucker, 15-11, 15-8
Brian Pineda & Chris Mcdonald v. Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz

Doubles - Semi-finals

Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. Daniel De La Rosa & Joe Young
Greg Solis & Robert Sostre v. Brian Pineda & Chris Mcdonald or Brandon Davis & Jesus Ustarroz

Follow the bouncing ball….

Bredenback & Knoth win doubles at WRT 2014 Port City Shootout

Jake Bredenbeck and Taylor Knoth won the Men's Doubles division at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Port City Shootout in Stockton, California on the weekend, as they beat Sebastian Franco and David Horn in the final.

Both finalists had to play tie-breakers in the semi-finals to get to the final. Franco and Horn, the top seeds in the tournament, had a narrow victory over Bolivians Kadim Carresco and Roland Keller, 6-15, 15-11, 11-9, in one semi while second seeded Jake Bredenbeck and Taylor Knoth needed a third game to fend off third seeds Danny Lavely and Jaime Martell, 15-11, 13-15, 11-4.

The next WRT event is the Chicago Open in Lombard, Illinois October 3-5.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Men's Doubles (with seedings)

Final

2) Jake Bredenbeck & Taylor Knoth d. 1) Sebastian Franco & David Horn

Semi-finals

1) Sebastian Franco & David Horn d. 4) Kadim Carresco & Roland Keller, 6-15, 15-11, 11-9
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Taylor Knoth d. 3) Danny Lavely & Jaime Martell, 15-11, 13-15, 11-4

Quarterfinals

1) Sebastian Franco & David Horn d. 9) Mauro Rojas & Sawyer Lloyd, 15-6, 15-5
4) Kadim Carresco & Roland Keller d. 5) Robert Collins & Coby Iwaasa, 8-15, 15-12, 11-2

3) Danny Lavely & Jaime Martell d. 6) Jose Diaz & Marc Rojas, 15-4, 7-15, 11-6
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Taylor Knoth d. 7) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Cristian Longoria, 15-13, 15-7

Round of 16

1) Sebastian Franco & David Horn - BYE
9) Mauro Rojas & Sawyer Lloyd d. 8) Rodrigo Salgado Jr. & Francisco Troncoso, 15-5, 15-3

5) Robert Collins & Coby Iwaasa - BYE
4) Kadim Carresco & Roland Keller - BYE

3) Danny Lavely & Jaime Martell - BYE
6) Jose Diaz & Marc Rojas - BYE

7) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Cristian Longoria - BYE
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Taylor Knoth - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

Rojas wins WRT 2014 Port City Shootout

Marco Rojas defeated Jose Diaz in the final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Port City Shootout in Stockton, California Sunday in what was a battle of two hometown players, who are friends and have grown up with each other. Rojas and Diaz also played doubles in the tournament, but lost in the quarterfinals.

The next WRT event is the Chicago Open in Lombard, Illinois October 3-5.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Final

Marco Rojas d. Jose Diaz

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2014 Port City Shootout - Semi-finals

There will be a hometown final Sunday at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Port City Shootout in Stockton, California, as Marco Rojas and Jose Diaz won their respective semi-final matches Saturday night, although both needed tie-breakers to advance.

Rojas beat Jake Bredenbeck, 15-7, 15-14, 11-1, in one semi-final with Diaz defeating David Horn, 13-15, 15-9, 11-4, in the other.

Horn was down 7-0 in the tie-breaker, when he took an injury time out, as he seemed to be suffering with a leg or lower back injury. He did continue, and scored three straight points immediately after the resumption of play.

But it wasn't enough as Diaz continued to apply pressure to Horn with strong drive serves and solid follow up shots.

The final will be Sunday at noon PDT and it can be viewed via the Gearbox website.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Semi-finals - Saturday

21) Jose Diaz d. 1) David Horn, 13-15, 15-9, 11-4
22) Marco Rojas d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-7, 14-15, 11-1

Final - Sunday

21) Jose Diaz v. 22) Marco Rojas - Noon PDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2014 Port City Shootout - Quarterfinals

Jake Bredenbeck continues to impress, as he won his quarterfinal match at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Port City Shootout in Stockton, California in two straight games, defeating Taylor Knoth, 15-6, 15-7. The win puts Bredenbeck in the semi-finals Saturday evening against Marco Rojas, who was a 15-8, 15-6 winner against Kadim Carrasco.

In the other quarterfinal matches top seed David Horn squeaked out a win against Sebastian Franco, 11-15, 15-12, 11-10, and Jose Diaz defeated Danny Lavely, 15-4, 15-7, to set up an all Stockton semi-final.

The semi-finals will begin at 5 PM, and the final will be Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the Gearbox website.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Quarterfinals

1) David Horn d. 9) Sebastian Franco, 11-15, 15-12, 11-10
21) Jose Diaz d. 13) Danny Lavely, 15-4, 15-7

22) Marco Rojas d. 14) Kadim Carresco, 15-8, 15-6
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 23) Taylor Knoth, 15-6, 15-7

Semi-finals - Saturday

1) David Horn v. 21) Jose Diaz - 6 PM PDT
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 22) Marco Rojas - 5 PM PDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2014 Port City Shootout - Round of 16

Going by the seedings, six out of eight matches in the Round of 16 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Port City Shootout in Stockton, California on Friday night, as only #1 seed David Horn and #2 seed Jake Bredenbeck won their matches. All the other higher seeds lost in the quarters.

But some of those lower seeded players are so simply because they have not played many WRT tournaments. Players such as 23rd seed Taylor Knoth who beat 7th seed Francisco Troncoso, 15-11, 15-4, and will play Bredenbeck in the quarters on Saturday.

Jose Diaz also won again, although he beat Coby Iwaasa by the smallest of margins, 14-15, 15-12, 11-10. Diaz will next play Danny Lavely, as Lavely beat 4th seed Gerardo Guevara, 15-2, 15-6.

Also winning Friday were Marco Rojas, seeded 22nd, who was a winner against 6th seed Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-5, 15-2, and Kadim Carrasco, who beat 3rd seed Jaime Martell, 15-7, 15-11. Rojas and Carrasco will play each other in the quarters.

The quarterfinals and semi-finals are on Saturday beginning at 10 AM and 5 PM respectively, and the final will be Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the Gearbox website.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Round of 16

1) David Horn d. 16) Mauro Rojas, 15-5, 15-8
9) Sebastian Franco d. 8) Cristian Longoria, 15-4, 15-14

21) Jose Diaz d. 5) Coby Iwaasa, 14-15, 15-12, 11-10
13) Danny Lavely d. 4) Gerardo Guevara, 15-2, 15-6

14) Kadim Carresco d. 3) Jaime Martell, 15-7, 15-11
22) Marco Rojas d. 6) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-5, 15-2

23) Taylor Knoth d. 7) Francisco Troncoso, 15-11, 15-4
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 15) Daeyong Kwon, 15-8, 15-8

Quarterfinals

1) David Horn v. 9) Sebastian Franco
13) Danny Lavely v. 21) Jose Diaz

14) Kadim Carresco v. 22) Marco Rojas
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 23) Taylor Knoth

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2014 Port City Shootout - Round of 32

The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) is action again this weekend, as the Port City Shootout is happening in Stockton, California. The Rounds of 32 and 16 are happening today, and we've got the results from the 32s below. The 16s will happen this evening with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday.

The 32s have all been won in two straight games with no real upsets, although it may look that way from the seedings. However, some players are lower seeded that you'd expect due to lack of WRT results.

Thus, 23rd seed Taylor Knoth beating 10th seed Robert Collins, 15-2, 15-9, looks like a big upset, but Knoth has played few, if any, WRT events, but is a former World Junior Champion.

Similarly, Jose Diaz's win over Rodrigo Salgado Jr., 15-7, 15-5, isn't a surprise, although Diaz was seeded 21st and Salgado 12th. Diaz will face 5th seed Coby Iwaasa in the Round of 16 Friday night.

The Round of 16 will be Friday evening with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the Gearbox website.

2014 WRT Port City Shootout
Stockton, California

Round of 32

1) David Horn - BYE
16) Mauro Rojas d. 17) Sawyer Lloyd, 15-9, 15-2

9) Sebastian Franco d. 24) Wilden Espinoza, 15-4, 15-9
8) Cristian Longoria - BYE

5) Coby Iwaasa - BYE
21) Jose Diaz d. Rodrigo Salgado Jr., 15-7, 15-5

13) Danny Lavely d. 20) Dima Wert, 15-5, 15-2
4) Gerardo Guevara - BYE

3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Kadim Carresco d. 19) Ismael Aldana Jr., forfeit

22) Marco Rojas d. 22) Roland Keller, 15-1, 15-6
6) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE

7) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
23) Taylor Knoth d. 10) Robert Collins, 15-2, 15-9

15) Daeyong Kwon d. 18) Jimmy Oliver, 15-5, 15-3
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Round of 16

1) David Horn v. 16) Mauro Rojas
8) Cristian Longoria v. 9) Sebastian Franco

5) Coby Iwaasa v. 21) Jose Diaz
4) Gerardo Guevara v. 13) Danny Lavely

3) Jaime Martell v. 14) Kadim Carresco
6) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 22) Marco Rojas

7) Francisco Troncoso v. 23) Taylor Knoth
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 15) Daeyong Kwon

Follow the bouncing ball….