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….