Top seed Polo Gutierrez will play 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona Sunday in the final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California, as they won their respective semi-final matches Saturday night. But it was Gutierrez who had the tougher time of it, as he needed a tie-breaker to overcome 4th seed David Horn, 14-15, 15-14, 11-6, while Cardona defeated 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck 15-6, 15-7.
Cardona controlled his semi, which was a battle of two power players. Bredenbeck tried to overpower Cardona, but simply couldn’t do it Saturday.
Gutierrez versus Horn was more a battle of control versus power, although Gutierrez drove serve for most of the match, when he typically hits half lob serves. Gutierrez started out that way in game one, but found himself down 7-2 to Horn, and made the switch to drive serves.
He got back in game one, tying the game at 9-9. From there they were back and forth, and neither player led by more than one with Horn eventually winning 15-14.
Curiously, some unpleasant words were exchanged after a rally when Horn led 13-12. It was unclear what brought that on or which of the players was the one initially upset. But the referee did step in and cooler heads prevailed.
Game two was close all the way. From 8-8 on they were never separated by more than two points. Horn got to 14 first, leading 14-13. He had two chances to end the match, but failed to convert them, as Gutierrez made winning shots on both rallies.
The match points saved, Gutierrez was able to score the last two points necessary to force a third game.
In the third game, they scored in bunches early. Gutierrez went up 4-0. Horn responded to lead 5-4. Gutierrez regained the lead at 7-5. From there, Gutierrez held Horn to one point while he scored the remaining four to take the match and advance to the final.
Horn hit many good shots in the match, but too many of his shots came into the middle, which gave Gutierrez opportunities to put the ball away. Doing that against an accurate player like Gutierrez is eventually going to lead to a loss.
A case in point was the last rally of the match. Gutierrez drove serve to the left. Horn’s return came into the middle and Gutierrez was able to pinch the ball into the front right corner. Horn appealed for a hinder on the play, which was denied, and that seemed to be correct call. The problem with the rally for Horn wasn’t not getting a hinder. It was that his return was loose, into the middle, where Gutierrez took advantage of it.
The final is Sunday at noon PST, and you can watch it live via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Semi-finals
1) Polo Gutierrez d. 4) David Horn, 14-15, 15-14, 11-6
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 3) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-7
Final
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 2) Alejandro Cardona
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison, 15-5, 15-3
2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado d. 3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-7, 15-14
Doubles - Final
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Waselenchuk wins IRT Florida Pro-Am
Kane Waselenchuk defeated Rocky Carson to win the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida, 11-8, 11-8, 14-12, and with the win could re-take the #1 IRT ranking from Carson. Despite being a straight game match, the match was hard fought, and afterwards Waselenchuk said “that was the best I’ve seen Rocky play me in awhile.”
Indeed, Carson served very well in the final, as he did in the semi-final against Daniel De La Rosa. Unofficially, we have Carson with more ace serves than Waselenchuk, which few would have predicted.
“Rocky was serving great today,” said Waselenchuk, adding “my [drive] serve wasn’t an advantage today.” That feeling may explain why Waselenchuk lob served so much during the match, typically high lobs to the right hand side - Carson’s forehand.
Carson’s serving was one of the reasons he had a lead in all three games of the final. Carson drove serve to the right side - Waselenchuk’s backhand - almost exclusively, and did so even on second serve. We didn’t see any of Carson’s patented z serves to the left side, which also few would have predicted.
Overall, it was a streaky match, as both players scored points in bunches. Waselenchuk got the head start in game one, taking a 4-0 advantage. But Carson scored eight of the next nine points to lead 8-5. However, Waselenchuk got the serve back with a second serve return, and scored seven unanswered points - during which Carson only served twice - and won game one 11-8.
In game two, Waselenchuk’s comeback was even bigger, as Carson led 7-0, only to have Waselenchuk win it 11–8. Several of those points came from Carson errors, but Waselenchuk forced some of those errors.
After they were close early in game three, and tied at 4-4, Carson took a 10-6 lead, and it looked like at least a fourth game was in the cards. However, Waselenchuk had other ideas, as he ran five points to get a match point opportunity at 11-10.
Carson denied that opportunity with a backhand cross court. He tied the game with a forehand rekill, and then got his second game point opportunity with a forehand pinch. But Waselenchuk denied that opportunity at the end of long rally with a soft forehand pinch shot.
Waselenchuk tied it 12-12, then they traded sideouts. Serving at 12-12 for a second time, Waselenchuk scored two straight points with drive serves to the right. He ended the match with a backhand pinch winner.
The victory is Waselenchuk’s sixth of the 2014-15 IRT season. Carson’s won three times, and De La Rosa once.
The next IRT event will be the 30th Annual Shamrock Shootout in Lombard, Illinois March 12-15.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Final (with seeding)
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 1 Rocky Carson, 11-8, 11-8, 14-12
Follow the bouncing ball….
Indeed, Carson served very well in the final, as he did in the semi-final against Daniel De La Rosa. Unofficially, we have Carson with more ace serves than Waselenchuk, which few would have predicted.
“Rocky was serving great today,” said Waselenchuk, adding “my [drive] serve wasn’t an advantage today.” That feeling may explain why Waselenchuk lob served so much during the match, typically high lobs to the right hand side - Carson’s forehand.
Carson’s serving was one of the reasons he had a lead in all three games of the final. Carson drove serve to the right side - Waselenchuk’s backhand - almost exclusively, and did so even on second serve. We didn’t see any of Carson’s patented z serves to the left side, which also few would have predicted.
Overall, it was a streaky match, as both players scored points in bunches. Waselenchuk got the head start in game one, taking a 4-0 advantage. But Carson scored eight of the next nine points to lead 8-5. However, Waselenchuk got the serve back with a second serve return, and scored seven unanswered points - during which Carson only served twice - and won game one 11-8.
In game two, Waselenchuk’s comeback was even bigger, as Carson led 7-0, only to have Waselenchuk win it 11–8. Several of those points came from Carson errors, but Waselenchuk forced some of those errors.
After they were close early in game three, and tied at 4-4, Carson took a 10-6 lead, and it looked like at least a fourth game was in the cards. However, Waselenchuk had other ideas, as he ran five points to get a match point opportunity at 11-10.
Carson denied that opportunity with a backhand cross court. He tied the game with a forehand rekill, and then got his second game point opportunity with a forehand pinch. But Waselenchuk denied that opportunity at the end of long rally with a soft forehand pinch shot.
Waselenchuk tied it 12-12, then they traded sideouts. Serving at 12-12 for a second time, Waselenchuk scored two straight points with drive serves to the right. He ended the match with a backhand pinch winner.
The victory is Waselenchuk’s sixth of the 2014-15 IRT season. Carson’s won three times, and De La Rosa once.
The next IRT event will be the 30th Annual Shamrock Shootout in Lombard, Illinois March 12-15.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Final (with seeding)
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 1 Rocky Carson, 11-8, 11-8, 14-12
Follow the bouncing ball….
Top 4 seeds into semi-finals at WRT Pleasanton Open
The top four seeds will face off Saturday night in the semi-finals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California. Top seed Polo Gutierrez defeated 9th seed Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-9. Gutierrez will play 4th seed David Horn in the semis, as Horn beat Mario Mercado, the 12th seed, 9-15, 15-6, 11-6.
On the bottom of the draw, it’s 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona against 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck in the other semi-final. Cardona defeated Danny Lavely, 15-8, 15-4, and Bredenbeck beat Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-13, 15-8.
Both the semi-finals are Saturday evening in singles and doubles with the final on Sunday at noon PST. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Quarterfinals
1) Polo Gutierrez d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-9
4) David Horn d. 12) Mario Mercado, 9-15, 15-6, 11-6
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 11) Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-13, 15-8
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 7) Danny Lavely, 15-8, 15-4
Semi-finals
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 4) David Horn - 6 PM PST
2) Alejandro Cardona v. 3) Jake Bredenbeck - 5 PM PST
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. Tim Annear & Brian Klee, 15-6, 15-4
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison d. 4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso, 15-5, 15-14
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-10, 15-6
2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado d. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura, 15-4, 15-11
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison - 7 PM PST
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado - 7 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball….
On the bottom of the draw, it’s 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona against 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck in the other semi-final. Cardona defeated Danny Lavely, 15-8, 15-4, and Bredenbeck beat Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-13, 15-8.
Both the semi-finals are Saturday evening in singles and doubles with the final on Sunday at noon PST. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Quarterfinals
1) Polo Gutierrez d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-9
4) David Horn d. 12) Mario Mercado, 9-15, 15-6, 11-6
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 11) Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-13, 15-8
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 7) Danny Lavely, 15-8, 15-4
Semi-finals
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 4) David Horn - 6 PM PST
2) Alejandro Cardona v. 3) Jake Bredenbeck - 5 PM PST
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. Tim Annear & Brian Klee, 15-6, 15-4
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison d. 4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso, 15-5, 15-14
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-10, 15-6
2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado d. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura, 15-4, 15-11
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison - 7 PM PST
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 2) Alexi David Cocco Haynes & Mario Mercado - 7 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball….
Carson & Waselenchuk to meet in IRT Florida Pro-Am final
Rocky Carson - the #1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) player has booked his place in the final of the Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida, with a win over IRT #4 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-7, 11-2, 8-11, 12-10, in the semi-finals. Carson will play IRT #2 Kane Waselenchuk in the final Saturday night.
Carson and De La Rosa were close all the way in game one, and tied at 7-7. Then Carson won the next four points, ending it with a backhand reverse pinch from deep. Carson also had two aces in the game. He served well through the match, and had eight aces in all.
Game two was all Carson, as he quickly went out to a 10—1 lead. He stalled there some, as De La Rosa dug in his heels and Carson didn’t close it out until the seventh game point. After that the match outcome didn’t seem in doubt.
But De La Rosa must have taken some momentum from the end of game two, as he led for most of game three, including a 9-6 advantage. Carson made it close late with two aces that cut De La Rosa’s lead to 9-8.
However, De La Rosa got the serve back with a backhand winner, and then hit two winners to end the game 11–8.
In game four, the players were close all the way. Carson did pull ahead when he made it 7-3. De La Rosa did cut the lead to one point at 7-6 and 8-7, but Carson got to 10 first, leading 10-7. However, Carson didn’t convert the first three match points, and then De La Rosa scored two to tie the game at 10-10.
It looked like a tie-breaker was going to be necessary. However, Carson regained the serve, and then scored two consecutive points to win the game and end the match.
In the other semi-final, Waselenchuk defeated Alvaro Beltran in the other semii-final, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2,11-0, to create a Carson-Waselenchuk showdown in the final for the second consecutive year.
Beltran started the match well, going out to a 5-0 lead in game one. Waselenchuk then went on a streak of his own that made the score 6-5. But again momentum shifted again, as Beltran went on another run to make the score 10-6. However, Beltran couldn’t close out the first game, as Waselenchuk came back again to win the game.
How would the match have turned out differently if Beltran had won the first game?
Beltran did win game two, but then Waselenchuk stepped it up, and won game three and four comfortably to set up yet another showdown with Carson.
The IRT Network will carry both semi-finals live over the web beginning Saturday 11 AM EST. Note: the final will be at 7 PM EST Saturday night.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. 4 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-7, 11-2, 8-11, 12-10
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2, 11-0
Final (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. 2 Kane Waselenchuk - 7 PM EST Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball….
Carson and De La Rosa were close all the way in game one, and tied at 7-7. Then Carson won the next four points, ending it with a backhand reverse pinch from deep. Carson also had two aces in the game. He served well through the match, and had eight aces in all.
Game two was all Carson, as he quickly went out to a 10—1 lead. He stalled there some, as De La Rosa dug in his heels and Carson didn’t close it out until the seventh game point. After that the match outcome didn’t seem in doubt.
But De La Rosa must have taken some momentum from the end of game two, as he led for most of game three, including a 9-6 advantage. Carson made it close late with two aces that cut De La Rosa’s lead to 9-8.
However, De La Rosa got the serve back with a backhand winner, and then hit two winners to end the game 11–8.
In game four, the players were close all the way. Carson did pull ahead when he made it 7-3. De La Rosa did cut the lead to one point at 7-6 and 8-7, but Carson got to 10 first, leading 10-7. However, Carson didn’t convert the first three match points, and then De La Rosa scored two to tie the game at 10-10.
It looked like a tie-breaker was going to be necessary. However, Carson regained the serve, and then scored two consecutive points to win the game and end the match.
In the other semi-final, Waselenchuk defeated Alvaro Beltran in the other semii-final, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2,11-0, to create a Carson-Waselenchuk showdown in the final for the second consecutive year.
Beltran started the match well, going out to a 5-0 lead in game one. Waselenchuk then went on a streak of his own that made the score 6-5. But again momentum shifted again, as Beltran went on another run to make the score 10-6. However, Beltran couldn’t close out the first game, as Waselenchuk came back again to win the game.
How would the match have turned out differently if Beltran had won the first game?
Beltran did win game two, but then Waselenchuk stepped it up, and won game three and four comfortably to set up yet another showdown with Carson.
The IRT Network will carry both semi-finals live over the web beginning Saturday 11 AM EST. Note: the final will be at 7 PM EST Saturday night.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. 4 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-7, 11-2, 8-11, 12-10
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 12-10, 6-11, 11-2, 11-0
Final (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. 2 Kane Waselenchuk - 7 PM EST Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball….
Mercado upsets Herrera in Round of 16 at WRT Pleasanton Open
Mario Mercado, current World Junior U18 Champion, upset 5th seed Anthony Herrera, 15-6, 6-15, 11-4, in the Round of 16 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California Friday. Mercado, the 12th seed, will play 4th seed David Horn, who’s Herrera’s doubles partner, in the quarterfinals Saturday, as Horn beat Felipe Muñoz, 15-7, 15-9, Friday.
One other upset in the 16s, as Francisco Troncoso won the 8/9 match against Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 6-15, 15-10, 11-7. Troncoso, the 9th seed, will play #1 seed Polo Gutierrez in the quarters. Gutierrez defeated Kenny Green Jr, 15-4, 15-1, in the 16s.
Both the quarterfinals and semi-finals are Saturday. The semis are at 5 PM and 6 PM PST with the final on Sunday at noon PST. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 16
1) Polo Gutierrez d. 16) Kenny Green Jr., 15-4, 15-1
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 6-15, 15-10, 11-7
12) Mario Mercado d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-6, 6-15, 11-4
4) David Horn v. 13) Felipe Muñoz, 15-7, 15-9
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-9, 15-5
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 27) Mauro Rojas, 15-12, 15-8
7) Danny Lavely v. 10) Daeyong Kwon, 15-7, 9-15, 11-10
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 15) Chase Robison, 15-5, 15-6
Quarterfinals
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 9) Francisco Troncoso - 1 PM
4) David Horn v. 12) Mario Mercado - Noon
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 11) Jose Daniel Ugalde - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona v. 7) Danny Lavely - 11 AM
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado v. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura
Follow the bouncing ball….
One other upset in the 16s, as Francisco Troncoso won the 8/9 match against Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 6-15, 15-10, 11-7. Troncoso, the 9th seed, will play #1 seed Polo Gutierrez in the quarters. Gutierrez defeated Kenny Green Jr, 15-4, 15-1, in the 16s.
Both the quarterfinals and semi-finals are Saturday. The semis are at 5 PM and 6 PM PST with the final on Sunday at noon PST. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 16
1) Polo Gutierrez d. 16) Kenny Green Jr., 15-4, 15-1
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 6-15, 15-10, 11-7
12) Mario Mercado d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-6, 6-15, 11-4
4) David Horn v. 13) Felipe Muñoz, 15-7, 15-9
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-9, 15-5
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 27) Mauro Rojas, 15-12, 15-8
7) Danny Lavely v. 10) Daeyong Kwon, 15-7, 9-15, 11-10
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 15) Chase Robison, 15-5, 15-6
Quarterfinals
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 9) Francisco Troncoso - 1 PM
4) David Horn v. 12) Mario Mercado - Noon
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 11) Jose Daniel Ugalde - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona v. 7) Danny Lavely - 11 AM
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado v. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, February 27, 2015
WRT 2015 Pleasanton Open Round of 32
The Round of 32 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California had few upsets Friday. The main one was caused by Jaime Martell having passport problems, and being unable to get to the tournament, which got Mauro Rojas a win. Martell was to play doubles with Mario Mercado, and we’re not sure what’s going to happen in that. They had a bye in the first round.
The Round of 16 is still in progress. The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 32
1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
16) Kenny Green Jr. d. 17) Junior Rodriguez, forfeit
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Jeff Stark, 15-12, 14-15, 11-9
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes d. 25) John Churchwell, 15-14, 14-15, 11-8
5) Anthony Herrera d. 28) Armando Villa, 15-2, 15-7
12) Mario Mercado d. 21) Miguel Rodriguez Jr, 15-14, 15-4
13) Felipe Muñoz d. 20) Stephen Wattz, 15-4, 15-9
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Alvarez d. 19) Fahd Abidi, 15-5, 15-1
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 22) Dima Wert, 15-3, 15-8
27) Mauro Rojas d. 6) Jaime Martell, forfeit
7) Danny Lavely d. 26) Kevin Alejandro Rios Hernandez, 15-2, 15-3
10) Daeyong Kwon d. 23) Amir Jabbari, 15-2, 15-3
15) Chase Robison d. 18) Kyle Severns, 15-10, 15-1
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
Round of 16
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 16) Kenny Green Jr.
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 9) Francisco Troncoso
5) Anthony Herrera v. 12) Mario Mercado
4) David Horn v. 13) Felipe Muñoz
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Alvarez
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 27) Mauro Rojas
7) Danny Lavely v. 10) Daeyong Kwon
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 15) Chase Robison
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE
Tim Annear & Brian Klee d. 8) Dima Wert & Stephen Waltz, 15-6, 15-3
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison d. 12) Claude Hagopian & Armando Villa, 15-5, 15-9
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 11) John Churchwell & Jeff Stark, 15-8, 13-15, 11-10
7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura d. Freddy Flores & Nick Irvine, 15-6, 14-15, 11-3
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado v. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura
Follow the bouncing ball….
The Round of 16 is still in progress. The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 32
1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
16) Kenny Green Jr. d. 17) Junior Rodriguez, forfeit
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Jeff Stark, 15-12, 14-15, 11-9
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes d. 25) John Churchwell, 15-14, 14-15, 11-8
5) Anthony Herrera d. 28) Armando Villa, 15-2, 15-7
12) Mario Mercado d. 21) Miguel Rodriguez Jr, 15-14, 15-4
13) Felipe Muñoz d. 20) Stephen Wattz, 15-4, 15-9
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Alvarez d. 19) Fahd Abidi, 15-5, 15-1
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 22) Dima Wert, 15-3, 15-8
27) Mauro Rojas d. 6) Jaime Martell, forfeit
7) Danny Lavely d. 26) Kevin Alejandro Rios Hernandez, 15-2, 15-3
10) Daeyong Kwon d. 23) Amir Jabbari, 15-2, 15-3
15) Chase Robison d. 18) Kyle Severns, 15-10, 15-1
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
Round of 16
1) Polo Gutierrez v. 16) Kenny Green Jr.
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 9) Francisco Troncoso
5) Anthony Herrera v. 12) Mario Mercado
4) David Horn v. 13) Felipe Muñoz
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Alvarez
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 27) Mauro Rojas
7) Danny Lavely v. 10) Daeyong Kwon
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 15) Chase Robison
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE
Tim Annear & Brian Klee d. 8) Dima Wert & Stephen Waltz, 15-6, 15-3
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison d. 12) Claude Hagopian & Armando Villa, 15-5, 15-9
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 11) John Churchwell & Jeff Stark, 15-8, 13-15, 11-10
7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura d. Freddy Flores & Nick Irvine, 15-6, 14-15, 11-3
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado v. 7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura
Follow the bouncing ball….
Top three seeds through to semi-finals at IRT Florida Pro-Am
The top two International Racquetball Tour (IRT) players - Rocky Carson and Kane Waselenchuk - won their quarterfinals matches at the Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida, although #1 Carson needed four games to defeat Charlie Pratt, 9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, while #2 Waselenchuk beat Jose Rojas in three straight games, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6. Thus, they remain on track to meet in the final for a second consecutive year. Waselenchuk won last year.
Pratt played well in game one versus Carson, but after winning it he took an injury time out, as apparently he and Carson knocked knees, and Pratt took the worse of it. When game two began, Pratt was lob serving, which he hadn’t done at all in game one. That change wasn’t successful, and eventually Pratt went back to drive serving.
Pratt got another opportunity in game three, when he ran four straight points to from 4-7 down to 8-7 up. But Carson called a timeout, and when play resumed he got a sideout. That led to four straight points and a 2-1 advantage.
Game four started slowly, as a point wasn’t scored until the eighth rally, when Carson hit an ace serve that he drove to the left (to Pratt’s backhand). Carson went up 4-0 and then 7-1. Pratt kept fighting, but couldn’t get closer than 8-4 before Carson finished the match.
In the semi-finals, Carson will play Daniel De La Rosa, a winner over Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2, while Waselenchuk faces Alvaro Beltran, who defeated Ben Croft in five games, 11-8, 2-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5.
Beltran didn’t use his typical straight lob along the right wall in the first three games against Croft, choosing instead to hit most drive serves, and especially drive z serves to the left side (Croft’s backhand). That went well in game one, but Croft played better in game two and three, so Beltran didn’t have much of a chance to serve in either of those games.
In game four, Beltran again was drive serving to both sides, as well as some z serves to the left, and he took a 7-0 lead doing so. Croft cut the lead to three at 8-5, but Beltran closed it out to force a fifth game.
Beltran pulled out the lob right early in game five, and took an early advantage at 3-2. On that ensuing rally, Beltran held up as Croft had hit a ball down the right side, and Beltran and the ball got to where Croft was before he could get out of the way. An avoidable was called, and seemed to the be the correct call.
But not in Croft’s opinion.
Croft questioned the call, and seemed to be off his game for the next few rallies. He then got a technical for hitting the ball violently after the rally, which wasn’t the first time he’d done that. That made the score 6-1 for Beltran.
Croft is never one to say die though, and he scored a few points to make it 7-4. But Beltran got a sideout then, and switched tactics. He hit lob serves from the right side of the service box to the left wall that kissed off the wall deep.
That serve got him three straight points - including two skipped returns by Croft - to put him on match point before Croft hit a winning return.
Beltran got the serve back at 10-5, and after a long rally with some good shots and gets by both players, he was able to win it with a backhand cross court shot off after the ball took a big bounce off the back wall into the front court.
In the last quarterfinal, De La Rosa defeated Allen in three straight games, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2, and looked comfortable doing it. But Allen did have a lead in game two at 6-3, so it looked for awhile like they would have an extended match. But De La Rosa caught him at 7-7, and then pushed on to game point at 10-7.
Allen made De La Rosa work for the last point, fighting off three game points and scoring a couple more points to narrow the gap to one at 10-9. But De La Rosa got the serve back after Allen hit a lob to the left on a second serve, and then De La Rosa hit a drive serve to the right side that was an ace to win the game.
Game three was like game one, and not close, as De La Rosa closed it out in three straight.
The IRT Network will carry both semi-finals live over the web beginning Saturday 11 AM EST. Note: the final will be at 7 PM EST Saturday night.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Quarterfinals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 5 Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2
3 Alvaro Beltran d. 6 Ben Croft, 11-8, 2-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 7 Jose Rojas, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. 4 Daniel De La Rosa - 11 AM EST
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 3 Alvaro Beltran - Noon EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
Pratt played well in game one versus Carson, but after winning it he took an injury time out, as apparently he and Carson knocked knees, and Pratt took the worse of it. When game two began, Pratt was lob serving, which he hadn’t done at all in game one. That change wasn’t successful, and eventually Pratt went back to drive serving.
Pratt got another opportunity in game three, when he ran four straight points to from 4-7 down to 8-7 up. But Carson called a timeout, and when play resumed he got a sideout. That led to four straight points and a 2-1 advantage.
Game four started slowly, as a point wasn’t scored until the eighth rally, when Carson hit an ace serve that he drove to the left (to Pratt’s backhand). Carson went up 4-0 and then 7-1. Pratt kept fighting, but couldn’t get closer than 8-4 before Carson finished the match.
In the semi-finals, Carson will play Daniel De La Rosa, a winner over Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2, while Waselenchuk faces Alvaro Beltran, who defeated Ben Croft in five games, 11-8, 2-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5.
Beltran didn’t use his typical straight lob along the right wall in the first three games against Croft, choosing instead to hit most drive serves, and especially drive z serves to the left side (Croft’s backhand). That went well in game one, but Croft played better in game two and three, so Beltran didn’t have much of a chance to serve in either of those games.
In game four, Beltran again was drive serving to both sides, as well as some z serves to the left, and he took a 7-0 lead doing so. Croft cut the lead to three at 8-5, but Beltran closed it out to force a fifth game.
Beltran pulled out the lob right early in game five, and took an early advantage at 3-2. On that ensuing rally, Beltran held up as Croft had hit a ball down the right side, and Beltran and the ball got to where Croft was before he could get out of the way. An avoidable was called, and seemed to the be the correct call.
But not in Croft’s opinion.
Croft questioned the call, and seemed to be off his game for the next few rallies. He then got a technical for hitting the ball violently after the rally, which wasn’t the first time he’d done that. That made the score 6-1 for Beltran.
Croft is never one to say die though, and he scored a few points to make it 7-4. But Beltran got a sideout then, and switched tactics. He hit lob serves from the right side of the service box to the left wall that kissed off the wall deep.
That serve got him three straight points - including two skipped returns by Croft - to put him on match point before Croft hit a winning return.
Beltran got the serve back at 10-5, and after a long rally with some good shots and gets by both players, he was able to win it with a backhand cross court shot off after the ball took a big bounce off the back wall into the front court.
In the last quarterfinal, De La Rosa defeated Allen in three straight games, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2, and looked comfortable doing it. But Allen did have a lead in game two at 6-3, so it looked for awhile like they would have an extended match. But De La Rosa caught him at 7-7, and then pushed on to game point at 10-7.
Allen made De La Rosa work for the last point, fighting off three game points and scoring a couple more points to narrow the gap to one at 10-9. But De La Rosa got the serve back after Allen hit a lob to the left on a second serve, and then De La Rosa hit a drive serve to the right side that was an ace to win the game.
Game three was like game one, and not close, as De La Rosa closed it out in three straight.
The IRT Network will carry both semi-finals live over the web beginning Saturday 11 AM EST. Note: the final will be at 7 PM EST Saturday night.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Quarterfinals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 5 Jansen Allen, 11-3, 11-9, 11-2
3 Alvaro Beltran d. 6 Ben Croft, 11-8, 2-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 7 Jose Rojas, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6
Semi-finals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. 4 Daniel De La Rosa - 11 AM EST
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 3 Alvaro Beltran - Noon EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
IRT Florida Pro-Am Round of 16
One upset in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida, as Charlie Pratt defeated 8th seed Marco Rojas in five games, 11-4, 12-10, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6. Pratt was ahead 2-0 only to see Rojas come back to force a fifth game. However, Pratt was able to hold him off and advance to the quarterfinals.
In the quarters, Pratt will play IRT #1 Rocky Carson, who defeated Noslen Jimenez Garcia in three straight games, 11-7, 11-2, 11-2. Jimenez dove several times in the match, and brought a high of level of energy to the match. However, after the first game, in which he was tied with Carson at 7-7, Carson was in control and won comfortably in the end.
Kane Waselenchuk, the defending champion in this event, also won comfortably, as he beat Felipe Camacho, 11-3, 11-0, 11-4. Waselenchuk will face Jose Rojas in the quarterfinals later today, as Rojas defeated Jose Diaz, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3, in the Round of 16.
IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran was a straight game winner against Alejandro Herrera, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9, although it looked like Herrera would force it past the three game minimum, especially in game two, when Herrera was up 9-8.
Ben Croft will be Beltran’s next opponent, as Croft beat Matthew Majxner, 12-10, 11-8, 11-4, in the 16s.
The IRT Network will carry all the quarterfinal action live over the web beginning on Friday afternoon at 4 PM EST.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. Noslen Jimenez Garcia, 11-7, 11-2, 11-2
Charlie Pratt d. 8 Marco Rojas, 11-4, 12-10, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6
5 Jansen Allen v. Robert Collins
4 Daniel De La Rosa d. Tim Landeryou, 11-2, 11-3, 11-6
3 Alvaro Beltran d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
6 Ben Croft d. Matthew Majxner, 12-10, 11-8, 11-4
7 Jose Rojas d. Jose Diaz, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-3, 11-0, 11-4
Quarterfinals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Charlie Pratt - 5 PM EST
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 5 Jansen Allen or Robert Collins - 7 PM EST
3 Alvaro Beltran v. 6 Ben Croft - 6 PM EST
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 7 Jose Rojas - 4 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
In the quarters, Pratt will play IRT #1 Rocky Carson, who defeated Noslen Jimenez Garcia in three straight games, 11-7, 11-2, 11-2. Jimenez dove several times in the match, and brought a high of level of energy to the match. However, after the first game, in which he was tied with Carson at 7-7, Carson was in control and won comfortably in the end.
Kane Waselenchuk, the defending champion in this event, also won comfortably, as he beat Felipe Camacho, 11-3, 11-0, 11-4. Waselenchuk will face Jose Rojas in the quarterfinals later today, as Rojas defeated Jose Diaz, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3, in the Round of 16.
IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran was a straight game winner against Alejandro Herrera, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9, although it looked like Herrera would force it past the three game minimum, especially in game two, when Herrera was up 9-8.
Ben Croft will be Beltran’s next opponent, as Croft beat Matthew Majxner, 12-10, 11-8, 11-4, in the 16s.
The IRT Network will carry all the quarterfinal action live over the web beginning on Friday afternoon at 4 PM EST.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson d. Noslen Jimenez Garcia, 11-7, 11-2, 11-2
Charlie Pratt d. 8 Marco Rojas, 11-4, 12-10, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6
5 Jansen Allen v. Robert Collins
4 Daniel De La Rosa d. Tim Landeryou, 11-2, 11-3, 11-6
3 Alvaro Beltran d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
6 Ben Croft d. Matthew Majxner, 12-10, 11-8, 11-4
7 Jose Rojas d. Jose Diaz, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. Felipe Camacho, 11-3, 11-0, 11-4
Quarterfinals (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Charlie Pratt - 5 PM EST
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 5 Jansen Allen or Robert Collins - 7 PM EST
3 Alvaro Beltran v. 6 Ben Croft - 6 PM EST
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 7 Jose Rojas - 4 PM EST
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, February 26, 2015
WRT 2015 Pleasanton Open - Preview
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) has the second of back to back events this weekend with the Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California. Polo Gutierrez is the #1 seed this weekend, coming off his win at the Mt Rainier Pro-Am last weekend in Seattle with last weekend’s runner up - Alejandro Cardona - the 2nd seed. It’s a strong field, similar to what we saw in Seattle.
As per usual, they are playing doubles in Pleasanton, and that field is more wide open, as the top three singles players are not playing doubles. Thus, top seeds Anthony Herrera and David Horn, who are the 5th and 4th seeds, respectively, in singles, should be the favorites to win doubles.
But there are at least two strong teams on the bottom of the draw in 2nd seeds Jaime Martell and Mario Mercado and 3rd seeded Ecuadoran team of Jose Daniel Alvarez and Jose Daniel Ugalde.
The Round of 32 will begin Friday morning with the Round of 16 to follow late Friday afternoon and evening. The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 32
1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
16) Kenny Green Jr. v. 17) Junior Rodriguez
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Jeff Stark
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 25) John Churchwell
5) Anthony Herrera v. 28) Armando Villa
12) Mario Mercado v. 21) Miguel Rodriguez Jr
13) Felipe Muñoz v. 20) Stephen Wattz
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Alvarez v. 19) Fahd Abidi
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 22) Dima Wert
6) Jaime Martell v. 27) Mauro Rojas
7) Danny Lavely v. 26) Kevin Alejandro Rios Hernandez
10) Daeyong Kwon v. 23) Amir Jabbari
15) Chase Robison v. 18) Kyle Severns
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
Doubles Round of 16
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE
8) Dima Wert & Stephen Waltz v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison v. 12) Claude Hagopian & Armando Villa
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 11) John Churchwell & Jeff Stark
7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura v. Freddy Flores & Nick Irvine
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
As per usual, they are playing doubles in Pleasanton, and that field is more wide open, as the top three singles players are not playing doubles. Thus, top seeds Anthony Herrera and David Horn, who are the 5th and 4th seeds, respectively, in singles, should be the favorites to win doubles.
But there are at least two strong teams on the bottom of the draw in 2nd seeds Jaime Martell and Mario Mercado and 3rd seeded Ecuadoran team of Jose Daniel Alvarez and Jose Daniel Ugalde.
The Round of 32 will begin Friday morning with the Round of 16 to follow late Friday afternoon and evening. The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. You should be able to watch the action live on Saturday and Sunday via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Pleasanton Open
Pleasanton, California
Round of 32
1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
16) Kenny Green Jr. v. 17) Junior Rodriguez
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Jeff Stark
8) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 25) John Churchwell
5) Anthony Herrera v. 28) Armando Villa
12) Mario Mercado v. 21) Miguel Rodriguez Jr
13) Felipe Muñoz v. 20) Stephen Wattz
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Alvarez v. 19) Fahd Abidi
11) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 22) Dima Wert
6) Jaime Martell v. 27) Mauro Rojas
7) Danny Lavely v. 26) Kevin Alejandro Rios Hernandez
10) Daeyong Kwon v. 23) Amir Jabbari
15) Chase Robison v. 18) Kyle Severns
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
Doubles Round of 16
1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE
8) Dima Wert & Stephen Waltz v. Tim Annear & Brian Klee
5) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison v. 12) Claude Hagopian & Armando Villa
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
3) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
6) Felipe Muñoz & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 11) John Churchwell & Jeff Stark
7) Dan Diodati & Ninja Nomura v. Freddy Flores & Nick Irvine
2) Jaime Martell & Mario Mercado - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
IRT Florida Pro-Am Preliminary Round Results
No real surprises so far in the qualifying rounds at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida. The 10th and 13th ranked both won their matches to move into the Round of 16 on Friday. Tenth ranked Charlie Pratt won in three straight games against Wesley Miller, but Miller did keep it close, losing 11-5, 11-9, 11-9.
Jose Diaz defeated Matt Fontana, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5, Thursday to create a Jose-Jose match in the 16s on Friday, as he’ll face Jose Rojas tomorrow.
One surprise win Thursday was pulled off by Cuban Noslen Jimenez Garcia who defeated Colombian Sebastian Franco, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7, and will now play IRT #1 Rocky Carson in the 16s Friday.
Also, as anticipated left hander Robert Collins and Floridian Mike Harmon had a barn-burner of a match with Collins coming out on top in five games, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9. He’ll play Jansen Allen, the 8th ranked IRT player, in the Round of 16 on Friday.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Friday morning.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Mike Isbell, 11-3, 11-0, 11-0
Sebastian Franco d. Roberto Leyes Jr, 11-5, 11-2, 12-10
Wesley Miller d. Andres Acuña, 1-11, 6-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-7
Mike Harmon d. Michael Andrew Barrett, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3
Destry Everhart d. Guy Coggins, 11-6, 11-3, 11-3
Teobaldo Fumero d. David Stincer, 11-3, 11-8, 11-2
Jose Ubilla d. Nick Hand, 11-6, 15-13, 11-5
Matt Fontana d. Jeremy Best, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3
Felipe Camacho d. Kevin Vazquez, 11-7, 11-4, 5-11, 11-7
Andres Ramirez d. Gabriel Garcia, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Preliminary Round 2
Q8: Noslen Jimenez Garcia d. Sebastian Franco, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Wesley Miller, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
Q4: Robert Collins d. Mike Harmon, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9
Q5: Tim Landeryou d. Destry Everhart, 11-5, 14-12 11-4
Q6: Alejandro Herrera d. Teobaldo Fumero, 4-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8
Q3: Matthew Majxner d. Jose Ubilla, 11-4, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5
Q2: Jose Diaz d. Matt Fontana, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
Q7: Felipe Camacho d. Andres Ramirez, 11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Noslen Jimenez Garcia
8 Marco Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
5 Jansen Allen v. Robert Collins
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Tim Landeryou
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Alejandro Herrera
6 Ben Croft v. Matthew Majxner
7) Jose Rojas v. Jose Diaz
2) Kane Waselenchuk v. Felipe Camacho
Follow the bouncing ball….
Jose Diaz defeated Matt Fontana, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5, Thursday to create a Jose-Jose match in the 16s on Friday, as he’ll face Jose Rojas tomorrow.
One surprise win Thursday was pulled off by Cuban Noslen Jimenez Garcia who defeated Colombian Sebastian Franco, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7, and will now play IRT #1 Rocky Carson in the 16s Friday.
Also, as anticipated left hander Robert Collins and Floridian Mike Harmon had a barn-burner of a match with Collins coming out on top in five games, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9. He’ll play Jansen Allen, the 8th ranked IRT player, in the Round of 16 on Friday.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Friday morning.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Nolsen Jimenez Garcia d. Mike Isbell, 11-3, 11-0, 11-0
Sebastian Franco d. Roberto Leyes Jr, 11-5, 11-2, 12-10
Wesley Miller d. Andres Acuña, 1-11, 6-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-7
Mike Harmon d. Michael Andrew Barrett, 11-2, 11-1, 11-3
Destry Everhart d. Guy Coggins, 11-6, 11-3, 11-3
Teobaldo Fumero d. David Stincer, 11-3, 11-8, 11-2
Jose Ubilla d. Nick Hand, 11-6, 15-13, 11-5
Matt Fontana d. Jeremy Best, 11-5, 11-9, 11-3
Felipe Camacho d. Kevin Vazquez, 11-7, 11-4, 5-11, 11-7
Andres Ramirez d. Gabriel Garcia, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
Preliminary Round 2
Q8: Noslen Jimenez Garcia d. Sebastian Franco, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7
Q1: Charlie Pratt d. Wesley Miller, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
Q4: Robert Collins d. Mike Harmon, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9
Q5: Tim Landeryou d. Destry Everhart, 11-5, 14-12 11-4
Q6: Alejandro Herrera d. Teobaldo Fumero, 4-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8
Q3: Matthew Majxner d. Jose Ubilla, 11-4, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5
Q2: Jose Diaz d. Matt Fontana, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
Q7: Felipe Camacho d. Andres Ramirez, 11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Noslen Jimenez Garcia
8 Marco Rojas v. Charlie Pratt
5 Jansen Allen v. Robert Collins
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Tim Landeryou
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Alejandro Herrera
6 Ben Croft v. Matthew Majxner
7) Jose Rojas v. Jose Diaz
2) Kane Waselenchuk v. Felipe Camacho
Follow the bouncing ball….
IRT Florida Pro-Am Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) returns this weekend with the Florida Pro-Am in Sarasota, Florida. The top nine IRT players are in the draw, including #1 Rocky Carson and #2 Kane Waselenchuk. They were last year’s finalists in this event, when Waselenchuk defeated Carson in three games.
There are two rounds of qualifying Thursday to set up the Round of 16 on Friday. The most interesting qualifying match could be left hander Robert Collins versus Floridian Mike Harmon, although Harmon has to defeat Michael Andrew Barrett to set that up.
There’s a likely Jose-Jose battle in the Round of 16, if Jose Diaz makes it through qualifying, as he would then play Jose Rojas in the 16s in what would be a 209 showdown, because both Diaz and Rojas are from the Stockton, California, which has 209 as its area code.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Thursday afternoon.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Mike Isbell v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia
Sebastian Franco v. Roberto Leyes Jr
Wesley Miller v. Andres Acuña
Mike Harmon v. Michael Andrew Barrett
Destry Everhart v. Guy Coggins
David Stincer v. Teobaldo Fumero
Jose Ubilla v. Nick Hand
Matt Fontana v. Jeremy Best
Preliminary Round 2
Q8: Mike Isbell or Nolsen Jimenez Garcia v. Sebastian Franco or Roberto Leyes Jr
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Wesley Miller or Andres Acuña
Q4: Robert Collins v. Mike Harmon or Michael Andrew Barrett
Q5: Tim Landeryou v. Destry Everhart or Guy Coggins
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. David Stincer or Teobaldo Fumero
Q3: Matthew Majxner v. Jose Ubilla or Nick Hand
Q2: Jose Diaz v. Matt Fontana or Jeremy Best
Q7: Felipe Camacho or Kevin Vazquez v. Andres Ramirez or Gabriel Garcia
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Q8
8 Marco Rojas v. Q1
5 Jansen Allen v. Q4
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q5
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Q3
7 Jose Rojas v. Q2
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
There are two rounds of qualifying Thursday to set up the Round of 16 on Friday. The most interesting qualifying match could be left hander Robert Collins versus Floridian Mike Harmon, although Harmon has to defeat Michael Andrew Barrett to set that up.
There’s a likely Jose-Jose battle in the Round of 16, if Jose Diaz makes it through qualifying, as he would then play Jose Rojas in the 16s in what would be a 209 showdown, because both Diaz and Rojas are from the Stockton, California, which has 209 as its area code.
The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web beginning on Thursday afternoon.
2015 Florida Pro-Am
Sarasota, Florida
Preliminary Round 1
Mike Isbell v. Nolsen Jimenez Garcia
Sebastian Franco v. Roberto Leyes Jr
Wesley Miller v. Andres Acuña
Mike Harmon v. Michael Andrew Barrett
Destry Everhart v. Guy Coggins
David Stincer v. Teobaldo Fumero
Jose Ubilla v. Nick Hand
Matt Fontana v. Jeremy Best
Preliminary Round 2
Q8: Mike Isbell or Nolsen Jimenez Garcia v. Sebastian Franco or Roberto Leyes Jr
Q1: Charlie Pratt v. Wesley Miller or Andres Acuña
Q4: Robert Collins v. Mike Harmon or Michael Andrew Barrett
Q5: Tim Landeryou v. Destry Everhart or Guy Coggins
Q6: Alejandro Herrera v. David Stincer or Teobaldo Fumero
Q3: Matthew Majxner v. Jose Ubilla or Nick Hand
Q2: Jose Diaz v. Matt Fontana or Jeremy Best
Q7: Felipe Camacho or Kevin Vazquez v. Andres Ramirez or Gabriel Garcia
Main Draw of 16 (with seeding)
1 Rocky Carson v. Q8
8 Marco Rojas v. Q1
5 Jansen Allen v. Q4
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q5
3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Q3
7 Jose Rojas v. Q2
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, February 23, 2015
Weekend Round Up - Wins for Herrera, Kwon, Swain & Allen
Alexandra Herrera won the Women’s Open division at the 10th Annual Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas. She defeated Sofia Rascon in the final, 15-6, 15-6. Herrera reached the final with a win over Kimberly Thomas in the semi-finals, 15-14, 15-11, while Rascon beat Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-9, 15-14.
Daeyong Kwon won the consolation side of the Men’s World Racquetball Tour (WRT) division at the Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington Sunday, as he defeated Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-5.
In the semi-finals, Kwon beat Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-5, and Troncoso defeated Kenny Green Jr, 15-8, 13-15, 11-3.
In Mt. Clemens, Michigan, Cliff Swain won the Motor City Rollout, a Tier 5 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event. Swain defeated Filip Vesely in the final, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1. Swain beat Nathan Tucker in one semi-final, 11-3, 11-4, 11-1, while Vesely defeated William Garrow in the other, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2.
Also of note, Jansen Allen won the 41st Tornado Alley Racquetball Classic in Wichita Falls, Texas by defeating Alex Ackermann in the final, 15-14, 15-8. In the semis, Allen beat Arturo Burruel, 15-2, 15-1, while Ackermann needed a tie-breaker to defeat Bradly Rogers, 9-15, 15-11, 11-7.
Allen also won doubles in Wichita Falls, teaming up with Richard Eisemann to defeat Ackermann and Rogers, 13-15, 15-7, 11-8.
10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Women’s Open Final
Alexandra Herrera d. Sofia Rascon, 15-6, 15-6
Semi-finals
Alexandra Herrera d. Kimberley Thomas, 15-14, 15-11
Sofia Rascon d. Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-9, 15-14
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Consolation Final
Daeyong Kwon d. Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-5
Semi-finals
Daeyong Kwon d. Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-5
Francisco Troncoso d. Kenny Green Jr, 15-8, 13-15, 11-3
Motor City Rollout - IRT Tier 5
Mt. Clemens, Michigan
Final
Cliff Swain d. Filip Vesely, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Semi-finals
Cliff Swain d. Nathan Tucker, 11-3, 11-4, 11-1
Filip Vesely d. William Garrow, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
Daeyong Kwon won the consolation side of the Men’s World Racquetball Tour (WRT) division at the Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington Sunday, as he defeated Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-5.
In the semi-finals, Kwon beat Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-5, and Troncoso defeated Kenny Green Jr, 15-8, 13-15, 11-3.
In Mt. Clemens, Michigan, Cliff Swain won the Motor City Rollout, a Tier 5 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event. Swain defeated Filip Vesely in the final, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1. Swain beat Nathan Tucker in one semi-final, 11-3, 11-4, 11-1, while Vesely defeated William Garrow in the other, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2.
Also of note, Jansen Allen won the 41st Tornado Alley Racquetball Classic in Wichita Falls, Texas by defeating Alex Ackermann in the final, 15-14, 15-8. In the semis, Allen beat Arturo Burruel, 15-2, 15-1, while Ackermann needed a tie-breaker to defeat Bradly Rogers, 9-15, 15-11, 11-7.
Allen also won doubles in Wichita Falls, teaming up with Richard Eisemann to defeat Ackermann and Rogers, 13-15, 15-7, 11-8.
10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Women’s Open Final
Alexandra Herrera d. Sofia Rascon, 15-6, 15-6
Semi-finals
Alexandra Herrera d. Kimberley Thomas, 15-14, 15-11
Sofia Rascon d. Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-9, 15-14
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Consolation Final
Daeyong Kwon d. Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-5
Semi-finals
Daeyong Kwon d. Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-5
Francisco Troncoso d. Kenny Green Jr, 15-8, 13-15, 11-3
Motor City Rollout - IRT Tier 5
Mt. Clemens, Michigan
Final
Cliff Swain d. Filip Vesely, 11-4, 11-7, 11-1
Semi-finals
Cliff Swain d. Nathan Tucker, 11-3, 11-4, 11-1
Filip Vesely d. William Garrow, 11-4, 11-4, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Gutierrez wins WRT Mt Rainier Open, Mercado & Parrilla take doubles title
Polo Gutierrez won the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington, Sunday by defeating 1st seed Alejandro Cardona, 15-9, 15-13, in the final. According to a WRT tweet the win will put Gutierrez into the #1 spot in the rankings. He was the 2nd seed in Seattle.
The doubles final went to 5th seed Mario Mercado and Andree Parrilla who were walk-over winners against 2nd seeds Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely.
The next WRT event will be the Pleasanton Open next weekend (Feb 27-March 1) in Pleasanton, California.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Final
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 1) Alejandro Cardona, 15-9, 15-13
Doubles Final
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball….
The doubles final went to 5th seed Mario Mercado and Andree Parrilla who were walk-over winners against 2nd seeds Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely.
The next WRT event will be the Pleasanton Open next weekend (Feb 27-March 1) in Pleasanton, California.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Final
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 1) Alejandro Cardona, 15-9, 15-13
Doubles Final
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball….
Longoria wins LPRT Winter Classic
Paola Longoria won the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 10th Annual Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas by defeating LPRT #3 Rhonda Rajsich in the final, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4. It’s Longoria’s 6th win of the season, and will keep her in the #1 position in the rankings.
Longoria was strong in the final, and Rajsich did not look to be at the top of her game. She dove a couple of times in the match, which is common for Rajsich, but she looked awkward in doing so, and the dives took their toll, as Rajsich asked for injury time late in game three, when Longoria led 8-2, so that she could ice some of her body that had hit the floor.
But that was only prolonging the inevitable, as Longoria completed the three game sweep when play resumed.
The next LPRT event is the New Jersey Open from March 6-8 in Warren, New Jersey.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Final (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria was strong in the final, and Rajsich did not look to be at the top of her game. She dove a couple of times in the match, which is common for Rajsich, but she looked awkward in doing so, and the dives took their toll, as Rajsich asked for injury time late in game three, when Longoria led 8-2, so that she could ice some of her body that had hit the floor.
But that was only prolonging the inevitable, as Longoria completed the three game sweep when play resumed.
The next LPRT event is the New Jersey Open from March 6-8 in Warren, New Jersey.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Final (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria vs. Rajsich in the LPRT Winter Classic final
Paola Longoria has a chance to win another Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) event Sunday, as she has reached the final of the 10th Annual Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas with a win over Samantha Salas, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6, on Saturday.
Longoria’s opponent in the final will be 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who was a winner against 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the other semi-final after Vargas developed an injury in the fourth game, when Rajsich was up 2-1. We’re unsure what Vargas’s injury is, but speculation was that she injured her upper right leg or groin area, which severely hampered movement in the fourth game, and she was down 7-0 when she decided to retire from the match.
Hopefully, Vargas’s injury is not severe, although if it is a groin injury, it can be tricky to recover from, as it ca be difficult to completely rest the muscles that need to be healed.
The final can be viewed via the LPRT Network. beginning at noon CST on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Semi-finals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 4) Samantha Salas, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 2) Maria Jose Vargas, 2-1, injury forfeit
Final (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich - Noon CST Sunday
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria’s opponent in the final will be 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who was a winner against 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the other semi-final after Vargas developed an injury in the fourth game, when Rajsich was up 2-1. We’re unsure what Vargas’s injury is, but speculation was that she injured her upper right leg or groin area, which severely hampered movement in the fourth game, and she was down 7-0 when she decided to retire from the match.
Hopefully, Vargas’s injury is not severe, although if it is a groin injury, it can be tricky to recover from, as it ca be difficult to completely rest the muscles that need to be healed.
The final can be viewed via the LPRT Network. beginning at noon CST on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Semi-finals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 4) Samantha Salas, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 2) Maria Jose Vargas, 2-1, injury forfeit
Final (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich - Noon CST Sunday
Follow the bouncing ball....
WRT Mt Rainier Semi-finals
Number 1 will play number 2 in the final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington, as 1st seed Alejandro Cardona and 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez both won their respective semi-finals matches Saturday evening.
Both won in two straight games, although Gutierrez’s win was a narrower victory, as he defeated 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-14, to advance to the final, while Cardona beat 4th seed David Horn, 15-12, 15-2.
Also of note, Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco's run of doubles titles ends at two, as they lost in the semi-finals to Mario Mercado and Andree Parrilla, 15-14, 15-13. Mercado and Parrilla will play Alejandro Cardona and Danny Lavely in the final, as Cardona and Lavely defeated Alejandro Almada and Polo Gutierrez in the other semi.
The final will be Sunday at noon PST, and can be seen live via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 4) David Horn, 15-12, 15-2
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 3) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-14
Final
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 2) Polo Gutierrez - Noon PST Sunday
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso, 15-3, 15-6
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez d. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 14-15, 15-14, 11-8
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison, 11-15, 15-4, 11-7
Doubles Semi-finals
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-14, 15-13
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez
Doubles Final
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - 1 PM PST Sunday
Follow the bouncing ball….
Both won in two straight games, although Gutierrez’s win was a narrower victory, as he defeated 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-14, to advance to the final, while Cardona beat 4th seed David Horn, 15-12, 15-2.
Also of note, Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco's run of doubles titles ends at two, as they lost in the semi-finals to Mario Mercado and Andree Parrilla, 15-14, 15-13. Mercado and Parrilla will play Alejandro Cardona and Danny Lavely in the final, as Cardona and Lavely defeated Alejandro Almada and Polo Gutierrez in the other semi.
The final will be Sunday at noon PST, and can be seen live via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 4) David Horn, 15-12, 15-2
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 3) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-14
Final
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 2) Polo Gutierrez - Noon PST Sunday
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso, 15-3, 15-6
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez d. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 14-15, 15-14, 11-8
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison, 11-15, 15-4, 11-7
Doubles Semi-finals
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-14, 15-13
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez
Doubles Final
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - 1 PM PST Sunday
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, February 21, 2015
WRT Mr Rainier Open Quarterfinals
There were a couple of close matches in the quarterfinals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington, but no upsets, as the top four seeds have all reached the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday evening.
The closest match was between 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck and 6th seed Sebastian Franco, who are also doubles partners. They went to a tie-breaker before Bredenbeck won it, 15-6, 11-15, 11-6. Bredenbeck will play 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez in the semi-finals after Gutierrez defeated Andree Parrilla, 15-5, 15-6.
Top seed Alejandro Cardona had a comfortable win over 9th seed Alejandro Almada, 15-3, 15-0, and will play 4th seed David Horn in the other semi-final, as Horn beat 21st seed Jake Birnel, 15-11, 15-14.
The semi-finals begin at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 9) Alejandro Almada, 15-3, 15-0
4) David Horn d. 21) Jake Birnel, 15-11, 15-14
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 6) Sebastian Franco, 15-6, 11-15, 11-6
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 7) Andree Parrilla, 15-5, 15-6
Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 4) David Horn - 6 PM PST
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 3) Jake Bredenbeck - 5 PM PST
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso, 15-3, 15-6
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez d. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 14-15, 15-14, 11-8
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison, 11-15, 15-4, 11-7
Doubles Semi-finals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla - 7 PM PST
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - 7 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball….
The closest match was between 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck and 6th seed Sebastian Franco, who are also doubles partners. They went to a tie-breaker before Bredenbeck won it, 15-6, 11-15, 11-6. Bredenbeck will play 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez in the semi-finals after Gutierrez defeated Andree Parrilla, 15-5, 15-6.
Top seed Alejandro Cardona had a comfortable win over 9th seed Alejandro Almada, 15-3, 15-0, and will play 4th seed David Horn in the other semi-final, as Horn beat 21st seed Jake Birnel, 15-11, 15-14.
The semi-finals begin at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 9) Alejandro Almada, 15-3, 15-0
4) David Horn d. 21) Jake Birnel, 15-11, 15-14
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 6) Sebastian Franco, 15-6, 11-15, 11-6
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 7) Andree Parrilla, 15-5, 15-6
Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 4) David Horn - 6 PM PST
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 3) Jake Bredenbeck - 5 PM PST
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso, 15-3, 15-6
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez d. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 14-15, 15-14, 11-8
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison, 11-15, 15-4, 11-7
Doubles Semi-finals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla - 7 PM PST
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - 7 PM PST
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT Winter Classic - Quarterfinals
They are down to the final four at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 10th Annual Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas, and those four at the top four seeds, beginning with LPRT #1 Paola Longoria, who crushed Da’monique Davis, 11-2, 11-0, 11-0.
Longoria will play 4th seed Samantha Salas in the semi-finals later on Saturday, as Salas was a winner over Frédérique Lambert by injury forfeit.
On the other side of the draw, 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas defeated 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9, to set up a match with 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who beat Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6.
The semi-final matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network. beginning at 5 PM CST Saturday. The final is set for noon on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Quarterfinals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 8) Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-0, 11-0
4) Samantha Salas d. 5) Frédérique Lambert, injury forfeit
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 11) Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6
2) Maria Jose Vargas d. 10) Veronica Sotomayor, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9
Semi-finals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 4) Samantha Salas - 6 PM Saturday
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich - 5 PM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria will play 4th seed Samantha Salas in the semi-finals later on Saturday, as Salas was a winner over Frédérique Lambert by injury forfeit.
On the other side of the draw, 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas defeated 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9, to set up a match with 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich, who beat Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6.
The semi-final matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network. beginning at 5 PM CST Saturday. The final is set for noon on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
Quarterfinals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 8) Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-0, 11-0
4) Samantha Salas d. 5) Frédérique Lambert, injury forfeit
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 11) Sofia Rascon, 11-5, 11-7, 11-6
2) Maria Jose Vargas d. 10) Veronica Sotomayor, 11-9, 11-8, 11-9
Semi-finals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 4) Samantha Salas - 6 PM Saturday
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich - 5 PM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
WRT Mt Rainier Open - Round of 16
Jake Birnel, the 21st seed, upset 5th seed Anthony Herrera, 15-12, 12-15, 11-6, in the Round of 16 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington. He’ll face 4th seed David Horn in the quarterfinals on Saturday, as Horn beat Shai Manzuri, 15-8, 15-14, in the 16s.
The other upset in the Round of 16 was a small one, as 9th seed Alejandro Almada beat 8th seed Danny Lavely in two straight games, 15-9, 15-8.
All the other higher seeds won in the 16s, including top seed Alejandro Cardona, who defeated 16th seed Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-4, 15-5, and 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez, a winner over 15th seed Mario Mercado, 15-8, 15-7.
The quarterfinals will begin at 10 AM PST Saturday morning with the semi-finals beginning at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 16) Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-4, 15-5
9) Alejandro Almada d. 8) Danny Lavely, 15-9, 15-8
21) Jake Birnel d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-12, 12-15, 11-6
4) David Horn d. 20) Shai Manzuri, 15-8, 15-14
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 14) Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-8, 15-5
6) Sebastian Franco d. 22) Wayne Antone, 15-12 15-0
7) Andree Parrilla d. 23) Paul Julbes, 15-6, 15-9
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 15) Mario Mercado, 15-8, 15-7
Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 9) Alejandro Almada - Noon
4) David Horn v. 21) Jake Birnel - 1 PM
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 6) Sebastian Franco - 10 AM
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 7) Andree Parrilla - 11 AM
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. either 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso or 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez v. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison
Follow the bouncing ball….
The other upset in the Round of 16 was a small one, as 9th seed Alejandro Almada beat 8th seed Danny Lavely in two straight games, 15-9, 15-8.
All the other higher seeds won in the 16s, including top seed Alejandro Cardona, who defeated 16th seed Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-4, 15-5, and 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez, a winner over 15th seed Mario Mercado, 15-8, 15-7.
The quarterfinals will begin at 10 AM PST Saturday morning with the semi-finals beginning at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 16) Jose Daniel Alvarez, 15-4, 15-5
9) Alejandro Almada d. 8) Danny Lavely, 15-9, 15-8
21) Jake Birnel d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-12, 12-15, 11-6
4) David Horn d. 20) Shai Manzuri, 15-8, 15-14
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 14) Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-8, 15-5
6) Sebastian Franco d. 22) Wayne Antone, 15-12 15-0
7) Andree Parrilla d. 23) Paul Julbes, 15-6, 15-9
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 15) Mario Mercado, 15-8, 15-7
Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 9) Alejandro Almada - Noon
4) David Horn v. 21) Jake Birnel - 1 PM
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 6) Sebastian Franco - 10 AM
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 7) Andree Parrilla - 11 AM
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. either 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso or 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez v. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, February 20, 2015
WRT 2015 Mt Rainier Open - Round of 32
American Junior Team member Wayne Antone had the biggest upset in the Round of 32 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington, as he defeated 11th seed Francisco Troncoso, 15-12, 14-15, 11-9. Antone will take on Sebastian Franco in the 16s Friday night, as Franco beat Bill Napier, 15-2, 15-5, in the 32s.
Veteran Shai Manzuri also got an upset win in the 16s, as he defeated lefthander Robert Collins, 15-5, 8-15, 11-9, and will face 4th seed David Horn in the 16s.
The quarterfinals will begin at 10 AM PST Saturday morning with the semi-finals beginning at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 32) Chris Cook, 15-10, 15-7
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez d. 17) Chase Robison, 10-15, 15-13, 11-1
9) Alejandro Almada d. 24) Loup Chavez, 15-10, 15-7
8) Danny Lavely d. 25) Wade Reuther, forfeit
5) Anthony Herrera d. 28) Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
21) Jake Birnel d. 12) Daeyong Kwon, 15-11, 11-15, 11-9
20) Shai Manzuri d. 13) Robert Collins, 15-5, 8-15, 11-9
4) David Horn d. 29) Jorge Carlos Thomas, forfeit
3) Jack Bredenbeck d. 30) Tanner Mattson, 15-7, 15-7
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 19) Greg Starodub, 15-4, 5-15, 11-6
22) Wayne Antone d. 11) Francisco Troncoso, 15-12, 14-15, 11-9
6) Sebastian Franco d. 27) Bill Napier, 15-2, 15-5
7) Andree Parrilla d. 26) Rocco Vega, 15-14, 15-2
23) Paul Julbes d. 10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-6 [sic]
15) Mario Mercado d. 18) Kenny Green Jr.
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 31) John Chowm 15-4, 15-6
Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 16) Jose Daniel Alvarez
8) Danny Lavely v. 9) Alejandro Almada
5) Anthony Herrera v. 21) Jake Birnel
4) David Horn v. 20) Shai Manzuri
3) Jack Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Ugalde
6) Sebastian Franco v. 22) Wayne Antone
7) Andree Parrilla v. 23) Paul Julbes
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 15) Mario Mercado
Doubles Round of 16
1) Jack Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver d. 8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr., 15-14, 15-12
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes, 15-6, 15-6
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier, 15-3, 15-2
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison d. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson, 4-15, 15-11, 11-6
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jack Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. either 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso or 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez v. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison
Follow the bouncing ball….
Veteran Shai Manzuri also got an upset win in the 16s, as he defeated lefthander Robert Collins, 15-5, 8-15, 11-9, and will face 4th seed David Horn in the 16s.
The quarterfinals will begin at 10 AM PST Saturday morning with the semi-finals beginning at 5 PM PST Saturday, and the final on Sunday at noon PST. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 32) Chris Cook, 15-10, 15-7
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez d. 17) Chase Robison, 10-15, 15-13, 11-1
9) Alejandro Almada d. 24) Loup Chavez, 15-10, 15-7
8) Danny Lavely d. 25) Wade Reuther, forfeit
5) Anthony Herrera d. 28) Rich Carver, 15-4, 15-4
21) Jake Birnel d. 12) Daeyong Kwon, 15-11, 11-15, 11-9
20) Shai Manzuri d. 13) Robert Collins, 15-5, 8-15, 11-9
4) David Horn d. 29) Jorge Carlos Thomas, forfeit
3) Jack Bredenbeck d. 30) Tanner Mattson, 15-7, 15-7
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 19) Greg Starodub, 15-4, 5-15, 11-6
22) Wayne Antone d. 11) Francisco Troncoso, 15-12, 14-15, 11-9
6) Sebastian Franco d. 27) Bill Napier, 15-2, 15-5
7) Andree Parrilla d. 26) Rocco Vega, 15-14, 15-2
23) Paul Julbes d. 10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-6 [sic]
15) Mario Mercado d. 18) Kenny Green Jr.
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 31) John Chowm 15-4, 15-6
Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 16) Jose Daniel Alvarez
8) Danny Lavely v. 9) Alejandro Almada
5) Anthony Herrera v. 21) Jake Birnel
4) David Horn v. 20) Shai Manzuri
3) Jack Bredenbeck v. 14) Jose Daniel Ugalde
6) Sebastian Franco v. 22) Wayne Antone
7) Andree Parrilla v. 23) Paul Julbes
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 15) Mario Mercado
Doubles Round of 16
1) Jack Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver d. 8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr., 15-14, 15-12
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla d. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes, 15-6, 15-6
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier, 15-3, 15-2
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison d. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson, 4-15, 15-11, 11-6
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Doubles Quarterfinals
1) Jack Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. either 4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso or 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez v. 6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison
Follow the bouncing ball….
LPRT 2015 Winter Classic - Round of 16
Sofia Rascon has the first big upset at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 10th Annual Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas, as she came in as the 11th seed and defeated 6th seed Cristina Amaya, 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 13-11, in the Round of 16.
Rascon will play 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich in the quarterfinals on Saturday, as Rajsich beat 14th seed Adrienne Haynes, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, on Friday.
Tenth seed Veronica Sotomayor was also an upset winner over 7th seed Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2, and will play 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the quarters on Saturday, as Vargas beat Carla Muñoz, 11-4, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, in the 16s Friday.
No surprises in the early matches, but one epic battle, as 16th seed Maria Paz Muñoz came back from two games down to defeated 17th seed Kimberly Thomas, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 13-11. Paz Muñoz will play LPRT #1 Paola Longoria in the 16s Friday night.
The quarterfinal and semi-final matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network. The quarters begin at 11 AM CST Saturday with the semis at 5 PM CST. The final is set for noon on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
First Round (seedings)
16) Maria Paz Muñoz d. 17) Kimberly Thomas, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 13-11
15) Carlos Muñoz d. 18) Cecilia Orozco, 11-5, 11-1, 11-5
Round of 16 (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 16) Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
8) Da'monique Davis d. 9) Michelle Key, 12-10, 3-11, 13-11, 11-6
5) Frédérique Lambert d. 12) Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6
4) Samantha Salas d. 13) Alexandra Herrera, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 14) Adrienne Haynes, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5
11) Sofia Rascon d. 6) Cristina Amaya, 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 13-11
10) Veronica Sotomayor d. 7) Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 15) Carlos Muñoz, 11-4, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1
Quarterfinals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 8) Da'monique Davis - Noon Saturday
4) Samantha Salas v. 5) Frédérique Lambert - Noon Saturday
3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 11) Sofia Rascon - 11 AM Saturday
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 10) Veronica Sotomayor - 11 AM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
Rascon will play 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich in the quarterfinals on Saturday, as Rajsich beat 14th seed Adrienne Haynes, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, on Friday.
Tenth seed Veronica Sotomayor was also an upset winner over 7th seed Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2, and will play 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas in the quarters on Saturday, as Vargas beat Carla Muñoz, 11-4, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, in the 16s Friday.
No surprises in the early matches, but one epic battle, as 16th seed Maria Paz Muñoz came back from two games down to defeated 17th seed Kimberly Thomas, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 13-11. Paz Muñoz will play LPRT #1 Paola Longoria in the 16s Friday night.
The quarterfinal and semi-final matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network. The quarters begin at 11 AM CST Saturday with the semis at 5 PM CST. The final is set for noon on Sunday.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
First Round (seedings)
16) Maria Paz Muñoz d. 17) Kimberly Thomas, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4, 11-7, 13-11
15) Carlos Muñoz d. 18) Cecilia Orozco, 11-5, 11-1, 11-5
Round of 16 (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria d. 16) Maria Paz Muñoz, 11-2, 11-0, 11-4
8) Da'monique Davis d. 9) Michelle Key, 12-10, 3-11, 13-11, 11-6
5) Frédérique Lambert d. 12) Sheryl Lotts, 11-0, 11-8, 11-6
4) Samantha Salas d. 13) Alexandra Herrera, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5
3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 14) Adrienne Haynes, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5
11) Sofia Rascon d. 6) Cristina Amaya, 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 13-11
10) Veronica Sotomayor d. 7) Cheryl Gudinas, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 15) Carlos Muñoz, 11-4, 11-1, 9-11, 11-1
Quarterfinals (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 8) Da'monique Davis - Noon Saturday
4) Samantha Salas v. 5) Frédérique Lambert - Noon Saturday
3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 11) Sofia Rascon - 11 AM Saturday
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 10) Veronica Sotomayor - 11 AM Saturday
Follow the bouncing ball....
WRT 2015 Mt Rainier Open Round of 64
The Round of 32 and Round of 16 are on tap Friday at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington. There were three play in matches Thursday night, two of which went tie-breaker.
Chris Cook beat Matthew Porter, 9-15, 15-9, 11-9, and Tanner Mattson defeated Jim Bouchard, 8-15, 15-5, 11-2. But Russel Cahill only needed two games to defeat John Chow, 15-12, 15-4.
The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 64
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
32) Chris Cook d. 33) Matthew Porter, 9-15, 15-9, 11-9
17) Chase Robison - BYE
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez - BYE
9) Alejandro Almada - BYE
24) Loup Chavez - BYE
25) Wade Reuther - BYE
8) Danny Lavely - BYE
5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Rich Carver - BYE
21) Jake Birnel - BYE
12) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
13) Robert Collins - BYE
20) Shai Manzuri - BYE
29) Jorge Carlos Thomas - BYE
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
30) Tanner Mattson d. 35) Jim Bouchard, 8-15, 15-5, 11-2
19) Greg Starodub - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
11) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
22) Wayne Antone - BYE
27) Bill Napier - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE
7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
26) Rocco Vega - BYE
23) Paul Julbes - BYE
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE
15) Mario Mercado - BYE
18) Kenny Green Jr. - BYE
34) Russel Cahill d. 31) John Chow, 15-12, 15-4
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 32) Chris Cook
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez v. 17) Chase Robison
9) Alejandro Almada v. 24) Loup Chavez
8) Danny Lavely v. 25) Wade Reuther
5) Anthony Herrera v. 28) Rich Carver
12) Daeyong Kwon v. 21) Jake Birnel
13) Robert Collins v. 20) Shai Manzuri
4) David Horn v. 29) Jorge Carlos Thomas
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 30) Tanner Mattson
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 19) Greg Starodub
11) Francisco Troncoso v. 22) Wayne Antone
6) Sebastian Franco v. 27) Bill Napier
7) Andree Parrilla v. 26) Rocco Vega
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 23) Paul Julbes
15) Mario Mercado v. 18) Kenny Green Jr.
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 31) John Chow
Doubles
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr. v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison v. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Chris Cook beat Matthew Porter, 9-15, 15-9, 11-9, and Tanner Mattson defeated Jim Bouchard, 8-15, 15-5, 11-2. But Russel Cahill only needed two games to defeat John Chow, 15-12, 15-4.
The quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 64
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
32) Chris Cook d. 33) Matthew Porter, 9-15, 15-9, 11-9
17) Chase Robison - BYE
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez - BYE
9) Alejandro Almada - BYE
24) Loup Chavez - BYE
25) Wade Reuther - BYE
8) Danny Lavely - BYE
5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Rich Carver - BYE
21) Jake Birnel - BYE
12) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
13) Robert Collins - BYE
20) Shai Manzuri - BYE
29) Jorge Carlos Thomas - BYE
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
30) Tanner Mattson d. 35) Jim Bouchard, 8-15, 15-5, 11-2
19) Greg Starodub - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
11) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
22) Wayne Antone - BYE
27) Bill Napier - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE
7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
26) Rocco Vega - BYE
23) Paul Julbes - BYE
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE
15) Mario Mercado - BYE
18) Kenny Green Jr. - BYE
34) Russel Cahill d. 31) John Chow, 15-12, 15-4
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 32) Chris Cook
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez v. 17) Chase Robison
9) Alejandro Almada v. 24) Loup Chavez
8) Danny Lavely v. 25) Wade Reuther
5) Anthony Herrera v. 28) Rich Carver
12) Daeyong Kwon v. 21) Jake Birnel
13) Robert Collins v. 20) Shai Manzuri
4) David Horn v. 29) Jorge Carlos Thomas
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 30) Tanner Mattson
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 19) Greg Starodub
11) Francisco Troncoso v. 22) Wayne Antone
6) Sebastian Franco v. 27) Bill Napier
7) Andree Parrilla v. 26) Rocco Vega
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 23) Paul Julbes
15) Mario Mercado v. 18) Kenny Green Jr.
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 31) John Chow
Doubles
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr. v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison v. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, February 19, 2015
WRT Mt Rainier Open - Preview
Thirty five players are in the field for this weekend’s World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington. Alejandro Cardona is the top seed, and is coming off a win at the last WRT event in San Diego last month. Polo Gutierrez is 2nd seed with Jake Bredenbeck and David Horn the 3rd and 4th seeds, respectively.
They are also playing doubles in Seattle, and Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco are the top seeds in that competition, as they have won the last two WRT doubles titles. The last team to win before that was Cardona and Danny Lavely, who are the 2nd seeds this weekend.
The Round of 64 begins Thursday night, and the 32s and 16s will be on Friday with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 64
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
32) Chris Cook v. 33) Matthew Porter
17) Chase Robison - BYE
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez - BYE
9) Alejandro Almada - BYE
24) Loup Chavez - BYE
25) Wade Reuther - BYE
8) Danny Lavely - BYE
5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Rich Carver - BYE
21) Jake Birnel - BYE
12) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
13) Robert Collins - BYE
20) Shai Manzuri - BYE
29) Jorge Carlos Thomas - BYE
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
30) Tanner Mattson v. 35) Jim Bouchard
19) Greg Starodub - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
11) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
22) Wayne Antone - BYE
27) Bill Napier - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE
7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
26) Rocco Vega - BYE
23) Paul Julbes - BYE
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE
15) Mario Mercado - BYE
18) Kenny Green Jr. - BYE
31) John Chow v. 34) Russel Cahill
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
Doubles
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr. v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison v. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
They are also playing doubles in Seattle, and Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco are the top seeds in that competition, as they have won the last two WRT doubles titles. The last team to win before that was Cardona and Danny Lavely, who are the 2nd seeds this weekend.
The Round of 64 begins Thursday night, and the 32s and 16s will be on Friday with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday at noon PDT. Play can be viewed via the WRT website.
2015 WRT Mt Rainier Open
Seattle, Washington
Round of 64
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
32) Chris Cook v. 33) Matthew Porter
17) Chase Robison - BYE
16) Jose Daniel Alvarez - BYE
9) Alejandro Almada - BYE
24) Loup Chavez - BYE
25) Wade Reuther - BYE
8) Danny Lavely - BYE
5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Rich Carver - BYE
21) Jake Birnel - BYE
12) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
13) Robert Collins - BYE
20) Shai Manzuri - BYE
29) Jorge Carlos Thomas - BYE
4) David Horn - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
30) Tanner Mattson v. 35) Jim Bouchard
19) Greg Starodub - BYE
14) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
11) Francisco Troncoso - BYE
22) Wayne Antone - BYE
27) Bill Napier - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE
7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
26) Rocco Vega - BYE
23) Paul Julbes - BYE
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE
15) Mario Mercado - BYE
18) Kenny Green Jr. - BYE
31) John Chow v. 34) Russel Cahill
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
Doubles
1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Mark French & Kenny Green Jr. v. 9) Jim Bouchard & Rich Carver
5) Mario Mercado & Andree Parrilla v. 12) David Croom & Paul Julbes
4) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Jorge Carlos Thomas & Rocco Vega
3) Alejandro Almada & Polo Gutierrez - BYE
6) Jose Daniel Alvarez & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 11) Chris Cook & Bill Napier
7) Shai Manzuri & Chase Robison v. 10) Wayne Antone & Tanner Mattson
2) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
LPRT 2015 Winter Classic Preview
The 10th Annual Winter Classic goes this weekend in Overland Park, Kansas, and once again it’s a Tier 1 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) event. Eighteen players are in the draw, including 13 of the top 15 LPRT players, including LPRT #1 Paola Longoria, #2 Maria Jose Vargas, and #3 Rhonda Rajsich, who have all had wins on tour this season.
Also in the draw is 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, who’s missed the last few events. She’ll face veteran Cheryl Gudinas in the Round of 16 with the winner likely to play Vargas in the quarterfinals.
Also of note in the the draw, there are only two players over 30 years of age - Rajsich and Gudinas - so the field is one of the youngest in years. The LPRT youth movement has been helped by their scholarship program, which helps younger players to compete on tour. It’s a great program for the players, but also for the tour, as it raises the quality of the play, which makes it more attractive to the fans.
And the quality is there in Kansas, as there are eight players who were World Junior Champions in Girl’s U18, including the current Girl’s U18 World Junior Champion Alexandra Herrera. The other seven are Longoria (2007, 2008), Rajsich (1996) and Vargas (2012), as well as Adrienne Haynes (2002, 2003), Michelle Key (2006), Frédérique Lambert (2011), Samantha Salas (2004).
The action starts Friday afternoon and evening. Matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
First Round (seedings)
16) Maria Paz Muñoz v. 17) Kimberly Thomas
15) Carlos Muñoz v. 18) Cecilia Orozco
Round of 16 (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 16) Maria Paz Muñoz or 17) Kimberly Thomas
8) Da'monique Davis v. 9) Michelle Key
5) Frédérique Lambert v. 12) Sheryl Lotts
4) Samantha Salas v. 13) Alexandra Herrera
3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 14) Adrienne Haynes
6) Cristina Amaya v, 11) Sofia Rascon
7) Cheryl Gudinas v. 10) Veronica Sotomayor
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 15) Carlos Muñoz v. 18) Cecilia Orozco
Follow the bouncing ball....
Also in the draw is 10th seed Veronica Sotomayor, who’s missed the last few events. She’ll face veteran Cheryl Gudinas in the Round of 16 with the winner likely to play Vargas in the quarterfinals.
Also of note in the the draw, there are only two players over 30 years of age - Rajsich and Gudinas - so the field is one of the youngest in years. The LPRT youth movement has been helped by their scholarship program, which helps younger players to compete on tour. It’s a great program for the players, but also for the tour, as it raises the quality of the play, which makes it more attractive to the fans.
And the quality is there in Kansas, as there are eight players who were World Junior Champions in Girl’s U18, including the current Girl’s U18 World Junior Champion Alexandra Herrera. The other seven are Longoria (2007, 2008), Rajsich (1996) and Vargas (2012), as well as Adrienne Haynes (2002, 2003), Michelle Key (2006), Frédérique Lambert (2011), Samantha Salas (2004).
The action starts Friday afternoon and evening. Matches can be viewed via the LPRT Network.
LPRT 10th Annual Winter Classic
February 20-22, 2015 - Overland Park, Kansas
First Round (seedings)
16) Maria Paz Muñoz v. 17) Kimberly Thomas
15) Carlos Muñoz v. 18) Cecilia Orozco
Round of 16 (seedings)
1) Paola Longoria v. 16) Maria Paz Muñoz or 17) Kimberly Thomas
8) Da'monique Davis v. 9) Michelle Key
5) Frédérique Lambert v. 12) Sheryl Lotts
4) Samantha Salas v. 13) Alexandra Herrera
3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 14) Adrienne Haynes
6) Cristina Amaya v, 11) Sofia Rascon
7) Cheryl Gudinas v. 10) Veronica Sotomayor
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 15) Carlos Muñoz v. 18) Cecilia Orozco
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, February 16, 2015
Weekend Roundup - Iwaasa wins 41st Annual Keystone
Coby Iwaasa won the the 41st Annual Keystone Classic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - a Tier 4 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) by defeating Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9, in the final on Sunday.
Iwaasa, the 23rd ranked IRT player and 3rd ranked Racquetball Canada player, got to the final by defeating Trevor Webb in the semi-finals, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2, while Herrera, the 25th ranked IRT player, defeated Lee Connell (IRT rank #33), 10-12, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6.
Iwaasa and Herrera teamed up in doubles to take the title over Connell and Webb, 15-5, 15-7. They beat Curt Huot and Darryl Drohomerski in one semi, 15-6, 15-2, while Connell and Webb defeated Graham Frattinger and Tanner Prentice in the other, 13-15, 15-2, 11-2.
41st Annual Keystone Classic
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Men's Open
Final
Coby Iwaasa d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9
Semi-finals
Coby Iwaasa d. Trevor Webb, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Alejandro Herrera d. Lee Connell, 10-12, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6
Men's Open Doubles
Final
Coby Iwaasa & Alejandro Herrera d. Lee Connell & Trevor Webb, 15-5, 15-7
Semi-finals
Coby Iwaasa & Alejandro Herrera d. Curt Huot & Darryl Drohomerski, 15-6, 15-2
Lee Connell & Trevor Webb d. Graham Frattinger & Tanner Prentice, 13-15, 15-2, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
Iwaasa, the 23rd ranked IRT player and 3rd ranked Racquetball Canada player, got to the final by defeating Trevor Webb in the semi-finals, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2, while Herrera, the 25th ranked IRT player, defeated Lee Connell (IRT rank #33), 10-12, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6.
Iwaasa and Herrera teamed up in doubles to take the title over Connell and Webb, 15-5, 15-7. They beat Curt Huot and Darryl Drohomerski in one semi, 15-6, 15-2, while Connell and Webb defeated Graham Frattinger and Tanner Prentice in the other, 13-15, 15-2, 11-2.
41st Annual Keystone Classic
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Men's Open
Final
Coby Iwaasa d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9
Semi-finals
Coby Iwaasa d. Trevor Webb, 11-2, 11-4, 11-2
Alejandro Herrera d. Lee Connell, 10-12, 11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6
Men's Open Doubles
Final
Coby Iwaasa & Alejandro Herrera d. Lee Connell & Trevor Webb, 15-5, 15-7
Semi-finals
Coby Iwaasa & Alejandro Herrera d. Curt Huot & Darryl Drohomerski, 15-6, 15-2
Lee Connell & Trevor Webb d. Graham Frattinger & Tanner Prentice, 13-15, 15-2, 11-2
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, February 15, 2015
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championship Finals
The drama continued on Saturday in the finals of the Men's and Women's National Team divisions at the 2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships in Tempe, Arizona, as tie-breakers were needed in both finals.
Men's #1 seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen dropped the first game against 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Thomas Fuhrmann, but then came back to win in a tie-breaker, 5-15, 15-8, 11-4.
Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk won the Women's title, as they upset defending champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger, 1-15, 15-10, 11-9. It's the second title for Rajsich and Russell-Waselenchuk, who were winners in 2012, and only the second time in the last eleven years that Ruiz has not been a part of the winning side.
The winners have earned the privilege to represent the USA at the 2015 Pan American Games, the largest multi-sport event outside of the Summer Olympics, and the biggest event that includes racquetball, which will be in Toronto this July.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Final
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger, 1-15, 15-10, 11-9
Women's 3rd Place
Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda, 15-7, 15-9
Men's Final
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas d. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann, 5-15, 15-8, 11-4
Men's 3rd Place
Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas d. Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 10-15, 15-8, 11-8
Follow the bouncing ball….
Men's #1 seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen dropped the first game against 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Thomas Fuhrmann, but then came back to win in a tie-breaker, 5-15, 15-8, 11-4.
Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk won the Women's title, as they upset defending champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger, 1-15, 15-10, 11-9. It's the second title for Rajsich and Russell-Waselenchuk, who were winners in 2012, and only the second time in the last eleven years that Ruiz has not been a part of the winning side.
The winners have earned the privilege to represent the USA at the 2015 Pan American Games, the largest multi-sport event outside of the Summer Olympics, and the biggest event that includes racquetball, which will be in Toronto this July.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Final
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger, 1-15, 15-10, 11-9
Women's 3rd Place
Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda, 15-7, 15-9
Men's Final
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas d. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann, 5-15, 15-8, 11-4
Men's 3rd Place
Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas d. Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 10-15, 15-8, 11-8
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, February 14, 2015
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships - Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships provided plenty of drama on Friday, but in the end the top two seeds will face off in the finals both the Men's and Women's National Team divisions.
On the Men's side, #1 seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen defeated 5th seeds Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, 15-3, 15-13, in the only semi-final that went two straight games. But it looked like it would also go to a tie-breaker, as Diaz and Rojas had a lead late in game two at 13-9. But the former champions - though with different partners - Rojas and Allen came through in the clutch to finish it off.
In the final, Rojas and Allen will play 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Thomas Fuhrmann defeated 3rd seeds Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 15-11, 7-15, 11-7, in the other semi-final.
On the Women's side, defending champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger were up against the wall versus the young sister team of Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who had a big lead in the tie-breaker, but weren't able to close it out, as the champions came back and won it, 15-6, 12-15, 11-10.
The final will be a rematch of last year, as 2nd seeds and last year's runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk beat the veteran team of Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda, 9-15, 15-12, 11-5.
You can watch the finals and 3rd place matches from Tempe via the IRT Network Saturday afternoon evening.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Semi-finals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. Michelle Key & Danielle Key, 15-6, 12-15, 11-10
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda, 9-15, 15-12, 11-5
Women's Final
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk - 6:30 PM
Women's 3rd Place
Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda - 2:45 PM
Men's Semi-finals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-3, 15-13
Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann d. Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 15-11, 7-15, 11-7
Men's Final
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - 7:45 PM
Men's 3rd Place
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck v. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas - 6:30 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
On the Men's side, #1 seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen defeated 5th seeds Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, 15-3, 15-13, in the only semi-final that went two straight games. But it looked like it would also go to a tie-breaker, as Diaz and Rojas had a lead late in game two at 13-9. But the former champions - though with different partners - Rojas and Allen came through in the clutch to finish it off.
In the final, Rojas and Allen will play 2nd seeds Ben Croft and Thomas Fuhrmann defeated 3rd seeds Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 15-11, 7-15, 11-7, in the other semi-final.
On the Women's side, defending champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger were up against the wall versus the young sister team of Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who had a big lead in the tie-breaker, but weren't able to close it out, as the champions came back and won it, 15-6, 12-15, 11-10.
The final will be a rematch of last year, as 2nd seeds and last year's runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk beat the veteran team of Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda, 9-15, 15-12, 11-5.
You can watch the finals and 3rd place matches from Tempe via the IRT Network Saturday afternoon evening.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Semi-finals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. Michelle Key & Danielle Key, 15-6, 12-15, 11-10
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda, 9-15, 15-12, 11-5
Women's Final
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk - 6:30 PM
Women's 3rd Place
Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda - 2:45 PM
Men's Semi-finals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-3, 15-13
Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann d. Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck, 15-11, 7-15, 11-7
Men's Final
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - 7:45 PM
Men's 3rd Place
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck v. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas - 6:30 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, February 13, 2015
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships - Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals of the 2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships went of without an upset in the Women's National Team division, but a small upset in the Men's division.
On the Men's side, 5th seeds Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas defeated 4th seeds Anthony Herrera and David Horn, 15-11, 15-10, and will play top seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen in the semi-finals on Friday.
In the Women's draw, last year's champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger easily won their first match against Mimi McClosky and Fran Transfiguracion, 15-5, 15-2, and will play the young sister team of Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who were winners against former champions Jacqueline Paraiso and Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie, 15-3, 15-13.
On the bottom of the draw, it will be 2nd seeds and last year's runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk versus 2014 third place finishers Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda, as Rajsich and Russell-Waselenchuk beat Sheryl Lotts and Kimberly Thomas, 15-14, 15-4, and Gudinas and Fenton Kovanda defeated Malia Bailey and Mary Kirchoff, 15-5, 15-3.
You can watch the semi-finals from Tempe via the IRT Network this afternoon and evening.
Russ Mannino
Sadly, Russ Mannino, a long time racquetball enthusiast, former club owner, commentator on the IRT Network, and father of former IRT #1 and current IRT President Jason Mannino, died yesterday competing in Tempe at the USA Racquetball Doubles Championships.
Mannino was playing in the Men's 65+ division with R. O. Carson, Rocky Carson's father, and reportedly had a heart attack, although that's unconfirmed at this time.
The Racquetball Blog offers its sincere condolences to the Mannino family at this time.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Quarterfinals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. Mimi McClosky & Fran Transfiguracion, 15-5, 15-2
Michelle Key & Danielle Key d. Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie, 15-3, 15-13
Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda d. Malia Bailey & Mary Kirchoff, 15-5, 15-3
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas, 15-14, 15-4
Women's Semi-finals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. Michelle Key & Danielle Key - 7:15 PM
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda - 4:45 PM
Men's Quarterfinals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-11, 15-10
Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - BYE
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Men's Semi-finals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera & David Horn - 8:30 PM
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck v. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - 6 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
On the Men's side, 5th seeds Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas defeated 4th seeds Anthony Herrera and David Horn, 15-11, 15-10, and will play top seeds Jose Rojas and Jansen Allen in the semi-finals on Friday.
In the Women's draw, last year's champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger easily won their first match against Mimi McClosky and Fran Transfiguracion, 15-5, 15-2, and will play the young sister team of Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who were winners against former champions Jacqueline Paraiso and Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie, 15-3, 15-13.
On the bottom of the draw, it will be 2nd seeds and last year's runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk versus 2014 third place finishers Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda, as Rajsich and Russell-Waselenchuk beat Sheryl Lotts and Kimberly Thomas, 15-14, 15-4, and Gudinas and Fenton Kovanda defeated Malia Bailey and Mary Kirchoff, 15-5, 15-3.
You can watch the semi-finals from Tempe via the IRT Network this afternoon and evening.
Russ Mannino
Sadly, Russ Mannino, a long time racquetball enthusiast, former club owner, commentator on the IRT Network, and father of former IRT #1 and current IRT President Jason Mannino, died yesterday competing in Tempe at the USA Racquetball Doubles Championships.
Mannino was playing in the Men's 65+ division with R. O. Carson, Rocky Carson's father, and reportedly had a heart attack, although that's unconfirmed at this time.
The Racquetball Blog offers its sincere condolences to the Mannino family at this time.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Quarterfinals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. Mimi McClosky & Fran Transfiguracion, 15-5, 15-2
Michelle Key & Danielle Key d. Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie, 15-3, 15-13
Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda d. Malia Bailey & Mary Kirchoff, 15-5, 15-3
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk d. Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas, 15-14, 15-4
Women's Semi-finals
Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. Michelle Key & Danielle Key - 7:15 PM
Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk v. Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda - 4:45 PM
Men's Quarterfinals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 15-11, 15-10
Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - BYE
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Men's Semi-finals
Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas v. Anthony Herrera & David Horn - 8:30 PM
Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck v. Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - 6 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
USA Racquetball Doubles Championship - Preview
The 2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships begin tomorrow in Tempe, Arizona, and for the first time in, well, probably forever, there are more teams vying for the US National Team spots in the Women's draw than in the Men's draw. Astonishing.
There are 16 women in the draw, including last year's champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger, and well as runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk and third place finishers Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda.
Joining them in the draw are some young teams and some older teams, which include some former champions. Fourteen time US doubles champ Jacqueline Paraiso is back and playing with her sister, Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie. They've won three titles together.
Malia Bailey won two titles in the early 1980s, and she's back playing this year with Mary Kirchoff.
The young teams are Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who were runners up two years ago to Ruiz and Tisinger, and Sheryl Lotts and Kimberly Thomas. Mimi McClosky and Fran Transfiguracion round out the draw.
There are twice as many women's teams this year as last, and more teams this year than in most of the last five years (there were also eight in 2012). But there are a few players who aren't there - Da'monique Davis, Adrienne Haynes and Sharon Jackson, for example.
The big attrition this year is that the winner will earn the privilege to represent the USA at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto this July. The Pan Am Games are the largest multi-sport event outside of the Summer Olympics, and the biggest event that includes racquetball.
Men's Doubles
Given that incentive, you would have thought more than 10 men would be competing for the privilege to wear "USA" on their back. But you would have been wrong. Sad.
Last year's champions are only half there, as Rocky Carson has given this event a pass, leaving Jose Rojas to play with Jansen Allen, who was third last year with Tony Carson. The Carsons are not related, except that neither will be in Tempe this week.
But Jake Bredenbeck and Charlie Pratt, who lost in a tie-breaker to Allen and Carson in the third place match last year, will be there, as will Anthony Herrera and David Horn, who've has some experience playing together on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT). Also experienced, but not in this event, are Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, who've played together for several years going back to when they were juniors.
Croft and Fuhrmann almost won the title outright last year, winning game one versus Rocky Carson and Jose Rojas, 15-12, then losing game two 15-14 and the tie-breaker, 11-3. Yet they were the USA representatives in Men's Doubles at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championship last year, when they finished as bronze medalists after losing to Canadians Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon in the semi-finals.
Thus, there's a lot to play for in Tempe, and the men's competition should be fierce. We just wish there would be more of it.
You can watch the action from Tempe via the IRT Network.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Doubles Teams
1) Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. 8) Mimi McClosky & Fran Transfiguracion
4) Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. 5) Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie
3) Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda v. 6) Malia Bailey & Mary Kirchoff
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk v. 7) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas
Men's Quarterfinals
1) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
4) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas
3) Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
2) Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
There are 16 women in the draw, including last year's champions Aimee Ruiz and Janel Tisinger, and well as runners up Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk and third place finishers Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda.
Joining them in the draw are some young teams and some older teams, which include some former champions. Fourteen time US doubles champ Jacqueline Paraiso is back and playing with her sister, Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie. They've won three titles together.
Malia Bailey won two titles in the early 1980s, and she's back playing this year with Mary Kirchoff.
The young teams are Michelle Key and Danielle Key, who were runners up two years ago to Ruiz and Tisinger, and Sheryl Lotts and Kimberly Thomas. Mimi McClosky and Fran Transfiguracion round out the draw.
There are twice as many women's teams this year as last, and more teams this year than in most of the last five years (there were also eight in 2012). But there are a few players who aren't there - Da'monique Davis, Adrienne Haynes and Sharon Jackson, for example.
The big attrition this year is that the winner will earn the privilege to represent the USA at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto this July. The Pan Am Games are the largest multi-sport event outside of the Summer Olympics, and the biggest event that includes racquetball.
Men's Doubles
Given that incentive, you would have thought more than 10 men would be competing for the privilege to wear "USA" on their back. But you would have been wrong. Sad.
Last year's champions are only half there, as Rocky Carson has given this event a pass, leaving Jose Rojas to play with Jansen Allen, who was third last year with Tony Carson. The Carsons are not related, except that neither will be in Tempe this week.
But Jake Bredenbeck and Charlie Pratt, who lost in a tie-breaker to Allen and Carson in the third place match last year, will be there, as will Anthony Herrera and David Horn, who've has some experience playing together on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT). Also experienced, but not in this event, are Jose Diaz and Marco Rojas, who've played together for several years going back to when they were juniors.
Croft and Fuhrmann almost won the title outright last year, winning game one versus Rocky Carson and Jose Rojas, 15-12, then losing game two 15-14 and the tie-breaker, 11-3. Yet they were the USA representatives in Men's Doubles at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championship last year, when they finished as bronze medalists after losing to Canadians Mike Green and Vincent Gagnon in the semi-finals.
Thus, there's a lot to play for in Tempe, and the men's competition should be fierce. We just wish there would be more of it.
You can watch the action from Tempe via the IRT Network.
2015 USA Racquetball Doubles Championships
Tempe, Arizona - February 11-15, 2015
Women's Doubles Teams
1) Aimee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. 8) Mimi McClosky & Fran Transfiguracion
4) Michelle Key & Danielle Key v. 5) Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie
3) Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda v. 6) Malia Bailey & Mary Kirchoff
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk v. 7) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas
Men's Quarterfinals
1) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
4) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 5) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas
3) Charlie Pratt & Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
2) Ben Croft & Thomas Fuhrmann - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, February 9, 2015
Weekend Round Up - Wins for Longoria, Beltran & Rojas
Paola Longoria and Alvaro Beltran won the Women's and Men's, respectively, divisions of the Campeonato Nacional Selectivo 2015 in Boca del Rio, Mexico on the weekend, which determines the Mexican National Team for the 2015 Pan American Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic March 27-April 4.
In their respective finals, Paola Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 15-4, 15-7, and Beltran beat Daniel De La Rosa, 15-8, 15-13.
In the Women's semi-finals, Longoria defeated Lucia Gonzalez, 15-4, 15-3, and Salas beat Susana Acosta, 15-9, 15-4. Acosta defeated Gonzalez, 15-14, 15-8, in the 3rd place match.
Beltran beat Edson Martinez, 15-7, 15-8, in the Men's semi-finals, and De La Rosa defeated Javier Moreno, 15-3, 15-0, in the other. Moreno was a surprise semi-finalist, as he upset 3rd seed Polo Gutierrez in the quarterfinals, 10-15, 15-8, 11-6.
Both Longoria and Beltran were double winners, as they also won the Women's and Men's, respectively, divisions. Longoria and Salas beat Alexandra Herrera and Ximena Gonzalez, 15-2, 15-9, in the Women's final, while Beltran and Moreno defeated De La Rosa and Martinez, 15-11, 15-13, in the Men's final.
Rojas Wins the Lou Bradley
Meanwhile in Wisconsin, Jose Rojas won the 17th Annual Lou Bradley Memorial tournament in Sun Prairie - a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Rojas defeated Charlie Pratt in the final, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8.
According to tournament director Paul Krueger, Pratt led for most of game one, and had game point at 10-8. However, he couldn't close it out, and Rojas took advantage, coming back to win 13-11, and then sweep the final in three straight games.
Pratt got to the final by upsetting 2nd seed Jansen Allen in the semi-finals, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6. Rojas beat Brad Hansen, 11-2, 11-0, 11-6, in the other semi.
2015 Campeonato Nacional Selectivo
Boca del Rio, Mexico
Women's Open
Final
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas, 15-4, 15-7
3rd Place
Susana Acosta d. Lucia Gonzalez, 15-14, 15-8
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Lucia Gonzalez, 15-4, 15-3
Samantha Salas d. Susana Acosta, 15-9, 15-4
Quarterfinals
Paola Longoria d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-1, 14-15, 11-5
Lucia Gonzalez d. Diana Aguilar, 14-15, 15-10, 11-5
Susana Acosta d. Sofia Rascon, 15-12, 15-11
Samantha Salas d. Ximena Gonzalez, 15-3, 15-1
Women's Open Doubles
Final
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez, 15-2, 15-9
3rd Place
Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla d. Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar, 11-15, 15-14, 11-6
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar, 15-7, 15-7
Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez d. Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla, 6-15, 15-12, 11-4
Quarterfinals
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE
Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar d. Monserrat Mejia & Andrea Ramirez, 15-7, 15-10
Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla d. Denisse Maldonado, 15-1, 15-6
Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez d. Ana Flores & Jacqueline Maldonado, 15-1, 15-3
Men's Open
Final
Alvaro Beltran d. Daniel De La Rosa, 15-8, 15-13
3rd Place
Edson Martinez d. Javier Moreno, forfeit
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran d. Edson Martinez, 15-7, 15-8
Daniel De La Rosa d. Javier Moreno, 15-3, 15-0
Quarterfinals
Alvaro Beltran d. Javier Mar, 15-6, 15-8
Edson Martinez d. Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 15-6
Javier Moreno d. Polo Gutierrez, 10-15, 15-8, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 15-10, 15-7
Men's Open Doubles
Final
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez, 15-11, 15-13
3rd Place
Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 13-15, 15-11, 11-8
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia, 15-10, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 14-15, 15-11, 11-7
Quarterfinals
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Gerardo Guevara & Missael Leija, 15-3, 15-12
Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia d. Alejandro Landa & David Ortega, 15-3, 15-11
Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay d. Alan Alonso & Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-8
Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez d. Jordy Alonso & Andree Parrilla, 15-4, 15-10
17th Annual Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Final
Jose Rojas d. Charlie Pratt, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8
Semi-finals
Jose Rojas d. Brad Hansen, 11-2, 11-0, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Jansen Allen, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
In their respective finals, Paola Longoria defeated Samantha Salas, 15-4, 15-7, and Beltran beat Daniel De La Rosa, 15-8, 15-13.
In the Women's semi-finals, Longoria defeated Lucia Gonzalez, 15-4, 15-3, and Salas beat Susana Acosta, 15-9, 15-4. Acosta defeated Gonzalez, 15-14, 15-8, in the 3rd place match.
Beltran beat Edson Martinez, 15-7, 15-8, in the Men's semi-finals, and De La Rosa defeated Javier Moreno, 15-3, 15-0, in the other. Moreno was a surprise semi-finalist, as he upset 3rd seed Polo Gutierrez in the quarterfinals, 10-15, 15-8, 11-6.
Both Longoria and Beltran were double winners, as they also won the Women's and Men's, respectively, divisions. Longoria and Salas beat Alexandra Herrera and Ximena Gonzalez, 15-2, 15-9, in the Women's final, while Beltran and Moreno defeated De La Rosa and Martinez, 15-11, 15-13, in the Men's final.
Rojas Wins the Lou Bradley
Meanwhile in Wisconsin, Jose Rojas won the 17th Annual Lou Bradley Memorial tournament in Sun Prairie - a Tier 3 event on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). Rojas defeated Charlie Pratt in the final, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8.
According to tournament director Paul Krueger, Pratt led for most of game one, and had game point at 10-8. However, he couldn't close it out, and Rojas took advantage, coming back to win 13-11, and then sweep the final in three straight games.
Pratt got to the final by upsetting 2nd seed Jansen Allen in the semi-finals, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6. Rojas beat Brad Hansen, 11-2, 11-0, 11-6, in the other semi.
2015 Campeonato Nacional Selectivo
Boca del Rio, Mexico
Women's Open
Final
Paola Longoria d. Samantha Salas, 15-4, 15-7
3rd Place
Susana Acosta d. Lucia Gonzalez, 15-14, 15-8
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria d. Lucia Gonzalez, 15-4, 15-3
Samantha Salas d. Susana Acosta, 15-9, 15-4
Quarterfinals
Paola Longoria d. Jessica Parrilla, 15-1, 14-15, 11-5
Lucia Gonzalez d. Diana Aguilar, 14-15, 15-10, 11-5
Susana Acosta d. Sofia Rascon, 15-12, 15-11
Samantha Salas d. Ximena Gonzalez, 15-3, 15-1
Women's Open Doubles
Final
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez, 15-2, 15-9
3rd Place
Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla d. Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar, 11-15, 15-14, 11-6
Semi-finals
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar, 15-7, 15-7
Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez d. Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla, 6-15, 15-12, 11-4
Quarterfinals
Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE
Lucia Gonzalez & Diana Aguilar d. Monserrat Mejia & Andrea Ramirez, 15-7, 15-10
Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla d. Denisse Maldonado, 15-1, 15-6
Alexandra Herrera & Ximena Gonzalez d. Ana Flores & Jacqueline Maldonado, 15-1, 15-3
Men's Open
Final
Alvaro Beltran d. Daniel De La Rosa, 15-8, 15-13
3rd Place
Edson Martinez d. Javier Moreno, forfeit
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran d. Edson Martinez, 15-7, 15-8
Daniel De La Rosa d. Javier Moreno, 15-3, 15-0
Quarterfinals
Alvaro Beltran d. Javier Mar, 15-6, 15-8
Edson Martinez d. Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 15-6
Javier Moreno d. Polo Gutierrez, 10-15, 15-8, 11-6
Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 15-10, 15-7
Men's Open Doubles
Final
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez, 15-11, 15-13
3rd Place
Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 13-15, 15-11, 11-8
Semi-finals
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia, 15-10, 15-11
Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez d. Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay, 14-15, 15-11, 11-7
Quarterfinals
Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno d. Gerardo Guevara & Missael Leija, 15-3, 15-12
Polo Gutierrez & Gilberto Mejia d. Alejandro Landa & David Ortega, 15-3, 15-11
Javier Mar & Eduardo Garay d. Alan Alonso & Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-8
Daniel De La Rosa & Edson Martinez d. Jordy Alonso & Andree Parrilla, 15-4, 15-10
17th Annual Lou Bradley Memorial Pro-Am
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Final
Jose Rojas d. Charlie Pratt, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8
Semi-finals
Jose Rojas d. Brad Hansen, 11-2, 11-0, 11-6
Charlie Pratt d. Jansen Allen, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
Carson still #1 in latest IRT rankings
Rocky Carson remains the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) ahead of Kane Waselenchuk, who's #2, despite Waselenchuk winning five tournaments this season to Carson's four.
Waselenchuk missed three tournaments this season due to vestibular problems originating in his inner ear. He was also in the Garden City event, but had to forfeit in the quarterfinals, as he clearly wasn't fully recovered from the inner ear problem.
Alvaro Beltran continues to be a solid 3rd in the rankings. But the difference between 4th and 6th has gotten narrower: less than 60 points separate Daniel De La Rosa in 4th and Jose Rojas in 6th, with Ben Croft between them in 5th.
Fewer than 100 points separates 7th to 9th. Marco Rojas - Jose's younger brother - is 7th, Jansen Allen is 8th, and Charlie Pratt is 9th. Tony Carson rounds out the top 10.
Waselenchuk's next chance to regain the #1 ranking will be the Florida Pro-Am, February 26-March 1 in Tampa, Florida.
IRT Rankings - January 26, 2015
Rank - Player - Country - Points
1 Rocky CARSON (USA) 3742
2 Kane WASELENCHUK (Canada) 3670
3 Alvaro BELTRAN (Mexico) 2801
4 Daniel DE LA ROSA (Mexico) 2205
5 Ben CROFT (USA) 2198
6 Jose ROJAS (USA) 2158
7 Marco ROJAS (USA) 1544
8 Jansen ALLEN (USA) 1521
9 Charlie PRATT (USA) 1457
10 Tony CARSON (USA) 1378
11 Alejandro LANDA (Mexico) 1180
12 Chris CROWTHER (USA) 1164
13 Jose DIAZ (USA) 781
14 Matthew MAJXNER (USA) 709
15 Danny LAVELY (USA) 684
16 Robert COLLINS (USA) 545
17 Cliff SWAIN (USA) 513
18 Tim LANDERYOU (Canada) 452
19 Daeyong KWON (South Korea) 344
20 Tom FUHRMANN (USA) 341
Follow the bouncing ball....
Waselenchuk missed three tournaments this season due to vestibular problems originating in his inner ear. He was also in the Garden City event, but had to forfeit in the quarterfinals, as he clearly wasn't fully recovered from the inner ear problem.
Alvaro Beltran continues to be a solid 3rd in the rankings. But the difference between 4th and 6th has gotten narrower: less than 60 points separate Daniel De La Rosa in 4th and Jose Rojas in 6th, with Ben Croft between them in 5th.
Fewer than 100 points separates 7th to 9th. Marco Rojas - Jose's younger brother - is 7th, Jansen Allen is 8th, and Charlie Pratt is 9th. Tony Carson rounds out the top 10.
Waselenchuk's next chance to regain the #1 ranking will be the Florida Pro-Am, February 26-March 1 in Tampa, Florida.
IRT Rankings - January 26, 2015
Rank - Player - Country - Points
1 Rocky CARSON (USA) 3742
2 Kane WASELENCHUK (Canada) 3670
3 Alvaro BELTRAN (Mexico) 2801
4 Daniel DE LA ROSA (Mexico) 2205
5 Ben CROFT (USA) 2198
6 Jose ROJAS (USA) 2158
7 Marco ROJAS (USA) 1544
8 Jansen ALLEN (USA) 1521
9 Charlie PRATT (USA) 1457
10 Tony CARSON (USA) 1378
11 Alejandro LANDA (Mexico) 1180
12 Chris CROWTHER (USA) 1164
13 Jose DIAZ (USA) 781
14 Matthew MAJXNER (USA) 709
15 Danny LAVELY (USA) 684
16 Robert COLLINS (USA) 545
17 Cliff SWAIN (USA) 513
18 Tim LANDERYOU (Canada) 452
19 Daeyong KWON (South Korea) 344
20 Tom FUHRMANN (USA) 341
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, February 2, 2015
Iwaasa & Lambert win Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event
Coby Iwaasa and Frédérique Lambert won the Men's and Women's divisions, respectively, at the Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event in Brossard, Que. It's the first Selection Event win for Iwaasa, who was the Men's 3rd seed, and fourth for Lambert, who was the #1 Women's seed.
Iwaasa needed a tie-breaker to get the win against Pedro Castro, as they split the first two games of a best of three match with Iwaasa winning game one and Castro game two. The tie-breaking third game was also close, but Iwaasa came out on top, 15-9, 6-15, 11-8.
Iwaasa and Castro were surprise finalists, as both scored big upsets in the semi-finals, and both were in their first ever final at a Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event.
Castro, the 5th seed, upset the Men's top seed and current National Champion, Vincent Gagnon, 15-12, 15-13, in one semi, and Iwaasa, the 3rd seed defeated 2nd seed Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-4, 11-7, in the other semi.
Landeryou was ahead 5-2 in the tie-breaker against Iwaasa, but Iwaasa outscored him 9-2 the rest of the way. But it took six match points for Iwaasa to finish the match with the winner coming off a skipped shot by Landeryou, as he tried to return a jam serve from Iwaasa.
Castro almost wasn't in the semi-finals, as he had a close match in the quarterfinals with 4th seed Samuel Murray that he won in a tie-breaker, 15-13, 11-15, 12-10.
Lambert defeated 2nd seed Jennifer Saunders in the Women's final in two straight games, 15-9, 15-11. They were close throughout the match. Saunders led late in game two at 11-9, and looked like she would force a third game, but Lambert held her at 11, while scoring six unanswered points to end the match.
In the Women's semi-finals, Lambert had a forfeit win over Michèle Morissette, and Saunders defeated Valerie Fallu, 15-6, 15-7.
In the third place matches, Gagnon defeated Landeryou, 15-12, 15-13, on the Men's side, and Morissette beat Fallu, 15-7, 15-12, on the Women's side.
The results of this tournament will be used - in part - to select Team Canada for the 2015 Pan American Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in March. Players are also working towards being selected to represent Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto in July.
Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event
Brossard, Quebec
Men's Final
Coby Iwaasa d. Pedro Castro, 15-9, 6-15, 11-8
3rd Place
Vincent Gagnon d. Tim Landeryou, 15-12, 15-13
5th Place
Samuel Murray d. Nathaniel Husulak, 15-5, 15-10
7th Place
Kurtis Cullen d. Nicolas Bousquet, forfeit
9th Place
James Landeryou d. Tanner Mattson, 15-5, 14-16, 11-8
11th Place
Lee Connell d. Tommy Murray, 10-15, 15-12, 11-2
Semi-finals
Pedro Castro d. Vincent Gagnon, 15-12, 15-13
Coby Iwaasa d. Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-4, 11-7
Quarterfinals
Vincent Gagnon d. Nicolas Bousquet, 15-13, 15-9
Pedro Castro d. Samuel Murray, 15-13, 11-15, 12-10
Coby Iwaasa d. Nathaniel Husulak, 15-3, 15-13
Tim Landeryou d. Kurtis Cullen, 15-6, 15-8
Women's Final
Frédérique Lambert d. Jennifer Saunders, 15-9, 15-11
3rd Place
Michèle Morissette d. Valerie Fallu, 15-7, 15-12
5th Place
Alison Schlichemeyer d. Disney Linares, 15-7, 14-16, 11-0
7th Place
Danielle Drury d. Josée Grand'Maître, forfeit
Semi-finals
Frédérique Lambert d. Michèle Morissette, forfeit
Jennifer Saunders d. Valerie Fallu, 15-6, 15-7
Quarterfinals
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Drury, 15-4, 15-3
Michèle Morissette d. Alison Schlichemeyer, 15-6, 15-7
Valerie Fallu d. Josée Grand'Maître, forfeit
Jennifer Saunders d. Disney Linares, 15-1, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
Iwaasa needed a tie-breaker to get the win against Pedro Castro, as they split the first two games of a best of three match with Iwaasa winning game one and Castro game two. The tie-breaking third game was also close, but Iwaasa came out on top, 15-9, 6-15, 11-8.
Iwaasa and Castro were surprise finalists, as both scored big upsets in the semi-finals, and both were in their first ever final at a Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event.
Castro, the 5th seed, upset the Men's top seed and current National Champion, Vincent Gagnon, 15-12, 15-13, in one semi, and Iwaasa, the 3rd seed defeated 2nd seed Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-4, 11-7, in the other semi.
Landeryou was ahead 5-2 in the tie-breaker against Iwaasa, but Iwaasa outscored him 9-2 the rest of the way. But it took six match points for Iwaasa to finish the match with the winner coming off a skipped shot by Landeryou, as he tried to return a jam serve from Iwaasa.
Castro almost wasn't in the semi-finals, as he had a close match in the quarterfinals with 4th seed Samuel Murray that he won in a tie-breaker, 15-13, 11-15, 12-10.
Lambert defeated 2nd seed Jennifer Saunders in the Women's final in two straight games, 15-9, 15-11. They were close throughout the match. Saunders led late in game two at 11-9, and looked like she would force a third game, but Lambert held her at 11, while scoring six unanswered points to end the match.
In the Women's semi-finals, Lambert had a forfeit win over Michèle Morissette, and Saunders defeated Valerie Fallu, 15-6, 15-7.
In the third place matches, Gagnon defeated Landeryou, 15-12, 15-13, on the Men's side, and Morissette beat Fallu, 15-7, 15-12, on the Women's side.
The results of this tournament will be used - in part - to select Team Canada for the 2015 Pan American Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in March. Players are also working towards being selected to represent Canada at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto in July.
Racquetball Canada National Team Selection Event
Brossard, Quebec
Men's Final
Coby Iwaasa d. Pedro Castro, 15-9, 6-15, 11-8
3rd Place
Vincent Gagnon d. Tim Landeryou, 15-12, 15-13
5th Place
Samuel Murray d. Nathaniel Husulak, 15-5, 15-10
7th Place
Kurtis Cullen d. Nicolas Bousquet, forfeit
9th Place
James Landeryou d. Tanner Mattson, 15-5, 14-16, 11-8
11th Place
Lee Connell d. Tommy Murray, 10-15, 15-12, 11-2
Semi-finals
Pedro Castro d. Vincent Gagnon, 15-12, 15-13
Coby Iwaasa d. Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-4, 11-7
Quarterfinals
Vincent Gagnon d. Nicolas Bousquet, 15-13, 15-9
Pedro Castro d. Samuel Murray, 15-13, 11-15, 12-10
Coby Iwaasa d. Nathaniel Husulak, 15-3, 15-13
Tim Landeryou d. Kurtis Cullen, 15-6, 15-8
Women's Final
Frédérique Lambert d. Jennifer Saunders, 15-9, 15-11
3rd Place
Michèle Morissette d. Valerie Fallu, 15-7, 15-12
5th Place
Alison Schlichemeyer d. Disney Linares, 15-7, 14-16, 11-0
7th Place
Danielle Drury d. Josée Grand'Maître, forfeit
Semi-finals
Frédérique Lambert d. Michèle Morissette, forfeit
Jennifer Saunders d. Valerie Fallu, 15-6, 15-7
Quarterfinals
Frédérique Lambert d. Danielle Drury, 15-4, 15-3
Michèle Morissette d. Alison Schlichemeyer, 15-6, 15-7
Valerie Fallu d. Josée Grand'Maître, forfeit
Jennifer Saunders d. Disney Linares, 15-1, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball….
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