The 2015 Pan American Games have come and gone, and the biggest winners were Mexico and the USA. Mexico won four gold medals: Women's Singles (Paola Longoria), Women's Doubles (Longoria & Samantha Salas), Women's Team (Longoria & Salas) and Men's Team (Alvaro Beltran, Daniel De La Rosa & Javier Moreno), while the USA won two gold: Men's Singles (Rocky Carson) and Men's Doubles (Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas).
The four Mexican gold medals were repeats from four years ago in Guadalajara, as was the USA's gold in Men's Singles. But Mexico won Men's Doubles four years ago, while that went to the USA this year.
Eight countries won medals in Guadalajara, but only six did in Toronto. Argentina won two silver medals this year, but none in Guadalajara. However, the player responsible for the Argentine medals - Maria Jose Vargas - played for Bolivia four years ago, winning them two bronze medals.
Bolivia won a silver and two bronze medals despite losing its only medalist from four years ago, so that's an improvement. Canada also improved its medal haul, as they won three bronze medals on home soil one more than four years ago. Ecuador performed the same as four years ago: they won three bronze medals in Guadalajara and did so again in Toronto.
Chile, Colombia and Venezuela won medals in Guadalajara, but failed to do so in Toronto.
The 2019 Pan Am Games will be Lima, Peru.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Medal Summary
Men's Singles
GOLD - Rocky Carson (USA)
SILVER - Alvaro Beltran (MEXICO)
BRONZE - Daniel De La Rosa (MEXICO), Conrado Moscoso (BOLIVIA)
Men's Doubles
GOLD - Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
SILVER - Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (BOLIVIA)
BRONZE - Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (CANADA), Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (MEXICO)
Men's Team
GOLD - MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno)
SILVER - USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas)
BRONZE - CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou), BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso)
Women's Singles
GOLD - Paola Longoria (MEXICO)
SILVER - Maria Jose Vargas (ARGENTINA)
BRONZE - Rhonda Rajsich (USA), Veronica Sotomayor (ECUADOR)
Women's Doubles
GOLD - Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (MEXICO)
SILVER - Véronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (ARGENTINA)
BRONZE - Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (ECUADOR), Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA)
Women's Team
GOLD - MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas)
SILVER - USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk)
BRONZE - ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz), CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders)
Country - Gold, Silver, Bronze = TOTAL
1. MEXICO - 4, 2, 1 = 7
2. USA - 2, 2, 2 = 6
3. ARGENTINA - 0, 2, 0 = 2
4. BOLIVIA - 0, 1, 2, = 3
5. CANADA - 0, 0, 3 = 3
5. ECUADOR - 0, 0, 3 = 3
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, July 27, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Mexico wins gold in Men's Team event at 2015 Pan American Games
Mexico defeated the USA in two straight matches to capture gold in the Men's Team event at the 2015 Pan American Games, which is a repeat of their performance four years ago in Guadalajara. Sunday, Daniel De La Rosa defeated Jake Bredenbeck in the first match, 15-12, 15-12, and then in a repeat of this year's Men's Singles gold medal match, Alvaro Beltran defeated Rocky Carson, 15-12, 15-7.
De La Rosa and Bredenbeck was close early in game one, as they were tied at 6-6. Bredendbeck actually went ahead 7-6, but De La Rosa held him there and scored eight unanswered points to lead 14-7.
Credit to Bredenbeck for staging a comeback to get it within two at 14-12, but giving a player of De La Rosa's quality that large a lead is not good. De La Rosa won it with a forehand cross court shot from left to right.
In game two, Bredenbeck took the lead early at 7-2. But De La Rosa came back, and tied the game at 7-7. Then the Mexican got a bit of a lead and extended it to 14-8. Bredenbeck again came back to 14-12. At that point, De La Rosa took a timeout, and when play resumed he got the serve back, and scored the final point on a backhand down the line shot that was tight to the left wall. Bredenbeck dove to try to keep the ball in play, but his effort was in vain.
Carson confirmed after the match that he suffered a hand injury, saying "I dove, and I put my hand down, and my thumb was pointing straight down. When I landed I felt it go back."
He was hoping it was just a sprain, but "when I pushed on it my joint didn't hurt but my thumb was moving. I think underneath my nail I probably broke the last bone of my thumb," said Carson.
Whenever someone takes that much injury time, there's a question of how effective he or she will be when play resumes. But Carson was effective in game one, and Beltran expected nothing less.
"I knew Rocky is a warrior and it takes more than that for him to quit a match," said Beltran after, adding "I knew I had to focus on my game. Trying to play the best I could."
Carson kept the score close the whole way in game one. In fact, Carson led late at 11-9.
But Beltran tied it at 11-11, then edged ahead to 13-11, and got to game point at 14-12. Carson fought off three game points, but on the fourth, his forehand cross court shot was parried down the line by Beltran.
In game two, Beltran took an early lead at 5-1, and although Carson came back to 5-4, he never tied it, as Beltran went out to lead 10-5, and win 15-7. He won the last points with lob nick serves to the left - Carson's backhand.
Coming in to the match Carson said "I felt good. I was really looking forward to playing today, and playing hard." But after the injury that was difficult.
"Not that I didn't play hard," despite the injury said Carson, "but I couldn't swing hard because I couldn't grab the racquet, couldn't feel the racquet that well either."
So, Carson adjusted, and thought "just stick with fundamentals put pressure on him. If he hits a shot, he hits a shot. But I got to at least make him make shots, and if I can do that then it gives me a chance. And it gave me a chance," said Carson.
But "Alvaro knows how to play racquetball," said Carson, adding "he knows how to win. Credit to him. Some other guys I might have been able to pull out of their game more. It wasn't like I was playing that bad of racquetball. I just didn't have a lot of offence to throw at him."
It seemed Carson's injury was effecting him more in game two, as he wasn't as effective as he had been earlier in the tournament, or even game one. But Carson attributed that to Beltran. "I think he just understood, seeing the shots that I was able to execute and what I couldn't. I couldn't be pinpoint. especially from the back court. I didn't have the power to get it by him. It was really hard to make it perfect without the pace."
Beltran said his "strategy was to be aggressive. Not let him prolong rallies. He's in top shape. He's in better shape than me. I knew I had to play my game. I had be aggressive and to make rallies shorter. That was my strategy, and it worked."
Asked about his condition coming into the day, Beltran said "I had a back spasm yesterday. I've been playing a lot of racquetball." How he feels tomorrow could but a different story, but "right now I'm just so happy, enjoying this medal, you don't feel the pain."
"I think tomorrow … my body will tell me that I'm 36," said Beltran.
Beltran's age - and Moreno's who's 39 - could be a factor in whether Mexico can win the Men's Team event four years from now in Lima, Peru, as Beltran will be 40 then, and Moreno 43. However, De La Rosa's only 22, and if some of the other young Mexican players can raise their skill levels, Mexico could well win again in Peru.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Men's Team - Final
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas), 2-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
De La Rosa and Bredenbeck was close early in game one, as they were tied at 6-6. Bredendbeck actually went ahead 7-6, but De La Rosa held him there and scored eight unanswered points to lead 14-7.
Credit to Bredenbeck for staging a comeback to get it within two at 14-12, but giving a player of De La Rosa's quality that large a lead is not good. De La Rosa won it with a forehand cross court shot from left to right.
In game two, Bredenbeck took the lead early at 7-2. But De La Rosa came back, and tied the game at 7-7. Then the Mexican got a bit of a lead and extended it to 14-8. Bredenbeck again came back to 14-12. At that point, De La Rosa took a timeout, and when play resumed he got the serve back, and scored the final point on a backhand down the line shot that was tight to the left wall. Bredenbeck dove to try to keep the ball in play, but his effort was in vain.
Carson confirmed after the match that he suffered a hand injury, saying "I dove, and I put my hand down, and my thumb was pointing straight down. When I landed I felt it go back."
He was hoping it was just a sprain, but "when I pushed on it my joint didn't hurt but my thumb was moving. I think underneath my nail I probably broke the last bone of my thumb," said Carson.
Whenever someone takes that much injury time, there's a question of how effective he or she will be when play resumes. But Carson was effective in game one, and Beltran expected nothing less.
"I knew Rocky is a warrior and it takes more than that for him to quit a match," said Beltran after, adding "I knew I had to focus on my game. Trying to play the best I could."
Carson kept the score close the whole way in game one. In fact, Carson led late at 11-9.
But Beltran tied it at 11-11, then edged ahead to 13-11, and got to game point at 14-12. Carson fought off three game points, but on the fourth, his forehand cross court shot was parried down the line by Beltran.
In game two, Beltran took an early lead at 5-1, and although Carson came back to 5-4, he never tied it, as Beltran went out to lead 10-5, and win 15-7. He won the last points with lob nick serves to the left - Carson's backhand.
Coming in to the match Carson said "I felt good. I was really looking forward to playing today, and playing hard." But after the injury that was difficult.
"Not that I didn't play hard," despite the injury said Carson, "but I couldn't swing hard because I couldn't grab the racquet, couldn't feel the racquet that well either."
So, Carson adjusted, and thought "just stick with fundamentals put pressure on him. If he hits a shot, he hits a shot. But I got to at least make him make shots, and if I can do that then it gives me a chance. And it gave me a chance," said Carson.
But "Alvaro knows how to play racquetball," said Carson, adding "he knows how to win. Credit to him. Some other guys I might have been able to pull out of their game more. It wasn't like I was playing that bad of racquetball. I just didn't have a lot of offence to throw at him."
It seemed Carson's injury was effecting him more in game two, as he wasn't as effective as he had been earlier in the tournament, or even game one. But Carson attributed that to Beltran. "I think he just understood, seeing the shots that I was able to execute and what I couldn't. I couldn't be pinpoint. especially from the back court. I didn't have the power to get it by him. It was really hard to make it perfect without the pace."
Beltran said his "strategy was to be aggressive. Not let him prolong rallies. He's in top shape. He's in better shape than me. I knew I had to play my game. I had be aggressive and to make rallies shorter. That was my strategy, and it worked."
Asked about his condition coming into the day, Beltran said "I had a back spasm yesterday. I've been playing a lot of racquetball." How he feels tomorrow could but a different story, but "right now I'm just so happy, enjoying this medal, you don't feel the pain."
"I think tomorrow … my body will tell me that I'm 36," said Beltran.
Beltran's age - and Moreno's who's 39 - could be a factor in whether Mexico can win the Men's Team event four years from now in Lima, Peru, as Beltran will be 40 then, and Moreno 43. However, De La Rosa's only 22, and if some of the other young Mexican players can raise their skill levels, Mexico could well win again in Peru.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Men's Team - Final
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas), 2-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mexico wins gold in Women's Team event at 2015 Pan American Games
Mexico won the Women's Team event at the 2015 Pan American Games, just as they did four years ago in Guadalajara. Mexico only needed wins in the two singles matches, as Samantha Salas defeated Michelle Key, 15-3, 15-9, and Paola Longoria beat Rhonda Rajsich, 15-6, 15-12. The doubles match was unnecessary.
Salas dominated Key in game one, and was up 10-2 in game two. But then the American came back to trail by only one at 10-9. But Key couldn't tie it, as Salas went on to win 15-9, giving Mexico the early advantage.
In game one of the second match, Longoria was in control early, as she went up 8-2. Although Rajsich never really cut into that lead, she certainly made Longoria work for every point. Twenty five rallies went by and only eight points were scored with Longoria still leading 12-6.
But from there, Longoria quickly ended it with points three straight rallies for 15-6.
In game two, Longoria took an early lead again, going up 7-1. But Rajsich came back harder, got within one at 7-6, and then tied the game at 12-12. However, Longoria wanted a third gold to go with the two she won earlier in Toronto, and she closed out the game, 15-12.
The win completes a Mexican gold medal sweep in women's events at the 2015 Pan Am Games with Longoria winning three gold - Women's Singles, Women's Doubles with Salas and Sunday the Women's Team event. Her three medals from Toronto will go with the three she won in Guadalajara four years ago.
Longoria is only 26, having had her birthday last Monday, so she may be able to win gold again four years from now in Lima, Peru.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Final
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk), 2-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
Salas dominated Key in game one, and was up 10-2 in game two. But then the American came back to trail by only one at 10-9. But Key couldn't tie it, as Salas went on to win 15-9, giving Mexico the early advantage.
In game one of the second match, Longoria was in control early, as she went up 8-2. Although Rajsich never really cut into that lead, she certainly made Longoria work for every point. Twenty five rallies went by and only eight points were scored with Longoria still leading 12-6.
But from there, Longoria quickly ended it with points three straight rallies for 15-6.
In game two, Longoria took an early lead again, going up 7-1. But Rajsich came back harder, got within one at 7-6, and then tied the game at 12-12. However, Longoria wanted a third gold to go with the two she won earlier in Toronto, and she closed out the game, 15-12.
The win completes a Mexican gold medal sweep in women's events at the 2015 Pan Am Games with Longoria winning three gold - Women's Singles, Women's Doubles with Salas and Sunday the Women's Team event. Her three medals from Toronto will go with the three she won in Guadalajara four years ago.
Longoria is only 26, having had her birthday last Monday, so she may be able to win gold again four years from now in Lima, Peru.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Final
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk), 2-0
Follow the bouncing ball....
Saturday, July 25, 2015
USA & Mexico to playoff for team gold at 2015 Pan American Games
Mexico and the USA will play for gold in the Men's Team event at the 2015 Pan American Games, just as they did four years ago in Guadalajara. Sound familiar? That's because it's a Mexican-American showdown in the Women's Team final also. On the men's side, both Mexico and the USA needed three matches to advance. Mexico defeated Bolivia in one semi-final while the USA beat Canada in the other.
Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno got Mexico off to a good start, as they defeated Bolivians Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso in doubles, 15-5, 15-14. In the second match, Moscoso got the better of Daniel De La Rosa over three games, 10-15, 15-5, 11-5.
That set up a deciding third match, which also went to a tie-breaker, when Beltran came through for Mexico by defeating Carlos Keller, 15-12, 3-15, 11-3.
That Beltran was able to take part in the semi-final at all was "basically, a miracle," Beltran said afterwards. "Never thought I was going to be able to play," as he'd suffered "a terrible back spasm" against Costa Rica in doubles.
But with an "effort by everyone on our team. My teammates. Their support. Their trust. The doctors put me on the court," said Beltran, adding "I told them just get me on the court. I'll do the rest."
In the other semi-final, the USA also started well, as Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas beat Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou, 15-4, 15-9. The win avenged the Americans loss to the Canuck team in the group stage of the individual competition earlier in the week.
Rojas said afterwards "I was just focussed. I felt we had the right strategy. I was just executing almost every time that I needed to. We put a lot of pressure on them. They were putting some pressure on us, but I just felt good the whole match." It showed in his performance, as he was the main shooter for the US in the match.
In the second match, veteran Mike Green got the better of young Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-12, to level the match at 1-1.
Thus, a third match would decide who was going to play for gold with Rocky Carson (USA) and Coby Iwaasa (Canada) facing off. Carson, the gold medal winner in Men's Singles in Toronto, looked like he wasn't going to have any problem with the young Canadian after game one. However, Iwaasa had other ideas, and pushed the gold medal winner to the limit before Carson was able to pull it out, winning 15-6, 15-14.
"Being up 9-2 in the second and then having to fight to win 15-14.
That was probably the best racquetball I've had anybody play against me all weekend. No doubt," said Carson afterwards. "I was hitting good shots, and he was hitting better shots at times. You have to live with that. I was living with it at that moment a little bit more than I wanted to. But I was able to weather the storm enough. Hit a couple clutch shots, and put a little pressure on him at the end that forced him into a couple skips."
The match ended with two serve return skips by Iwaasa off Carson drive Z serves to the left side that Iwaasa tried to hit as the ball was coming off the back wall.
Iwaasa actually had one game point on Carson, but Carson hit a forehand winner to get the serve back. Iwaasa never served again, as he had those two return errors.
Asked about what they expect in the final, Beltran said "as long as we're in the court. I think we have pretty good chances." He knows "it's not going to be easy. They won the individual singles and doubles. But we're going to be ready."
Beltran and Moreno could play Americans Rojas and Allen again in doubles, and the USA won their first match. Of that match, Beltran said "I thought we played them pretty well. They just executed with the pressure on. That's not easy to do. We didn't play a bad game. They just made the shots."
On Sunday, Beltran said "we're going to do the same thing. We're going to keep that pressure on. Hopefully, [the Americans will] miss" more this time than they did in the last match.
Carson also expects "it's going to be tough." But he said "I think we have a really good chance. We go in with a lot of confidence."
Rojas agreed they are "going to play confident." Also, he said they'll "play calm, and try to get that gold. We'll be ready."
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Men's Team
Semi-finals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) d. 4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou), 2-1
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso), 2-1
Final
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) v. 2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno got Mexico off to a good start, as they defeated Bolivians Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso in doubles, 15-5, 15-14. In the second match, Moscoso got the better of Daniel De La Rosa over three games, 10-15, 15-5, 11-5.
That set up a deciding third match, which also went to a tie-breaker, when Beltran came through for Mexico by defeating Carlos Keller, 15-12, 3-15, 11-3.
That Beltran was able to take part in the semi-final at all was "basically, a miracle," Beltran said afterwards. "Never thought I was going to be able to play," as he'd suffered "a terrible back spasm" against Costa Rica in doubles.
But with an "effort by everyone on our team. My teammates. Their support. Their trust. The doctors put me on the court," said Beltran, adding "I told them just get me on the court. I'll do the rest."
In the other semi-final, the USA also started well, as Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas beat Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou, 15-4, 15-9. The win avenged the Americans loss to the Canuck team in the group stage of the individual competition earlier in the week.
Rojas said afterwards "I was just focussed. I felt we had the right strategy. I was just executing almost every time that I needed to. We put a lot of pressure on them. They were putting some pressure on us, but I just felt good the whole match." It showed in his performance, as he was the main shooter for the US in the match.
In the second match, veteran Mike Green got the better of young Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-12, to level the match at 1-1.
Thus, a third match would decide who was going to play for gold with Rocky Carson (USA) and Coby Iwaasa (Canada) facing off. Carson, the gold medal winner in Men's Singles in Toronto, looked like he wasn't going to have any problem with the young Canadian after game one. However, Iwaasa had other ideas, and pushed the gold medal winner to the limit before Carson was able to pull it out, winning 15-6, 15-14.
"Being up 9-2 in the second and then having to fight to win 15-14.
That was probably the best racquetball I've had anybody play against me all weekend. No doubt," said Carson afterwards. "I was hitting good shots, and he was hitting better shots at times. You have to live with that. I was living with it at that moment a little bit more than I wanted to. But I was able to weather the storm enough. Hit a couple clutch shots, and put a little pressure on him at the end that forced him into a couple skips."
The match ended with two serve return skips by Iwaasa off Carson drive Z serves to the left side that Iwaasa tried to hit as the ball was coming off the back wall.
Iwaasa actually had one game point on Carson, but Carson hit a forehand winner to get the serve back. Iwaasa never served again, as he had those two return errors.
Asked about what they expect in the final, Beltran said "as long as we're in the court. I think we have pretty good chances." He knows "it's not going to be easy. They won the individual singles and doubles. But we're going to be ready."
Beltran and Moreno could play Americans Rojas and Allen again in doubles, and the USA won their first match. Of that match, Beltran said "I thought we played them pretty well. They just executed with the pressure on. That's not easy to do. We didn't play a bad game. They just made the shots."
On Sunday, Beltran said "we're going to do the same thing. We're going to keep that pressure on. Hopefully, [the Americans will] miss" more this time than they did in the last match.
Carson also expects "it's going to be tough." But he said "I think we have a really good chance. We go in with a lot of confidence."
Rojas agreed they are "going to play confident." Also, he said they'll "play calm, and try to get that gold. We'll be ready."
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Men's Team
Semi-finals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) d. 4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou), 2-1
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso), 2-1
Final
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) v. 2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mexico & USA Women's Teams will play for gold at 2015 Pan American Games
Mexico and the USA will play for gold in the Women's Team event at the 2015 Pan American Games, just as they did four years ago in Guadalajara. Mexico defeated Ecuador in one semi-final while the USA beat Canada in the other.
The Mexican win required three matches. Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas won the doubles match against Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-13, 15-10. But Salas developed a shoulder injury in her singles match with Sotomayor, which led to her defaulting that match. Salas has had arm injuries in the past, and hopefully this is not a recurrence of that.
Thus, Longoria and Muñoz had to face off with Longoria - the 2015 gold medalist in Women's Singles - winning 15-3, 15-3.
The American team defeated the Canadians in two straight matches with contributions from all three team members. Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk won a very close doubles match versus Frédérique Lambert and Jennifer Saunders, 15-12, 15-14.
The Canadians actually got to 14 first, when they led 14-11. But a Russell-Waselenchuk wide angle pass from right to left got the USA back the serve, and they scored four consecutive points.
The rally that got the USA their 13th point was a bit controversial, as the referee called an avoidable hinder against Saunders. The Canadians appealed, but the line judges were divided in their opinion: one agreed with the referee's call, and one disagreed. Thus, the call stood.
In the second USA-Canada match, Michelle Key defeated Saunders, 15-2, 15-6, putting the Americans into the gold medal final on Sunday.
Asked if playing a lot of racquetball in the last 24 hours caught up to her against Key, Saunders said "yeah, definitely. I was feeling a little out of gas. But also emotionally being down one match after a really tight doubles game probably didn't help my energy level, which is unfortunate, but sometimes just the way it goes."
Saunders said she was "a lot more excited" after winning the quarterfinal against Argentina that guaranteed her a Pan Am Games medal than she was after losing to the USA. "But I'm sure after everything calms down and we do the medal presentation and the closing ceremonies, it'll all feel really amazing. Panamazing!"
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Semi-finals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz), 2-1
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) d. 7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders), 2-0
Final
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) v. 3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk)
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Mexican win required three matches. Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas won the doubles match against Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz, 15-13, 15-10. But Salas developed a shoulder injury in her singles match with Sotomayor, which led to her defaulting that match. Salas has had arm injuries in the past, and hopefully this is not a recurrence of that.
Thus, Longoria and Muñoz had to face off with Longoria - the 2015 gold medalist in Women's Singles - winning 15-3, 15-3.
The American team defeated the Canadians in two straight matches with contributions from all three team members. Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk won a very close doubles match versus Frédérique Lambert and Jennifer Saunders, 15-12, 15-14.
The Canadians actually got to 14 first, when they led 14-11. But a Russell-Waselenchuk wide angle pass from right to left got the USA back the serve, and they scored four consecutive points.
The rally that got the USA their 13th point was a bit controversial, as the referee called an avoidable hinder against Saunders. The Canadians appealed, but the line judges were divided in their opinion: one agreed with the referee's call, and one disagreed. Thus, the call stood.
In the second USA-Canada match, Michelle Key defeated Saunders, 15-2, 15-6, putting the Americans into the gold medal final on Sunday.
Asked if playing a lot of racquetball in the last 24 hours caught up to her against Key, Saunders said "yeah, definitely. I was feeling a little out of gas. But also emotionally being down one match after a really tight doubles game probably didn't help my energy level, which is unfortunate, but sometimes just the way it goes."
Saunders said she was "a lot more excited" after winning the quarterfinal against Argentina that guaranteed her a Pan Am Games medal than she was after losing to the USA. "But I'm sure after everything calms down and we do the medal presentation and the closing ceremonies, it'll all feel really amazing. Panamazing!"
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Semi-finals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz), 2-1
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) d. 7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders), 2-0
Final
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) v. 3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Team quarterfinals at 2015 Pan American Games
Canada had an upset win over Argentina in the quarterfinals of the Women's Team event at the 2015 Pan American Games, winning 2-0, after Frédérique Lambert defeated Véronique Guillemette, 15-12, 15-9, and Lambert and Jennifer Saunders beat Guillemette and Maria Vargas in doubles, 15-10, 15-7. The win puts Canada into the semi-finals, where they will face the USA.
Guillemette, reportedly, came to Toronto with a pre-existing back injury, and didn't play some of her singles matches in the individual part of the competition. Early in the first game of the doubles match, Guillemette aggravated that injury. That led to Vargas playing almost all the balls.
It difficult to play against two players at the best of times. To try to do so at the highest level is not a recipe for success.
The win will get Canadian veteran Saunders her first Pan Am Games medal in her third Pan Am Games appearance. Her first Pan Am Games were 12 years ago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It's also the first medal for Lambert in her second Games appearance.
Saunders' joy was evident as she jumped up and down immediately after the final point was scored. "We played great. Execute our plan," Saunders said afterwards, adding that's "as good as I could play."
Evidence of that were several dives that Saunders made for winners. "When I dive I don't usually kill the ball," she said. But "in doubles it's easier because you're just covering one area, looking for one shot."
Lambert added, "I finally played good. It's about time."
It almost didn't happen for the Canadians, as they went the distance with the young Guatemala team. Asked if that was a stressful match up, Saunders said "at the start it's stressful, but once you get started it's OK. I felt better at home. I had teammates and family in the crowd," which helped keep things in perspective for Saunders, and play well.
Canada will play the USA women in the semi-finals, as the Americans defeated Colombia, 2-0. Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) defeated Cristina Amaya and Maria Gomez (Colombia), 15-4, 15-8. Earlier Gomez had defaulted to Rajsich, so the Colombians were hoping for a win in the doubles and then for Amaya to beat Michelle Key. But that didn't happen.
On the top of the Women's Team draw, Mexico will play Ecuador, as both teams won their quarterfinal matches in two straight matches. Mexico defeated Chile, as Paola Longoria beat Angela Grisar, 15-5, 15-5, and then teamed up with Samantha Salas to defeat Grisar and Carla Muñoz in doubles, 15-4, 15-5.
Ecuador were winners over Bolivia. Maria Paz Muñoz defeated Adriana Riveros, 15-14, 15-6, and then Muñoz and Veronica Sotomayor had a walkover win in doubles against Riveros and Carola Loma.
In the Men's Team event, the top four seeds are through to the semi-finals, although two of them needed all three matches to get there. But the top seeded USA team got through in two straight matches against Venezuela. Rocky Carson defeated Cesar Castillo, 15-9, 15-4, then Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas beat Castillo and Cesar Castro in doubles, 15-4, 15-8. Jake Bredenbeck didn't have to play his singles match against Castro.
The USA will play Canada in the semis, after Canada defeated the Dominican Republic, 2-1. Coby Iwaasa won his singles match against Luis Perez, 15-11, 15-7. But then Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou to Perez and Ramon De Leon in doubles, 15-11, 3-15, 11-10. The deciding match was between Mike Green and De Leon, which Green won 15-10, 15-6.
In the doubles match, Canada was up 6-2, and 10-8, but couldn't close it out, as the Dominicans made some great shots.
The USA-Canada semi could be determined by the doubles match, which will be a rematch, as Allen and Rojas lost to Gagnon and Landeryou in the group stage of the individual event. But after that loss Allen and Rojas went on a roll, and won gold in Men's Doubles. They'd surely love to beat the Canadians to show that the first match result was a fluke.
On the other side, Mexico squeaked by Costa Rica, as Daniel De La Rosa pulled out a tie-breaker win over Andres Acuña, 13-15, 15-8, 11-8, in a match necessitated by Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno defaulting to Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero as result of Beltran injuring his back.
It's uncertain whether Beltran will be able to play in the semi-finals. He did beat Camacho, 15-7, 14-15, 11-2, in the first match of the Mexico-Costa Rica quarterfinal.
Beltran's condition, even if he does play, could benefit Bolivia, who defeated Colombia in two matches, as Carlos Keller beat Set Cubillos 15-3, 15-3, and Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso defeated Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera, 8-15, 15-14, 11-4.
The team event is a best of three matches: two singles matches and a doubles match. The team that wins two of the three matches advances.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Quarterfinals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 9) CHILE (Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz), 2-0
4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz) d. 5) BOLIVIA (Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros), 2-0
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) d. 6) COLOMBIA (Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez), 2-0
7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders) d. 2) ARGENTINA (Véronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas), 2-0
Semi-finals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) v. 4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz)
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) v. 7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders)
Men's Team
Quarterfinals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) d. 8) VENEZUELA (Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro), 2-0
4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou) d. 5) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon), 2-1
3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso) v. 6) COLOMBIA (Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera), 2-0
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 7) COSTA RICA (Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero), 2-1
Semi-finals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) v. 4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou)
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) v. 3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Guillemette, reportedly, came to Toronto with a pre-existing back injury, and didn't play some of her singles matches in the individual part of the competition. Early in the first game of the doubles match, Guillemette aggravated that injury. That led to Vargas playing almost all the balls.
It difficult to play against two players at the best of times. To try to do so at the highest level is not a recipe for success.
The win will get Canadian veteran Saunders her first Pan Am Games medal in her third Pan Am Games appearance. Her first Pan Am Games were 12 years ago in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It's also the first medal for Lambert in her second Games appearance.
Saunders' joy was evident as she jumped up and down immediately after the final point was scored. "We played great. Execute our plan," Saunders said afterwards, adding that's "as good as I could play."
Evidence of that were several dives that Saunders made for winners. "When I dive I don't usually kill the ball," she said. But "in doubles it's easier because you're just covering one area, looking for one shot."
Lambert added, "I finally played good. It's about time."
It almost didn't happen for the Canadians, as they went the distance with the young Guatemala team. Asked if that was a stressful match up, Saunders said "at the start it's stressful, but once you get started it's OK. I felt better at home. I had teammates and family in the crowd," which helped keep things in perspective for Saunders, and play well.
Canada will play the USA women in the semi-finals, as the Americans defeated Colombia, 2-0. Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) defeated Cristina Amaya and Maria Gomez (Colombia), 15-4, 15-8. Earlier Gomez had defaulted to Rajsich, so the Colombians were hoping for a win in the doubles and then for Amaya to beat Michelle Key. But that didn't happen.
On the top of the Women's Team draw, Mexico will play Ecuador, as both teams won their quarterfinal matches in two straight matches. Mexico defeated Chile, as Paola Longoria beat Angela Grisar, 15-5, 15-5, and then teamed up with Samantha Salas to defeat Grisar and Carla Muñoz in doubles, 15-4, 15-5.
Ecuador were winners over Bolivia. Maria Paz Muñoz defeated Adriana Riveros, 15-14, 15-6, and then Muñoz and Veronica Sotomayor had a walkover win in doubles against Riveros and Carola Loma.
In the Men's Team event, the top four seeds are through to the semi-finals, although two of them needed all three matches to get there. But the top seeded USA team got through in two straight matches against Venezuela. Rocky Carson defeated Cesar Castillo, 15-9, 15-4, then Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas beat Castillo and Cesar Castro in doubles, 15-4, 15-8. Jake Bredenbeck didn't have to play his singles match against Castro.
The USA will play Canada in the semis, after Canada defeated the Dominican Republic, 2-1. Coby Iwaasa won his singles match against Luis Perez, 15-11, 15-7. But then Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou to Perez and Ramon De Leon in doubles, 15-11, 3-15, 11-10. The deciding match was between Mike Green and De Leon, which Green won 15-10, 15-6.
In the doubles match, Canada was up 6-2, and 10-8, but couldn't close it out, as the Dominicans made some great shots.
The USA-Canada semi could be determined by the doubles match, which will be a rematch, as Allen and Rojas lost to Gagnon and Landeryou in the group stage of the individual event. But after that loss Allen and Rojas went on a roll, and won gold in Men's Doubles. They'd surely love to beat the Canadians to show that the first match result was a fluke.
On the other side, Mexico squeaked by Costa Rica, as Daniel De La Rosa pulled out a tie-breaker win over Andres Acuña, 13-15, 15-8, 11-8, in a match necessitated by Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno defaulting to Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero as result of Beltran injuring his back.
It's uncertain whether Beltran will be able to play in the semi-finals. He did beat Camacho, 15-7, 14-15, 11-2, in the first match of the Mexico-Costa Rica quarterfinal.
Beltran's condition, even if he does play, could benefit Bolivia, who defeated Colombia in two matches, as Carlos Keller beat Set Cubillos 15-3, 15-3, and Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso defeated Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera, 8-15, 15-14, 11-4.
The team event is a best of three matches: two singles matches and a doubles match. The team that wins two of the three matches advances.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Quarterfinals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) d. 9) CHILE (Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz), 2-0
4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz) d. 5) BOLIVIA (Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros), 2-0
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) d. 6) COLOMBIA (Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez), 2-0
7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders) d. 2) ARGENTINA (Véronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas), 2-0
Semi-finals
1) MEXICO (Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas) v. 4) ECUADOR (Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz)
3) USA (Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk) v. 7) CANADA (Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders)
Men's Team
Quarterfinals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) d. 8) VENEZUELA (Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro), 2-0
4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou) d. 5) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon), 2-1
3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso) v. 6) COLOMBIA (Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera), 2-0
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) d. 7) COSTA RICA (Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero), 2-1
Semi-finals
1) USA (Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas) v. 4) CANADA (Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou)
2) MEXICO (Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno) v. 3) BOLIVIA (Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso)
Follow the bouncing ball....
First round of Team Event at 2015 Pan American Games
Canada and Guatemala went the distance in the Women's Team event Friday at the 2015 Pan American Games, as each match went tie-breaker with Canada squeaking out the victory, 2-1.
Ana Gabriela Martinez got Guatemala the early advantage, as she upset Canadian Frédérique Lambert in singles, 8-15, 15-10, 11-10. Jennifer Saunders levelled the match at 1-1, as she defeated Maria Rodriguez, 15-11, 12-15, 11-4. In the deciding doubles match, Lambert and Saunders came out on top, but they needed a tie-breaker to do it, winning 15-12, 9-15, 11-6.
Canada will play Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz defeated Venezuela, 2-0, as Grisar beat Mariana Tobon, 15-6, 15-7, and Muñoz defeated Mariana Paredes, 15-9, 15-10. The win gets Chile a date with Mexico in the quarterfinals.
In Men's Team action, Venezuela and Guatemala split their two singles games, as Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) defeated Christian Wer (Guatemala), 13-15, 15-10, 11-5, and Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) beat Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-13, 11-15, 11-7, so it came down to the doubles match, which the Venezulans won, 15-4, 15-7.
The Costa Rica men defeated Argentina, 2-1, on wins by Felipe Camacho against Daniel Maggi, 2-15, 15-6, 11-4, and the doubles team of Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero over Maggi and Shai Manzuri, 15-9, 4-15, 11-6. Argentina forced the third match after Manzuri beat Andres Acuña, 15-14, 15-6, in the second singles match.
The team event is a best of three matches: two singles matches and a doubles match. The team that wins two of the three matches advances.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 8) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 2-0
5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) - BYE
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
7) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) & Jennifer Saunders (Canada) d. 10) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rodriguez (Guatemala), 2-1
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) v. 5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) v. 7) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) & Jennifer Saunders (Canada)
Men's Team
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) d. 9) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala), 2-1
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic) - BYE
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador), walkover - injury
7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 10) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 2-1
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) v. 8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela)
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic)
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Ana Gabriela Martinez got Guatemala the early advantage, as she upset Canadian Frédérique Lambert in singles, 8-15, 15-10, 11-10. Jennifer Saunders levelled the match at 1-1, as she defeated Maria Rodriguez, 15-11, 12-15, 11-4. In the deciding doubles match, Lambert and Saunders came out on top, but they needed a tie-breaker to do it, winning 15-12, 9-15, 11-6.
Canada will play Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz defeated Venezuela, 2-0, as Grisar beat Mariana Tobon, 15-6, 15-7, and Muñoz defeated Mariana Paredes, 15-9, 15-10. The win gets Chile a date with Mexico in the quarterfinals.
In Men's Team action, Venezuela and Guatemala split their two singles games, as Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) defeated Christian Wer (Guatemala), 13-15, 15-10, 11-5, and Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) beat Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-13, 11-15, 11-7, so it came down to the doubles match, which the Venezulans won, 15-4, 15-7.
The Costa Rica men defeated Argentina, 2-1, on wins by Felipe Camacho against Daniel Maggi, 2-15, 15-6, 11-4, and the doubles team of Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero over Maggi and Shai Manzuri, 15-9, 4-15, 11-6. Argentina forced the third match after Manzuri beat Andres Acuña, 15-14, 15-6, in the second singles match.
The team event is a best of three matches: two singles matches and a doubles match. The team that wins two of the three matches advances.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 8) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 2-0
5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) - BYE
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
7) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) & Jennifer Saunders (Canada) d. 10) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rodriguez (Guatemala), 2-1
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) v. 5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia)
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) v. 7) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) & Jennifer Saunders (Canada)
Men's Team
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) d. 9) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala), 2-1
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic) - BYE
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador), walkover - injury
7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) d. 10) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 2-1
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) v. 8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela)
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic)
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Friday, July 24, 2015
Racquetball Team Event - 2015 Pan American Games
The 2015 Pan American Games includes Men's and Women's Team events. These events are country versus country in a best of three matches, two singles matches and a doubles match with the team that wins two of the three matches advancing to the next round. The losing team's Pan Am Games is over.
There are three positions for the team event: #1 singles, #2 singles and doubles. Countries can select any of their players to compete in any of the positions for the team event. That is, the players who played doubles in the individual round of the Pan Am Games need not be the doubles team for the team event, and vice versa.
Seeding for the team event is based on how countries did during the individual part of the week. There are 10 women's teams and 11 men's teams.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
8) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) v. 9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) - BYE
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA)
6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
7) Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders (Canada) v. 10) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala)
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
Men's Team
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) v. 9) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic) - BYE
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 10) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
There are three positions for the team event: #1 singles, #2 singles and doubles. Countries can select any of their players to compete in any of the positions for the team event. That is, the players who played doubles in the individual round of the Pan Am Games need not be the doubles team for the team event, and vice versa.
Seeding for the team event is based on how countries did during the individual part of the week. There are 10 women's teams and 11 men's teams.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Team
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
8) Mariana Tobon & Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) v. 9) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
5) Carola Loma & Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
4) Veronica Sotomayor & Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) - BYE
3) Rhonda Rajsich, Michelle Key, Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA)
6) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia)
7) Frédérique Lambert & Jennifer Saunders (Canada) v. 10) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala)
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
Men's Team
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson, Jake Bredenbeck, Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
8) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) v. 9) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
5) Luis Perez & Ramon De Leon (Dominican Republic) - BYE
4) Coby Iwaasa, Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
3) Carlos Keller, Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Set Cubillos, Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
7) Andres Acuña, Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 10) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
2) Daniel De La Rosa, Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Mexico & USA win doubles gold at 2015 Pan American Games
Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas won Women's Doubles at the 2015 Pan American Games, which was a successful defence of their 2011 gold medal. In Friday's final, the Mexicans defeated the Argentina team of Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas, 15-3, 15-4.
The teams were close early in game one, but when Mexico regained serve at 4-3 they called a timeout. After that Mexico scored eleven unanswered points to take game one.
A similar scenario played out in game two, as Mexico was up 4-3, and then ran the score to 14-3. Then Argentina got one point back before Mexico finished the game and match.
The win made Longoria a double gold medalist in Toronto, as she won gold in Women's Singles earlier in the day.
In Men's Doubles, Americans Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas defeated Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 15-8, 15-5. It was a very competitive match early in game one, and Bolivia actually led 6-3.
From there the Americans took over, scoring eight unanswered points, primarily with winners from Rojas, who afterwards said he'd been playing much better "since that Canada loss" in the group stage, and "I peaked right when I needed to."
That put the USA up 11-6. Bolivia clawed a couple of points back, getting the score to 12-8. But they couldn't get any closer, as Allen closed out the game with a service winner: a drive Z to the right that Keller couldn't pick off the back glass.
Game two was a similar story with the team close early, and then the USA pulling away. They took the score from 2-2 to 8-2. At that point, Rojas hit a three wall serve that gave the serve back to Bolivia.
Keller hit a winner to make it 8-3, but any thought of a comeback was ended as Keller was hit by the ball on the next rally, and then Moscoso skipped a shot resulting a side out.
The USA then dimmed any more hopes the Bolivians had by scoring five points to lead 13-3. From there it was only a matter of time.
The win was the USA's first gold in Men's Doubles since 1999, when Doug Ganim and Drew Kachtik won in Winnipeg. Rojas said "it's a real honour, a true honour" to be part of Pan Am Games history.
Allen, who turned 26 Friday, added he "couldn't have a better birthday."
The Men's and Women's Team competition begins Friday afternoon and concludes Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina), 15-3, 15-4
Men's Doubles
Final
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-8, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
The teams were close early in game one, but when Mexico regained serve at 4-3 they called a timeout. After that Mexico scored eleven unanswered points to take game one.
A similar scenario played out in game two, as Mexico was up 4-3, and then ran the score to 14-3. Then Argentina got one point back before Mexico finished the game and match.
The win made Longoria a double gold medalist in Toronto, as she won gold in Women's Singles earlier in the day.
In Men's Doubles, Americans Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas defeated Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 15-8, 15-5. It was a very competitive match early in game one, and Bolivia actually led 6-3.
From there the Americans took over, scoring eight unanswered points, primarily with winners from Rojas, who afterwards said he'd been playing much better "since that Canada loss" in the group stage, and "I peaked right when I needed to."
That put the USA up 11-6. Bolivia clawed a couple of points back, getting the score to 12-8. But they couldn't get any closer, as Allen closed out the game with a service winner: a drive Z to the right that Keller couldn't pick off the back glass.
Game two was a similar story with the team close early, and then the USA pulling away. They took the score from 2-2 to 8-2. At that point, Rojas hit a three wall serve that gave the serve back to Bolivia.
Keller hit a winner to make it 8-3, but any thought of a comeback was ended as Keller was hit by the ball on the next rally, and then Moscoso skipped a shot resulting a side out.
The USA then dimmed any more hopes the Bolivians had by scoring five points to lead 13-3. From there it was only a matter of time.
The win was the USA's first gold in Men's Doubles since 1999, when Doug Ganim and Drew Kachtik won in Winnipeg. Rojas said "it's a real honour, a true honour" to be part of Pan Am Games history.
Allen, who turned 26 Friday, added he "couldn't have a better birthday."
The Men's and Women's Team competition begins Friday afternoon and concludes Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina), 15-3, 15-4
Men's Doubles
Final
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-8, 15-5
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson & Longoria repeat gold medalists at 2015 Pan American Games
Repeat, repeat. That was the story for Men's and Women's Singles Friday at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, as the gold medalists from four years ago in Guadalajara won again. Paola Longoria of Mexico defeated Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina in the Women's Singles final, 15-12, 15-9, and American Rocky Carson beat Mexico Alvaro Beltran in Men's Singles, 15-11, 15-10. Both matches were highly competitive and very entertaining.
Longoria started well against Vargas, going up 4-1 in game one. But Vargas fought back, and tied the game at 7-7, then went ahead 11-7. Longoria called a timeout at that point.
When play resumed, Longoria got the serve back by forcing a skip from Vargas. Then she started lob serving, and five straight points came her way, making the score 12-11.
They traded points, and then Vargas short served at 12-13. Longoria called another timeout, and when she came back in Longoria scored two straight points to end the game 15-12.
In game two, Longoria again started well, and Vargas responded early, as they were tied at 5-5 and 6-6. Longoria then scored four straight points to go up 10-6. A Vargas timeout didn't help, as Longoria scored three more to make it 13-6.
Vargas scored her 7th point with a off speed z serve to the left that Longoria skipped. It was odd to see Vargas lob serving, as she serves almost 100% drive serves. However, desperate times can call for desperate measures, and down one game and 13-6 in the second against the reigning champion is a desperate time.
Vargas did make Longoria work for the title, despite being behind in game two. But the final two points were an anticlimax to a good match, as Longoria - also primarily a drive server - hit two kiss lobs to the left side, and Vargas went for kill shots as the ball came off the back glass but skipped both returns.
Carson and Beltran also had a great battle in the Men's final. Beltran said afterwards that he "knew it was going to be a battle" coming into the match.
Carson was ahead in most of their two games, but not entirely or ever really comfortably. Carson started the match strong, going up 5-0. But it was Beltran who scored the next seven points to lead 7-5.
Carson got four straight points after that to go ahead 9-7, and he stayed ahead, although Beltran was always within striking distance, including trailing 13-11. However, Beltran skipped shots to give Carson the last two points.
The final one came on a return of a Carson drive serve to the left side - Beltran's backhand. Carson served well all day, and indeed, all tournament. In the final he had eight aces or service winners, while Beltran had none.
Beltran felt that Carson's serve was a factor in the match, as did Carson, who said the "biggest difference was my drive serve" in the match.
Carson led most of game two, although Beltran went ahead 10-9 late in the game. It was a period of the match where momentum stalled for both players, as it took 14 rallies to go from 9-9 to 10-10.
It took another 14 rallies for Carson to end the game, and match, becoming the first man to win two Pan Am Games gold medals in Men's Singles.
Beltran has two gold in Men's Doubles, and has now medaled in four Pan Am Games going back to 1999, when he and Javier Moreno won the bronze medal in Men's Doubles. And they did win that as that year there was a bronze medal match.
Early in game two, the referee had the notion to stop the match prior to Beltran serving at 0-2 and measure the players' racquets. The result was a technical against both players as their respective racquets were too long. That must be a first in a racquetball competition, and it made the score -1 to +1 when play resumed.
Afterwards, Beltran said the incident "didn't effect the game," and that he and Carson were fine with each other's racquets as they were. Corson confirmed that he was fine with the racquets as they were. He felt it was "sad that the referees had to get in the middle of" the match, when the players fine with the conditions as they were.
Carson said it was "an honour" to win two gold medals, as "not too many athletes get to win one gold medal let alone two." Also, his achievement "hasn't really sunk in yet."
The Men's and Women's Team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will begin Friday afternoon and conclude Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina), 15-12, 15-9
Men Singles
Final
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico), 15-11, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria started well against Vargas, going up 4-1 in game one. But Vargas fought back, and tied the game at 7-7, then went ahead 11-7. Longoria called a timeout at that point.
When play resumed, Longoria got the serve back by forcing a skip from Vargas. Then she started lob serving, and five straight points came her way, making the score 12-11.
They traded points, and then Vargas short served at 12-13. Longoria called another timeout, and when she came back in Longoria scored two straight points to end the game 15-12.
In game two, Longoria again started well, and Vargas responded early, as they were tied at 5-5 and 6-6. Longoria then scored four straight points to go up 10-6. A Vargas timeout didn't help, as Longoria scored three more to make it 13-6.
Vargas scored her 7th point with a off speed z serve to the left that Longoria skipped. It was odd to see Vargas lob serving, as she serves almost 100% drive serves. However, desperate times can call for desperate measures, and down one game and 13-6 in the second against the reigning champion is a desperate time.
Vargas did make Longoria work for the title, despite being behind in game two. But the final two points were an anticlimax to a good match, as Longoria - also primarily a drive server - hit two kiss lobs to the left side, and Vargas went for kill shots as the ball came off the back glass but skipped both returns.
Carson and Beltran also had a great battle in the Men's final. Beltran said afterwards that he "knew it was going to be a battle" coming into the match.
Carson was ahead in most of their two games, but not entirely or ever really comfortably. Carson started the match strong, going up 5-0. But it was Beltran who scored the next seven points to lead 7-5.
Carson got four straight points after that to go ahead 9-7, and he stayed ahead, although Beltran was always within striking distance, including trailing 13-11. However, Beltran skipped shots to give Carson the last two points.
The final one came on a return of a Carson drive serve to the left side - Beltran's backhand. Carson served well all day, and indeed, all tournament. In the final he had eight aces or service winners, while Beltran had none.
Beltran felt that Carson's serve was a factor in the match, as did Carson, who said the "biggest difference was my drive serve" in the match.
Carson led most of game two, although Beltran went ahead 10-9 late in the game. It was a period of the match where momentum stalled for both players, as it took 14 rallies to go from 9-9 to 10-10.
It took another 14 rallies for Carson to end the game, and match, becoming the first man to win two Pan Am Games gold medals in Men's Singles.
Beltran has two gold in Men's Doubles, and has now medaled in four Pan Am Games going back to 1999, when he and Javier Moreno won the bronze medal in Men's Doubles. And they did win that as that year there was a bronze medal match.
Early in game two, the referee had the notion to stop the match prior to Beltran serving at 0-2 and measure the players' racquets. The result was a technical against both players as their respective racquets were too long. That must be a first in a racquetball competition, and it made the score -1 to +1 when play resumed.
Afterwards, Beltran said the incident "didn't effect the game," and that he and Carson were fine with each other's racquets as they were. Corson confirmed that he was fine with the racquets as they were. He felt it was "sad that the referees had to get in the middle of" the match, when the players fine with the conditions as they were.
Carson said it was "an honour" to win two gold medals, as "not too many athletes get to win one gold medal let alone two." Also, his achievement "hasn't really sunk in yet."
The Men's and Women's Team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will begin Friday afternoon and conclude Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina), 15-12, 15-9
Men Singles
Final
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico), 15-11, 15-10
Follow the bouncing ball....
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Doubles semi-finals - 2015 Pan American Games
Mexico won both Men's and Women's Doubles at the 2011 Pan American Games, but at the 2015 Pan American Games only Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas will have a chance for gold again, as they won their semi-finals against Maria Paz Muñoz and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, 15-10, 15-12, while their team-mates Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno fell to Americans Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas, 15-13, 15-14.
Longoria and Salas's match wasn't stress free, as they were down in the second game, 9-5, and tied with Ecuador 12-12, with a tie-breaker looking like a definite possibility.
But the three time World Champions held firm, helped by Longoria stabbing at a ball about to pass her on the backhand side, and somehow having it roll out. That made it 13-12. Ecuador regained serve, but couldn't score. After the Mexicans got the serve back they got two straight points. The first was off a skip by Sotomayor for 14-12, and the second was a Longoria backhand down the line at match point.
In the final Mexico will face the Argentina team of Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas, who needed a tie-breaker to defeat Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk, 15-7, 13-15, 11-6. It was a painful victory for Vargas, who was hit on a follow through in game two. She went down immediately, and bled onto the court.
Vargas was helped away from the court, clearly in distress, and it was uncertain whether she would continue. But about 10 minutes later, Vargas reappeared, seemingly none the worse for the incident, and play continued.
That incident happened as Argentina was down 13-9, and trying to come back to finish the match in two games. But they were unable to do so, as the Americans won the second game, 15-13.
In the tie-breaker, Argentina was never behind. They were tied at 2-2, but the Argentines scored eight unanswered points to get to match point at 10-2. The veteran American team stopped them there, and scored four straight points to make it interesting.
At that point, Argentina took a time out, and when play resumed, they won two straight rallies to regain serve. Guillemette skipped their second match point, but on match point three Vargas hit a forehand pass from left to right that Russell-Waselenchuk got her racquet on, but was unable to get to the front wall.
Late in game two, and throughout the tie-breaker, Argentina served everything to Russell-Waselenchuk. Vargas hit straight lobs tight to the right side wall, while Guillemette hit drive Z serves to the right.
In Men's Doubles semi-finals, the Canadian team of Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou lost to Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 15-11, 15-9. In their earlier matches, the Canucks needed to come back to win, but in both games of their semi-final, they had the lead early.
In fact, Gagnon and Landeryou were up 9-1 in game one, but got outscored 14-2 in the rest of the game.
"I don't feel we played badly, but near the end of each game we needed to finish balls that we were just missing," said Landeryou afterwards. He felt they needed to kill balls to win, and their shots weren't quite there tonight.
Gagnon added that the Bolivians had "more power" than they did, and that was a factor in the match.
Asked whether playing their second match of the day was a factor, neither Gagnon or Landeryou thought it was, citing the fact that it was Moscoso's fourth match of the day, as he played singles as well as doubles for Bolivia. However, Moscoso's 19 (and Keller 25), while Gagnon is 33 and Landeryou 31, so that age difference makes one wonder.
The younger team also won the USA-Mexico match as Americans Allen and Rojas are 25, compared to Moreno at 39 and Beltran at 36. However, Allen will turn 26 Friday, and he'll look to give himself a golden birthday present when he and Rojas play Bolivia in the Men's Doubles final.
The Men's and Women's Doubles gold medal matches are Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concludes Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-12
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA), 15-7, 13-15, 11-6
Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men's Doubles
Semi-finals
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico), 15-13, 15-14
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada), 15-11, 15-9
Final
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Longoria and Salas's match wasn't stress free, as they were down in the second game, 9-5, and tied with Ecuador 12-12, with a tie-breaker looking like a definite possibility.
But the three time World Champions held firm, helped by Longoria stabbing at a ball about to pass her on the backhand side, and somehow having it roll out. That made it 13-12. Ecuador regained serve, but couldn't score. After the Mexicans got the serve back they got two straight points. The first was off a skip by Sotomayor for 14-12, and the second was a Longoria backhand down the line at match point.
In the final Mexico will face the Argentina team of Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas, who needed a tie-breaker to defeat Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk, 15-7, 13-15, 11-6. It was a painful victory for Vargas, who was hit on a follow through in game two. She went down immediately, and bled onto the court.
Vargas was helped away from the court, clearly in distress, and it was uncertain whether she would continue. But about 10 minutes later, Vargas reappeared, seemingly none the worse for the incident, and play continued.
That incident happened as Argentina was down 13-9, and trying to come back to finish the match in two games. But they were unable to do so, as the Americans won the second game, 15-13.
In the tie-breaker, Argentina was never behind. They were tied at 2-2, but the Argentines scored eight unanswered points to get to match point at 10-2. The veteran American team stopped them there, and scored four straight points to make it interesting.
At that point, Argentina took a time out, and when play resumed, they won two straight rallies to regain serve. Guillemette skipped their second match point, but on match point three Vargas hit a forehand pass from left to right that Russell-Waselenchuk got her racquet on, but was unable to get to the front wall.
Late in game two, and throughout the tie-breaker, Argentina served everything to Russell-Waselenchuk. Vargas hit straight lobs tight to the right side wall, while Guillemette hit drive Z serves to the right.
In Men's Doubles semi-finals, the Canadian team of Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou lost to Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 15-11, 15-9. In their earlier matches, the Canucks needed to come back to win, but in both games of their semi-final, they had the lead early.
In fact, Gagnon and Landeryou were up 9-1 in game one, but got outscored 14-2 in the rest of the game.
"I don't feel we played badly, but near the end of each game we needed to finish balls that we were just missing," said Landeryou afterwards. He felt they needed to kill balls to win, and their shots weren't quite there tonight.
Gagnon added that the Bolivians had "more power" than they did, and that was a factor in the match.
Asked whether playing their second match of the day was a factor, neither Gagnon or Landeryou thought it was, citing the fact that it was Moscoso's fourth match of the day, as he played singles as well as doubles for Bolivia. However, Moscoso's 19 (and Keller 25), while Gagnon is 33 and Landeryou 31, so that age difference makes one wonder.
The younger team also won the USA-Mexico match as Americans Allen and Rojas are 25, compared to Moreno at 39 and Beltran at 36. However, Allen will turn 26 Friday, and he'll look to give himself a golden birthday present when he and Rojas play Bolivia in the Men's Doubles final.
The Men's and Women's Doubles gold medal matches are Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concludes Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-10, 15-12
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA), 15-7, 13-15, 11-6
Final
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men's Doubles
Semi-finals
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico), 15-13, 15-14
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada), 15-11, 15-9
Final
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Singles semi-finals at 2015 Pan American Games
Paola Longoria of Mexico and Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina will face off for Pan Am gold in Women's Singles Friday after winning their respective semi-finals at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Longoria, the gold medal winner four years ago in Guadalajara, defeated American Rhonda Rajsich, 15-13, 15-9, in one semi-final, while Vargas beat Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador, 15-7, 15-1, in the other semi.
American Rocky Carson will also have a chance to win gold again, as he did four years ago, after beating Mexican Daniel De La Rosa, 15-14, 15-9. He'll face another Mexican in the final, as Alvaro Beltran beat Bolivia's Conrrado Moscoso in the other semi-final, 15-9, 15-3.
Longoria started strong against Rajsich, going up 6-0 in game one. Rajsich narrowed the gap to two at 6-4, but didn't get any closer until very late, when after fighting off four game points, Rajsich trailed 14-13. She had two chances to tie the game, but failed to do so.
On Longoria's fifth game point, she hit a backhand down the line to win game one, 15-13.
Game two was a similar story, as Longoria went up early, 3-0. Rajsich got it to 3-2, but Longoria then ran seven points to make it 10-2. Rajsich never got close after that, although as in game one, she made Longoria work for the last point. Longoria won it on her fourth match point, after taking a timeout, hitting a forehand reverse pinch, which is one of Longoria's favourite shots.
Carson was similarly put under pressure in his semi, as game one was a see-saw battle. De La Rosa went up first, 4-0. Carson then scored six points to make it 6-4. De La Rosa responded with five points to go up 11-5.
From there, Carson cut the lead to one at 11-10 for De La Rosa, who then got to 14-10. But he couldn't close the game out, despite four chances to do so. Even with Carson making two errors - skipping shots that were golden opportunities - De La Rosa couldn't take advantage.
It seemed that one of those errors - first at 10-14, then at 13-14 - would cost Carson the game, but he kept battling, and won it with a forehand cross court that De La Rosa could only get his racquet on.
Game two started slowly, and included Carson losing serve at 3-1, when the referee judged him to be taking too long to put the ball into play. Both players had previously been warned for taking too long before serving.
But Carson was undeterred by the call, and built a 9-1 advantage. After that De La Rosa never got closer than when it was 10-7. Carson won it with a forehand pinch shot.
Notable were three ace serves by Carson on straight drives to the left side. "It's a fast court, and tough to get a jump on it, when you're really cranking on it," said Carson afterwards. He also feels his drive has improved over the last year, and he's been using that serve primarily in his matches.
Asked about the refereeing during the match, as several calls were appealed, Carson said "overall I really think they're doing a good job," although he felt that the refs at this event may not be familiar with a professional level of play, especially regarding hinders.
The Men's and Women's Singles gold medal matches are Friday morning. A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-13, 15-9
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-7, 15-1
Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - 9:05 AM EDT
Men Singles
Semi-finals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-14, 15-9
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 7) Conrrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-3
Final
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - 10:05 AM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
American Rocky Carson will also have a chance to win gold again, as he did four years ago, after beating Mexican Daniel De La Rosa, 15-14, 15-9. He'll face another Mexican in the final, as Alvaro Beltran beat Bolivia's Conrrado Moscoso in the other semi-final, 15-9, 15-3.
Longoria started strong against Rajsich, going up 6-0 in game one. Rajsich narrowed the gap to two at 6-4, but didn't get any closer until very late, when after fighting off four game points, Rajsich trailed 14-13. She had two chances to tie the game, but failed to do so.
On Longoria's fifth game point, she hit a backhand down the line to win game one, 15-13.
Game two was a similar story, as Longoria went up early, 3-0. Rajsich got it to 3-2, but Longoria then ran seven points to make it 10-2. Rajsich never got close after that, although as in game one, she made Longoria work for the last point. Longoria won it on her fourth match point, after taking a timeout, hitting a forehand reverse pinch, which is one of Longoria's favourite shots.
Carson was similarly put under pressure in his semi, as game one was a see-saw battle. De La Rosa went up first, 4-0. Carson then scored six points to make it 6-4. De La Rosa responded with five points to go up 11-5.
From there, Carson cut the lead to one at 11-10 for De La Rosa, who then got to 14-10. But he couldn't close the game out, despite four chances to do so. Even with Carson making two errors - skipping shots that were golden opportunities - De La Rosa couldn't take advantage.
It seemed that one of those errors - first at 10-14, then at 13-14 - would cost Carson the game, but he kept battling, and won it with a forehand cross court that De La Rosa could only get his racquet on.
Game two started slowly, and included Carson losing serve at 3-1, when the referee judged him to be taking too long to put the ball into play. Both players had previously been warned for taking too long before serving.
But Carson was undeterred by the call, and built a 9-1 advantage. After that De La Rosa never got closer than when it was 10-7. Carson won it with a forehand pinch shot.
Notable were three ace serves by Carson on straight drives to the left side. "It's a fast court, and tough to get a jump on it, when you're really cranking on it," said Carson afterwards. He also feels his drive has improved over the last year, and he's been using that serve primarily in his matches.
Asked about the refereeing during the match, as several calls were appealed, Carson said "overall I really think they're doing a good job," although he felt that the refs at this event may not be familiar with a professional level of play, especially regarding hinders.
The Men's and Women's Singles gold medal matches are Friday morning. A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA), 15-13, 15-9
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador), 15-7, 15-1
Final
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - 9:05 AM EDT
Men Singles
Semi-finals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico), 15-14, 15-9
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 7) Conrrado Moscoso (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-3
Final
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - 10:05 AM EDT
Follow the bouncing ball....
Doubles quarterfinals at 2015 Pan American Games
In the doubles quarterfinals at the 2015 Pan American Games, all the close matches were on the bottom of the draw for both the men and the women.
In Women's Doubles, Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina needed a tie-breaker to defeat Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez of Colombia, 15-12, 9-15, 11-7, and the American team of Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk also went the distance with Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz of Chile, 6-15, 15-10, 11-8.
In the USA-Chile tie-breaker, the Chileans took the early lead at 4-1, but the Americans came back and tied it at 6-6. They went on to a 9-6 lead, which the Chileans cut to one point at 9-8, but that's as close as Chile would get, as the USA went on to win 11-8 with a Rajsich backhand closing the deal.
"We came out a little slow," said Russell-Waselenchuk, adding that they had a strategy going in, but "it wasn't working, so we switched it up, effectively obviously," as they won the match.
Rajsich felt their "chemistry was amazing," and needed to be as their opponents have had "totally different styles" each match, so they've needed to adjust.
In Men's Doubles, the World Champions are out, as Colombians Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera fell to Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 8-15, 15-9, 11-6. It was a measure of revenge for the Moscoso, as he and Mario Mercado lost to Franco and Herrera in the semi-finals of last year's IRF World Championships.
The second seeded Canadian team of Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou squeaked out the first game, and defeated Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina, 15-14, 15-9.
In the first game, Argentina had the early lead at 6-2, but the lead swung back and forth after that with the Argentines pulling ahead late to lead 14-12. But Canada stopped them there, and scored three straight points to win it. The 14th point came from a Landeryou forehand pinch that was flat, and then game point was off a forced skip from Manzuri.
In game two, Canada went up 8-0 and 12-1, but then stalled, and Argentina came back to make it interesting getting the lead down to five at 14-9.
Landeryou said afterwards that Argentina played a different style from the other teams they've faced, and that was part of reason for a slow start. Also, he said "I was really nervous from the first point through the whole match, and I was missing shots that I wasn't missing earlier in the tournament."
Also, having a big lead as they did in game two "makes you think about it being over," but you "need to stay in the moment," which was difficult knowing they were close to earning a medal.
What colour that medal will be depends on how Canada does against Bolivia in the semi-finals tonight.
The Men's and Women's Doubles semi-finals are Thursday night and gold medal matches Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-0
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-0, 15-7
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-12, 9-15, 11-7
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) d. 7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile). 6-15, 15-10, 11-8
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men's Doubles
Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic), 15-6, 15-10
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-5, 15-8
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia), 8-15, 15-9, 11-6
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) d. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 15-14, 15-9
Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
In Women's Doubles, Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina needed a tie-breaker to defeat Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez of Colombia, 15-12, 9-15, 11-7, and the American team of Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk also went the distance with Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz of Chile, 6-15, 15-10, 11-8.
In the USA-Chile tie-breaker, the Chileans took the early lead at 4-1, but the Americans came back and tied it at 6-6. They went on to a 9-6 lead, which the Chileans cut to one point at 9-8, but that's as close as Chile would get, as the USA went on to win 11-8 with a Rajsich backhand closing the deal.
"We came out a little slow," said Russell-Waselenchuk, adding that they had a strategy going in, but "it wasn't working, so we switched it up, effectively obviously," as they won the match.
Rajsich felt their "chemistry was amazing," and needed to be as their opponents have had "totally different styles" each match, so they've needed to adjust.
In Men's Doubles, the World Champions are out, as Colombians Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera fell to Boliivans Roland Keller and Conrado Moscoso, 8-15, 15-9, 11-6. It was a measure of revenge for the Moscoso, as he and Mario Mercado lost to Franco and Herrera in the semi-finals of last year's IRF World Championships.
The second seeded Canadian team of Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou squeaked out the first game, and defeated Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina, 15-14, 15-9.
In the first game, Argentina had the early lead at 6-2, but the lead swung back and forth after that with the Argentines pulling ahead late to lead 14-12. But Canada stopped them there, and scored three straight points to win it. The 14th point came from a Landeryou forehand pinch that was flat, and then game point was off a forced skip from Manzuri.
In game two, Canada went up 8-0 and 12-1, but then stalled, and Argentina came back to make it interesting getting the lead down to five at 14-9.
Landeryou said afterwards that Argentina played a different style from the other teams they've faced, and that was part of reason for a slow start. Also, he said "I was really nervous from the first point through the whole match, and I was missing shots that I wasn't missing earlier in the tournament."
Also, having a big lead as they did in game two "makes you think about it being over," but you "need to stay in the moment," which was difficult knowing they were close to earning a medal.
What colour that medal will be depends on how Canada does against Bolivia in the semi-finals tonight.
The Men's and Women's Doubles semi-finals are Thursday night and gold medal matches Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia), 15-9, 15-0
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-0, 15-7
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-12, 9-15, 11-7
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) d. 7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile). 6-15, 15-10, 11-8
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men's Doubles
Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) d. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic), 15-6, 15-10
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-5, 15-8
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia), 8-15, 15-9, 11-6
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) d. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina), 15-14, 15-9
Semi-finals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Singles Quarterfinals at 2015 Pan American Games
The defending gold medalists in Men's and Women's Singles both comfortably won their respective quarterfinals Thursday morning at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. American Rocky Carson defeated Luis Perez from the Dominican Republic, 15-8, 15-1, on the men's side while Mexican Paola Longoria beat Carola Loma, 15-1, 15-2, on the women's side.
That puts them both in the semi-finals, so assures them of a medal. However, you can be sure that they are aiming for gold and that anything less will be a disappointment. In the semis, Carson will face Daniel De La Rosa of Mexico, who defeated Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-4, 15-14, in the quarters, and Longoria will be up against a familiar foe in American Rhonda Rajsich, who beat Canadian Frédérique Lambert in the quarters, 15-9, 9-15, 11-7.
Rajsich-Lambert was a battle that lasted over an hour. In game one, Rajsich took the early advantage, and maintained that throughout the game, helped early by four fault serves by Lambert. After being down 9-2, the closest Lambert got was within two at 11-9, helped by three ace serves.
In game two, Lambert was never behind after Rajsich scored the first point. They were tied at 5-5 and 9-9, but after that last tie, Lambert scored six unanswered points, during which Rajsich only served once, resulting in an immediate side out after a Lambert forehand cross court return.
In the tie-breaker, there was never more than two points between them. Rajsich took a timeout after she regained serve down 6-7, and made a strategic change that she wouldn't divulge when asked about it afterwards.
But whatever it was helped her to three straight points, the third of which came on a drive z to the right side for a service winner that made it 9-7. Lambert regained serve at that point, but Rajsich hit a backhand reverse pinch that rolled: a low percentage shot for most, but not for a great player who's feeling confident.
A Lambert serve return skip made it 10-7, and then Lambert hit a forehand winner to serve again. On that rally, a Rajsich shot came big off the back wall, and Lambert tried to drop it at the front wall, but skipped the opportunity.
It would be her last, as Rajsich hit another drive Z serve to the right side for a service winner to end the game and match.
Afterwards, Rajsich spoke of she was just "hoping to weather that storm" when Lambert got hot, as when the Canadian's hot "there's nothing I can about it," said Rajsich. Thankfully for Rajsich, Lambert didn't get too hot too often during their match on Thursday.
On the other side of the women's draw, Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina will face Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador in the other semi-final, as in the quarterfinals Vargas defeated Mexican Samantha Salas, 15-10, 15-7, and Sotomayor beat Cristina Amaya of Colombia, 15-11, 15-13.
In Men's Singles, Mexican veteran Alvaro Beltran defeated young Canadian Coby Iwaasa, 15-3, 15-7, but Beltran said afterwards that "the score is a lie. It was a tough battle."
"I knew I had to start strong, and take away the confidence from him," said Beltran, so "it was a tough mental match for me."
It was the first time he's played Iwaasa, so Beltran said he focussed on himself rather than his opponent.
"I felt I served well," said Iwaasa, but didn't follow up the serve as well as he wanted. "I thought I played well, I think I can play better, but he played really great," Iwaasa added.
Next up for Beltran in the semi-finals will be Conrrado Moscoso who won the all-Bolivian battle with Carlos Keller, 15-3, 15-5, which is a surprising scoreline as the two played last year at the IRF World Championships, where Moscoso also won, but in a tie-breaker.
Beltran will have his hands full with another young player in Moscoso when they meet later today.
The Men's and Women's Singles semi-finals are Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning. A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-1, 15-2
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada), 15-9, 9-15, 11-7
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 3) Samantha Salas (Mexico), 15-10, 15-7
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia), 15-11, 15-13
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men Singles
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep), 15-8, 15-1
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia), 15-4, 15-14
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada), 15-3, 15-7
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-5
Semi-finals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 7) Conrrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
That puts them both in the semi-finals, so assures them of a medal. However, you can be sure that they are aiming for gold and that anything less will be a disappointment. In the semis, Carson will face Daniel De La Rosa of Mexico, who defeated Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-4, 15-14, in the quarters, and Longoria will be up against a familiar foe in American Rhonda Rajsich, who beat Canadian Frédérique Lambert in the quarters, 15-9, 9-15, 11-7.
Rajsich-Lambert was a battle that lasted over an hour. In game one, Rajsich took the early advantage, and maintained that throughout the game, helped early by four fault serves by Lambert. After being down 9-2, the closest Lambert got was within two at 11-9, helped by three ace serves.
In game two, Lambert was never behind after Rajsich scored the first point. They were tied at 5-5 and 9-9, but after that last tie, Lambert scored six unanswered points, during which Rajsich only served once, resulting in an immediate side out after a Lambert forehand cross court return.
In the tie-breaker, there was never more than two points between them. Rajsich took a timeout after she regained serve down 6-7, and made a strategic change that she wouldn't divulge when asked about it afterwards.
But whatever it was helped her to three straight points, the third of which came on a drive z to the right side for a service winner that made it 9-7. Lambert regained serve at that point, but Rajsich hit a backhand reverse pinch that rolled: a low percentage shot for most, but not for a great player who's feeling confident.
A Lambert serve return skip made it 10-7, and then Lambert hit a forehand winner to serve again. On that rally, a Rajsich shot came big off the back wall, and Lambert tried to drop it at the front wall, but skipped the opportunity.
It would be her last, as Rajsich hit another drive Z serve to the right side for a service winner to end the game and match.
Afterwards, Rajsich spoke of she was just "hoping to weather that storm" when Lambert got hot, as when the Canadian's hot "there's nothing I can about it," said Rajsich. Thankfully for Rajsich, Lambert didn't get too hot too often during their match on Thursday.
On the other side of the women's draw, Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina will face Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador in the other semi-final, as in the quarterfinals Vargas defeated Mexican Samantha Salas, 15-10, 15-7, and Sotomayor beat Cristina Amaya of Colombia, 15-11, 15-13.
In Men's Singles, Mexican veteran Alvaro Beltran defeated young Canadian Coby Iwaasa, 15-3, 15-7, but Beltran said afterwards that "the score is a lie. It was a tough battle."
"I knew I had to start strong, and take away the confidence from him," said Beltran, so "it was a tough mental match for me."
It was the first time he's played Iwaasa, so Beltran said he focussed on himself rather than his opponent.
"I felt I served well," said Iwaasa, but didn't follow up the serve as well as he wanted. "I thought I played well, I think I can play better, but he played really great," Iwaasa added.
Next up for Beltran in the semi-finals will be Conrrado Moscoso who won the all-Bolivian battle with Carlos Keller, 15-3, 15-5, which is a surprising scoreline as the two played last year at the IRF World Championships, where Moscoso also won, but in a tie-breaker.
Beltran will have his hands full with another young player in Moscoso when they meet later today.
The Men's and Women's Singles semi-finals are Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning. A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia), 15-1, 15-2
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada), 15-9, 9-15, 11-7
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 3) Samantha Salas (Mexico), 15-10, 15-7
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia), 15-11, 15-13
Semi-finals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
Men Singles
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep), 15-8, 15-1
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia), 15-4, 15-14
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada), 15-3, 15-7
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia), 15-3, 15-5
Semi-finals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 7) Conrrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
2015 Pan American Games - Doubles Round of 16
A surprise result in Men's Doubles at the 2015 Pan American Games, as Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero - the runner-up team from this year's Pan American Championships - are out in the Round of 16, losing to Ramon De Leon and Luis Perez from the Dominican Republic, 0-15, 15-14, 11-8.
The Dominicans will play the top seeds and defending Pan Am Games gold medalists from Mexico Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Also on the men's side, the Argentine veterans Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri squeaked by the Guatemalan team of Edwin Galicia and Christian Wer, 15-12, 15-14. The Guatemalans were actually up in game two, 14-11, but they couldn't see it out.
Argentina will play the host nation Canada, as Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou claimed the 2nd seed after winning their group in the preliminary round.
In Women's Doubles, Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz beat Canadians Michèle Morissette and Christine Richardson, 15-5, 15-4, and Bolivians Carola Loma and Natalia Mendez defeated Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez, 15-10, 11-15, 11-5.
Chile will play Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk and Bolivia will face Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Men's and Women's Doubles quarterfinals are midday Thursday with the semi-finals Thursday night and gold medal matches Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-10, 11-15, 11-5
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 10) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Canada), 15-5, 15-4
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
Men's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) v. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
Follow the bouncing ball....
The Dominicans will play the top seeds and defending Pan Am Games gold medalists from Mexico Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Also on the men's side, the Argentine veterans Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri squeaked by the Guatemalan team of Edwin Galicia and Christian Wer, 15-12, 15-14. The Guatemalans were actually up in game two, 14-11, but they couldn't see it out.
Argentina will play the host nation Canada, as Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou claimed the 2nd seed after winning their group in the preliminary round.
In Women's Doubles, Chileans Angela Grisar and Carla Muñoz beat Canadians Michèle Morissette and Christine Richardson, 15-5, 15-4, and Bolivians Carola Loma and Natalia Mendez defeated Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez, 15-10, 11-15, 11-5.
Chile will play Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk and Bolivia will face Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Men's and Women's Doubles quarterfinals are midday Thursday with the semi-finals Thursday night and gold medal matches Friday midday. A team competition follows beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-10, 11-15, 11-5
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) d. 10) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Canada), 15-5, 15-4
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia)
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) v. 5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador)
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) v. 6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) v. 7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile)
Men's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) v. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
Quarterfinals
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) v. 9) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) v. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA)
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) v. 7) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina)
Follow the bouncing ball....
2015 Pan American Games - Men's & Women's Singles Round of 16
The quarterfinals are set in Men's and Women's Singles at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, and on both sides seven of the eight top seeds are through to the quarters. The exception in Women's Singles isn't surprising, as Colombian Cristina Amaya is the 6th ranked player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), but was seeded 10th here in the elimination draw, so her win over 7th seed Adriana Riveros of Bolivia, 15-5, 15-2, is an upset by the seeding but not a surprise.
In Men's Singles, 19th seed Canadian Coby Iwaasa defeated 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck of the USA, 15-4, 15-9, which looks like a big upset, but the two young players are evenly matched. They'd played twice before, and split those matches. So it was about who performed well on the day, and Wednesday, Iwaasa outperformed Bredenbeck.
"I felt great today," Iwaasa said afterwards. "I was killing the ball, and we were playing my game, three, four shot rallies."
Iwaasa served better today than earlier in the week, and said his "mentality" was the difference. "I came in saying I'm going to attack the ball today," Iwaasa said, while on previous days he felt he'd been too passive.
The hardest thing today was knowing "Jake's a fighter," said Iwaasa, adding Bredenbeck "will never give up."
For his part, Bredenbeck said he "wasn't there mentally," and "didn't feel comfortable moving, didn't feel comfortable shooting." He said he did feel good warming up, and had a game plan, but somehow it just didn't come together for him.
"Coby played very well, but that's no excuse. At this level you need to be able to adjust, and I just didn't play well today," said Bredenbeck.
Indicative of Bredenbeck's poor play is that he made five service errors in the first game to Iwaasa's two. He made two more in game two, and perhaps crucially hit a drive Z serve three walls at 9-14, when it looked like he might come back and force the Canadian to play a tie-breaker.
After that Bredenbeck never served again, as following two hinder rallies, Iwaasa hit an ace a drive serve left that ended the game and match.
The defending Pan Am champion, Rocky Carson, won his match in the 16s comfortably, defeating Ramon De Leon of Dominican Republic, 15-2, 15-4, in 21 min on court. Next up for Carson is the other Dominican, Luis Perez, who was a winner against Costa Rican Andres Acuña, 15-12, 9-15, 11-4.
One would not call Paola Longoria - the defending Pan Am Games champion in Women's Singles - old, but she was a decade older than her opponent today: Guatemala's Ana Gabriela Martinez, who at 15 is youngest player in the tournament. Longoria's ten year advantage in experience and skill development clearly showed, as she won 15-3, 15-6.
Longoria will face Bolivian Carola Loma in the quarters, as Loma beat Jennifer Saunders of Canada, 15-9, 15-1, using primarily a backhand drive serve that she followed up with solid shots in the rallies.
Two other matches on the men's side went to tie-breaker with the more veteran player winning one and losing the other.
Alvaro Beltran of Mexico needed three games to get by Jose Daniel Alvarez of Ecuador, 14-15, 15-2, 11-6. In the breaker, they were close early with the score tied at 3-3. But then Beltran pulled away, going up 8-3. Alvarez came back to narrow the gap to 9-6, but he couldn't get any closer as the former World Champion finished off the match.
Veteran Canadian Mike Green wasn't successful in his tie-breaker, as he fell to Bolivian Carlos Keller - almost two decades Green's junior - 11-15, 15-6, 11-0.
Green cited the court as a factor, as they played on one of the back courts rather than the main glass court, and the back courts are playing slower than the glass court. Green felt his serve was "ineffective after the first ten points of the match," and that he "served terribly."
Keller has a control game style, and that was well suited to a slower court. "He slows the game down. He's good at that. It's his style," said Green.
Green will look forward to the team event, and said he'd "feel comfortable" playing Keller again. A couple days of rest could help the veteran.
Finally, Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Michelle Key faced off in Women's Singles, with Rajsich coming out on top 15-8, 15-7, and afterwards Rajsich said "it sucks" to play a team-mate at any point prior to a final.
Despite playing singles and doubles, Rajsich said she's felt "fresh" after every match, so "physically I feel great."
Rajsich will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert in the quarters on Thursday after she defeated Mariana Tobon of Venezuela, 15-2, 15-3, on Wednesday.
The Men's and Women's Singles quarterfinals are Thursday morning with the semi-finals Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 15-3, 15-6
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-9, 15-1
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 12) Michelle Key (USA), 15-8, 15-7
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. 13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-2, 15-3
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 19) Carla Munoz (Chile), walkover
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-11
10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-5, 15-2
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-0, 15-10
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) v. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Men Singles
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep), 15-2, 15-4
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) d. 9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica), 15-12, 9-15, 11-4
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) d. 12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-11, 15-1
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-13, 15-3
19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. 3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-4, 15-9
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador), 14-15, 15-2, 11-6
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-11, 15-9
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 15) Mike Green (Canada), 11-14, 15-6, 11-0
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) v. 7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
In Men's Singles, 19th seed Canadian Coby Iwaasa defeated 3rd seed Jake Bredenbeck of the USA, 15-4, 15-9, which looks like a big upset, but the two young players are evenly matched. They'd played twice before, and split those matches. So it was about who performed well on the day, and Wednesday, Iwaasa outperformed Bredenbeck.
"I felt great today," Iwaasa said afterwards. "I was killing the ball, and we were playing my game, three, four shot rallies."
Iwaasa served better today than earlier in the week, and said his "mentality" was the difference. "I came in saying I'm going to attack the ball today," Iwaasa said, while on previous days he felt he'd been too passive.
The hardest thing today was knowing "Jake's a fighter," said Iwaasa, adding Bredenbeck "will never give up."
For his part, Bredenbeck said he "wasn't there mentally," and "didn't feel comfortable moving, didn't feel comfortable shooting." He said he did feel good warming up, and had a game plan, but somehow it just didn't come together for him.
"Coby played very well, but that's no excuse. At this level you need to be able to adjust, and I just didn't play well today," said Bredenbeck.
Indicative of Bredenbeck's poor play is that he made five service errors in the first game to Iwaasa's two. He made two more in game two, and perhaps crucially hit a drive Z serve three walls at 9-14, when it looked like he might come back and force the Canadian to play a tie-breaker.
After that Bredenbeck never served again, as following two hinder rallies, Iwaasa hit an ace a drive serve left that ended the game and match.
The defending Pan Am champion, Rocky Carson, won his match in the 16s comfortably, defeating Ramon De Leon of Dominican Republic, 15-2, 15-4, in 21 min on court. Next up for Carson is the other Dominican, Luis Perez, who was a winner against Costa Rican Andres Acuña, 15-12, 9-15, 11-4.
One would not call Paola Longoria - the defending Pan Am Games champion in Women's Singles - old, but she was a decade older than her opponent today: Guatemala's Ana Gabriela Martinez, who at 15 is youngest player in the tournament. Longoria's ten year advantage in experience and skill development clearly showed, as she won 15-3, 15-6.
Longoria will face Bolivian Carola Loma in the quarters, as Loma beat Jennifer Saunders of Canada, 15-9, 15-1, using primarily a backhand drive serve that she followed up with solid shots in the rallies.
Two other matches on the men's side went to tie-breaker with the more veteran player winning one and losing the other.
Alvaro Beltran of Mexico needed three games to get by Jose Daniel Alvarez of Ecuador, 14-15, 15-2, 11-6. In the breaker, they were close early with the score tied at 3-3. But then Beltran pulled away, going up 8-3. Alvarez came back to narrow the gap to 9-6, but he couldn't get any closer as the former World Champion finished off the match.
Veteran Canadian Mike Green wasn't successful in his tie-breaker, as he fell to Bolivian Carlos Keller - almost two decades Green's junior - 11-15, 15-6, 11-0.
Green cited the court as a factor, as they played on one of the back courts rather than the main glass court, and the back courts are playing slower than the glass court. Green felt his serve was "ineffective after the first ten points of the match," and that he "served terribly."
Keller has a control game style, and that was well suited to a slower court. "He slows the game down. He's good at that. It's his style," said Green.
Green will look forward to the team event, and said he'd "feel comfortable" playing Keller again. A couple days of rest could help the veteran.
Finally, Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Michelle Key faced off in Women's Singles, with Rajsich coming out on top 15-8, 15-7, and afterwards Rajsich said "it sucks" to play a team-mate at any point prior to a final.
Despite playing singles and doubles, Rajsich said she's felt "fresh" after every match, so "physically I feel great."
Rajsich will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert in the quarters on Thursday after she defeated Mariana Tobon of Venezuela, 15-2, 15-3, on Wednesday.
The Men's and Women's Singles quarterfinals are Thursday morning with the semi-finals Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) d. 16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala), 15-3, 15-6
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) d. 9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada), 15-9, 15-1
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 12) Michelle Key (USA), 15-8, 15-7
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) d. 13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela), 15-2, 15-3
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) d. 19) Carla Munoz (Chile), walkover
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) d. 11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-11
10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) d. 7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia), 15-5, 15-2
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) d. 15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador), 15-0, 15-10
Quarterfinals
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 8) Carola Loma (Bolivia)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) v. 5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
Men Singles
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep), 15-2, 15-4
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) d. 9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica), 15-12, 9-15, 11-4
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) d. 12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala), 15-11, 15-1
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) d. 13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela), 15-13, 15-3
19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. 3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-4, 15-9
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) d. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador), 14-15, 15-2, 11-6
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) d. 10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica), 15-11, 15-9
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) d. 15) Mike Green (Canada), 11-14, 15-6, 11-0
Quarterfinals
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) v. 7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Men's & Women's Singles Round of 32 at 2015 Pan American Games
The Round of 32 is complete for Men's and Women's Singles at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada with no surprises. Canadian veteran Mike Green defeated Colombian junior Set Cubillos, 15-4, 15-4, and will play 2nd seed Carlos Keller of Bolivia in the Round of 16 later today.
Two tie-breakers in the 32s. On the men's side, Ramon De Leon of Dominican Republic squeaked by Christian Wer of Guatemala, 15-12, 8-15, 11-9. De Leon had a lead in the breaker, 6-2, and looked to cruising home. But Wer came back, and actually pulled ahead late, 8-7, with some great shots and diving efforts to keep the ball in play.
But De Leon got to 10-8, and although Wer regained serve and scored a point to make it 10-9, he was called for an avoidable hinder, blocking De Leon's shot. On the ensuing serve, Wer skipped the return, and the match was over.
De Leon will play top seed, and defending Pan Am champion, Rocky Carson in the 16s later today.
On the women's side, Mariana Tobon of Venezuela needed three games to beat Maria Rodriguez of Guatemala, 15-14, 4-15, 11-3. Tobon will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert (Canada) in the Round of 16.
Also in the 16s, American Jake Bredenbeck will face Canadian Coby Iwaasa, after Iwaasa got a walkover win against the injured Fernando Rios of Ecuador. And on the women's side, two team-mate versus team-mate matches, as Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Michelle Key play each other, as do Ecuadorians Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz.
The Round of 16 for Men's and Women's Singles is Wednesday afternoon with the quarterfinals Thursday morning and semi-finals Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) - BYE
16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala) d. 17) Angela Grisar (Chile), walkover
9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada) - BYE
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) - BYE
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
12) Michelle Key (USA) - BYE
13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) d. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-14, 4-15, 11-3
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) - BYE
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
19) Carla Munoz (Chile) d. 14) Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-9, 15-13
11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) - BYE
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) - BYE
15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 18) Veronique Guillemette (Argentina), walkover
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala)
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) v. 9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada)
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) v. 12) Michelle Key (USA)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) v. 13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 19) Carla Munoz (Chile)
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) v. 11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela)
7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
Men Singles
Round of 32
1) Rocky Carson (USA) - BYE
16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep) d. 17) Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-12, 8-15, 11-9
9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica) - BYE
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) - BYE
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) - BYE
12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) - BYE
13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 20) Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-4
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) - BYE
19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. 14) Fernando Rios (Ecuador), walkover
11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador) - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - BYE
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) - BYE
15) Mike Green (Canada) d. 18) Set Cubillos (Colombia), 15-4, 15-4
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) - BYE
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep)
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) v. 9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica)
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela)
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador)
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica)
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) v. 15) Mike Green (Canada)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Two tie-breakers in the 32s. On the men's side, Ramon De Leon of Dominican Republic squeaked by Christian Wer of Guatemala, 15-12, 8-15, 11-9. De Leon had a lead in the breaker, 6-2, and looked to cruising home. But Wer came back, and actually pulled ahead late, 8-7, with some great shots and diving efforts to keep the ball in play.
But De Leon got to 10-8, and although Wer regained serve and scored a point to make it 10-9, he was called for an avoidable hinder, blocking De Leon's shot. On the ensuing serve, Wer skipped the return, and the match was over.
De Leon will play top seed, and defending Pan Am champion, Rocky Carson in the 16s later today.
On the women's side, Mariana Tobon of Venezuela needed three games to beat Maria Rodriguez of Guatemala, 15-14, 4-15, 11-3. Tobon will play Canadian Frédérique Lambert (Canada) in the Round of 16.
Also in the 16s, American Jake Bredenbeck will face Canadian Coby Iwaasa, after Iwaasa got a walkover win against the injured Fernando Rios of Ecuador. And on the women's side, two team-mate versus team-mate matches, as Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Michelle Key play each other, as do Ecuadorians Veronica Sotomayor and Maria Paz Muñoz.
The Round of 16 for Men's and Women's Singles is Wednesday afternoon with the quarterfinals Thursday morning and semi-finals Thursday afternoon. The gold medal matches are Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) - BYE
16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala) d. 17) Angela Grisar (Chile), walkover
9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada) - BYE
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) - BYE
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
12) Michelle Key (USA) - BYE
13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) d. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala), 15-14, 4-15, 11-3
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) - BYE
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
19) Carla Munoz (Chile) d. 14) Carolina Gomez (Colombia), 15-9, 15-13
11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela) - BYE
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) - BYE
10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia) - BYE
15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador) d. 18) Veronique Guillemette (Argentina), walkover
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria (Mexico) v. 16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Guatemala)
8) Carola Loma (Bolivia) v. 9) Jennifer Saunders (Canada)
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) v. 12) Michelle Key (USA)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Canada) v. 13) Mariana Tobon (Venezuela)
3) Samantha Salas (Mexico) v. 19) Carla Munoz (Chile)
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) v. 11) Mariana Paredes (Venezuela)
7) Adriana Riveros (Bolivia) v. 10) Cristina Amaya (Colombia)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) v. 15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecuador)
Men Singles
Round of 32
1) Rocky Carson (USA) - BYE
16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep) d. 17) Christian Wer (Guatemala), 15-12, 8-15, 11-9
9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica) - BYE
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) - BYE
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) - BYE
12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala) - BYE
13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela) d. 20) Cesar Castro (Venezuela), 15-1, 15-4
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) - BYE
19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada) d. 14) Fernando Rios (Ecuador), walkover
11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador) - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) - BYE
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica) - BYE
15) Mike Green (Canada) d. 18) Set Cubillos (Colombia), 15-4, 15-4
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) - BYE
Round of 16
1) Rocky Carson (USA) v. 16) Ramon De Leon (Dominican Rep)
8) Luis Perez (Dominican Rep) v. 9) Andres Acuña (Costa Rica)
5) Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 12) Edwin Galicia (Guatemala)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mexico) v. 13) Cesar Castillo (Venezuela)
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Canada)
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mexico) v. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecuador)
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) v. 10) Felipe Camacho (Costa Rica)
2) Carlos Keller (Bolivia) v. 15) Mike Green (Canada)
Follow the bouncing ball....
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Men's and Women's Doubles Draws - 2015 Pan American Games
The Men's and Women's defending gold medal teams from Mexico look good to at least reach the podium again at the 2015 Pan American Games.
On the women's side, the semi-finals could be rematches of matches that happened earlier in the week, as Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas could face Maria Paz Muñoz and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador. When they played in the group stage, the Mexicans won in two straight games, although the scores were close.
That's on the top side of the draw. On the bottom, Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk will likely face Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas from Argentina in the semi-finals, although the Argentines need to get by the Colombian team of Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez to face the Americans. Back on Sunday, the USA beat Argentina, but they needed three games to do so.
In Men's Doubles, Mexicans Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno could play Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero, which would be a rematch of this year's Pan American Championships final, which the Mexicans won in two straight games.
On the bottom of the draw, the 2nd seeded Canadians will likely have a tricky quarterfinal match against the Argentine team of Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri. If they win that, they will play the winner of Bolivia (Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso) and Colombia (Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera).
The Men's and Women's Doubles play continues Wednesday, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) v. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala)
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) v. 10) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Canada)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Men's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) v. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
On the women's side, the semi-finals could be rematches of matches that happened earlier in the week, as Mexicans Paola Longoria and Samantha Salas could face Maria Paz Muñoz and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador. When they played in the group stage, the Mexicans won in two straight games, although the scores were close.
That's on the top side of the draw. On the bottom, Americans Rhonda Rajsich and Kim Russell-Waselenchuk will likely face Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas from Argentina in the semi-finals, although the Argentines need to get by the Colombian team of Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez to face the Americans. Back on Sunday, the USA beat Argentina, but they needed three games to do so.
In Men's Doubles, Mexicans Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno could play Costa Ricans Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero, which would be a rematch of this year's Pan American Championships final, which the Mexicans won in two straight games.
On the bottom of the draw, the 2nd seeded Canadians will likely have a tricky quarterfinal match against the Argentine team of Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri. If they win that, they will play the winner of Bolivia (Roland Keller and Conrrado Moscoso) and Colombia (Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera).
The Men's and Women's Doubles play continues Wednesday, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mexico) - BYE
9) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bolivia) v. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Guatemala)
5) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecuador) - BYE
4) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Colombia) - BYE
6) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Argentina) - BYE
7) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chile) v. 10) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Canada)
2) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Men's Doubles
Round of 16
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mexico) - BYE
8) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Costa Rica) v. 4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dominican Republic)
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) - BYE
4) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Venezuela) - BYE
3) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bolivia) - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Colombia) v. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecuador)
6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Argentina) v. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Guatemala)
2) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Canada) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
2015 Pan American Games - Doubles Day 3
Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou followed up yesterday's upset win over the USA with a win over the 2nd seeded Costa Rican team of Felipe Camacho and Teobaldo Fumero Tuesday at the 2015 Pan American Games to claim the 2nd seed position in the elimination round that will begin on Wednesday. The win was not an easy one by any means, as the Canadians were down several points to start both games, but they came back to win in two straight games, 15-12, 15-9.
Asked afterwards if they had to be down before playing well, Landeryou said "the right answer is no," but "I always like to come from behind. It's almost more satisfying in a way. It allows you to bring up your intensity."
Also, both Gagnon and Landeryou admitted to thinking about the possibility of claiming the 2nd seed with a win. Landeryou said he thought "way too much about that. I know that's part of what caused me to have a slower start in both games. Took time to settle into the games. That was definitely a mental factor. Shouldn't be but it was."
Gagnon said "today knowing that spot was [possible] added a little pressure but [we] played really good still," so he was "pretty happy" with how they performed under that pressure.
Game one had wild swings of points, as Costa Rica took the early lead at 5-0, but then found themselves down 11-5 as Canada scored eleven unanswered points. However, Costa then scored seven straight to lead 12-11.
At that point Canada held firm, and scored the last four points to win the game. Gagnon hit the game winning shot: a forehand down the line on the right side, as he moved over to cover for Landeryou.
In game two, Costa Rica got up 7-0, but after a Canadian timeout, they lost serve, and the Canadian comeback was on. Canada got up 8-7 before Costa Rica responded. They traded points until it was 10-9 in Canada's favour, and the Canadians went on to close it out.
Perhaps the shot of the match was when the ball came around to Gagnon on the left side, who was jammed by the shot, so he jumped and hit it forwards between his legs, and it rolled out for a winner that made it 14-9. Definitely one for the "You Know You're Going to Win When" department.
Also, in Men's Doubles the World Champions played off against the Pan Am Games Champions, and the latter won, as Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico - gold medalists four years ago - defeated Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-2, 15-9. The Mexicans will be the top seeds in the elimination round that begins Wednesday.
In Women's Doubles, Colombians Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez needed a tie-breaker to defeat the upstart Venezuelan team of Mariana Paredes and Mariana Tobon, 15-11, 10-15, 11-6, and win their group. Argentinians Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas also needed a tie-breaker to beat Guatemalans Ana Gabriela Martinez and Maria Rene Rodriguez, 15-8, 14-15, 11-3.
The Men's and Women's Doubles racquetball competition continues Tuesday afternoon, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women's Doubles
Group A
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) d. 6) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chi), 15-3, 15-1
7) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) - BYE
Group B
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-8, 14-15, 11-3
5) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Group C
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Col) d. 10) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-11, 10-15, 11-6
3) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bol) d. 9) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Can), 15-10, 15-11
Men's Doubles
Group A
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) d. 7) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-2, 15-9
6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Arg) - BYE
Group B
8) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Can) d. 2) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Crc), 15-12, 15-9
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecu), walkover
Group C
9) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 3) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-7, 15-9
4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dom) d. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Gua), 15-11, 15-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
Asked afterwards if they had to be down before playing well, Landeryou said "the right answer is no," but "I always like to come from behind. It's almost more satisfying in a way. It allows you to bring up your intensity."
Also, both Gagnon and Landeryou admitted to thinking about the possibility of claiming the 2nd seed with a win. Landeryou said he thought "way too much about that. I know that's part of what caused me to have a slower start in both games. Took time to settle into the games. That was definitely a mental factor. Shouldn't be but it was."
Gagnon said "today knowing that spot was [possible] added a little pressure but [we] played really good still," so he was "pretty happy" with how they performed under that pressure.
Game one had wild swings of points, as Costa Rica took the early lead at 5-0, but then found themselves down 11-5 as Canada scored eleven unanswered points. However, Costa then scored seven straight to lead 12-11.
At that point Canada held firm, and scored the last four points to win the game. Gagnon hit the game winning shot: a forehand down the line on the right side, as he moved over to cover for Landeryou.
In game two, Costa Rica got up 7-0, but after a Canadian timeout, they lost serve, and the Canadian comeback was on. Canada got up 8-7 before Costa Rica responded. They traded points until it was 10-9 in Canada's favour, and the Canadians went on to close it out.
Perhaps the shot of the match was when the ball came around to Gagnon on the left side, who was jammed by the shot, so he jumped and hit it forwards between his legs, and it rolled out for a winner that made it 14-9. Definitely one for the "You Know You're Going to Win When" department.
Also, in Men's Doubles the World Champions played off against the Pan Am Games Champions, and the latter won, as Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno of Mexico - gold medalists four years ago - defeated Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-2, 15-9. The Mexicans will be the top seeds in the elimination round that begins Wednesday.
In Women's Doubles, Colombians Cristina Amaya and Carolina Gomez needed a tie-breaker to defeat the upstart Venezuelan team of Mariana Paredes and Mariana Tobon, 15-11, 10-15, 11-6, and win their group. Argentinians Veronique Guillemette and Maria Jose Vargas also needed a tie-breaker to beat Guatemalans Ana Gabriela Martinez and Maria Rene Rodriguez, 15-8, 14-15, 11-3.
The Men's and Women's Doubles racquetball competition continues Tuesday afternoon, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women's Doubles
Group A
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) d. 6) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chi), 15-3, 15-1
7) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) - BYE
Group B
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-8, 14-15, 11-3
5) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) - BYE
Group C
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Col) d. 10) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Ven), 15-11, 10-15, 11-6
3) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bol) d. 9) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Can), 15-10, 15-11
Men's Doubles
Group A
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) d. 7) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Col), 15-2, 15-9
6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Arg) - BYE
Group B
8) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Can) d. 2) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Crc), 15-12, 15-9
5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecu), walkover
Group C
9) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 3) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-7, 15-9
4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dom) d. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Gua), 15-11, 15-8
Follow the bouncing ball....
Men's & Women's Singles Draws - 2015 Pan American Games
The draws are out for the elimination round in Men's and Women's Singles at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. The defending champions - Rocky Carson (USA) and Paola Longoria (Mexico) - look good to reach the podium, but whether they will get past the semi-finals is another question.
Carson will likely face Mexican Daniel De La Rosa in the Men's semi-finals, which will be a tough match. On the other side of the draw, there are both Bolivians and both Canadians, as well as American Jake Bredenbeck and Mexican Alvaro Beltran.
Canadian Coby Iwaasa will likely face Bredenbeck in the Round of 16; Iwaasa is slated to play Fernando Rios of Ecuador in the Round of 32, but Rios injured himself earlier in the tournament, and hasn't played since. The winner of Bredenbeck and Iwaasa will likely get Beltran in the quarterfinals. Not an easy path to the podium there.
In the bottom bracket, Canadian Mike Green will likely face 2nd seed Carlos Keller of Bolivia, which will be an interesting match up of youth versus age (Keller is 23; Green 41) as well as Green's power versus Keller's control. The winner of that will play the winner of Felipe Camacho of Costa Rica and Bolivia's Conrrado Moscoso. Again, not an easy path to the podium.
On the Women's side, Longoria should reach the semi-finals, but there she'll likely face one of the two women who defeated her this season on the women's pro tour - the LPRT - in American Rhonda Rajsich or Canadian Frédérique Lambert. That Rajsich and Lambert look likely to play each other in the quarterfinals will be unfortunate for one of them.
On the bottom of the Women's Singles draw, the likely quarterfinal matches are Samantha Salas of Mexico versus Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador versus Cristina Amaya of Colombia. Two of those four players are likely to be medalists in Toronto and the other two will not be.
The elimination round of Men's and Women's Singles begins Wednesday morning, and runs until Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mex) - BYE
16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Gua) v. 17) Angela Grisar (Chi)
9) Jennifer Saunders (Can) - BYE
8) Carola Loma (Bol) - BYE
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
12) Michelle Key (USA) - BYE
13) Mariana Tobon (Ven) v. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Can) - BYE
3) Samantha Salas (Mex) - BYE
14) Carolina Gomez (Col) v. 19) Carla Munoz (Chi)
11) Mariana Paredes (Ven) - BYE
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) - BYE
7) Adriana Riveros (Bol) - BYE
10) Cristina Amaya (Col) - BYE
15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecu) v. 18) Veronique Guillemette (Arg)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) - BYE
Men Singles
Round of 32
1) Rocky Carson (USA) - BYE
16) Ramon De Leon (Dom) v. 17) Christian Wer (Gua)
9) Andres Acuña (Crc) - BYE
8) Luis Perez (Dom) - BYE
5) Alejandro Herrera (Col) - BYE
12) Edwin Galicia (Gua) - BYE
13) Cesar Castillo (Ven) v. 20) Cesar Castro (Ven)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mex) - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) - BYE
14) Fernando Rios (Ecu) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Can)
11) Jose Alvarez (Ecu) - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mex) - BYE
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bol) - BYE
10) Felipe Camacho (Crc)
15) Mike Green (Can) v. 18) Set Cubillos (Col)
2) Carlos Keller (Bol) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
Carson will likely face Mexican Daniel De La Rosa in the Men's semi-finals, which will be a tough match. On the other side of the draw, there are both Bolivians and both Canadians, as well as American Jake Bredenbeck and Mexican Alvaro Beltran.
Canadian Coby Iwaasa will likely face Bredenbeck in the Round of 16; Iwaasa is slated to play Fernando Rios of Ecuador in the Round of 32, but Rios injured himself earlier in the tournament, and hasn't played since. The winner of Bredenbeck and Iwaasa will likely get Beltran in the quarterfinals. Not an easy path to the podium there.
In the bottom bracket, Canadian Mike Green will likely face 2nd seed Carlos Keller of Bolivia, which will be an interesting match up of youth versus age (Keller is 23; Green 41) as well as Green's power versus Keller's control. The winner of that will play the winner of Felipe Camacho of Costa Rica and Bolivia's Conrrado Moscoso. Again, not an easy path to the podium.
On the Women's side, Longoria should reach the semi-finals, but there she'll likely face one of the two women who defeated her this season on the women's pro tour - the LPRT - in American Rhonda Rajsich or Canadian Frédérique Lambert. That Rajsich and Lambert look likely to play each other in the quarterfinals will be unfortunate for one of them.
On the bottom of the Women's Singles draw, the likely quarterfinal matches are Samantha Salas of Mexico versus Maria Jose Vargas of Argentina and Veronica Sotomayor of Ecuador versus Cristina Amaya of Colombia. Two of those four players are likely to be medalists in Toronto and the other two will not be.
The elimination round of Men's and Women's Singles begins Wednesday morning, and runs until Friday morning (July 24). A team competition - best of three matches, two singles singles and a doubles - will follow from Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Women Singles
Round of 32
1) Paola Longoria (Mex) - BYE
16) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Gua) v. 17) Angela Grisar (Chi)
9) Jennifer Saunders (Can) - BYE
8) Carola Loma (Bol) - BYE
5) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) - BYE
12) Michelle Key (USA) - BYE
13) Mariana Tobon (Ven) v. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua)
4) Frédérique Lambert (Can) - BYE
3) Samantha Salas (Mex) - BYE
14) Carolina Gomez (Col) v. 19) Carla Munoz (Chi)
11) Mariana Paredes (Ven) - BYE
6) Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) - BYE
7) Adriana Riveros (Bol) - BYE
10) Cristina Amaya (Col) - BYE
15) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecu) v. 18) Veronique Guillemette (Arg)
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) - BYE
Men Singles
Round of 32
1) Rocky Carson (USA) - BYE
16) Ramon De Leon (Dom) v. 17) Christian Wer (Gua)
9) Andres Acuña (Crc) - BYE
8) Luis Perez (Dom) - BYE
5) Alejandro Herrera (Col) - BYE
12) Edwin Galicia (Gua) - BYE
13) Cesar Castillo (Ven) v. 20) Cesar Castro (Ven)
4) Daniel De La Rosa (Mex) - BYE
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) - BYE
14) Fernando Rios (Ecu) v. 19) Coby Iwaasa (Can)
11) Jose Alvarez (Ecu) - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran (Mex) - BYE
7) Conrado Moscoso (Bol) - BYE
10) Felipe Camacho (Crc)
15) Mike Green (Can) v. 18) Set Cubillos (Col)
2) Carlos Keller (Bol) - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball....
2015 Pan American Games - Singles Day 3
Frédérique Lambert of Canada won the marquee singles match of the day at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, when she beat Marie Jose Vargas of Argentina, 15-9, 15-9. "I played great," Lambert said afterwards, adding that she didn't think Vargas "played bad."
Lambert used a variety serves in the match, and said she didn't have a favourite, so long as the serve is leading to a weak serve return that leads to points, that's all that matters to her. She happy to drive the ball or lob or hit a Z serve, whatever works. "I have a very aggressive game style," so "I just play that style. If it doesn't work, I'll change something," but it all worked against Vargas today.
Jennifer Saunders, Lambert's Canadian team-mate, also won, although she didn't make it easy on herself, as she dropped the first game against Mariana Tobon of Venezuela before coming back to win in a tie-breaker, 7-15, 15-8, 11-6.
After the first game, Saunders said her coach, Michel Gagnon, gave her "a stern talking to" about "upping my intensity, and playing my game." It seemed to do the trick. Also, Saunders admitted to being a little nervous in game one, as it was the first day of the competition that she's had family out to watch her play.
Saunders was in control throughout game two, and took a 6-0 lead in game three. But Tobon came back and cut the lead to two at 7-5 and 8-6. Saunders said that at those points she just tried to "stay rally to rally and do the same good things over and over again."
2011 Pan Am Games gold medalist in Women's Singles, Paola Longoria, defeated Mariana Paredes of Venezuela, 15-1, 15-1, to claim the top spot in the group, and the #1 seeding for the elimination round beginning on Wednesday. Similarly, American Rocky Carson, the 2011 Pan Am Games gold medalist in Men's Singles, also remained on track to win gold again, as he defeated Jose Alvarez of Ecuador, 15-11, 15-2, clinching the top spot for the elimination round. There's no doubt that Longoria and Carson are the players to beat for gold this week.
It wasn't such a good day for the Canadian men, as both Coby Iwaasa and Mike Green lost their respective matches. Iwaasa fell to Conrado Moscoso, 15-11, 15-6, and Green lost a heartbreaker to Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-13, 9-15, 11-9.
Both were disappointed afterwards. Iwaasa felt he hasn't played well yet in Toronto. He likes the speed of the glass court but said the ball did seem to slide a bit on the walls, which might have helped his opponent's lob serve.
Green said he needs to hit more "consistent serves," and he's "living and dying with it." But he's not getting as many serves in as he'd like, which has led to losses against Herrera and yesterday against Alvaro Beltran of Mexico.
Generally, Green feels great, although he did have problems with his knee, and recently had a cortisone shot in his knee that is allowing him to play this week. But the lack of playing leading up the event has left Green less prepared than he'd like, and as a result, Green is not as relaxed as he'd like.
The elimination round of Men's and Women's Singles begins Wednesday morning, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) and a team competition, which will run Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women Singles
Group A
1) Paola Longoria (Mex) d. 11) Mariana Paredes (Ven), 15-1, 15-1
10) Cristina Amaya (Col) d. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-6, 15-4
Group B
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) d. 12) Carolina Gomez (Col), 15-7, 15-8
19) Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. 9) Mariana Tobon (Ven), 7-15, 15-8, 11-6
Group C
3) Samantha Salas (Mex) d. 13) Adriana Riveros (Bol), 15-3, 15-1
8) Michelle Key (USA) d. 18) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Gua), 15-14, 15-2
Group D
17) Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. 7) Maria Jose Vargas (Arg), 15-9, 15-9
4) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecu) d. 14) Angela Grisar (Chi), walkover
Group E
6) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 16) Carla Munoz (Chi), 15-6, 15-9
15) Carola Loma (Bol) d. 5) Veronique Guillemette (Arg), walkover
Men Singles
Group A
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecu), 15-11, 15-2
10) Felipe Camacho (Crc) d. 20) Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-8, 15-11
Group B
2) Carlos Keller (Bol) d. 12) Andres Acuña (Crc), 15-9, 15-2
19) Edwin Galicia (Gua) d. 9) Fernando Rios (Ecu), retired
Group C
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 13) Luis Perez (Dom), 15-7, 15-12
18) Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. 8) Set Cubillos (Col), 15-7, 15-14
Group D
7) Daniel De La Rosa (Mex) d. 17) Christian Wer (Gua), 15-2, 15-2
4) Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 14) Coby Iwaasa (Can), 15-11, 15-6
Group E
5) Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. 15) Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-9, 15-4
6) Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. 16) Mike Green (Can), 15-13, 9-15, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Lambert used a variety serves in the match, and said she didn't have a favourite, so long as the serve is leading to a weak serve return that leads to points, that's all that matters to her. She happy to drive the ball or lob or hit a Z serve, whatever works. "I have a very aggressive game style," so "I just play that style. If it doesn't work, I'll change something," but it all worked against Vargas today.
Jennifer Saunders, Lambert's Canadian team-mate, also won, although she didn't make it easy on herself, as she dropped the first game against Mariana Tobon of Venezuela before coming back to win in a tie-breaker, 7-15, 15-8, 11-6.
After the first game, Saunders said her coach, Michel Gagnon, gave her "a stern talking to" about "upping my intensity, and playing my game." It seemed to do the trick. Also, Saunders admitted to being a little nervous in game one, as it was the first day of the competition that she's had family out to watch her play.
Saunders was in control throughout game two, and took a 6-0 lead in game three. But Tobon came back and cut the lead to two at 7-5 and 8-6. Saunders said that at those points she just tried to "stay rally to rally and do the same good things over and over again."
2011 Pan Am Games gold medalist in Women's Singles, Paola Longoria, defeated Mariana Paredes of Venezuela, 15-1, 15-1, to claim the top spot in the group, and the #1 seeding for the elimination round beginning on Wednesday. Similarly, American Rocky Carson, the 2011 Pan Am Games gold medalist in Men's Singles, also remained on track to win gold again, as he defeated Jose Alvarez of Ecuador, 15-11, 15-2, clinching the top spot for the elimination round. There's no doubt that Longoria and Carson are the players to beat for gold this week.
It wasn't such a good day for the Canadian men, as both Coby Iwaasa and Mike Green lost their respective matches. Iwaasa fell to Conrado Moscoso, 15-11, 15-6, and Green lost a heartbreaker to Alejandro Herrera of Colombia, 15-13, 9-15, 11-9.
Both were disappointed afterwards. Iwaasa felt he hasn't played well yet in Toronto. He likes the speed of the glass court but said the ball did seem to slide a bit on the walls, which might have helped his opponent's lob serve.
Green said he needs to hit more "consistent serves," and he's "living and dying with it." But he's not getting as many serves in as he'd like, which has led to losses against Herrera and yesterday against Alvaro Beltran of Mexico.
Generally, Green feels great, although he did have problems with his knee, and recently had a cortisone shot in his knee that is allowing him to play this week. But the lack of playing leading up the event has left Green less prepared than he'd like, and as a result, Green is not as relaxed as he'd like.
The elimination round of Men's and Women's Singles begins Wednesday morning, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) and a team competition, which will run Friday afternoon to Sunday (July 26).
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women Singles
Group A
1) Paola Longoria (Mex) d. 11) Mariana Paredes (Ven), 15-1, 15-1
10) Cristina Amaya (Col) d. 20) Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-6, 15-4
Group B
2) Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) d. 12) Carolina Gomez (Col), 15-7, 15-8
19) Jennifer Saunders (Can) d. 9) Mariana Tobon (Ven), 7-15, 15-8, 11-6
Group C
3) Samantha Salas (Mex) d. 13) Adriana Riveros (Bol), 15-3, 15-1
8) Michelle Key (USA) d. 18) Ana Gabriela Martinez (Gua), 15-14, 15-2
Group D
17) Frédérique Lambert (Can) d. 7) Maria Jose Vargas (Arg), 15-9, 15-9
4) Maria Paz Muñoz (Ecu) d. 14) Angela Grisar (Chi), walkover
Group E
6) Rhonda Rajsich (USA) d. 16) Carla Munoz (Chi), 15-6, 15-9
15) Carola Loma (Bol) d. 5) Veronique Guillemette (Arg), walkover
Men Singles
Group A
1) Rocky Carson (USA) d. 11) Jose Alvarez (Ecu), 15-11, 15-2
10) Felipe Camacho (Crc) d. 20) Cesar Castro (Ven), 15-8, 15-11
Group B
2) Carlos Keller (Bol) d. 12) Andres Acuña (Crc), 15-9, 15-2
19) Edwin Galicia (Gua) d. 9) Fernando Rios (Ecu), retired
Group C
3) Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. 13) Luis Perez (Dom), 15-7, 15-12
18) Cesar Castillo (Ven) d. 8) Set Cubillos (Col), 15-7, 15-14
Group D
7) Daniel De La Rosa (Mex) d. 17) Christian Wer (Gua), 15-2, 15-2
4) Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 14) Coby Iwaasa (Can), 15-11, 15-6
Group E
5) Alvaro Beltran (Mex) d. 15) Ramon De Leon (Dom), 15-9, 15-4
6) Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. 16) Mike Green (Can), 15-13, 9-15, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball....
Monday, July 20, 2015
2015 Pan Am Games - Day 2 Doubles
An upset by the seeding and by the players involved in Men's Doubles Monday at the 2015 Pan American Games, as Canadians Vincent Gagnon and Tim Landeryou defeated Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas, 15-14, 15-8. The win lines up Canada to win the group, if they can beat Costa Rica on Tuesday, and winning the group would mean claiming the 2nd seed for the elimination round, putting them in a good position to get on the podium.
But a Canadian win looked unlikely late in game one, as the USA got to 14 first after the teams had been close all the way to 10-10. But Landeryou - playing the right side - hit a winning pinch shot to get Canada back in the service box. Then Gagnon hit an ace from a drive jam serve to Rojas on the left side, and Canada won five straight points to take the first game.
The Americans came out strong in game two, and looked like they were bent on forcing a tie-breaker, as they took the early lead at 4-0. But Gagnon and Landeryou held tough, and eventually caught up to the Americans at 8-8.
From there, they held the USA off the scoreboard, while scoring seven points of their own. In the match, the Canadians hit jam serves to the left side - Rojas's side, and it was an effective strategy.
Afterwards, both Allen and Rojas spoke of how it was tough to play on the glass court for the first time. A four wall glass court has been specially constructed for the event. But Allen felt that they would be better prepared for when they have to play on that court again later in the tournament.
The Canadians credited video analysis at their training camp with the idea for their serving strategy. Gagnon added that both he and Landeryou like to drive serve, so hitting drive jams is a natural fit for them.
This is the first time Gagnon and Landeryou have played together, and when asked about how he and Landeryou are gelling as a team, Gagnon felt they were "getting better every game," and that's "good news for the rest of the tournament."
The big news in Women's Doubles is in Group C, where Venezuelans Mariana Paredes and Mariana Tobon came back from a game down to defeat Bolivians Carola Loma and Natalia Mendez, 8-15, 15-14, 11-3. Venezuela was the lowest seeded team in the event, but if they defeat Colombia on Tuesday they will win the group and claim the 3rd seed for the elimination round, meaning they would avoid the defending gold medalist Mexican team until the final.
Finally in Men's Doubles, World Champions Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera of Colombia needed a tie-breaker to beat Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina, 4-15, 15-6, 11-7, which was Argentina's second tie-breaker loss in as many days. Colombia will play Mexico, the top seeds and defending Pan Am gold medalists, and if they can beat them, Colombia will claim the #1 seed for the elimination draw.
The Men's and Women's Doubles racquetball competition continues Tuesday afternoon, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women's Doubles
Group A
7) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) d. 6) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chi), 15-8, 15-4
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) - BYE
Group B
5) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-9, 15-4
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) - BYE
Group C
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Col) d. 9) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Can), 15-14, 15-9
10) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Ven) d. 3) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bol), 8-15, 15-14, 11-3
Men's Doubles
Group A
7) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. 6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Arg), 4-15, 15-6, 11-7
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) - BYE
Group B
8) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Can) d. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA), 15-14, 15-8
2) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Crc) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecu), walkover
Group C
9) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dom), 15-9, 15-12
3) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Ven) d. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Gua), 15-5, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
But a Canadian win looked unlikely late in game one, as the USA got to 14 first after the teams had been close all the way to 10-10. But Landeryou - playing the right side - hit a winning pinch shot to get Canada back in the service box. Then Gagnon hit an ace from a drive jam serve to Rojas on the left side, and Canada won five straight points to take the first game.
The Americans came out strong in game two, and looked like they were bent on forcing a tie-breaker, as they took the early lead at 4-0. But Gagnon and Landeryou held tough, and eventually caught up to the Americans at 8-8.
From there, they held the USA off the scoreboard, while scoring seven points of their own. In the match, the Canadians hit jam serves to the left side - Rojas's side, and it was an effective strategy.
Afterwards, both Allen and Rojas spoke of how it was tough to play on the glass court for the first time. A four wall glass court has been specially constructed for the event. But Allen felt that they would be better prepared for when they have to play on that court again later in the tournament.
The Canadians credited video analysis at their training camp with the idea for their serving strategy. Gagnon added that both he and Landeryou like to drive serve, so hitting drive jams is a natural fit for them.
This is the first time Gagnon and Landeryou have played together, and when asked about how he and Landeryou are gelling as a team, Gagnon felt they were "getting better every game," and that's "good news for the rest of the tournament."
The big news in Women's Doubles is in Group C, where Venezuelans Mariana Paredes and Mariana Tobon came back from a game down to defeat Bolivians Carola Loma and Natalia Mendez, 8-15, 15-14, 11-3. Venezuela was the lowest seeded team in the event, but if they defeat Colombia on Tuesday they will win the group and claim the 3rd seed for the elimination round, meaning they would avoid the defending gold medalist Mexican team until the final.
Finally in Men's Doubles, World Champions Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera of Colombia needed a tie-breaker to beat Daniel Maggi and Shai Manzuri of Argentina, 4-15, 15-6, 11-7, which was Argentina's second tie-breaker loss in as many days. Colombia will play Mexico, the top seeds and defending Pan Am gold medalists, and if they can beat them, Colombia will claim the #1 seed for the elimination draw.
The Men's and Women's Doubles racquetball competition continues Tuesday afternoon, and runs until Friday morning (July 24) with the team competition to follow beginning Friday afternoon and concluding Sunday July 26.
For updates during the event - between postings on the website - follow us on Twitter: @racquetballblog.
2015 Pan American Games - Toronto, Canada
Group Stage
Women's Doubles
Group A
7) Maria Paz Muñoz & Veronica Sotomayor (Ecu) d. 6) Angela Grisar & Carla Muñoz (Chi), 15-8, 15-4
1) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas (Mex) - BYE
Group B
5) Rhonda Rajsich & Kim Russell-Waselenchuk (USA) d. 8) Ana Gabriela Martinez & Maria Rene Rodriguez (Gua), 15-9, 15-4
2) Veronique Guillemette & Maria Jose Vargas (Arg) - BYE
Group C
4) Cristina Amaya & Carolina Gomez (Col) d. 9) Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson (Can), 15-14, 15-9
10) Mariana Paredes & Mariana Tobon (Ven) d. 3) Carola Loma & Natalia Mendez (Bol), 8-15, 15-14, 11-3
Men's Doubles
Group A
7) Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera (Col) d. 6) Daniel Maggi & Shai Manzuri (Arg), 4-15, 15-6, 11-7
1) Alvaro Beltran & Javier Moreno (Mex) - BYE
Group B
8) Vincent Gagnon & Tim Landeryou (Can) d. 5) Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas (USA), 15-14, 15-8
2) Felipe Camacho & Teobaldo Fumero (Crc) d. 11) Jose Alvarez & Fernando Rios (Ecu), walkover
Group C
9) Roland Keller & Conrado Moscoso (Bol) d. 4) Ramon De Leon & Luis Perez (Dom), 15-9, 15-12
3) Cesar Castillo & Cesar Castro (Ven) d. 10) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer (Gua), 15-5, 15-6
Follow the bouncing ball....
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