Carson wins 2016 IRT Florida event

Rocky Carson won his third tournament of the season Saturday, and second consecutive, as he came from two games down to defeat Daniel De La Rosa in five games, 5-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-1 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Florida pro stop in Sarasota, Florida.

The win is the 24th of Carson’s career. Carson’s first win came in March 2003 at the North Carolina Open, when he defeated Jason Mannino in three games. Carson was 23 then. He only won twice more before turning 28. So, 21 of Carson’s 24 tournament wins have come after the age of 28. Carson will be 37 on May 21st.

For anyone thinking that a player has to prove himself or herself at an early age to make it to number 1, Carson’s record suggests that’s not completely true. He was good as a junior, winning Junior Worlds three times, but it took some time for Carson to prove himself on the IRT.

Now, with two dozen Tier 1 or Grand Slam events to his name, Carson doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone.

The IRT’s next Tier 1 event is the Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon May 12-15. If you missed any of this weekend’s action, you can see it in the IRT Network archive.

2016 IRT Florida Tournament, April 28-May 1
Sarasota, Florida

Final

2) Rocky Carson d. 4) Daniel De La Rosa, 5-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-1

Follow the bouncing ball….