2016 USA Racquetball National Singles

USA Racquetball National Singles Championships have begun in Denver, Colorado, and this is the last opportunity for players to qualify for the US Team that will compete at the 2016 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July. Team qualification is based on performances at three events: the the 2015 US Open (weighted 0.2), the singles division at USA National Doubles (weighted 0.3) and National Singles (weighted 0.5).

After National Doubles, the men’s standings had Rocky Carson leading with 42 points, Jose Rojas 2nd with 30 points, his younger brother Marco Rojas 3rd with 24 points, and Jose Diaz 4th with 20 points. Rhonda Rajsich tops the women’s standings with 46 points, Sharon Jackson is 2nd with 25 points, Sheryl Lotts is 3rd with 20 points, and Cheryl Gudinas 4th on 19 points.

The top four players in the point standings from the three competitions will qualify for spots on the 2016-17 USA National Team.

Curiously, the Rojas brothers and Lotts are not in Denver. But Jackson is, though she could face stiff tests to reach the final, as she'll likely have to face both Janel Tisinger and Michelle Key.

Also a surprise is that Chris Crowther is in Denver, where he may be able to qualify for the US Team one more time. Crowther has represented the USA four times, most recently at the 2011 Pan Am Games, but he's never been to the World Championships.

You can watch some of the matches live from Denver via the USA Racquetball Livestream channel.

USA Racquetball National Singles Championship
May 25-29, 2016, Denver, Colorado

Men's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16

1) Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Garrett Tyler v. 9) Luis Avila

5) Jeff Stark v. 12) Michael Nigro
4) Chris Crowther - BYE

3) Jose Diaz - BYE
6) Nicholas Riffel v. 11) Matt Melster

7) Andrew Gale v. 10) Andrew Clarke
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Women's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16

1) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
8) Linda Tyler v. 9) Kelani Bailey

5) Erika Manilla v. 12) Hannah Shnurman
4) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE

3) Michelle Key - BYE
6) Da'monique Davis v. 11) Mary Kirchoff

7) Janel Tisinger v. 10) Laura Brandt
2) Sharon Jackson - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….