Gerardo Franco was a double winner this past weekend at the 41st Lewis Drug Pro-Am, as he won both Men’s Open Singles and Doubles. In the singles final, Franco squeaked out the win over Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-10, 11-10. It was Landeryou’s 4th tie-breaker in as many matches in Sioux Falls, and his 2nd 11-10 result. He’d beaten Sebastian Fernandez 11-10 in the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals, Franco beat Mario Mercado, 15-10, 15-9, and Landeryou defeated Adam Manilla, 4-15, 15-13, 11-8.
Franco won Men’s Open Doubles with Fernandez, as the young Mexican team beat USA veterans John Goth & Brent Walters, 15-10, 15-12. In the semi-finals, Franco and Fernandez beat a pair of former International Racquetball Federation (IRF) Men's Doubles World Champions in Doug Ganim and Alejandro Herrera, 15-5, 15-8. Ganim won Men’s Doubles at Worlds three times: 1988, 1990 (both with Dan Obremski) and 1992 (Eric Muller), while Herrera won the title in 2014 with Sebastian Franco (no relation to Gerardo).
World Racquetball Tour
It’s been awhile since we’d heard anything from the World Racquetball Tour (WRT), but they began their 2019 season last weekend with the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas. Javier Mar won Men’s Singles by defeating Eduardo Garay, 15-12, 15-11, in the final. Garay had knocked off #1 seed Jaime Martell, 15-10, 13-15, 11-6, in the semi-finals, while Mar beat 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona in two close games, 15-14, 15-11.
Like Franco in Sioux Falls, Mar was a double winner in Austin, as he and Garay teamed up to win the WRT Doubles title. They got the better of Jordy Alonso and Javier Estrada in the final, winning in a tie-breaker 5-15, 15-10, 11-8. In the semis, Garay and Mar defeated Cardona and Shai Manzuri, 15-13, 15-12, while Alonso and Estrada narrowly upset the #1 seeded team of Martell and Alan Natera, 15-13, 15-14.
In Women’s Open, Adriana Riveros beat Brenda Laime, 15-6, 15-6.
LPRT - Sweet Caroline Open
The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) is be front and center this weekend, as they visit Greenville, South Carolina for the 2019 Sweet Caroline Open. Twenty seven players are in the field, including Riveros and Laime, as well as LPRT #1 Paola Longoria, #2 Samantha Salas, #3 Alexandra Herrera and #4 Maria Jose Vargas.
41st Lewis Drug IRT Pro-Am, January 17-20 2019
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Men’s Open Final
3) Gerardo Franco d. 5) Tim Landeryou, 12-15, 15-10, 11-10
Semi-finals
5) Tim Landeryou d. 1) Adam Manilla, 4-15, 15-13, 11-8
3) Gerardo Franco d. 2) Mario Mercado, 15-10, 15-9
Quarterfinals
1) Adam Manilla d. 9) Christian Longoria, 15-10, 9-15, 11-1
5) Tim Landeryou d. 4) Sebastian Fernandez, 11-15, 15-10, 11-10
3) Gerardo Franco d. 6) Felipe Camacho, 14-15, 15-7, 11-8
2) Mario Mercado d. 23) Cesar Castillo, 15-4, 15-9
Men’s Open Doubles Final
4) Sebastian Fernandez & Gerardo Franco d. 2) John Goth & Brent Walters, 15-10, 15-12
Semi-finals
4) Sebastian Fernandez & Gerardo Franco d. 1) Doug Ganim & Alejandro Herrera, 15-5, 15-8
2) John Goth & Brent Walters d. 3) Lee Connell & Lee Meinerz, 15-4, 15-6
WRT Longhorn Open, January 18-20 2019
Austin, Texas
WRT - Men’s Final
6) Javier Mar d. 4) Eduardo Garay, 15-12, 15-11
Semi-finals
4) Eduardo Garay d. 1) Jaime Martell, 15-10, 13-15, 11-6
6) Javier Mar d. 2) Alejandro Cardona, 15-14, 15-11
WRT - Men’s Doubles Final
2) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar d. 5) Jordy Alonso & Javier Estrada, 5-15, 15-10, 11-8
Semi-finals
5) Jordy Alonso & Javier Estrada d. 1) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera, 15-13, 15-14
2) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar d. 3) Alejandro Cardona & Shai Manzuri, 15-13, 15-12
Women’s Open Final
Adriana Riveros d. Brenda Laime, 15-6, 15-6
Semi-finals
Adriana Riveros d. Julienne Arnold, 15-0, 15-3
Brenda Laime d. Adrienne Haynes, 15-12, 15-4
Follow the bouncing ball….
Showing posts with label WRT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WRT. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Monday, October 22, 2018
Weekend Round Up - Drury wins in Calgary
Danielle Drury won the Women’s Open division at the Canadian Open on Sunday, as she came out on top of a five player round robin by defeating Alexis Iwaasa in the final match, 15-3, 15-6. Iwaasa finished 2nd with veteran Linda Ellerington 3rd.
In the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) singles consolation division, Alejandro Cardona defeated Jaime Martell in the final. In the semi-finals, Cardona beat Mitch Brayley, 15-5, 15-1, and Martell eked out a win over Jake Bredenbeck, 15-14, 15-13.
Shout out! A shout out to the Provo Open in Provo, Utah, not because there were big name players in action. But rather because 17 women participated out 53 players. That’s 32.1%, which is a lot more than we see at most racquetball tournaments. We could tell you who won in Provo, but the point is the group participation, not any individual players.
We’d like to see more women participating in tournaments. Too many tournaments in both the USA and Canada have only a few women - if any - participating. A lack of women players can be seen from juniors through to adults, and has impacted their respective national teams.
However, women’s racquetball will the focus this weekend when the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) congregates in Boston for the LPRT Boston Open beginning October 26.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Women’s Singles
1) Danielle Drury - 4-0
2) Alexis Iwaasa - 3-1
3) Linda Ellerington - 2-2
4) Erin Geeraert - 1-3
5) Cassie Prentice - 0-4
Men’s Singles - WRT Consolation Final
Alejandro Cardona d. Jaime Martell
Men’s Singles - WRT Consolation Semi-finals
Alejandro Cardona d. Mitch Brayley, 15-5, 15-1
Jaime Martell d. Jake Bredenbeck, 15-14, 15-13
Follow the bouncing ball….
In the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) singles consolation division, Alejandro Cardona defeated Jaime Martell in the final. In the semi-finals, Cardona beat Mitch Brayley, 15-5, 15-1, and Martell eked out a win over Jake Bredenbeck, 15-14, 15-13.
Shout out! A shout out to the Provo Open in Provo, Utah, not because there were big name players in action. But rather because 17 women participated out 53 players. That’s 32.1%, which is a lot more than we see at most racquetball tournaments. We could tell you who won in Provo, but the point is the group participation, not any individual players.
We’d like to see more women participating in tournaments. Too many tournaments in both the USA and Canada have only a few women - if any - participating. A lack of women players can be seen from juniors through to adults, and has impacted their respective national teams.
However, women’s racquetball will the focus this weekend when the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) congregates in Boston for the LPRT Boston Open beginning October 26.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Women’s Singles
1) Danielle Drury - 4-0
2) Alexis Iwaasa - 3-1
3) Linda Ellerington - 2-2
4) Erin Geeraert - 1-3
5) Cassie Prentice - 0-4
Men’s Singles - WRT Consolation Final
Alejandro Cardona d. Jaime Martell
Men’s Singles - WRT Consolation Semi-finals
Alejandro Cardona d. Mitch Brayley, 15-5, 15-1
Jaime Martell d. Jake Bredenbeck, 15-14, 15-13
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Parrilla defeats Iwaasa to win 2018 WRT Canadian Open
Andree Parrilla defeated Coby Iwaasa, 15-11, 15-13, to win the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Canadian Open in Calgary, Alberta Sunday, denying the Canadian Iwaasa a chance to win in his home province. Parrilla had to overcome a hand injury he sustained in game one after diving for a ball to get the win.
Early in game one, it looked like Iwaasa would carry the day, as he jumped out to a 4-0 lead, and was ahead 7-3 when Parrilla took the injury timeout. Iwaasa maintained the lead as the game resumed, going out to a 10-5 lead.
Parrilla took a normal timeout at that point, and staged a comeback, as he scored 10 of the next 11 points to win 15-11. Iwaasa called a timeout when Parrilla when ahead 12-11, but to no avail. Parrilla got to game point with a backhand overhead killshot that some thought skipped, but it was called good. He ended it on the next rally with a drive down the left side that Iwaasa wasn’t ready for.
Game two started slowly, but all the points went Parrilla’s way, as he took a 4-0 lead. Iwaasa cut the lead in half, trailing 4-2, but Parrilla jumped ahead to lead 10-2 despite a Iwaasa timeout at 8-2.
Parrilla got to match point at 14-4, but Iwaasa fought off two match points and then started his comeback. Iwaasa is a power player, but in his comeback he used lob and half lob serves to Parrilla, serving both to the right and left sides. He scored six points on consecutive rallies to make the score 14-10, and causing Parrilla to call a timeout.
When play resumed, Parrilla hit perhaps his worst shot of the match, as he skipped a forehand shot. That made the score 14-11. Iwaasa scored twice more to get within one at 14-13, but a Parrilla backhand got him back in the service box.
On his 3rd match point, Parrilla hit a drive serve to Iwaasa’s backhand that was returned cross court for a winner. Iwaasa served a lob to the left side that Parrilla hit early with his backhand for a down the line winner.
Parrilla’s 4th match point began with a lob serve that kissed off the left side wall. Iwaasa hit a ceiling ball return, so Parrilla scrambled up to the front court, and hit a backhand shot off the shot hop. That wasn’t an easy play, but Parrilla did it successfully, as a surprised Iwaasa was still standing in the backcourt. It was the play of a man desperate to end a match after giving up nine straight points.
Parrilla’s win is his 5th on the WRT, and first since last October, when he won in Mexicali.
In the doubles final, it was to be Alejandro Cardona and Gerardo Franco versus Jake Bredenbeck and Samuel Murray, but Sam Bredenbeck played instead of Murray, and we’re not sure why that was. And if Murray was unable to play, did Cardona and Franco win by default? Regardless, Cardona and Franco won the match that was played, coming back after dropping the first game to win the tie-breaker, 5-15, 15-8, 11-9.
There was a even a bit of uncertainly at the end of the match, as after the first match point seemed to be won by Cardona and Franco, it was determined that the ball was broken, so they had to replay the rally. Cardona finished off the next rally with a solid forehand kill shot to end the match for good.
The 2018 WRT season will end with the Alamo City Open November 30 to December 2 in San Antonio. If you missed any of the action from Calgary check out the WRT Facebook page or the WRT YouTube channel.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Andree Parrilla d. 22) Coby Iwaasa, 15-11, 15-13
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 4) Jake Bredenbeck & Sam Bredenbeck, 5-15, 15-8, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Early in game one, it looked like Iwaasa would carry the day, as he jumped out to a 4-0 lead, and was ahead 7-3 when Parrilla took the injury timeout. Iwaasa maintained the lead as the game resumed, going out to a 10-5 lead.
Parrilla took a normal timeout at that point, and staged a comeback, as he scored 10 of the next 11 points to win 15-11. Iwaasa called a timeout when Parrilla when ahead 12-11, but to no avail. Parrilla got to game point with a backhand overhead killshot that some thought skipped, but it was called good. He ended it on the next rally with a drive down the left side that Iwaasa wasn’t ready for.
Game two started slowly, but all the points went Parrilla’s way, as he took a 4-0 lead. Iwaasa cut the lead in half, trailing 4-2, but Parrilla jumped ahead to lead 10-2 despite a Iwaasa timeout at 8-2.
Parrilla got to match point at 14-4, but Iwaasa fought off two match points and then started his comeback. Iwaasa is a power player, but in his comeback he used lob and half lob serves to Parrilla, serving both to the right and left sides. He scored six points on consecutive rallies to make the score 14-10, and causing Parrilla to call a timeout.
When play resumed, Parrilla hit perhaps his worst shot of the match, as he skipped a forehand shot. That made the score 14-11. Iwaasa scored twice more to get within one at 14-13, but a Parrilla backhand got him back in the service box.
On his 3rd match point, Parrilla hit a drive serve to Iwaasa’s backhand that was returned cross court for a winner. Iwaasa served a lob to the left side that Parrilla hit early with his backhand for a down the line winner.
Parrilla’s 4th match point began with a lob serve that kissed off the left side wall. Iwaasa hit a ceiling ball return, so Parrilla scrambled up to the front court, and hit a backhand shot off the shot hop. That wasn’t an easy play, but Parrilla did it successfully, as a surprised Iwaasa was still standing in the backcourt. It was the play of a man desperate to end a match after giving up nine straight points.
Parrilla’s win is his 5th on the WRT, and first since last October, when he won in Mexicali.
In the doubles final, it was to be Alejandro Cardona and Gerardo Franco versus Jake Bredenbeck and Samuel Murray, but Sam Bredenbeck played instead of Murray, and we’re not sure why that was. And if Murray was unable to play, did Cardona and Franco win by default? Regardless, Cardona and Franco won the match that was played, coming back after dropping the first game to win the tie-breaker, 5-15, 15-8, 11-9.
There was a even a bit of uncertainly at the end of the match, as after the first match point seemed to be won by Cardona and Franco, it was determined that the ball was broken, so they had to replay the rally. Cardona finished off the next rally with a solid forehand kill shot to end the match for good.
The 2018 WRT season will end with the Alamo City Open November 30 to December 2 in San Antonio. If you missed any of the action from Calgary check out the WRT Facebook page or the WRT YouTube channel.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Andree Parrilla d. 22) Coby Iwaasa, 15-11, 15-13
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 4) Jake Bredenbeck & Sam Bredenbeck, 5-15, 15-8, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Parrilla & Iwaasa faceoff in 2018 WRT Canadian Open final
Mexican Andree Parrilla and Canadian Coby Iwaasa will renew their rivalry Sunday in the final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Canadian Open in Calgary, Alberta, as they were both upset winners in the semi-finals. Parrilla knocked off WRT #1 David Horn, 11-15, 15-11, 11-3, in one semi, while Iwaasa got the better of 7th seed Gerardo Franco, 15-7, 15-11, in the other.
Parrilla and Iwaasa, both 22, were born barely a month apart in July and June, respectively, of 1996. They played each other three times back in 2013 and 2014: twice in the Men’s Open division of the US Open - Parrilla defeating Iwaasa in the final in 2013 and Iwaasa beating Parrilla in the semi-finals in 2014, as he went on to win the division - as well as in the semi-finals of Boy’s U16 at the 2013 World Junior Championships, when Parrilla won.
Iwaasa's US Open Men's Open title happened a week after he won his first WRT event in Lombard, Illinois. He beat Alejandro Cardona in the final and defeated Sebastian Franco, Polo Gutierrez and Horn to get to the final. Then in the fall of 2015, Iwaasa went on a two year mission to Japan as a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He returned to Canada barely a year ago, and to competitive racquetball last November.
During that period, Parrilla was busy. He won four WRT events, as well as an International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, when he beat Horn in the final of the 2018 Shamrock Shootout.
Sunday, Parrilla will have a chance win his 5th WRT event, and first since Mexicali in October 2017 - though Parrilla's only played two WRT events since then. For his part, Iwaasa will have a chance to win his 2nd WRT event Sunday, and to do it in his home province. Iwaasa hails from Lethbridge, Alberta, a small city south of Calgary.
In doubles, 2nd seeds Alejandro Cardona and Gerardo Franco came back to win a tie-breaker against 3rd seeds Jaime Martell and Alan Natera, 5-15, 15-10, 11-7, and they’ll play 4th seeds Jake Bredenbeck and Samuel Murray in the final, as Bredenbeck and Murray beat Mitch Brayley and Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-5.
You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The singles final is scheduled for noon with the doubles final at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Andree Parrilla d. 1) David Horn, 11-15, 15-11, 11-3
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 7) Gerardo Franco, 15-7, 15-11
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - Noon PM
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray d. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-5
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera, 5-15, 15-10, 11-7
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - 2 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Parrilla and Iwaasa, both 22, were born barely a month apart in July and June, respectively, of 1996. They played each other three times back in 2013 and 2014: twice in the Men’s Open division of the US Open - Parrilla defeating Iwaasa in the final in 2013 and Iwaasa beating Parrilla in the semi-finals in 2014, as he went on to win the division - as well as in the semi-finals of Boy’s U16 at the 2013 World Junior Championships, when Parrilla won.
Iwaasa's US Open Men's Open title happened a week after he won his first WRT event in Lombard, Illinois. He beat Alejandro Cardona in the final and defeated Sebastian Franco, Polo Gutierrez and Horn to get to the final. Then in the fall of 2015, Iwaasa went on a two year mission to Japan as a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He returned to Canada barely a year ago, and to competitive racquetball last November.
During that period, Parrilla was busy. He won four WRT events, as well as an International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event, when he beat Horn in the final of the 2018 Shamrock Shootout.
Sunday, Parrilla will have a chance win his 5th WRT event, and first since Mexicali in October 2017 - though Parrilla's only played two WRT events since then. For his part, Iwaasa will have a chance to win his 2nd WRT event Sunday, and to do it in his home province. Iwaasa hails from Lethbridge, Alberta, a small city south of Calgary.
In doubles, 2nd seeds Alejandro Cardona and Gerardo Franco came back to win a tie-breaker against 3rd seeds Jaime Martell and Alan Natera, 5-15, 15-10, 11-7, and they’ll play 4th seeds Jake Bredenbeck and Samuel Murray in the final, as Bredenbeck and Murray beat Mitch Brayley and Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-5.
You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The singles final is scheduled for noon with the doubles final at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Andree Parrilla d. 1) David Horn, 11-15, 15-11, 11-3
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 7) Gerardo Franco, 15-7, 15-11
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - Noon PM
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray d. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-5
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera, 5-15, 15-10, 11-7
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - 2 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Iwaasa into semi-finals at 2018 WRT Canadian Open
Coby Iwaasa - playing close to his hometown of Lethbridge, Alberta - is into the semi-finals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Canadian Open in Calgary, Alberta, after defeating Jordy Alonso, 15-5, 15-9. He’ll play Gerardo Franco in the semis, as Franco pulled out a tie-breaker victory over Eduardo Portillo, 10-15, 15-10, 11-7.
On the top of the draw, it’ll be #1 versus #4 in the semi-finals, as David Horn, WRT #1, beat Luis Avila, 15-5, 15-12, and Andree Parrilla, WRT #4, defeated Canadian Samuel Murray, 15-10, 15-11, ending the hopes for an all-Canadian final in Calgary.
The quarterfinals continue Saturday afternoon with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn d. 9) Luis Avila, 15-5, 15-12
4) Andree Parrilla d. 21) Samuel Murray, 15-10, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 14) Jordy Alonso, 15-5, 15-9
7) Gerardo Franco d. 15) Eduardo Portillo, 10-15, 15-10, 11-7
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 4) Andree Parrilla - 5:45 PM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 3:30 PM
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray v. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou - 4:15 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - 4:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
On the top of the draw, it’ll be #1 versus #4 in the semi-finals, as David Horn, WRT #1, beat Luis Avila, 15-5, 15-12, and Andree Parrilla, WRT #4, defeated Canadian Samuel Murray, 15-10, 15-11, ending the hopes for an all-Canadian final in Calgary.
The quarterfinals continue Saturday afternoon with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn d. 9) Luis Avila, 15-5, 15-12
4) Andree Parrilla d. 21) Samuel Murray, 15-10, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 14) Jordy Alonso, 15-5, 15-9
7) Gerardo Franco d. 15) Eduardo Portillo, 10-15, 15-10, 11-7
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 4) Andree Parrilla - 5:45 PM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 3:30 PM
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray v. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou - 4:15 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - 4:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Round of 16 at 2018 WRT Canadian Open
The Round of 16 matches have not gone according to the seeding at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Canadian Open in Calgary, Alberta, so the quarterfinals has only three of the top eight seeds in the quarterfinals on Saturday. David Horn, the WRT’s #1 player, is in the quarters after defeating Tanner Prentice, 15-7, 15-9. He’ll play 9th seed Luis Avila, who was a winner over 8th seed Justus Benson, 9-15, 15-6, 11-7.
Also on the top of the draw, Samuel Murray won a tie-breaker against 5th seed Alejandro Cardona, 15-12, 11-15, 11-9. He’ll play Andree Parrilla in the quarters, as Parrilla defeated Tim Landeryou, 15-3, 15-8.
On the bottom of the draw, young Mexican Eduardo Portillo upset 2nd seed Jake Bredenback, 15-9, 15-9. He’ll play another young Mexican Gerardo Franco, the 7th seed, in the quarters, as Franco defeated Alan Natera, 15-7, 10-15, 11-0.
The other quarterfinal will be Canadian Coby Iwaasa versus Jordy Alonso, and both were upset winners in the 16s. Alonso knocked off 3rd seed Jaime Martell, 15-8, 15-12, while Iwaasa beat 6th seed Christian Longoria, 15-9, 15-6.
The quarterfinals will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice d. 17) Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11
9) Luis Avila d. 24) Jeff Buller, 15-7, 15-4
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
21) Samuel Murray d. 12) Taylor Knoth, 15-1, 15-13
13) Tim Landeryou d. 20) Ian Frattinger, 15-8, 6-15, 11-3
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso d. 19) Sergio Acuña, 15-2, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 11) Sam Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-11
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera d. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-3, 15-8
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 18) Lee Connell, 15-7, 15-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 16) Tanner Prentice, 15-7, 15-9
9) Luis Avila d. 8) Justus Benson, 9-15, 15-6, 11-7
21) Samuel Murray d. 5) Alejandro Cardona, 15-12, 11-15, 11-9
4) Andree Parrilla d. 13) Tim Landeryou, 15-3, 15-8
14) Jordy Alonso d. 3) Jaime Martell, 15-8, 15-12
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 6) Christian Longoria, 15-9, 15-6
7) Gerardo Franco d. 10) Alan Natera, 15-7, 10-15, 11-0
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-9
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 9) Luis Avila - 11:45 AM
4) Andree Parrilla v. 21) Samuel Murray - 11 AM
14) Jordy Alonso v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 9:30 AM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 15) Eduardo Portillo - 10:15 AM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou d. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell, 15-9, 15-10
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth d. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice, 15-2, 15-1
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou d. 1) Justus Benson & David Horn, 15-13, 15-4
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray d. 5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo, 15-6, 15-10
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera d. 6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck, 15-5, 15-9
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth, 15-8, 15-12
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray v. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou - 4:15 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - 4:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Also on the top of the draw, Samuel Murray won a tie-breaker against 5th seed Alejandro Cardona, 15-12, 11-15, 11-9. He’ll play Andree Parrilla in the quarters, as Parrilla defeated Tim Landeryou, 15-3, 15-8.
On the bottom of the draw, young Mexican Eduardo Portillo upset 2nd seed Jake Bredenback, 15-9, 15-9. He’ll play another young Mexican Gerardo Franco, the 7th seed, in the quarters, as Franco defeated Alan Natera, 15-7, 10-15, 11-0.
The other quarterfinal will be Canadian Coby Iwaasa versus Jordy Alonso, and both were upset winners in the 16s. Alonso knocked off 3rd seed Jaime Martell, 15-8, 15-12, while Iwaasa beat 6th seed Christian Longoria, 15-9, 15-6.
The quarterfinals will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice d. 17) Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11
9) Luis Avila d. 24) Jeff Buller, 15-7, 15-4
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
21) Samuel Murray d. 12) Taylor Knoth, 15-1, 15-13
13) Tim Landeryou d. 20) Ian Frattinger, 15-8, 6-15, 11-3
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso d. 19) Sergio Acuña, 15-2, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 11) Sam Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-11
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera d. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-3, 15-8
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 18) Lee Connell, 15-7, 15-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 16) Tanner Prentice, 15-7, 15-9
9) Luis Avila d. 8) Justus Benson, 9-15, 15-6, 11-7
21) Samuel Murray d. 5) Alejandro Cardona, 15-12, 11-15, 11-9
4) Andree Parrilla d. 13) Tim Landeryou, 15-3, 15-8
14) Jordy Alonso d. 3) Jaime Martell, 15-8, 15-12
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 6) Christian Longoria, 15-9, 15-6
7) Gerardo Franco d. 10) Alan Natera, 15-7, 10-15, 11-0
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-9
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 9) Luis Avila - 11:45 AM
4) Andree Parrilla v. 21) Samuel Murray - 11 AM
14) Jordy Alonso v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 9:30 AM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 15) Eduardo Portillo - 10:15 AM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou d. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell, 15-9, 15-10
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth d. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice, 15-2, 15-1
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou d. 1) Justus Benson & David Horn, 15-13, 15-4
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray d. 5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo, 15-6, 15-10
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera d. 6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck, 15-5, 15-9
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth, 15-8, 15-12
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray v. 8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou - 4:15 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - 4:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, October 19, 2018
Round of 32 at 2018 WRT Canadian Open
The Round of 32 is done at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Canadian Open in Calgary, Alberta, and there have been no real surprises. The top Canadian players came through with wins. Samuel Murray beat Taylor Knoth, 15-1, 15-13; Coby Iwaasa defeated Sam Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-11; and Tim Landeryou needed a tie-breaker to get past Canadian junior Ian Frattinger, 15-8, 6-15, 11-3.
However, Canadian veteran Lee Connell fell to young Mexican Eduardo Portillo, 15-7, 15-10. Portillo will play 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck in the Round of 16.
Also in the 16s, WRT #1 David Horn will play Tanner Prentice who got the better of Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11, in all Canadian showdown.
The 16s will be Friday afternoon, and the quarters will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page, and that will likely begin with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice d. 17) Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11
9) Luis Avila d. 24) Jeff Buller, 15-7, 15-4
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
21) Samuel Murray d. 12) Taylor Knoth, 15-1, 15-13
13) Tim Landeryou d. 20) Ian Frattinger, 15-8, 6-15, 11-3
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso d. 19) Sergio Acuña, 15-2, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 11) Sam Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-11
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera d. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-3, 15-8
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 18) Lee Connell, 15-7, 15-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 16) Tanner Prentice v. 17) Mitch Brayley - 7 PM
8) Justus Benson v. 9) Luis Avila - 7 PM
5) Alejandro Cardona v. 21) Samuel Murray - 5 PM
4) Andree Parrilla v. 13) Tim Landeryou - 5 PM
3) Jaime Martell v. 14) Jordy Alonso - 4 PM
6) Christian Longoria v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 4 PM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 10) Alan Natera - 6 PM
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 15) Eduardo Portillo - 6 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou v. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell - 2 PM
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth v. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice - 3 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
However, Canadian veteran Lee Connell fell to young Mexican Eduardo Portillo, 15-7, 15-10. Portillo will play 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck in the Round of 16.
Also in the 16s, WRT #1 David Horn will play Tanner Prentice who got the better of Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11, in all Canadian showdown.
The 16s will be Friday afternoon, and the quarters will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon. You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page, and that will likely begin with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice d. 17) Mitch Brayley, 15-14, 15-11
9) Luis Avila d. 24) Jeff Buller, 15-7, 15-4
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
21) Samuel Murray d. 12) Taylor Knoth, 15-1, 15-13
13) Tim Landeryou d. 20) Ian Frattinger, 15-8, 6-15, 11-3
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso d. 19) Sergio Acuña, 15-2, 15-11
22) Coby Iwaasa d. 11) Sam Bredenbeck, 15-9, 15-11
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera d. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-3, 15-8
15) Eduardo Portillo d. 18) Lee Connell, 15-7, 15-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 16) Tanner Prentice v. 17) Mitch Brayley - 7 PM
8) Justus Benson v. 9) Luis Avila - 7 PM
5) Alejandro Cardona v. 21) Samuel Murray - 5 PM
4) Andree Parrilla v. 13) Tim Landeryou - 5 PM
3) Jaime Martell v. 14) Jordy Alonso - 4 PM
6) Christian Longoria v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 4 PM
7) Gerardo Franco v. 10) Alan Natera - 6 PM
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 15) Eduardo Portillo - 6 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou v. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell - 2 PM
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth v. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice - 3 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
2018 WRT Canadian Open - Preview
For the first time in several years pro racquetball will be played in Canada, as the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) comes to Calgary, Alberta for the 2018 WRT Canadian Open beginning Friday at the University of Calgary. Seven of the top nine WRT players will be in the Great White North, as well as three of the top four Canadian players.
WRT #1 David Horn is there, as is #2 Jake Bredenbeck with Jaime Martell as 3rd seed and Andree Parrilla 4th seed. The Canadian players don’t have great rankings, as they haven’t played many WRT events, so that kind of puts a spanner in the works regarding seeding, as Samuel Murray will play into 5th seed Alejandro Cardona in a possible Round of 16 match, and Tim Landeryou plays into Parrilla. Also, Coby Iwaasa plays into 6th seed Christian Longoria, and will potentially meet Martell in the quarterfinals.
As per usual at a WRT event, they are playing doubles also, and you would think that some of those three Canadians would be playing doubles together, especially as Murray teamed with Landeryou to capture bronze at the 2018 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships, and Murray played with Iwaasa to win Men's Open Doubles at the 2018 Canadian Championships. But neither of those pairings - nor Iwaasa and Landeryou - is happening in Calgary.
Murray is playing with Jake Bredenback, and they might be the team to beat, although they are seeded 4th. Iwaasa plays with Taylor Knoth, a former Boy’s U18 World Junior Champion, and they could be the sleeper team in the draw, and Landeryou will partner with fellow Canuck Mitch Brayley. Horn and Justus Benson are the top seeds with Cardona and Gerardo Franco 2nd seeds.
You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday morning with the 32s. The 16s will be Friday afternoon, and the quarters will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice v. 17) Mitch Brayley - Noon
9) Luis Avila v. 24) Jeff Buller - 1 PM
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
12) Taylor Knoth v. 21) Samuel Murray - Noon
13) Tim Landeryou v. 20) Ian Frattinger - Noon
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso v. 19) Sergio Acuña - 11 AM
11) Sam Bredenbeck v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 11 AM
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera v. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - 11 AM
15) Eduardo Portillo v. 18) Lee Connell - 11 AM
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou v. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell - 2 PM
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth v. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice - 3 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
WRT #1 David Horn is there, as is #2 Jake Bredenbeck with Jaime Martell as 3rd seed and Andree Parrilla 4th seed. The Canadian players don’t have great rankings, as they haven’t played many WRT events, so that kind of puts a spanner in the works regarding seeding, as Samuel Murray will play into 5th seed Alejandro Cardona in a possible Round of 16 match, and Tim Landeryou plays into Parrilla. Also, Coby Iwaasa plays into 6th seed Christian Longoria, and will potentially meet Martell in the quarterfinals.
As per usual at a WRT event, they are playing doubles also, and you would think that some of those three Canadians would be playing doubles together, especially as Murray teamed with Landeryou to capture bronze at the 2018 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships, and Murray played with Iwaasa to win Men's Open Doubles at the 2018 Canadian Championships. But neither of those pairings - nor Iwaasa and Landeryou - is happening in Calgary.
Murray is playing with Jake Bredenback, and they might be the team to beat, although they are seeded 4th. Iwaasa plays with Taylor Knoth, a former Boy’s U18 World Junior Champion, and they could be the sleeper team in the draw, and Landeryou will partner with fellow Canuck Mitch Brayley. Horn and Justus Benson are the top seeds with Cardona and Gerardo Franco 2nd seeds.
You can watch the action from Calgary via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday morning with the 32s. The 16s will be Friday afternoon, and the quarters will be Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM with the semi-finals at 2:45 and 3:30 PM. The final Sunday at noon.
The doubles draw has two play in matches Friday afternoon followed by the quarterfinals Friday night. The doubles semi-finals are Saturday afternoon with the doubles final Sunday at 2 PM. All times are Mountain.
2018 WRT Canadian Open, October 19-21
Calgary, Alberta
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn - BYE
16) Tanner Prentice v. 17) Mitch Brayley - Noon
9) Luis Avila v. 24) Jeff Buller - 1 PM
8) Justus Benson - BYE
5) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
12) Taylor Knoth v. 21) Samuel Murray - Noon
13) Tim Landeryou v. 20) Ian Frattinger - Noon
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE
3) Jaime Martell - BYE
14) Jordy Alonso v. 19) Sergio Acuña - 11 AM
11) Sam Bredenbeck v. 22) Coby Iwaasa - 11 AM
6) Christian Longoria - BYE
7) Gerardo Franco - BYE
10) Alan Natera v. 23) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - 11 AM
15) Eduardo Portillo v. 18) Lee Connell - 11 AM
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
Doubles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Justus Benson & David Horn - BYE
8) Mitch Brayley & Tim Landeryou v. 9) Sergio Acuña & Lee Connell - 2 PM
5) Christian Longoria & Eduardo Portillo - BYE
4) Jake Bredenbeck & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jaime Martell & Alan Natera - BYE
6) Luis Avila & Sam Bredenbeck - BYE
7) Coby Iwaasa & Taylor Knoth v. 10) Jeff Buller & Tanner Prentice - 3 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Martell defeats Bredenbeck to win 2018 WRT Georgia Open
Jaime Martell won the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2018 Georgia Open in Lilburn, Georgia on Sunday by upsetting top seed Jake Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-5, in the final. It’s Martell’s 2nd win on the WRT. His first came in 2016 at the Rocky Mountain Open, when he beat David Horn in the final. Martell defeated Horn in the semi-finals in Lilburn.
Martell and Francisco Troncoso took the WRT Doubles title also, although they won the final by default over Luis Avila and Hiroshi Shimizu. The win was Martell’s sixth WRT Doubles title, and Troncoso’s first. Martell had previously won with Alejandro Cardona (twice), Jose Daniel Ugalde (twice) and Joshua Hungerford.
The next WRT tournament isn’t until October, when the Canadian Open will happen October 17-21 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Final - Sunday
3) Jaime Martell d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-5
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso d. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer, 15-2, 15-2
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu d. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez, 13-15, 15-8, 11-3
Doubles - Final - Sunday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso d. 2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball….
Martell and Francisco Troncoso took the WRT Doubles title also, although they won the final by default over Luis Avila and Hiroshi Shimizu. The win was Martell’s sixth WRT Doubles title, and Troncoso’s first. Martell had previously won with Alejandro Cardona (twice), Jose Daniel Ugalde (twice) and Joshua Hungerford.
The next WRT tournament isn’t until October, when the Canadian Open will happen October 17-21 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Final - Sunday
3) Jaime Martell d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-5
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso d. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer, 15-2, 15-2
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu d. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez, 13-15, 15-8, 11-3
Doubles - Final - Sunday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso d. 2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu, forfeit
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Martell upsets Horn to reach the final of the 2018 WRT Georgia Open
Jaime Martell upset 2nd seed David Horn, 13-15, 15-8, 11-9, in the semi-finals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2018 Georgia Open in Lilburn, Georgia, and will play top seed Jake Bredenbeck in the final on Sunday at noon. In the other semi, Bredenbeck beat Mauricio Zelada, 15-2, 15-4.
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The final will be Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck d. 9) Justus Benson, 15-8, 15-7
5) Mauricio Zelada d. 4) Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-11
3) Jaime Martell d. 11) Kevin Vazquez, 15-11, 15-6
2) David Horn d. 7) Luis Avila, 15-10, 15-9
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck d. 5) Mauricio Zelada, 15-2, 15-4
3) Jaime Martell d. 2) David Horn, 13-15, 15-8, 11-9
Singles - Final - Sunday
1) Jake Bredenbeck v. 3) Jaime Martell - Noon
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso v. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer - 7 PM
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu v. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The final will be Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck d. 9) Justus Benson, 15-8, 15-7
5) Mauricio Zelada d. 4) Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-11
3) Jaime Martell d. 11) Kevin Vazquez, 15-11, 15-6
2) David Horn d. 7) Luis Avila, 15-10, 15-9
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck d. 5) Mauricio Zelada, 15-2, 15-4
3) Jaime Martell d. 2) David Horn, 13-15, 15-8, 11-9
Singles - Final - Sunday
1) Jake Bredenbeck v. 3) Jaime Martell - Noon
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso v. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer - 7 PM
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu v. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
WRT 2018 Georgia Open - Round of 16
Young USA player Kevin Vazquez upset Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu, 15-7, 8-15, 11-9, in the Round of 16 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2018 Georgia Open in Lilburn, Georgia on Friday. The win puts Vazquez in the quarterfinals against 3rd seed Jaime Martell, who was a straight game winner over Destry Everhart, 15-10, 15-2.
Also of note, Luis Avila beat Thomas Carter in straight games, 15-7, 15-12, and will play 2nd seed David Horn in the quarters. Finally, 9th seed Justus Benson won the 8/9 match, as he defeated Austin Cunningham, 15-10, 15-8. Benson will play top seed Jake Bredenbeck in the quarters on Saturday.
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The quarterfinals begin Saturday at 10 AM with the semi-finals Saturday at 5 and 6 PM. The final will be Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
9) Justus Benson d. 8) Austin Cunningham, 15-10, 15-8
5) Mauricio Zelada d. 12) David Stincer, 15-13, 10-15, 11-0
4) Francisco Troncoso d. 13) Daniel Herrera, 15-3, 15-2
3) Jaime Martell d. 14) Destry Everhart, 15-10, 15-2
11) Kevin Vazquez d. 6) Hiroshi Shimizu, 15-7, 8-15, 11-9
7) Luis Avila d. 10) Thomas Carter, 15-7, 15-12
2) David Horn - BYE
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck v. 9) Justus Benson - 1 PM
4) Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Mauricio Zelada - 11 AM
3) Jaime Martell v. 11) Kevin Vazquez - 10 AM
2) David Horn v. 7) Luis Avila - Noon
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer d. 5) Alberto Dent & Daniel Herrera, 15-12, 15-8
3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - BYE
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso v. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer - 7 PM
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu v. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Also of note, Luis Avila beat Thomas Carter in straight games, 15-7, 15-12, and will play 2nd seed David Horn in the quarters. Finally, 9th seed Justus Benson won the 8/9 match, as he defeated Austin Cunningham, 15-10, 15-8. Benson will play top seed Jake Bredenbeck in the quarters on Saturday.
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The quarterfinals begin Saturday at 10 AM with the semi-finals Saturday at 5 and 6 PM. The final will be Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
9) Justus Benson d. 8) Austin Cunningham, 15-10, 15-8
5) Mauricio Zelada d. 12) David Stincer, 15-13, 10-15, 11-0
4) Francisco Troncoso d. 13) Daniel Herrera, 15-3, 15-2
3) Jaime Martell d. 14) Destry Everhart, 15-10, 15-2
11) Kevin Vazquez d. 6) Hiroshi Shimizu, 15-7, 8-15, 11-9
7) Luis Avila d. 10) Thomas Carter, 15-7, 15-12
2) David Horn - BYE
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Jake Bredenbeck v. 9) Justus Benson - 1 PM
4) Francisco Troncoso v. 5) Mauricio Zelada - 11 AM
3) Jaime Martell v. 11) Kevin Vazquez - 10 AM
2) David Horn v. 7) Luis Avila - Noon
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer d. 5) Alberto Dent & Daniel Herrera, 15-12, 15-8
3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - BYE
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso v. 4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer - 7 PM
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu v. 3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, May 18, 2018
WRT 2018 Georgia Open - Preview
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2018 season resumes this weekend with the 2018 Georgia Open in Lilburn, Georgia, where there is an unusually small draw of 14 for a WRT event, which often has fields of more than twice that size. Jake Bredenbeck is top seed with David Horn as the 2nd seed, Jaime Martell 3rd seed and Francisco Troncoso 4th seed.
Other players of note in the draw are Mauricio Zelada, seeded 5th, Hiroshi Shimizu, 6th seed, and Thomas Carter, 10th seed.
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday with the 16s. The quarters will be Saturday beginning at 10 AM with the semi-finals at 5 and 6 PM. The final Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
8) Austin Cunningham v. 9) Justus Benson - 5 PM
5) Mauricio Zelada v. 12) David Stincer - 5 PM
4) Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Daniel Herrera - 7 PM
3) Jaime Martell v. 14) Destry Everhart - 4 PM
6) Hiroshi Shimizu v. 11) Kevin Vazquez - 4 PM
7) Luis Avila v. 10) Thomas Carter - 6 PM
2) David Horn - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer v. 5) Alberto Dent & Daniel Herrera - 8 PM
3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - BYE
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Other players of note in the draw are Mauricio Zelada, seeded 5th, Hiroshi Shimizu, 6th seed, and Thomas Carter, 10th seed.
You can watch the action from Georgia via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday with the 16s. The quarters will be Saturday beginning at 10 AM with the semi-finals at 5 and 6 PM. The final Sunday at noon.
2018 WRT Georgia Open, May 18-20
Lilburn, Georgia
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
8) Austin Cunningham v. 9) Justus Benson - 5 PM
5) Mauricio Zelada v. 12) David Stincer - 5 PM
4) Francisco Troncoso v. 13) Daniel Herrera - 7 PM
3) Jaime Martell v. 14) Destry Everhart - 4 PM
6) Hiroshi Shimizu v. 11) Kevin Vazquez - 4 PM
7) Luis Avila v. 10) Thomas Carter - 6 PM
2) David Horn - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Jaime Martell & Francisco Troncoso - BYE
4) Destry Everhart & David Stincer v. 5) Alberto Dent & Daniel Herrera - 8 PM
3) Justus Benson & Kevin Vazquez - BYE
2) Luis Avila & Hiroshi Shimizu - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Mexico defeats USA to win 2018 WRT Challenge Cup
Mexico defeated the USA, three matches to two, to win the World Racquetball Tour's (WRT's) first Challenge Cup on the weekend in Fremont, California. The Challenge Cup saw two Mexican players play two USA players in a team competition. Jake Bredenbeck and David Horn represented the USA with Rodrigo Montoya and Alejandro Cardona representing Mexico in a format like that used in Davis Cup (men) and Federation Cup (women) tennis competitions with each player playing singles twice as well as doubles. Mexico and USA split their first singles matches, and then the USA won the doubles to lead 2-1. But Mexico came back to win the event with two victories in the last two singles matches.
They split the matches in the first round of singles, as Bredenbeck defeated Cardona, 12-15, 15-1, 11-3, and Montoya beat Horn, 15-3, 15-7.
In tennis, it’s often said that doubles decides the winner in Davis Cup or Fed Cup battles, and in this Challenge Cup the doubles winner was going to be up 2-1 after they split the singles matches. The USA took the doubles match, but only narrowly, as Bredenbeck and Horn won 15-9, 4-15, 11-9, over Cardona and Montoya.
The Americans were ahead early at 5-1 and 8-3, but the Mexicans came back and took a lead at 9-8. But the USA got a sideout, and then won three straight points to end it, 11-9. Mexico took a timeout at 10-9, but to no avail. Thus, the USA held the advantage going into the second round of singles on Sunday.
In the second round of singles (or reverse singles), Cardona and Horn played first, and as in the doubles, they went breaker with Cardona squeaking out a one point victory, 15-13, 11-15, 11-10. In game three, Horn had the early lead at 5-2, but seemed to pick up a leg injury that limited him in the mid-game, as Cardona took the lead at 8-5, and then 9-7.
But Horn kept fighting, trying to do as much as he could given his condition, and got the serve back and tied the score 9-9. But Cardona took the serve back, and got to 10-9 with a solid forehand down the line shot. Horn fought off the first match point with a forehand shot from left to right, and then hit a crack serve on the right side that was just over the line for an ace.
He tried to do it again, but was short. Cardona won the rally after Horn’s second serve with a backhand cross court pass. The match winning point came as Cardona hit a second serve Z to the left side, and Horn put his backhand return into the floor.
Cardona’s win meant the Challenge Cup came down to the last match, and Montoya again came through for Mexico - just as he had in the first round of singles - as he beat Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-12.
By the current WRT rankings, the USA should have been favoured, as Bredenbeck is #1 and Horn #2 with Montoya #4 and Cardona #5, although both the Mexicans have been ranked #1 in the past, as has Horn. Thus, the players were all close in skill level, which made for some great matches.
Thoughts on Team Competitions
The WRT Challenge Cup was an interesting competition, but it’s something we’ve seen before in racquetball. The Men’s and Women’s Team Competitions at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships used to be a best of three matches: 2 singles and 1 doubles, although they have eliminated that at the last two World Championships and instead awarded points for player performances in singles and doubles to determine the team winners. But while Worlds doesn’t have a true team competition anymore, the 2015 Pan American Games did.
However team competitions are fun. Often in an individual sport like racquetball it can be awkward to cheer for one player over another, because that seems like a personal insult against one of them. But when the players are on teams, especially representing their countries, then it becomes clear who to cheer for - or against, which no longer feels like a personal insult to a player.
One twist on this Challenge Cup would be to expand it to more than four players, and maybe more than two countries. Perhaps the Intercollegiate model that uses a team of six players could be adopted, so that there were six singles matches in round one, then three doubles matches, then a reverse six singles matches to finish off.
And you could have a team of six USA-Canada players against a team of six Latin American players to make a broader field, which would make it more like golf's Ryder Cup or President's Cup, although both the USA and Mexico could likely come up with six quality players on their own.
Upcoming WRT events
The next two WRT events will be the Georgia Open in Atlanta, May 17-20, and then the Torneo Internacional in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, June 14-16. If you missed any of the action from Fremont, check out the WRT Facebook page or their YouTube channel.
2018 WRT Challenge Cup, April 14-15
Fremont, California
Singles - Round 1
Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico), 12-15, 15-1, 11-3
Rodrigo Montoya (Mexico) d. David Horn (USA), 15-3, 15-7
Doubles - Round 2
USA d. Mexico, 15-9, 4-15, 11-9
Singles - Round 3
Alejandro Cardona (Mexico) d. David Horn (USA), 15-13, 11-15, 11-10
Rodrigo Montoya (Mexico) d. Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-8, 15-12
Follow the bouncing ball….
They split the matches in the first round of singles, as Bredenbeck defeated Cardona, 12-15, 15-1, 11-3, and Montoya beat Horn, 15-3, 15-7.
In tennis, it’s often said that doubles decides the winner in Davis Cup or Fed Cup battles, and in this Challenge Cup the doubles winner was going to be up 2-1 after they split the singles matches. The USA took the doubles match, but only narrowly, as Bredenbeck and Horn won 15-9, 4-15, 11-9, over Cardona and Montoya.
The Americans were ahead early at 5-1 and 8-3, but the Mexicans came back and took a lead at 9-8. But the USA got a sideout, and then won three straight points to end it, 11-9. Mexico took a timeout at 10-9, but to no avail. Thus, the USA held the advantage going into the second round of singles on Sunday.
In the second round of singles (or reverse singles), Cardona and Horn played first, and as in the doubles, they went breaker with Cardona squeaking out a one point victory, 15-13, 11-15, 11-10. In game three, Horn had the early lead at 5-2, but seemed to pick up a leg injury that limited him in the mid-game, as Cardona took the lead at 8-5, and then 9-7.
But Horn kept fighting, trying to do as much as he could given his condition, and got the serve back and tied the score 9-9. But Cardona took the serve back, and got to 10-9 with a solid forehand down the line shot. Horn fought off the first match point with a forehand shot from left to right, and then hit a crack serve on the right side that was just over the line for an ace.
He tried to do it again, but was short. Cardona won the rally after Horn’s second serve with a backhand cross court pass. The match winning point came as Cardona hit a second serve Z to the left side, and Horn put his backhand return into the floor.
Cardona’s win meant the Challenge Cup came down to the last match, and Montoya again came through for Mexico - just as he had in the first round of singles - as he beat Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-12.
By the current WRT rankings, the USA should have been favoured, as Bredenbeck is #1 and Horn #2 with Montoya #4 and Cardona #5, although both the Mexicans have been ranked #1 in the past, as has Horn. Thus, the players were all close in skill level, which made for some great matches.
Thoughts on Team Competitions
The WRT Challenge Cup was an interesting competition, but it’s something we’ve seen before in racquetball. The Men’s and Women’s Team Competitions at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships used to be a best of three matches: 2 singles and 1 doubles, although they have eliminated that at the last two World Championships and instead awarded points for player performances in singles and doubles to determine the team winners. But while Worlds doesn’t have a true team competition anymore, the 2015 Pan American Games did.
However team competitions are fun. Often in an individual sport like racquetball it can be awkward to cheer for one player over another, because that seems like a personal insult against one of them. But when the players are on teams, especially representing their countries, then it becomes clear who to cheer for - or against, which no longer feels like a personal insult to a player.
One twist on this Challenge Cup would be to expand it to more than four players, and maybe more than two countries. Perhaps the Intercollegiate model that uses a team of six players could be adopted, so that there were six singles matches in round one, then three doubles matches, then a reverse six singles matches to finish off.
And you could have a team of six USA-Canada players against a team of six Latin American players to make a broader field, which would make it more like golf's Ryder Cup or President's Cup, although both the USA and Mexico could likely come up with six quality players on their own.
Upcoming WRT events
The next two WRT events will be the Georgia Open in Atlanta, May 17-20, and then the Torneo Internacional in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, June 14-16. If you missed any of the action from Fremont, check out the WRT Facebook page or their YouTube channel.
2018 WRT Challenge Cup, April 14-15
Fremont, California
Singles - Round 1
Jake Bredenbeck (USA) d. Alejandro Cardona (Mexico), 12-15, 15-1, 11-3
Rodrigo Montoya (Mexico) d. David Horn (USA), 15-3, 15-7
Doubles - Round 2
USA d. Mexico, 15-9, 4-15, 11-9
Singles - Round 3
Alejandro Cardona (Mexico) d. David Horn (USA), 15-13, 11-15, 11-10
Rodrigo Montoya (Mexico) d. Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-8, 15-12
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Bredenbeck bests Montoya to win 2018 WRT Longhorn Open
Jake Bredenbeck defeated Rodrigo Montoya, 15-3, 15-11, to win the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas, the first WRT event of 2018. Bredenbeck came into the event as the #4 WRT player with Montoya #2. Both rankings could change with the new rankings on Monday, as Bredenbeck didn’t play this event last year due to injury, while Montoya was the defending champion.
Thus, Montoya’s loss in the final will mean he drops ranking points, while Bredenbeck’s win will be a pure gain. David Horn, the WRT #1 player, lost in the semi-finals to Bredenbeck, which is the same result he had at last year’s Longhorn Open. Andree Parrilla, WRT #3, was a quarterfinalist this year and last, and he’s 1300 points ahead of Bredenbeck, so Bredenbeck’s win may be enough to move him past Parrilla into 3rd.
Eduardo Garay, the other semi-finalist this weekend, should get a big rankings boost, as he’s currently 39th - he was seeded 22nd for the tournament - with 600 points, and could move up into the top 20 come Monday.
In doubles, Gerardo Franco and Alejandro Cardona beat Fernando Kurzbard and Shai Manzuri, 15-5, 15-7, to win the title. Franco and Cardona beat Sebastian Fernandez and Christian Longoria, 15-7, 15-9, in one semi-final, while Kurzbard and Manzuri defeated Jaime Martell and Edson Martinez in the other, 15-7, 9-15, 11-9.
The next WRT will be the Midwest Championship in Minneapolis, March 1-4.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 2) Rodrigo Montoya, 15-3, 15-11
Doubles - Semi-finals - Sunday
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez, 15-7, 9-15, 11-9
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria, 15-7, 15-9
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri, 15-5, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thus, Montoya’s loss in the final will mean he drops ranking points, while Bredenbeck’s win will be a pure gain. David Horn, the WRT #1 player, lost in the semi-finals to Bredenbeck, which is the same result he had at last year’s Longhorn Open. Andree Parrilla, WRT #3, was a quarterfinalist this year and last, and he’s 1300 points ahead of Bredenbeck, so Bredenbeck’s win may be enough to move him past Parrilla into 3rd.
Eduardo Garay, the other semi-finalist this weekend, should get a big rankings boost, as he’s currently 39th - he was seeded 22nd for the tournament - with 600 points, and could move up into the top 20 come Monday.
In doubles, Gerardo Franco and Alejandro Cardona beat Fernando Kurzbard and Shai Manzuri, 15-5, 15-7, to win the title. Franco and Cardona beat Sebastian Fernandez and Christian Longoria, 15-7, 15-9, in one semi-final, while Kurzbard and Manzuri defeated Jaime Martell and Edson Martinez in the other, 15-7, 9-15, 11-9.
The next WRT will be the Midwest Championship in Minneapolis, March 1-4.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Final - Sunday
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 2) Rodrigo Montoya, 15-3, 15-11
Doubles - Semi-finals - Sunday
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez, 15-7, 9-15, 11-9
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria, 15-7, 15-9
Doubles - Final - Sunday
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri, 15-5, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Montoya & Bredenbeck to face off for 2018 WRT Longhorn Open title
Rodrigo Montoya and Jake Bredenbeck survived two close semi-final matches at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas Saturday, and they will meet in Sunday’s final. Second seed Montoya needed a tie-breaker to defeat 22nd seed Eduardo Garay, 14-15, 15-3, 11-9, while Bredenbeck beat WRT #1 David Horn in two close games, 15-14, 15-12.
Horn had a 7-1 lead in game one of his semi versus Bredenbeck, but then gave up nine straight points to trail trail 10-7. Horn did retake the lead at 11-10, but Bredenbeck got to 14 first at 14-11. However, Bredenbeck couldn’t convert his first few game points, and Horn tied the game at 14-14. But his comeback fell short, as Bredenbeck converted his 4th game point to take a 1-0 lead.
Game two was also back and forth early. But then Horn took a 11-5 lead, and it looked like a tie-breaker would be necessary. But Bredenbeck scored ten of the next eleven points to finish off the game, 15-12, and the match in two straight games,
Montoya had a chance to win game one, when he led 14-12, but the impressive Garay won three straight points to deny him. After a second game that was all Montoya, it was Garay who held the advantage in the tie-breaker, as he went up 6-2. But Montoya slowly worked his way back, and caught up at 9-9.
Montoya’s 10th point came when Garay skipped a backhand serve return, and his 11th was also off a skip, as Garay tried to hit a backhand pinch. It was a sad end to a great match performance by Garay, who made some great diving gets including rallies when he dove more than once to keep the ball in play.
Montoya wasn’t as successful in doubles, as he and Andree Parrilla lost to Jaime Martell and Edson Martinez, 15-14, 15-14. Martell and Martinez will play Fernando Kurzbard and Shai Manzuri in the semi-finals Sunday morning, as they got an injury default win over Garay and Javier Mar, who was injured during his quarterfinal match with Montoya.
The finals will be live on Sunday via WRT website or its Facebook page with the singles final at 11:40 AM followed by the doubles final at 12:35 PM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 1) David Horn, 15-14, 15-12
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 22) Eduardo Garay, 14-15, 15-3, 11-9
Singles - Final - Sunday
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck - 11:40 AM
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez d. 1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla, 15-14, 15-14
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar, injury forfeit
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria d. 6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa, 13-15, 15-11, 11-2
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado, 15-6, 15-4
Doubles - Semi-finals - Sunday
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri v. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez - 9:30 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - 9:30 AM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Horn had a 7-1 lead in game one of his semi versus Bredenbeck, but then gave up nine straight points to trail trail 10-7. Horn did retake the lead at 11-10, but Bredenbeck got to 14 first at 14-11. However, Bredenbeck couldn’t convert his first few game points, and Horn tied the game at 14-14. But his comeback fell short, as Bredenbeck converted his 4th game point to take a 1-0 lead.
Game two was also back and forth early. But then Horn took a 11-5 lead, and it looked like a tie-breaker would be necessary. But Bredenbeck scored ten of the next eleven points to finish off the game, 15-12, and the match in two straight games,
Montoya had a chance to win game one, when he led 14-12, but the impressive Garay won three straight points to deny him. After a second game that was all Montoya, it was Garay who held the advantage in the tie-breaker, as he went up 6-2. But Montoya slowly worked his way back, and caught up at 9-9.
Montoya’s 10th point came when Garay skipped a backhand serve return, and his 11th was also off a skip, as Garay tried to hit a backhand pinch. It was a sad end to a great match performance by Garay, who made some great diving gets including rallies when he dove more than once to keep the ball in play.
Montoya wasn’t as successful in doubles, as he and Andree Parrilla lost to Jaime Martell and Edson Martinez, 15-14, 15-14. Martell and Martinez will play Fernando Kurzbard and Shai Manzuri in the semi-finals Sunday morning, as they got an injury default win over Garay and Javier Mar, who was injured during his quarterfinal match with Montoya.
The finals will be live on Sunday via WRT website or its Facebook page with the singles final at 11:40 AM followed by the doubles final at 12:35 PM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 1) David Horn, 15-14, 15-12
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 22) Eduardo Garay, 14-15, 15-3, 11-9
Singles - Final - Sunday
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck - 11:40 AM
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez d. 1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla, 15-14, 15-14
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar, injury forfeit
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria d. 6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa, 13-15, 15-11, 11-2
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco d. 7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado, 15-6, 15-4
Doubles - Semi-finals - Sunday
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri v. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez - 9:30 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - 9:30 AM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Garay joins top 3 seeds in semi-finals at 2018 WRT Longhorn Open
World Racquetball Tour (WRT) #1 David Horn squeaked into the semi-finals at the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas, as he needed a tie-breaker to defeat 8th seed Christian Longoria, 15-13, 11-15, 11-9. Horn will play 4th seed Jake Bredenbeck in the quarters Saturday night, as Bredenbeck beat 5th seed Alejandro Cardona, 15-14, 15-3
Eduardo Garay came into the tournament as the 22nd seed, but he is through to the final four after beating 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 15-0, 14-15, 11-2. He’ll try to keep his streak going against WRT #2 Rodrigo Montoya in the semis.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The singles semi-finals are Saturday night at 7:50 PM and 8:45 PM, and the final will be Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn d. 8) Christian Longoria, 15-13, 11-15, 11-9
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 5) Alejandro Cardona, 15-14, 15-3
22) Eduardo Garay d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-0, 14-15, 11-2
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 10) Javier Mar, 15-3 - injury forfeit
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck - 7:50 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 8:45 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez d. 8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-6
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa d. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings, 15-3, 15-0
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado d. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez, 11-15, 15-13, 11-6
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez - 5:15 PM
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar v. 5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - 6:10 PM
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria v. 6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa - 6:10 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado - 5:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Eduardo Garay came into the tournament as the 22nd seed, but he is through to the final four after beating 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 15-0, 14-15, 11-2. He’ll try to keep his streak going against WRT #2 Rodrigo Montoya in the semis.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The singles semi-finals are Saturday night at 7:50 PM and 8:45 PM, and the final will be Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn d. 8) Christian Longoria, 15-13, 11-15, 11-9
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 5) Alejandro Cardona, 15-14, 15-3
22) Eduardo Garay d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-0, 14-15, 11-2
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 10) Javier Mar, 15-3 - injury forfeit
Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 4) Jake Bredenbeck - 7:50 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 8:45 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez d. 8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-6
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa d. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings, 15-3, 15-0
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado d. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez, 11-15, 15-13, 11-6
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 9) Jaime Martell & Edson Martinez - 5:15 PM
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar v. 5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - 6:10 PM
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria v. 6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa - 6:10 PM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco v. 7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado - 5:15 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Round of 32 and 16 at the 2018 WRT Longhorn Open
The top seeds have taken care of business at the first World Racquetball Tour (WRT) event of 2018: the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas. Top seed David Horn won both his matches on Friday in straight games, as did 2nd seed Rodrigo Montoya. Horn will play Christina Longoria in the quarterfinals, while Montoya plays Javier Mar.
Horn beat John Rhodes, 15-2, 15-4, in the Round of 32, and Victor Camacho in the Round of 16, 15-3, 15-4. We thought Montoya might have some difficulty in his matches in the 32s and 16s, but judging from the scores, he had little difficulty, as he defeated Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-9, in the Round of 32, and then beat Edson Martinez, 15-0, 15-4, in the Round of 16.
Mar is one of two upset winners in the quarterfinals, as 10th seeded Mar defeated 7th seed Jaime Martell in two close games, 15-13, 15-14, in the 16s. Eduardo Garay caused the other upset, but needed a tie-breaker to do it, as he beat 6th seed Gerardo Franco, 15-8, 11-15, 11-9. Garay will play 3rd seed Andree Parrilla in the quarters.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The quarterfinals will be Saturday afternoon with the and semi-finals Saturday night at 7:50 PM and 8:45 PM, and the final will be Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn d. 32) John Rhodes, 15-2, 15-4
17) Victor Camacho d. 16) Erick Cuevas Fernandez, 15-3, 15-3
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Erik Mendoza, 15-3, 15-9
8) Christian Longoria d. 25) Rogelio Castillo, 15-2, 15-5
5) Alejandro Cardona d. 28) Alejandro Almada, 11-15, 15-5, 11-8
12) Ernesto Ochoa d. 21) Daniel Maldonado, 15-8, 15-11
13) Shai Manzuri d. 20) Justus Benson, forfeit
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 29) Raul Valadez, 15-2, 15-4
3) Andree Parrilla d. 30) Rodrigo Garay, forfeit
14) Sebastian Fernandez d. 19) Fernando Kurzbard, 15-13, 15-7
22) Eduardo Garay d. 11) Jose Diaz, forfeit
6) Gerardo Franco d. 27) A. J. Fernandez, 15-2, 15-8
7) Jaime Martell d. 26) Brent Walters, 15-7, 15-2
10) Javier Mar d. 23) Eddie Sada, 15-5, 15-4
15) Edson Martinez d. 18) Juan Loreto, 15-2, 15-4
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 31) Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-9
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn d. 17) Victor Camacho, 15-3, 15-4
8) Christian Longoria d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-9, 15-9
5) Alejandro Cardona d. 12) Ernesto Ochoa, 15-6, 15-5
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 13) Shai Manzuri, 15-4, 15-13
3) Andree Parrilla d. 14) Sebastian Fernandez, 15-10, 15-7
22) Eduardo Garay d. 6) Gerardo Franco, 15-8, 11-15, 11-9
10) Javier Mar d. 7) Jaime Martell, 15-13, 15-14
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 15) Edson Martinez, 15-0, 15-4
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 8) Christian Longoria - 1:50 PM
4) Jake Bredenbeck v. 5) Alejandro Cardona - 3:10 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 3:10 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 10) Javier Mar - 1:50 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. v. 9) Rodrigo Garay v. Edson Martinez - 10 AM
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa v. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings - 10 AM
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado v. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Horn beat John Rhodes, 15-2, 15-4, in the Round of 32, and Victor Camacho in the Round of 16, 15-3, 15-4. We thought Montoya might have some difficulty in his matches in the 32s and 16s, but judging from the scores, he had little difficulty, as he defeated Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-9, in the Round of 32, and then beat Edson Martinez, 15-0, 15-4, in the Round of 16.
Mar is one of two upset winners in the quarterfinals, as 10th seeded Mar defeated 7th seed Jaime Martell in two close games, 15-13, 15-14, in the 16s. Eduardo Garay caused the other upset, but needed a tie-breaker to do it, as he beat 6th seed Gerardo Franco, 15-8, 11-15, 11-9. Garay will play 3rd seed Andree Parrilla in the quarters.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The quarterfinals will be Saturday afternoon with the and semi-finals Saturday night at 7:50 PM and 8:45 PM, and the final will be Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn d. 32) John Rhodes, 15-2, 15-4
17) Victor Camacho d. 16) Erick Cuevas Fernandez, 15-3, 15-3
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Erik Mendoza, 15-3, 15-9
8) Christian Longoria d. 25) Rogelio Castillo, 15-2, 15-5
5) Alejandro Cardona d. 28) Alejandro Almada, 11-15, 15-5, 11-8
12) Ernesto Ochoa d. 21) Daniel Maldonado, 15-8, 15-11
13) Shai Manzuri d. 20) Justus Benson, forfeit
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 29) Raul Valadez, 15-2, 15-4
3) Andree Parrilla d. 30) Rodrigo Garay, forfeit
14) Sebastian Fernandez d. 19) Fernando Kurzbard, 15-13, 15-7
22) Eduardo Garay d. 11) Jose Diaz, forfeit
6) Gerardo Franco d. 27) A. J. Fernandez, 15-2, 15-8
7) Jaime Martell d. 26) Brent Walters, 15-7, 15-2
10) Javier Mar d. 23) Eddie Sada, 15-5, 15-4
15) Edson Martinez d. 18) Juan Loreto, 15-2, 15-4
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 31) Taylor Knoth, 15-5, 15-9
Singles - Round of 16 - Friday
1) David Horn d. 17) Victor Camacho, 15-3, 15-4
8) Christian Longoria d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-9, 15-9
5) Alejandro Cardona d. 12) Ernesto Ochoa, 15-6, 15-5
4) Jake Bredenbeck d. 13) Shai Manzuri, 15-4, 15-13
3) Andree Parrilla d. 14) Sebastian Fernandez, 15-10, 15-7
22) Eduardo Garay d. 6) Gerardo Franco, 15-8, 11-15, 11-9
10) Javier Mar d. 7) Jaime Martell, 15-13, 15-14
2) Rodrigo Montoya d. 15) Edson Martinez, 15-0, 15-4
Singles - Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) David Horn v. 8) Christian Longoria - 1:50 PM
4) Jake Bredenbeck v. 5) Alejandro Cardona - 3:10 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 3:10 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 10) Javier Mar - 1:50 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. v. 9) Rodrigo Garay v. Edson Martinez - 10 AM
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa v. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings - 10 AM
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado v. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
WRT 2018 Longhorn Open - Preview
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) kicks off its 2018 season in Austin, Texas with the Longhorn Open. There’s a full draw of 32 players led by 2017 WRT Player of the Year David Horn, and with several good players outside the top four seeds.
Indeed, the path to the final for WRT #2 Rodrigo Montoya is unenviable. First off he’ll play Taylor Knoth - a former World Junior and USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champion - in the Round of 32. A win over Knoth will likely put Montoya up against Edson Martinez - a former Mexican National Team member - in the Round of 16. The winner of that will probably need to play either 7th seed Jaime Martell - a WRT event winner - or 10th seed Javier Mar, the current Pan American Champion, in the quarterfinals.
Then if Montoya has successfully made it through the quarters he’ll likely face one of 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 6th seed Gerardo Franco, 11th seed Jose Diaz or 14th seed Sebastian Fernandez. Then, Horn could be waiting for Montoya in the final.
If Montoya wins the 2018 Longhorn Open, he will have earned it.
On the top side of the draw with Horn are 4th seed Jake Bredenbeck, 5th seed Alejandro Cardona, 8th seed Christian Longoria, as well as veteran Shai Manzuri who’s seeded 13th.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday with the 32s and 16s. The quarters and semis will be Saturday afternoon and night, respectively, with the final Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 32) John Rhodes - 3:45 PM
16) Erick Cuevas Fernandez v. 17) Victor Camacho - 3:45 PM
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Erik Mendoza - 4:55 PM
8) Christian Longoria v. 25) Rogelio Castillo - 4:55 PM
5) Alejandro Cardona v. 28) Alejandro Almada - 3:45 PM
12) Ernesto Ochoa v. 21) Daniel Maldonado - 3:45 PM
13) Shai Manzuri v. 20) Justus Benson - 4:55 PM
4) Jake Bredenbeck v. 29) Raul Valadez - 4:55 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 30) Rodrigo Garay - 3:45 PM
14) Sebastian Fernandez v. 19) Fernando Kurzbard - 3:45 PM
11) Jose Diaz v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 4:55 PM
6) Gerardo Franco v. 27) A. J. Fernandez - 4:55 PM
7) Jaime Martell v. 26) Brent Walters - 4:55 PM
10) Javier Mar v. 23) Eddie Sada - 4:55 PM
15) Edson Martinez v. 18) Juan Loreto - 3:45 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 31) Taylor Knoth - 3:45 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. v. 9) Rodrigo Garay v. Edson Martinez - 10 AM
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa v. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings - 10 AM
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado v. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Indeed, the path to the final for WRT #2 Rodrigo Montoya is unenviable. First off he’ll play Taylor Knoth - a former World Junior and USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champion - in the Round of 32. A win over Knoth will likely put Montoya up against Edson Martinez - a former Mexican National Team member - in the Round of 16. The winner of that will probably need to play either 7th seed Jaime Martell - a WRT event winner - or 10th seed Javier Mar, the current Pan American Champion, in the quarterfinals.
Then if Montoya has successfully made it through the quarters he’ll likely face one of 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 6th seed Gerardo Franco, 11th seed Jose Diaz or 14th seed Sebastian Fernandez. Then, Horn could be waiting for Montoya in the final.
If Montoya wins the 2018 Longhorn Open, he will have earned it.
On the top side of the draw with Horn are 4th seed Jake Bredenbeck, 5th seed Alejandro Cardona, 8th seed Christian Longoria, as well as veteran Shai Manzuri who’s seeded 13th.
You can watch the action from Austin via the WRT website or its Facebook page. The play begins Friday with the 32s and 16s. The quarters and semis will be Saturday afternoon and night, respectively, with the final Sunday at 11:40 AM.
2018 WRT Longhorn Open, January 12-14
Austin, Texas
Singles - Round of 32 - Friday
1) David Horn v. 32) John Rhodes - 3:45 PM
16) Erick Cuevas Fernandez v. 17) Victor Camacho - 3:45 PM
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Erik Mendoza - 4:55 PM
8) Christian Longoria v. 25) Rogelio Castillo - 4:55 PM
5) Alejandro Cardona v. 28) Alejandro Almada - 3:45 PM
12) Ernesto Ochoa v. 21) Daniel Maldonado - 3:45 PM
13) Shai Manzuri v. 20) Justus Benson - 4:55 PM
4) Jake Bredenbeck v. 29) Raul Valadez - 4:55 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 30) Rodrigo Garay - 3:45 PM
14) Sebastian Fernandez v. 19) Fernando Kurzbard - 3:45 PM
11) Jose Diaz v. 22) Eduardo Garay - 4:55 PM
6) Gerardo Franco v. 27) A. J. Fernandez - 4:55 PM
7) Jaime Martell v. 26) Brent Walters - 4:55 PM
10) Javier Mar v. 23) Eddie Sada - 4:55 PM
15) Edson Martinez v. 18) Juan Loreto - 3:45 PM
2) Rodrigo Montoya v. 31) Taylor Knoth - 3:45 PM
Doubles - Round of 16 - Saturday
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. v. 9) Rodrigo Garay v. Edson Martinez - 10 AM
5) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri - BYE
4) Eduardo Garay & Javier Mar - BYE
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Christian Longoria - BYE
6) Patric Mascorro & Ernesto Ochoa v. 11) Sam Hojat & Brennan Jennings - 10 AM
7) Rogelio Castillo & Daniel Maldonado v. 10) A. J. Fernandez & Raul Valadez - 10 AM
2) Alejandro Cardona & Gerardo Franco - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, December 29, 2017
Top 10 Racquetball Stories of 2017
We have come down to the last weekday of 2017, so it’s time to reflect on the racquetball year that was. There have been several significant events and great outcomes in racquetball this year, and here’s what The Racquetball Blog thought were the most important.
Top Racquetball Stories of 2017
10. Junior Worlds Performances. The Bolivian girls won the Girls Team title for the first time at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships this year by sweeping singles and doubles in U14 and U16 and taking both bronze medals in U18 singles. Also, Montserrat Mejia of Mexico defeated Gabriela Martinez of Guatemala to win Girls U18 Singles, and Mauro Rojas of the USA won Boys U18 Singles by beating Eduardo Portillo of Mexico.
9. Frédérique Lambert. Lambert has emerged as Paola Longoria’s primary rival, finishing the 2016-17 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) season as the #2 player. She was a finalist at the US Open for the first time in 2017, and has finished 2nd to Longoria in that event as well as the other two events she’s played this season. This despite being a 4th year medical student in her hometown of Montreal. 2018 is an International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships year, and we are looking forward to a Lambert-Longoria final in Women’s Singles, because if there’s one woman who could prevent Longoria from a 4th World Championship, it’s Lambert.
8. Sudsy Monchik. Monchik made a successful return to competitive racquetball in 2017. He played the US Open for the first time in 11 years, and made it to the quarterfinals. Then he won doubles at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Utah event with Sebastian Franco. Monchik has coached the Ecuador team for the past two years, although he resigned from that position earlier this year. But the experience clearly inspired him to pursue competitive racquetball again. He’s going to play doubles with Rocky Carson at the 2018 USA Racquetball Doubles Championship. If they win - and we wouldn’t bet against them - Monchik would qualify to play at the IRF World Championships, which he has never done.
7. Rhonda Rajsich. Rajsich won Women’s Singles at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica by defeating Paola Longoria, the two time defending champion, in three games. It was Rajsich’s first international singles title since 2011, when she also won singles at the Pan American Championship. Overall, Rajsich has won three Women’s Singles and two Women’s Doubles titles at Pan Am Championships. Additionally, Rajsich won the US Team Qualifying division at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships for the 7th consecutive time and 10th time overall. At 39, Rajsich is still holding the torch high for women's racquetball in the USA.
6. Samantha Salas. In June, Salas won the Paola Longoria Challenge in Chihuahua, Mexico, her 2nd career Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) victory. She did it in dramatic fashion by coming back from two games down to defeat Longoria in the semi-finals, and then beat Rhonda Rajsich in three straight games in the final. Perhaps making Salas’s accomplishment even more impressive is that almost immediately after the win, she had shoulder surgery, which had been planned in advance, so presumably she wasn't 100% in that tournament, but still found a way to win it. Salas hasn't played on the LPRT this season, but plans to return in 2018.
5. David Horn. Horn won 4 events on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT), including 3 of the last 4 events of the year, and finished as the WRT Player of the Year as the #1 player at year’s end. Horn was also a coach with the US Junior Team under Pratt. Horn is an interesting player, because he came to racquetball later than other players. Yet he’s worked hard to develop his racquetball skills, and it’s paying off for him.
4. Charlie Pratt. Pratt had a journeyman career on the IRT until December, when he won the Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon. That makes him the 36th man to win an IRT Tier 1 event. Pratt also represented the USA for the 1st time, and was a finalist at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica. Pratt was also the Head Coach of the USA Junior Team for the 2017 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships in Minneapolis, where they won three gold medals in the World Cup divisions and finished 3rd overall as a team. It was a good showing for the USA, especially considering Pratt was leading the team for the first time.
3. Paola Longoria. Longoria was named the Univision Female Athlete of the Year, which was a great honour for her. She won her 7th consecutive US Open and 8th overall, and is clearly the best women’s player currently. Yet, 2017 wasn’t her strongest year on tour, although she remains the #1 women’s player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT). Two losses were why it wasn’t Longoria’s best year. Two losses in one year for other players would be amazing, but for Longoria who has been undefeated in a year previously, it’s sub-par. We don’t think the losses are indicative of any sort of decline for the 28 year old, although her main rivals are now younger not older, but that being said she lost to older players in 2017, as Rajsich defeated her at the Pan American Championships and Salas beat her on the LPRT in June.
2. Kane Waselenchuk. Waselenchuk went through the 2016-17 IRT season undefeated. Not just without losing a match, but without losing a game. A GAME! It’s astounding, and adds more fuel to the argument that he is the best male racquetball player ever, which is an argument The Racquetball Blog would be happy to make at any time. He won’t repeat that feat this season, as he dropped games at the US Open, but he won the Open for the 10th straight time and 13th overall. As we have suggested before, you should see Waselenchuk live, as he’s something to see and you won’t see the likes of him again any time soon.
1. IRT changes hands. The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is the longest existing professional racquetball tour, and it changed hands in 2017. John Scott, owner of the IRT Network, led an investors group that took over the IRT from the leadership of Jason Mannino, who had led the organization since 2011. That was a significant move in itself, but then the recent news that the IRT will change its match format makes this change even more significant moving forward. The Racquetball Blog is on record as being against the change in match format, but we know that Scott and his group have the best interests of racquetball at heart, and we wish them well.
Honorable mentions: Cristina Amaya, who won gold at the 2017 Bolivarian Games and was also a runner up in Women’s Doubles at the 2017 US Open with Adriana Riveros - both were career firsts. The US Open Men’s Doubles final, which was won by Waselenchuk and Ben Croft in a tie-breaker over Alvaro Beltran and Daniel De La Rosa, as some are saying this was the best racquetball match ever. Alejandro Landa won Men’s Singles and Doubles (with Polo Gutierrez) at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica.
As you see, 2017 was a great year for racquetball, and we trust that 2018 will be also. 2018 will mark be a significant anniversary for The Racquetball Blog, as it will be our 10th year. Over the past decade we have put out 2589 articles on racquetball, so about 5 a week. We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them, and we welcome your comments. The Racquetball Blog is also on Facebook and Twitter (@racquetballblog).
Here’s to another year of following the bouncing ball.
Follow the bouncing ball….
Top Racquetball Stories of 2017
10. Junior Worlds Performances. The Bolivian girls won the Girls Team title for the first time at the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships this year by sweeping singles and doubles in U14 and U16 and taking both bronze medals in U18 singles. Also, Montserrat Mejia of Mexico defeated Gabriela Martinez of Guatemala to win Girls U18 Singles, and Mauro Rojas of the USA won Boys U18 Singles by beating Eduardo Portillo of Mexico.
9. Frédérique Lambert. Lambert has emerged as Paola Longoria’s primary rival, finishing the 2016-17 Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) season as the #2 player. She was a finalist at the US Open for the first time in 2017, and has finished 2nd to Longoria in that event as well as the other two events she’s played this season. This despite being a 4th year medical student in her hometown of Montreal. 2018 is an International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships year, and we are looking forward to a Lambert-Longoria final in Women’s Singles, because if there’s one woman who could prevent Longoria from a 4th World Championship, it’s Lambert.
8. Sudsy Monchik. Monchik made a successful return to competitive racquetball in 2017. He played the US Open for the first time in 11 years, and made it to the quarterfinals. Then he won doubles at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Utah event with Sebastian Franco. Monchik has coached the Ecuador team for the past two years, although he resigned from that position earlier this year. But the experience clearly inspired him to pursue competitive racquetball again. He’s going to play doubles with Rocky Carson at the 2018 USA Racquetball Doubles Championship. If they win - and we wouldn’t bet against them - Monchik would qualify to play at the IRF World Championships, which he has never done.
7. Rhonda Rajsich. Rajsich won Women’s Singles at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica by defeating Paola Longoria, the two time defending champion, in three games. It was Rajsich’s first international singles title since 2011, when she also won singles at the Pan American Championship. Overall, Rajsich has won three Women’s Singles and two Women’s Doubles titles at Pan Am Championships. Additionally, Rajsich won the US Team Qualifying division at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships for the 7th consecutive time and 10th time overall. At 39, Rajsich is still holding the torch high for women's racquetball in the USA.
6. Samantha Salas. In June, Salas won the Paola Longoria Challenge in Chihuahua, Mexico, her 2nd career Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) victory. She did it in dramatic fashion by coming back from two games down to defeat Longoria in the semi-finals, and then beat Rhonda Rajsich in three straight games in the final. Perhaps making Salas’s accomplishment even more impressive is that almost immediately after the win, she had shoulder surgery, which had been planned in advance, so presumably she wasn't 100% in that tournament, but still found a way to win it. Salas hasn't played on the LPRT this season, but plans to return in 2018.
5. David Horn. Horn won 4 events on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT), including 3 of the last 4 events of the year, and finished as the WRT Player of the Year as the #1 player at year’s end. Horn was also a coach with the US Junior Team under Pratt. Horn is an interesting player, because he came to racquetball later than other players. Yet he’s worked hard to develop his racquetball skills, and it’s paying off for him.
4. Charlie Pratt. Pratt had a journeyman career on the IRT until December, when he won the Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon. That makes him the 36th man to win an IRT Tier 1 event. Pratt also represented the USA for the 1st time, and was a finalist at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica. Pratt was also the Head Coach of the USA Junior Team for the 2017 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships in Minneapolis, where they won three gold medals in the World Cup divisions and finished 3rd overall as a team. It was a good showing for the USA, especially considering Pratt was leading the team for the first time.
3. Paola Longoria. Longoria was named the Univision Female Athlete of the Year, which was a great honour for her. She won her 7th consecutive US Open and 8th overall, and is clearly the best women’s player currently. Yet, 2017 wasn’t her strongest year on tour, although she remains the #1 women’s player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT). Two losses were why it wasn’t Longoria’s best year. Two losses in one year for other players would be amazing, but for Longoria who has been undefeated in a year previously, it’s sub-par. We don’t think the losses are indicative of any sort of decline for the 28 year old, although her main rivals are now younger not older, but that being said she lost to older players in 2017, as Rajsich defeated her at the Pan American Championships and Salas beat her on the LPRT in June.
2. Kane Waselenchuk. Waselenchuk went through the 2016-17 IRT season undefeated. Not just without losing a match, but without losing a game. A GAME! It’s astounding, and adds more fuel to the argument that he is the best male racquetball player ever, which is an argument The Racquetball Blog would be happy to make at any time. He won’t repeat that feat this season, as he dropped games at the US Open, but he won the Open for the 10th straight time and 13th overall. As we have suggested before, you should see Waselenchuk live, as he’s something to see and you won’t see the likes of him again any time soon.
1. IRT changes hands. The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is the longest existing professional racquetball tour, and it changed hands in 2017. John Scott, owner of the IRT Network, led an investors group that took over the IRT from the leadership of Jason Mannino, who had led the organization since 2011. That was a significant move in itself, but then the recent news that the IRT will change its match format makes this change even more significant moving forward. The Racquetball Blog is on record as being against the change in match format, but we know that Scott and his group have the best interests of racquetball at heart, and we wish them well.
Honorable mentions: Cristina Amaya, who won gold at the 2017 Bolivarian Games and was also a runner up in Women’s Doubles at the 2017 US Open with Adriana Riveros - both were career firsts. The US Open Men’s Doubles final, which was won by Waselenchuk and Ben Croft in a tie-breaker over Alvaro Beltran and Daniel De La Rosa, as some are saying this was the best racquetball match ever. Alejandro Landa won Men’s Singles and Doubles (with Polo Gutierrez) at the 2017 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica.
As you see, 2017 was a great year for racquetball, and we trust that 2018 will be also. 2018 will mark be a significant anniversary for The Racquetball Blog, as it will be our 10th year. Over the past decade we have put out 2589 articles on racquetball, so about 5 a week. We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them, and we welcome your comments. The Racquetball Blog is also on Facebook and Twitter (@racquetballblog).
Here’s to another year of following the bouncing ball.
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, December 4, 2017
Weekend Round Up - Camacho & Murray win doubles & WRT gives out awards
Felipe Camacho and Samuel Murray won the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Future Doubles division on the weekend at the John Pelham Memorial / ProKennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, when they defeated Adam Manilla and Nicholas Riffel, 15-4, 15-7, in the final.
It’s the second straight tournament Camacho and Murray have reached the final. They lost to Jake Bredenbeck and David Horn last time out at the IRT Winter Rollout in St. Louis.
World Racquetball Tour Awards
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2017 season ended on the weekend with the Alamo City Open in San Antonio, Texas. Thus, the WRT year end awards were given out.
The 2017 Player of the Year was David “Bobby” Horn, who also won the Alamo City Open on Sunday. The Rookie of the Year was Erick Cuevas, and Sportsmanship Award went to Gerardo Franco with Rodrigo Montoya named the Fan Favourite.
Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour
This week’s big event is the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Christmas Classic in Laurel, Maryland. Look for our coverage of it later this week.
2017 IRT John Pelham Memorial / ProKennex Tournament of Champions, November 30-December 2
Portland, Oregon
IRT Futures Doubles Final
Felipe Camacho & Samuel Murray d. Adam Manilla & Nicholas Riffel, 15-4, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
It’s the second straight tournament Camacho and Murray have reached the final. They lost to Jake Bredenbeck and David Horn last time out at the IRT Winter Rollout in St. Louis.
World Racquetball Tour Awards
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2017 season ended on the weekend with the Alamo City Open in San Antonio, Texas. Thus, the WRT year end awards were given out.
The 2017 Player of the Year was David “Bobby” Horn, who also won the Alamo City Open on Sunday. The Rookie of the Year was Erick Cuevas, and Sportsmanship Award went to Gerardo Franco with Rodrigo Montoya named the Fan Favourite.
Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour
This week’s big event is the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) Christmas Classic in Laurel, Maryland. Look for our coverage of it later this week.
2017 IRT John Pelham Memorial / ProKennex Tournament of Champions, November 30-December 2
Portland, Oregon
IRT Futures Doubles Final
Felipe Camacho & Samuel Murray d. Adam Manilla & Nicholas Riffel, 15-4, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
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