Monday, January 26, 2015

Weekend Round Up - Jackson & Diaz win

Sharon Jackson won the Women's Open division of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am by defeating Susana Acosta in the final, 15-13, 15-10. In the semi-finals, Jackson beat Da'monique Davis, 15-11, 15-12, and Acosta had the narrowest possible win over Adrienne Haynes, 15-14, 15-14.

Over in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jose Diaz won Men's Open with a win over Jordan Barth, the current World Junior Champion in Boy's U14. Diaz defeated Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-7, in one semi-final, with Barth beat Lee Connell, 15-3, 15-6, in the other.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Women's Open Final

Sharon Jackson d. Susana Acosta, 15-13, 15-10

Semi-finals

Susana Acosta d. Adrienne Haynes, 15-14, 15-14
Sharon Jackson d. Da'monique Davis, 15-11, 15-12

2015 Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, January 23-25, 2015


Final

Jose Diaz d. Jordan Barth

Semi-finals

Jose Diaz d. Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-7
Jordan Barth d. Lee Connell, 15-3, 15-6

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Cardona wins 2015 WRT San Diego Open

Alejandro Cardona defeated Anthony Herrera, 15-8, 15-0, to win the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) San Diego Open Sunday. They were close early in game one, but Cardona pulled ahead to lead 8-4, and was in control from there.

Cardona drove serve to both sides, and hit some great forehands that kept Herrera under pressure. Often it was all Herrera could do to just keep the ball in play, let alone make a good shot of his own.

Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco won the WRT doubles division by defeating Javier Mar and Alan Natera, 15-13, 6-15, 11-5, in the final. Mar and Natera were surprise finalists, as they were the 6th seeds, but knocked off the 3rd seeds Jaime Martell and Andree Parrilla in the quarterfinals and 2nd seeds Herrera and David Horn in the semi-finals to reach the final.

The next two WRT events are the Seattle Open February 19-22 and then the Pleasanton Open in Pleasanton, California February 17-March 1.

Past WRT matches can be viewed via their YouTube channel.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Final


3) Alejandro Cardona d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-8, 15-0

Doubles Final

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera, 15-13, 6-15, 11-5

Follow the bouncing ball….

Waselenchuk wins singles, Beltran & Carson win doubles at IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am

Kane Waselenchuk won the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sunday by defeating Rocky Carson in the final, 11-5, 11-5, 11-1. With the win, Waselenchuk should regain the #1 IRT ranking from Carson. Sunday's win was Waselenchuk's fifth this season.

In four tournament matches in Sioux Falls, Waselenchuk didn't lose a single game, and his opponents only scored 27 points total (2.25 points per game).

The final, which unofficially took 48 minutes, was unusual in that Waselenchuk lob served far more than he drove serve. We counted 40 lob serves to 12 drive serves over the course of the match, although at the end of game three Waselenchuk hit three consecutive drive serves to end it.

Waselenchuk generally controlled the match right from the start, as he took a 6-1 lead in game one. Carson called a timeout, and scored two points to cut Waselenchuk's lead to 6-3.

But that was as close as Carson could get, as Waselenchuk won game one 11-5. Game two was similar, as Waselenchuk led 6-1, and 7-3 before winning 11-5 again. Game three wasn't close at all, as Waselenchuk completed the sweep, 11-1.

In the doubles final, Carson and Alvaro Beltran defeated Waselenchuk and Ben Croft, 15-13, 15-14, although it looked like it would be the other way, as Waselenchuk and Croft jumped out to a 7-1 lead in game one. However, Carson and Alvaro Beltran came back and won it 15-13.

Then in game two, Carson and Beltran took 5-1 and 8-4 leads only to see Waselenchuk and Croft come back and tie it at 8-8. But Carson and Beltran responded by regaining the lead and running the score to 14-11.

However, Waselenchuk and Croft got the serve back, and scored three points off two forehand pinch shots by Croft and a Waselenchuk drive serve to the right - Alvaro Beltran's side - that was an ace.

At 14-14, Waselenchuk again drove the ball to Beltran, but that led to a ceiling ball error by Croft, which was forced by a strong Beltran shot.

Back in the service box, Beltran hit a straight lob to Croft, who returned it cross court to Carson. Carson hit a backhand pinch shot - the last of many he hit in the match - for the winning point.

The IRT event will be in Sarasota, Florida next for the IRT Florida Pro-Am February 25 to March 1.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Final


2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 1 Rocky Carson, 11-5, 11-5, 11-1

Pro Doubles - Final

2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk, 15-13, 15-14

Follow the bouncing ball….

Longoria wins twice at LPRT Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am

Paola Longoria defeated Maria Jose Vargas in a battle of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) #1 & #2 ranked players, respectively, 12-10, 11-7, 11-5, to win the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am. It will be their fourth meeting this season, and Longoria's won all four times.

Longoria also won the doubles final with Samantha Salas, as they defeated Vargas and Rhonda Rajsich, 15-9, 12-15, 11-9.

The Winter Classic in Overland Park, Kansas February 20-22 is the next LPRT tournament.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Final

1) Paola Longoria d. 2) Maria Jose Vargas, 12-10, 11-7, 11-5

Final

2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas, 15-9, 12-15, 11-9

Follow the bouncing ball….

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Carson & Waselenchuk to meet in IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am Final

Kane Waselenchuk clearly wants to get the #1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) ranking back, as he's reach the final of the IRT Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota by winning three matches in which he allowed his opponent no more than six points.

Waselenchuk won his semi-final match against Ben Croft, who he's playing doubles with in Sioux Falls, 11-3, 11-1, 11-2. That after beating Alejandro Landa, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, in the quarterfinals.

Waselenchuk will play the winner of Rocky Carson, who's currently the IRT #1, as Carson defeated 5th seed Jose Rojas, 11-0, 12-10, 11-4, in the other semi.

Waselenchuk and Carson will also face off in the doubles final, as Waselenchuk and Croft defeated Landa and Charlie Pratt, 15-6, 15-6, in one semi-final with Carson and Alvaro Beltran beating Jansen Allen and Jose Rojas in the other, 15-12, 15-12.

The IRT Network will have the singles final at 10:30 AM and doubles final at 11:30 AM on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Semi-finals


1 Rocky Carson d. 5 Jose Rojas, 11-0, 12-10, 11-4
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 6 Ben Croft, 11-3, 11-1, 11-2

Final

1 Rocky Carson v. 2 Kane Waselenchuk - 10:30 AM CST Sunday

Pro Doubles - Semi-finals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk d. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt, 15-6, 15-6
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson d. 3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas, 15-12, 15-12

Final

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - 11:30 AM CST Sunday

Follow the bouncing ball….

Herrera & Cardona win in semis at WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Anthony Herrera ended Felipe Muñoz's great run through the draw at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) San Diego Open with a 15-5, 15-8 win in the semi-finals Saturday night. Herrera was in control in both games, as Muñoz didn't play as well as he had earlier in the the tournament when he had wins over top seed Jake Bredenbeck and 9th seed Andree Parrilla.

Herrera will play 3rd seed Alejandro Cardona in the final, as Cardona fought off 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez in two close games, 15-11, 15-13.

Cardona started the match on fire taking leads of 6-0 and 13-5. However, the crafty veteran Gutierrez came back to make the score 13-10. But he was forced into a backhand skip and then when Gutierrez had a chance to get the serve back with a set up in the front court, the put the ball into the middle, allowing Cardona to get a game point at 14-10.

But Cardona didn't close it out until his third game point, when Gutierrez skipped a backhand pinch shot.

In game two, they were back and forth. Gutierrez led 5-2, then Cardona led 11-6, only to see Gutierrez score seven points to lead 13-11. It looked like a tie-breaker was going to happen, but Gutierrez stalled at 13, and Cardona took advantage.

Cardona tied the game with a drive serve to the right side that was a service winner. He hit another winner for to get his first match point. Gutierrez fought that off with a backhand down the line, but Cardona got the serve right back with a flat forehand splat.

On his second match point, Cardona drove serve to the right, Gutierrez returned it cross court, and Cardona hit a soft backhand pinch into the left corner to win the match.

Regardless of the singles final outcome, neither Cardona or Herrera will be double winners Sunday, as they both lost in the doubles semi-finals Saturday night. Jake Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco defeated Cardona and Danny Lavely, 15-2, 15-5, in one semi, while Javier Mar and Alan Natera squeaked out a win against Herrera and David Horn, 11-15, 15-7, 11-10, in the other.

The final will be live streamed via the WRT website at noon PST on Sunday.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Semi-finals


5) Anthony Herrera d. 32) Felipe Munoz, 15-5, 15-8
3) Alejandro Cardona d. 2) Polo Gutierrez, 15-11, 15-13

Final

3) Alejandro Cardona v. 5) Anthony Herrera - Noon PST Sunday

Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely, 15-2, 15-5
6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera d. 2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn, 11-15, 15-7, 11-10

Final

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera

Follow the bouncing ball….

Longoria & Vargas to meet in final of LPRT Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati event

Paola Longoria and Maria Jose Vargas - the #1 & #2 ranked players, respectively, on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT), will face off Sunday in the final of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am. It will be their fourth meeting this season, but first since the US Open in October.

Longoria's won their previous three matches this season, and has not lost to Vargas in their careers.

In Saturday's semi-finals, Longoria beat fellow Mexican Samantha Salas, 11-5, 12-10, 12-10, and Vargas ousted LPRT #3 Rhonda Rajsich, 11-8, 1-11, 11-8, 11-9.

Longoria and Vargas will also face off in the doubles final, as Longoria and Salas will play Vargas and Rajsich in the final.

The singles final will be 11 AM Sunday with the doubles final to follow at noon.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Semi-finals

1) Paola Longoria d. 4) Samantha Salas, 11-5, 12-10, 12-10
2) Maria Jose Vargas d. 3) Rhonda Rajsich, 11-8, 1-11, 11-8, 11-9

Final

1) Paola Longoria v. 2) Maria Jose Vargas - 11 AM EST

Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas d. 4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla, 15-13, 15-10
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert, 15-5, 15-6

Final

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - Noon EST Sunday

Follow the bouncing ball….

Munoz continues to win at WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Felipe Munoz continues to win at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) San Diego Open despite being the 32nd seed. He knocked off 8th seed Andree Parrilla, 10-15, 15-9, 11-5, in the quarterfinals, and will play 5th seed Anthony Herrera in the semi-finals, as Herrera beat 20th seed Jordy Alonso, 15-14, 15-12.

Play has gone according to the seeding on the bottom of the draw, as 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez will play 3rd seed Alejandro Cardona in the other semi-final. Gutierrez beat 7th seed Sebastian Franco, 15-13, 15-14, and Cardona defeated 6th seed Jaime Martell, 15-7, 15-5.

Look for action to be live streamed via the WRT website.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Quarterfinals


32) Felipe Munoz d. 8) Andree Parrilla, 10-15, 15-9, 11-5
5) Anthony Herrera d. 20) Jordy Alonso, 15-14, 15-12

3) Alejandro Cardona d. 6) Jaime Martell, 15-7, 15-5
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 7) Sebastian Franco, 15-13, 15-14

Semi-finals

5) Anthony Herrera v. 32) Felipe Munoz
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 3) Alejandro Cardona

Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 9) Seung Jun Jeon & Emmett Coe, 15-11, 15-4
4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-11

6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera d. 3) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla, 15-8, 15-7
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. 7) Alex Almada & Alan Palomino, 15-8, 15-5

Semi-finals

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera

Follow the bouncing ball….

Waselenchuk on a mission at IRT Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am

Kane Waselenchuk clearly wants to get the #1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) ranking back, as he's reach the final of the IRT Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota by winning three matches in which he allowed his opponent no more than six points.

Waselenchuk won his semi-final match against Ben Croft, who he's playing doubles with in Sioux Falls, 11-3, 11-1, 11-2. That after beating Alejandro Landa, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1, in the quarterfinals.

Waselenchuk will play Rocky Carson, who's currently the IRT #1, as he defeated 5th seed Jose Rojas, 11-0, 12-10, 11-4, in the other semi-final.

The IRT Network will have the action all weekend long. The doubles semi-finals are set for 4:40 PM Saturday with the singles final at 10:30 AM and doubles final at 11:30 AM on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Semi-finals


1 Rocky Carson d. 5 Jose Rojas, 11-0, 12-10, 11-4
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 6 Ben Croft, 11-3, 11-1, 11-2

Final

1 Rocky Carson v. 2 Kane Waselenchuk - 10:30 AM Sunday

Pro Doubles - Semi-finals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas

Follow the bouncing ball….

Top seeds win at LPRT Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am Quarterfinals

The top seeds have won their quarterfinal matches at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am. LPRT #1 Paola Longoria beat 8th seed Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1, and LPRT #2 Maria Jose Vargas defeated 10th seed Susana Acosta, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7.

Also, LPRT #3 Rhonda Rajsich needed four games to overcome 6th seed Cristina Amaya, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8, and 4th seed Samantha Salas also needed four games to beat 5th seed Frédérique Lambert, 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-2.

The semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday. The doubles quarters go tonight with the semis Saturday and final on Sunday.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Quarterfinals

1) Paola Longoria d. 8) Da'monique Davis, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
4) Samantha Salas d. 5) Frédérique Lambert, 11-6, 3-11, 12-10, 11-2

3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 6) Cristina Amaya, 7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8
2) Maria Jose Vargas d. 10) Susana Acosta, 11-7, 11-2, 11-7

Semi-finals

1) Paola Longoria v. 4) Samantha Salas - 6 PM EST
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 3) Rhonda Rajsich - 5 PM EST

Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla - 7 PM EST
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert - 8 PM EST

Follow the bouncing ball….

IRT Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am Quarterfinals

Rocky Carson, the top seed, won his quarterfinal match at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, defeating 8th seed Marco Rojas, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-4.

Carson will play 5th seed Jose Rojas in the semi-finals, as Rojas - Marco's older brother - beat 4th seed Daniel De La Rosa, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-9.

Carson played solidly, and served mostly drives to the left by standing slightly right of centre. Rojas used a variety of serves, which kept Carson guessing, but during the rallies there were too many shots that Rojas put into the middle, which let Carson control the match.

The IRT Network will carry the quarterfinals from 10 AM CST Saturday. The semi-finals are set for 3 PM and 3:50 PM Saturday with the final at 10:30 AM on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Quarterfinals


1 Rocky Carson d. 8 Marco Rojas, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-4
5 Jose Rojas d. 4 Daniel De La Rosa, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-9

6 Ben Croft d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. Alejandro Landa, 11-1, 11-2, 11-1

Semi-finals

1 Rocky Carson v. 5 Jose Rojas
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 6 Ben Croft

Pro Doubles - Semi-finals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, January 23, 2015

2015 IRT Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am Round of 16

Only one upset in the Round of 16 of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as Alejandro Landa came back from two games down to defeat 7th seed Jansen Allen, 11-13, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4. Landa will play IRT #2 Kane Waselenchuk in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Waselenchuk defeated Tanner Prentice, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2, in the quarters.

Third seed Alvaro Beltran also had comeback from 2-1 down against Tim Landeryou to win in five games, 11-9, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8.

The IRT Network will carry the quarterfinals from 10 AM CST Saturday. The semi-finals are set for 3 PM and 3:50 PM Saturday with the final at 10:30 AM on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Draw of 16
(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson d. Lee Connell, 11-3, 11-7, 12-10
8 Marco Rojas d. Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5

5 Jose Rojas d. Matthew Majxner, 11-5, 11-7, 11-3
4 Daniel De La Rosa d. Robert Collins, 11-1, 11-8, 11-7

3 Alvaro Beltran d. Tim Landeryou, 11-9, 1-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8
6 Ben Croft d. Jose Diaz, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-2

Alejandro Landa d. 7 Jansen Allen, 11-13, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. Tanner Prentice, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2

Quarterfinals

1 Rocky Carson v. 8 Marco Rojas
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. 5 Jose Rojas

3 Alvaro Beltran v. 6 Ben Croft
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 7 Jansen Allen

Pro Doubles - Quarterfinals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt d. 4 Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas, 5-15, 15-7, 11-6

3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE

Semi-finals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk v. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson v. 3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2015 San Diego Open - Round of 16

Felipe Munoz, seeded 32 going into the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) San Diego Open, has reached the quarterfinals with a win over 17th seed Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-10, in the Round of 16 Friday.

Another upset happened in the 16s, as 20th seed Jordy Alonso beat 4th seed David Horn, 9-15, 15-14, 11-5. Alonso will play Anthony Herrera in the quarters, as Herrera was a winner over Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-0, 15-3.

The bottom of the bracket has gone according to form, but Chris Crowther lost to 6th seed Jaime Martell, 15-10, 3-15, 11-10, in what was Crowther's third match of the day, and it was the third match that went tie-breaker. All that racquetball might have taken its toll on Crowther, one of the tallest pro players around.

Also of note, Sebastian Franco, the 7th seed, is into the quarters without hitting a ball, as his opponents have all defaulted.

In doubles, one small upset in the 8/9 match, as 9th seeds Seung Jun Jeon and Emmett Coe defeated 8th seed Kenny Green Jr. and Chase Robison, 15-11, 15-14. Also, former Women's World Champions Jacqueline Paraiso and Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie lost to 3rd seeds Jaime Martell and Andree Parrilla, 15-9, 15-11.

Look for action to be live streamed via the WRT website.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Round of 16


32) Felipe Munoz d. 17) Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-10
8) Andree Parrilla d. 9) Christian Longoria, 15-7, 15-6

5) Anthony Herrera d. 12) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-0, 15-3
20) Jordy Alonso d. 4) David Horn, 9-15, 15-14, 11-5

3) Alejandro Cardona d. 14) Javier Mar, 15-8, 10-15, 11-6
6) Jaime Martell d. 43) Chris Crowther, 15-10, 3-15, 11-10

7) Sebastian Franco d. 42) Jimmy Vequezo, forfeit
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 15) Rafael Filippini, 15-6, 15-1

Quarterfinals

8) Andree Parrilla v. 32) Felipe Munoz
5) Anthony Herrera v. 20) Jordy Alonso

3) Alejandro Cardona v. 6) Jaime Martell
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 7) Sebastian Franco

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
9) Seung Jun Jeon & Emmett Coe d. 8) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison, 15-11, 15-14

5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado d. 12) Tim Noll & Jacob Varela, forfeit
4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely d. 13) Majeed Shahin & Jimmy Vequezo, 15-2, 15-4

3) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla d. 14) Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie, 15-9, 15-11
6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera d. 11) Rafael Morales & Felipe Munoz, 15-5, 15-12

7) Alex Almada & Alan Palomino d. 10) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-10, 15-13
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE

Quarterfinals

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 9) Seung Jun Jeon & Emmett Coe
4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado

3) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 7) Alex Almada & Alan Palomino

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 LPRT Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am Round of 16

The top seeds all won their Round of 16 matches at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am. Top seed Paola Longoria defeated Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2, and 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas beat Kimberly Thomas, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0.

In fact, the only upset in the 16s, was 10th seed Susana Acosta's win over 7th seed Cheryl Gudinas, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4. Acosta will play Vargas in the quarters.

The quarterfinals and semi-finals will be on Saturday and final on Sunday. The doubles quarters go tonight with the semis Saturday and final on Sunday.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Round of 16

1) Paola Longoria d. 16) Sharon Jackson, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2
8) Da'monique Davis d. 9) Michelle Key, 12-10, 11-6, 4-11, 11-5

5) Frédérique Lambert d. 12) Adrienne Haynes, 11-0, 11-1, 11-4
4) Samantha Salas d. 13) Jessica Parrilla, 11-5, 11-5, 11-2

3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 14) Alexandra Herrera, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4
6) Cristina Amaya d. 11) Sheryl Lotts, 11-8, 11-3, 11-7

10) Susana Acosta d. 7) Cheryl Gudinas, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4
2) Maria Jose Vargas d. 18) Kimberly Thomas, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0

Quarterfinals

1) Paola Longoria v. 8) Da'monique Davis
4) Samantha Salas v. 5) Frédérique Lambert

3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 6) Cristina Amaya
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 10) Susana Acosta

Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas d. 8) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Jennifer Saunders, 15-4, 15-7
4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla d. 5) Alexandra Herrera & Lucia Gonzalez, 15-4, 15-10

3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert d. 6) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas, 15-6, 15-9
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas d. 7) Cristina Amaya & Da'monique Davis, 15-2, 15-7

Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am Preliminary Results

The Round of 16 is set for the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Lewis Drug 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There was one upset in the preliminary round, but it by default, as Tanner Prentice got a forfeit win over Tom Fuhrmann. That puts Prentice up against IRT #2 Kane Waselenchuk in the Round of 16.

Top seed Rocky Carson will play Lee Connell, who defeated Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3, in the preliminary round.

The IRT Network will carry the Round of 16 live beginning at 5:15 PM CST. The quarterfinal and semi-final rounds will both be played on Saturday with the final on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Preliminary Round


Q8: Lee Connell d. Troy Vanbemmelen, 11-2, 11-6, 11-3
Q1: Charlie Pratt - BYE

Q4: Matthew Majxner d. Brian Pineda
Q5: Robert Collins d. Chris Exner, 5-11, 11-6, 11-2, 4-11, 11-1

Q6: Tim Landeryou d. Justin Johnson, 11-0, 11-4, 11-3
Q3: Jose Diaz - BYE

Q2: Alejandro Landa - BYE
Q7: Tanner Prentice d. Thomas Fuhrmann, forfeit

Main Draw of 16
(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson v. Lee Connell
8 Marco Rojas v. Charlie Pratt

5 Jose Rojas v. Matthew Majxner
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Robert Collins

3 Alvaro Beltran v. Tim Landeryou
6 Ben Croft v. Jose Diaz

7 Jansen Allen v. Alejandro Landa
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Tanner Prentice

Pro Doubles - Quarterfinals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
4 Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas v. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt

3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

WRT 2015 San Diego Open - Round of 64 and 32

Jake Bredenbeck lost his first match as the top seed this weekend at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) San Diego Open to Felipe Munoz, 15-7, 15-14, in what has to be one of the biggest upsets on the WRT ever.

In the Round of 16, Munoz will play current World Junior U18 Champion Mario Mercado, who defeated Alan Natera, 14-15, 15-9, 11-9, in the 32s.

No other big upsets in the early action, although Chris Crowther needed three games to defeat Kenny Green Jr., 15-4, 14-15, 11-2.

Look for action to be live streamed via the WRT website.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Round of 64


1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
32) Felipe Munoz d. 33) Tim Noll, 15-3, 15-4

17) Mario Mercado - BYE
16) Alan Natera - BYE

9) Christian Longoria - BYE
24) Steve Clark d. 41) Philip Varela Jr.

25) Steve Waltz) d. 40) Jacob Varela, 15-5, 15-12
8) Andree Parrilla - BYE

5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
37) Majeed Shahin d. 28) Seung Jun Jeon, 15-3, 15-14

21) Jeremy McGlothin v. 44) Erik Canez - double forfeit
12) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE

13) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
20) Jordy Alonso - BYE

29) Seoul Jeoung - BYE
4) David Horn - BYE

3) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
35) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 30) Joe Lara, 15-9, 15-2

19) Chase Robison - BYE
14) Javier Mar - BYE

11) Danny Lavely - BYE
43) Chris Crowther d. 22) Kenny Green Jr., 15-4, 14-15, 11-2

38) Greg Starodub d. 27) Sebastian Fernandez, 15-7, 15-8
6) Jaime Martell - BYE

7) Sebastian Franco - BYE
26) Jose Felix v. 39) Ray Starodub - double forfeit

42) Jimmy Vequezo d. 23) Ceazare Barbarin, 15-13, 15-12
10) Alex Almada - BYE

15) Rafael Filippini - BYE
18) Alan Palomino - BYE

31) Carlos Mercado d. 34) Victor Rodriguez, 15-8, 15-12
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE

Round of 32

32) Felipe Munoz d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-7, 15-14
17) Mario Mercado d. 16) Alan Natera, 14-15, 15-9, 11-9

9) Christian Longoria d. 24) Steve Clark, 15-1, 15-10
8) Andree Parrilla d. 25) Steve Waltz, 15-11, 15-11

5) Anthony Herrera d. 37) Majeed Shahin, 15-8, 15-7
12) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE

20) Jordy Alonso d. 13) Daeyong Kwon, 15-14, 15-13
4) David Horn d. 29) Seoul Jeoung, forfeit

3) Alejandro Cardona d. 35) Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-10, 15-7
14) Javier Mar d. 19) Chase Robison, 15-11, 15-8

43) Chris Crowther d. 11) Danny Lavely, 11-15, 15-11, 11-9
6) Jaime Martell d. 38) Greg Starodub, 15-12, 15-0

7) Sebastian Franco - BYE
42) Jimmy Vequezo d. 10) Alex Almada, forfeit

15) Rafael Filippini d. 18) Alan Palomino, 15-4, 15-10
2) Polo Gutierrez d. 31) Carlos Mercado, 15-2, 15-2

Round of 16

32) Felipe Munoz v. 17) Mario Mercado
8) Andree Parrilla v. 9) Christian Longoria

5) Anthony Herrera v. 12) Alexi David Cocco Hayes
5) David Horn v. 20) Jordy Alonso

3) Alejandro Cardona v. 14) Javier Mar
6) Jaime Martell v. 43) Chris Crowther

7) Sebastian Franco v. 42) Jimmy Vequezo
2) Polo Gutierrez v. 15) Rafael Filippini

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison v. 9) Seung Jun Jeon & Emmett Coe

5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado v. 12) Tim Noll & Jacob Varela
4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 13) Majeed Shahin & Jimmy Vequezo

3) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla v. 14) Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie
6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera v. 11) Rafael Morales & Felipe Munoz

7) Alex Almada & Alan Palomino v. 10) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 LPRT Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am Round of 32

The first round of matches are over at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am, and it wasn't a good round for the veterans, as Jessica Parrilla defeated Kerri Wachtel, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6, and Alexandra Herrera beat Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-9.

However, those weren't upsets by the seeding, as Saunders has limited her LPRT appearances in recent years and Wachtel withdrew from regular LPRT involvement, generally only playing at this event in her hometown, where she is one of the tournament directors.

But there was one small upset in the Round of 32, as 18th seed Kimberly Thomas (née Irons) defeated 15th seed Maria Renee Rodriguez, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6, to advance to the Round of 16, where she will play 2nd seed Maria Jose Vargas.

In doubles, Rodriguez and Saunders defeated the veteran team of Cheryl Gudinas and Laura Fenton Kovanda, 15-6, 11-15, 11-4, and will play top seeds Rhonda Rajsich and Maria Jose Vargas tonight in the quarterfinals.

Also winning in doubles were Sheryl Lotts and Thomas, who beat Elaine Albrecht and Wachtel, 15-3, 15-5, and Cristina Amaya and Da'monique Davis, who were winners over Adrienne Haynes and Sharon Jackson, 15-12, 15-11.

The singles 16s will be played later today with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday and final on Sunday. The doubles quarters go tonight with the semis Saturday and final on Sunday.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Round of 32

1) Paola Longoria - BYE
16) Sharon Jackson d. 17) Lucia Gonzalez, 11-7, 11-2, 11-1

9) Michelle Key - BYE
8) Da'monique Davis - BYE

5) Frédérique Lambert - BYE
12) Adrienne Haynes d. 21) Maria Delli-Santi, 11-1, 11-1, 11-0

13) Jessica Parrilla d. 20) Kerri Wachtel, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6
4) Samantha Salas - BYE

3) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14) Alexandra Herrera d. 19) Jennifer Saunders, 11-3, 11-3, 11-9

11) Sheryl Lotts - BYE
6) Cristina Amaya - BYE

7) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
10) Susana Acosta - BYE

18) Kimberly Thomas v. 15) Maria Renee Rodriguez, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6
2) Maria Jose Vargas - BYE

Round of 16

1) Paola Longoria v. 16) Sharon Jackson
8) Da'monique Davis v. 9) Michelle Key

5) Frédérique Lambert v. 12) Adrienne Haynes
4) Samantha Salas v. 13) Jessica Parrilla

3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 14) Alexandra Herrera
6) Cristina Amaya v. 11) Sheryl Lotts

7) Cheryl Gudinas v. 10) Susana Acosta
2) Maria Jose Vargas v. 18) Kimberly Thomas

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
8) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Jennifer Saunders d. 9) Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda, 15-6, 11-15, 11-4

5) Alexandra Herrera & Lucia Gonzalez - BYE
4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla - BYE

3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert - BYE
6) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas d. 11) Elaine Albrecht & Kerri Wachtel, 15-3, 15-5

7) Cristina Amaya & Da'monique Davis d. 10) Adrienne Haynes & Sharon Jackson, 15-12, 15-11
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE

Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas v. 8) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Jennifer Saunders
4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla v. 5) Alexandra Herrera & Lucia Gonzalez

3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert v. 6) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas v. 7) Cristina Amaya & Da'monique Davis

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, January 22, 2015

WRT 2015 San Diego Open - Preview

Jake Bredenbeck, fresh off his win last weekend at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sonora Open, is the top seed this weekend at the WRT San Diego Open where there is a large draw of 43 players in singles and 14 doubles teams.

Bredenbeck is the top seed, but perhaps the player to beat is Chris Crowther, who's playing in his first WRT event. As it's his first event, Crowther has the lowest seeding, so if he does make it to the final, where he could meet Bredenbeck, as they are on opposite sides of the draw, it would be his 6th match of the event.

That would be a lot of racquetball for a player like Crowther who has been troubled by back injuries from time to time. And to reach the final, Crowther will likely have to defeat 3rd seed Alejandro Cardona in the quarters and 2nd seed Polo Gutierrez in the semis in what would be his 4th and 5th matches of the draw. Not an easy task at the best of times.

It should make for a very interesting weekend.

Adding to the interest is the doubles draw in San Diego, and there are a few teams of note, including the top seeds Bredenbeck and Sebastian Franco, who won doubles last week in Sonora.

But also in the doubles draw is the team of World Junior Champions Christian Longoria and Mario Mercado, who won Boy's U16 and Boy's U18 last year, and former Women's World Champions Jacqueline Paraiso and Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie.

Longoria and Mercado are seeded 5th, and will likely play 4th seeds Alejandro Cardona and Danny Lavely in the quarters, which should be a tough match. The Paraiso sisters will also be in tough right off the hop, as they are seeded 14th and play last week's runners up 3rd seeds Jaime Martell and Andree Parrilla.

Look for action to be live streamed via the WRT website.

WRT 2015 San Diego Open

Round of 64


1) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
32) Felipe Munoz v. 33) Tim Noll

17) Mario Mercado - BYE
16) Alan Natera - BYE

9) Christian Longoria - BYE
24) Steve Clark v. 41) Philip Varela Jr.

25) Steve Waltz) v. 40) Jacob Varela
8) Andree Parrilla - BYE

5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Seung Jun Jeon v. 37) Majeed Shahin

21) Jeremy McGlothin v. 44) Erik Canez
12) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE

13) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
20) Jordy Alonso - BYE

29) Seoul Jeoung - BYE
5) David Horn - BYE

3) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
30) Joe Lara v. 35) Miguel Rodriguez Jr.

19) Chase Robison - BYE
14) Javier Mar - BYE

11) Danny Lavely - BYE
22) Kenny Green Jr. v. 43) Chris Crowther

27) Sebastian Fernandez v. 38) Greg Starodub
6) Jaime Martell - BYE

7) Sebastian Franco - BYE
26) Jose Felix v. 39) Ray Starodub

23) Ceazare Barbarin v. 42) Jimmy Vequezo
10) Alex Almada - BYE

15) Rafael Filippini - BYE
18) Alan Palomino - BYE

31) Carlos Mercado v. 34) Victor Rodriguez
2) Polo Gutierrez - BYE

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE
8) Kenny Green Jr. & Chase Robison v. 9) Seung Jun Jeon & Emmett Coe

5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado v. 12) Tim Noll & Jacob Varela
4) Alejandro Cardona & Danny Lavely v. 13) Majeed Shahin & Jimmy Vequezo

3) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla v. 14) Jacqueline Paraiso & Joy Paraiso-Mackenzie
6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera v. 11) Rafael Morales & Felipe Munoz

7) Alex Almada & Alan Palomino v. 10) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
2) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 IRT Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am Preview

The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is playing the second of back-to-back events this weekend with the 2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The draw is small with just 21 players, but they will also be playing doubles, which will give added interest to the event.

A few Canadian players have made the trip down to Sioux Falls, including Canadian National Team member Tim Landeryou, who could play Alvaro Beltran in the Round of 16.

Also in the draw is left-hander Thomas Fuhrmann, USA National Team member at the 2014 World Championships, where he played doubles with Ben Croft. If Fuhrmann wins his preliminary round match against Canadian junior Tanner Prentice, he'll play 2nd seed Kane Waselenchuk in the Round of 16, which would be a rare battle of lefties.

The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web, but we're not sure when they are going to start. The first Round of 16 matches begin 5:15 PM CST Friday. The quarterfinal and semi-final rounds will both be played on Saturday with the final on Sunday.

2015 Lewis 37th Annual Pro-Am - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Preliminary Round


Q8: Lee Connell v. Troy Vanbemmelen
Q1: Charlie Pratt - BYE

Q4: Matthew Majxner v. Brian Pineda
Q5: Robert Collins v. Chris Exner

Q6: Tim Landeryou v. Justin Johnson
Q3: Jose Diaz - BYE

Q2: Alejandro Landa - BYE
Q7: Thomas Fuhrmann v. Tanner Prentice

Main Draw of 16
(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson v. Q8
8 Marco Rojas v. Charlie Pratt

5 Jose Rojas v. Q4
4 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q5

3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Jose Diaz

7 Jansen Allen v. Alejandro Landa
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q7

Pro Doubles - Quarterfinals

1 Ben Croft & Kane Waselenchuk - BYE
4 Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas v. 5 Alejandro Landa & Charlie Pratt

3 Jansen Allen & Jose Rojas - BYE
2 Alvaro Beltran & Rocky Carson - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

IRT Rankings - January 21, 2015

Kane Waselenchuk's win last week at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) New York City Pro-Am was not quite enough to lift him back into the #1 position on the rankings. Rocky Carson, runner up to Waselenchuk last weekend, remains #1. Thus, you can be sure that Waselenchuk will want to win this weekend at the Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The Sioux Falls draw will be small, as only 21 players are entered, but there will also be doubles, so that will give the event some added interest.

Not many changes in the top 10. Alvaro Beltran is solidly 3rd. But fewer than 100 points separate Daniel De La Rosa in 4th, Jose Rojas 5th, and Ben Croft in 6th.

Similarly, only 148 points separates 7th to 11th. Jansen Allen is currently 7th, Tony Carson, who hasn't played many events this season, 8th, Marco Rojas 9th, Charlie Pratt 10th and Chris Crowther 11th. It's the first time in several years that Crowther has dropped out of the top 10.

There have been rumours of Crowther's retirement, but we've seen nothing official. However, a source has told us that E-Force isn't funding Crowther to travel to events, which could explain his absences from the last few events.

Perhaps more curious is that Crowther is in the draw this weekend for the San Diego Open - a World Racquetball Tour (WRT) event. Crowther lives in San Diego, so no travel is needed to attend that event.

IRT Rankings - January 21, 2015

Rank - Player - Country - Points


1 Rocky CARSON (USA) 3512
2 Kane WASELENCHUK (Canada) 3470
3 Alvaro BELTRAN (Mexico) 2872
4 Daniel DE LA ROSA (Mexico) 2038
5 Jose ROJAS (USA) 1978

6 Ben CROFT (USA) 1962
7 Jansen ALLEN (USA) 1532
8 Tony CARSON (USA) 1530
9 Marco ROJAS (USA) 1467
10 Charlie PRATT (USA) 1414

11 Chris CROWTHER (USA) 1384
12 Alejandro LANDA (Mexico) 1049
13 Danny LAVELY (USA) 684
14 Jose DIAZ (USA) 644
15 Matthew MAJXNER (USA) 574

16 Wilden Espinoza 513
17 Robert COLLINS (USA) 410
18 Tim Landeryou (Canada) 357
19 Daeyong Kwon (South Korea) 344
20 Tom FUHRMAN (USA) 341

Follow the bouncing ball....

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

LPRT 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am Preview

The first Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) tournament of 2015 is this weekend in Cincinnati with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Pro-Am. There are 21 players in the draw, and the top 10 players will all be in Cincinnati.

For the first time since 2011, three different players have won the last three women's pro tour events. In the last three events, Rhonda Rajsich won in Stockton, Paola Longoria won in Monterrey, and Maria Jose Vargas won in Arlington. In 2011, it was Samantha Salas, Rajsich and Longoria who won in Olympia, WA, Arlington, and California, respectively.

To find a run of four different winners, you have to go back to the start of the 2007-08 season, when Longoria won her first tournament in Fayetteville, N.C. followed by wins by Christie Huczek (née Van Hees) in Toronto, Rajsich at the US Open and Cheryl Gudinas in Arlington.

Could there be a fourth different winner this weekend? Salas hasn't won since Olympia in 2011, and Gudinas's last win was in 2010. Frédérique Lambert and Cristina Amaya have the talent to do it, but have yet to win on tour, so if either did in Cincinnati, it would certainly be a surprise.

Thus, we have to think that LPRT #1 Longoria, #2 Vargas, or #3 Rajsich is going to come out on top in Cincinnati.

Matches will not be live streamed this weekend.

2015 Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati LPRT Pro-Am
Cincinnati, January 23-25, 2015


Round of 32

1) Paola Longoria - BYE
16) Sharon Jackson v. 17) Lucia Gonzalez

9) Michelle Key - BYE
8) Da'monique Davis - BYE

5) Frédérique Lambert - BYE
12) Adrienne Haynes v. 21) Maria Delli-Santi

13) Jessica Parrilla v. 20) Kerri Wachtel
4) Samantha Salas - BYE

3) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
14) Alexandra Herrera v. 19) Jennifer Saunders

11) Sheryl Lotts - BYE
6) Cristina Amaya - BYE

7) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE
10) Susana Acosta - BYE

15) Maria Renee Rodriguez v. 18) Kimberly Thomas
2) Maria Jose Vargas - BYE

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Rhonda Rajsich & Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
8) Maria Renee Rodriguez & Jennifer Saunders v. 9) Cheryl Gudinas & Laura Fenton Kovanda

5) Alexandra Herrera & Lucia Gonzalez - BYE
4) Susana Acosta & Jessica Parrilla - BYE

3) Michelle Key & Frédérique Lambert - BYE
6) Sheryl Lotts & Kimberly Thomas v. 11) Elaine Albrecht & Kerri Wachtel

7) Cristina Amaya & Da'monique Davis v. 10) Adrienne Haynes & Sharon Jackson
2) Paola Longoria & Samantha Salas - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

Monday, January 19, 2015

Weekend Round Up - Wins for Manzuri, Davis, Metcalf, Lavely & Maldonado

This past weekend was a big weekend for racquetball. We've told you about the Tier 1 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am and the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sonora Open, but there were other events going on across the USA.

In Austin, Texas, Shai Manzuri won the IRT Tier 5 Longhorn Open, defeating Patric Mascorro, 11-6, 11-4, 10-12, 11-3, in the final. In the semi-finals, Manzuri beat Chase Robison, 6-11, 11-5, 2-11, 11-2, 12-10, and Mascorro defeated Kenny Green Jr., 11-0, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6.

Da'monique Davis won the Women's Open division of the Longhorn Open by beating Adrienne Haynes, 7-15, 15-9, 11-3, in the final. Davis defeated Bernadette Zimmerman, 15-6, 15-5, in one semi-final, and Haynes beat Vianney Lynn, 15-3, 15-2, in the other.

Aaron Metcalf won the IRT Tier 5 Orange and Blue Shootout in Gainesville, Florida. He defeated Matt Fontana, 8-11, 13-11, 12-10 11-3, in the final. In the semis, Aaron Metcalf beat Austin Cunningham, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 0-8 [sic], 11-0, and Fontana defeated Nick Hand.

In Syosset, New York, Danny Lavely won the Men's Open division of the Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am, with a win over Alejandro Romo Garcia in the final, 15-9, 14-15, 11-0. In the semis, Lavely beat Troy Warigon, 15-6, 15-3, and Garcia defeated Ryan Hunter.

Anita Maldonado defeated Kimberly Ferina, 15-9, 10-15, 11-3, to win the Women's Open final in Syosset. Maldonado beat Beth Shea, 15-11, 15-12, in the semi-finals, and Ferina defeated Michèle Morissette.

Too many?

Were there too many tournaments this past weekend? With both the IRT and WRT in action, there were fewer players in either draw than usually seen. The New York City IRT event has had at least 40 players in each of the last six years and four of those years there were 50 or more players. Yet this year, only 24 players were in Syosset.

Also, the WRT event had only 20 players, when they have often had over 30.

The Longhorn Open is a big event, and there were several players in that draw that have played in WRT or IRT events. Also, there was another non-pro tour event in Lewiston, Idaho that had notable players - Taylor Knoth, Jimmy Lowe, Joshua Hungerford, Coby Arff - in the draw.

One measure of competitiveness is how many competitors there are. Having more tournament naturally decreases the competitiveness of any one tournament, because the number of competitors decreases across the events. Having some co-ordination would be helpful to players and fans alike.

Whether that will happen is uncertain, but it's certainly not happening this weekend, as both the IRT and WRT are in action again, as is the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT).

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am
Syosset, New York

Men's Open - Final


Danny Lavely d. Alejandro Romo Garcia, 15-9, 14-15, 11-0

Semi-finals

Danny Lavely d. Troy Warigon, 15-6, 15-3
Alejandro Romo Garcia d. Ryan Hunter

Men's Open Doubles - Final

Sanjay Laforest & Nick Montalbano d. Charlie Pratt & Brian Pineda, 15-9, 14-15, 11-5

Semi-finals

Charlie Pratt & Brian Pineda d. Jonathan Clay & Sean Klingaman, 10-15, 15-10, 11-0
Sanjay Laforest & Nick Montalbano d. Jose Flores Jr. & Joseph Palazzo, 15-6, 15-6

Women's Open - Final

Anita Maldonado d. Kimberly Ferina, 15-9, 10-15, 11-3

Semi-finals

Kimberly Ferina d. Michèle Morissette
Anita Maldonado d. Beth Shea, 15-11, 15-12

2015 Longhorn Open, Austin, Texas

Men's Open - Final


Shai Manzuri d. Patric Mascorro, 11-6, 11-4, 10-12, 11-3

Semi-finals

Patric Mascorro d. Kenny Green Jr., 11-0, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6
Shai Manzuri d. Chase Robison, 6-11, 11-5, 2-11, 11-2, 12-10

Quarterfinals

Kenny Green Jr. d. Scott McClellan, 5-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-6, 12-10
Patric Mascorro d. Brent Walters, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, 13-11
Shai Manzuri d. Richard Eisemann, 11-1, 7-11, 5-11, 11-1, 11-3
Chase Robison d. George Bustos, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7

Women's Open - Final

Da'monique Davis d. Adrienne Haynes, 7-15, 15-9, 11-3

Semi-finals

Da'monique Davis d. Bernadette Zimmerman, 15-6, 15-5
Adrienne Haynes d. Vianney Lynn, 15-3, 15-2

Orange & Blue Shootout
Gainesville, Florida

Men's Open - Final


Aaron Metcalf d. Matt Fontana, 8-11, 13-11, 12-10 11-3

Semi-finals

Matt Fontana d. Nick Hand
Aaron Metcalf d. Austin Cunningham, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 0-8 [sic], 11-0

Adcope 2015 Winter Classic
Lewiston, Idaho

Men's Open - Final


Taylor Knoth d. Jimmy Lowe, 15-13, 15-11

Third place

Coby Arff d. Joshua Hungerford, 15-5, 11-15, 11-6

Semi-finals

Jimmy Lowe d. Coby Arff, 15-7, 15-4
Taylor Knoth d. Joshua Hungerford, 15-6, 15-5

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Bredenbeck gets 1st WRT win at Sonora Open

Jake Bredenbeck won his first World Racquetball Tour (WRT) event Sunday, as he defeated Polo Gutierrez in the final of the Sonora Open in Hermosillo, Mexico, 15-10, 2-15, 11-2. With the win, Bredenbeck will become the #1 player on the WRT. It was his fourth final.

Gutierrez was the #1 WRT player coming into the event, and Bredenbeck was #3.

Afterwards, Bredenbeck said "it's a good feeling to finally win one." He added it was "cool to take the #1 spot. But it was about winning the tournament. Felt good to win."

In game one, Gutierrez was in control early, as he led 6-1 and 10-6. However, Bredenbeck came back and tied it at 10-10.

Then Bredenbeck held Gutierrez at 10 and pushed to win it 15-10. The winning shot was a backhand pinch roll out off a big opportunity in the front court.

Game two was all Gutierrez, as he won comfortably 15-2.

Although Gutierrez had the momentum going into the tie-breaker, it was Bredenbeck who stepped up and seized the moment. He hit some great serves to both sides, but perhaps especially tough down the right side, which was a glass wall.

Bredenbeck also hit some great forehand splat shots into that glass wall. But it was a forehand cross court that won it for him coming after a drive serve down the right side that was returned down the line by Gutierrez, but not well enough.

Gutierrez has a great record in tie-breakers, but he was not able to win it today.

Bredenbeck was a double winner Sunday, as he and Sebastian Franco won the doubles title, beating Jaime Martell and Andree Parrilla in the final, 15-10, 15-7.

The San Diego Open is the next WRT event, and it goes next weekend January 22-25.

2015 WRT Sonora Open
Hermosillo, Mexico

Final


3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 1) Polo Gutierrez, 15-10, 2-15, 11-2

Doubles - Semi-finals

4) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla d. 1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn, 1-15, 15-6, 11-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 3) Alejandro Cardona & Erick Sandoval, 10-15, 15-10, 11-8

Final

2) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 4) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla, 15-10, 15-7

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Sonora Open Semi-finals

Polo Gutierrez and Jake Bredenbeck will face off in the final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sonora Open in Hermosillo, Mexico, as they won their respective semi-finals on Saturday.

Gutierrez, the top seed, defeated 4th seed David Horn, 15-5, 15-13, and 3rd seeded Bredenbeck beat 10th seed Andree Parrilla, 15-13, 15-6.

You can watch the final from Hermosillo live from noon MST Sunday via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Sonora Open
Hermosillo, Mexico

Semi-finals


1) Polo Gutierrez d. 4) David Horn, 15-5, 15-13
3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 10) Andree Parrilla, 15-13, 15-6

Final

1) Polo Gutierrez v. 3) Jake Bredenbeck - Noon MST Sunday

Doubles - Round of 16

1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn - BYE
8) Rafael Romero & Luis Medina d. 9) Andres Carrillo & Wally Olivas, 15-8, 15-9

5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado - BYE
4) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla - BYE

3) Alejandro Cardona & Erick Sandoval - BYE
6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera - BYE

7) Emanuel Balderrama & Victor Lopez - BYE
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE

Quarterfinals

1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn d. 8) Rafael Romero & Luis Medina, 15-4, 15-7
4) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla d. 5) Christian Longoria & Mario Mercado, 15-11, 15-7

3) Alejandro Cardona & Erick Sandoval d. 6) Javier Mar & Alan Natera, 15-13, 15-6
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco d. 7) Emanuel Balderrama & Victor Lopez, 15-11, 9-15, 11-4

Semi-finals

1) Anthony Herrera & David Horn v. 4) Jaime Martell & Andree Parrilla
2) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco v. 3) Alejandro Cardona & Erick Sandoval

Follow the bouncing ball….

Waselenchuk wins 2015 IRT Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am

Kane Waselenchuk won his fourth International Racquetball Tour (IRT) tournament of the 2014-15 season, as he defeated Rocky Carson in the final of the 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, N.Y., 11-4, 11-7, 11-6, on Sunday.

Waselenchuk started well, taking a 5-0 lead in game one. Carson cut the lead to 5-2, but was never closer than that, as Waselenchuk went on to win game one 11-4.

In game two, Waselenchuk again led early, but they were back and forth with ties at 3-3 and 5-5. Then Carson took a two point lead at 7-5, and it looked like he could level the match.

However, Waselenchuk responded, scoring two points to tie the game at 7-7. He took the lead with an incredible overhead pinch from 39' that was flat in the front left corner. He kept going from there and took game two 11-7.

Down 2-0, Carson did not fold his tent and go home. He continued to battle, and they were close early in game three, as in game two. Carson took a lead at 5-4.

But Waselenchuk again responded. He tied the match off a poor serve return from Carson off a rare lob serve to the right side. Carson hit an overhead return that went right into the floor.

From there, Waselenchuk took the lead and didn't relinquish it. Throughout the match his shots put a lot of pressure on Carson, who made several great gets, but too often his shots were just keeping the ball in play rather than putting the pressure back on his opponent.

Afterwards, Waselenchuk said "my serve return was really, really good. That was the difference." Waselenchuk did hit some great returns, even off of good serves by Carson.

Waselenchuk added that it "feels nice to play and not feel dizzy," as he had missed recent tournaments due to inner ear troubles that effected his balance.

The IRT will be back in action next weekend with the Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Qualifying play begins Thursday.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Main Draw of 16

(with seeding)

Final

2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 1 Rocky Carson, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6

Follow the bouncing ball….

Saturday, January 17, 2015

2015 WRT Sonora Open Quarterfinals

Tenth seed Andree Parrilla upset 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-13, to advance to the semi-finals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sonora Open in Hermosillo, Mexico. It's the first pro semi-finals for the former World Junior U16 Champion.

Parrilla will face Jake Bredenbeck in the semis, as Bredenbeck beat Jaime Martell, 15-9, 15-12, in the quarterfinals Saturday.

The other semi-final is between top seed Polo Gutierrez and 4th seed David Horn after they won their respective quarterfinal matches. Gutierrez defeated current World Junior U16 Champion Christian Longoria, 15-8, 15-2, and Horn beat Javier Mar, 15-10, 15-7.

You can watch the semi-finals from Hermosillo live from 5 PM MST via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Sonora Open
Hermosillo, Mexico

Quarterfinals


1) Polo Gutierrez v. 9) Christian Longoria, 15-8, 15-2
4) David Horn v. 12) Javier Mar, 15-10, 15-7

3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 6) Jaime Martell, 15-9, 15-12
10) Andree Parrilla d. 2) Alejandro Cardona, 15-10, 15-13

Semi-finals

1) Polo Gutierrez v. 4) David Horn - 6 PM MST
3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 10) Andree Parrilla - 5 PM MST

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 IRT Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am Semi-finals

It'll be #1 versus #2 in the final of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, N.Y. Sunday after both Rocky Carson and Kane Waselenchuk won their respective semi-final matches in three straight games.

Carson, the top seed, defeated 5th seed Daniel De La Rosa, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6. It looked like De La Rosa might extend the match in game three, as he took a 6-0 lead. However, Carson held him there, and scored 11 straight points to close out the match in three.

In the other semi-final, Waselenchuk beat 6th seed Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-3, 11-2.

The IRT Network will have the final live from noon on Sunday.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Main Draw of 16

(with seeding)

Semi-finals

1 Rocky Carson d. 5 Daniel De La Rosa, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 6 Ben Croft, 11-9, 11-3, 11-2

Final

1 Rocky Carson v. 2 Kane Waselenchuk - Noon EST Sunday

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Sonora Open Round 32 & 16

The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) is in action this weekend with the Sonora Open in Hermosillo, New Mexico. There's a smaller draw that they've had recently, but still 20 players are vying for the title.

Two young Mexicans have made the quarterfinals. Current U16 World Junior Champion Christian Longoria will play top seed Polo Gutierrez in the quarter after Longoria upset 8th seed Erick Sandoval, 15-12, 15-12, and the 2013 U16 World Junior Champion Andree Parrilla faces 2nd seed Alejandro Cardona after beating 7th seed Sebastian Franco, 15-12, 15-12.

But the biggest upset was 12th seed Javier Mar's win over 5th seed Anthony Herrera, 15-9, 15-9. Mar will play 4th seed David Horn in the quarters.

You can watch the quarterfinal action from Hermosillo live from 10 AM MST via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Sonora Open
Hermosillo, New Mexico

Singles - Round of 32


1) Polo Gutierrez - BYE
17) Mario Mercado d. 16) Rodolfo Esparza, 15-13, 11-15, 11-4

9) Christian Longoria - BYE
8) Erick Sandoval - BYE

5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
12) Javier Mar - BYE

13) Rafael Filippini d. 20) Andres Carrillo, 15-10, 15-12
4) David Horn - BYE

3) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE
19) Jordy Alonso d. 14) Gerardo Franco, 15-7, 15-9

11) Daeyong Kwon - BYE
6) Jaime Martell - BYE

7) Sebastian Franco - BYE
10) Andree Parrilla - BYE

15) Alan Natera d. 18) David Stone, 15-9, 15-2
2) Alejandro Cardona - BYE

Round of 16

1) Polo Gutierrez d. 17) Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-6
9) Christian Longoria d. 8) Erick Sandoval, 15-12, 15-12

12) Javier Mar d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-9, 15-9
4) David Horn d. 13) Rafael Filippini, 15-12, 15-8

3) Jake Bredenbeck d. 19) Jordy Alonso, 6-15, 15-2, 11-6
6) Jaime Martell d. 11) Daeyong Kwon, 15-10, 15-10

10) Andree Parrilla d. 7) Sebastian Franco, 15-12, 15-12
2) Alejandro Cardona d. 15) Alan Natera, 15-6, 15-12

Quarterfinals

1) Polo Gutierrez v. 9) Christian Longoria - Noon MST
4) David Horn v. 12) Javier Mar - 1 PM MST

3) Jake Bredenbeck v. 6) Jaime Martell - 10 AM MST
2) Alejandro Cardona v. 10) Andree Parrilla - 11 AM MST

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, January 16, 2015

2015 Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am Quarterfinals

Two upsets in the quarterfinals of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, N.Y., although the top two seeds both won.

Top seed Rocky Carson beat 9th seed Marco Rojas in four games, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3, and second seed Kane Waselenchuk defeated 7th seed Jansen Allen, 11-0, 11-5, 11-3.

Carson will face 5th seed Daniel De La Rosa in the semi-finals on Saturday, as De La Rosa came back from two games down to upset 4th seed Jose Rojas in five games, 11-13, 5-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-3.

De La Rosa's win was all the more remarkable, because he could hardly put weight on his left leg by the end of the match. He hurt his groin early on, and was hampered from at least the second game on.

In his injured condition, De La Rosa hit straight lobs on the right side that Rojas usually returned to the ceiling, which led to many pinch winners by De La Rosa.

Rojas had a chance to win the match in game four, when he led 10-9, but he wasn't able to finish off De La Rosa, who took full advantage to force game five.

3rd seed Alvaro Beltran was also feeling the effects of an injury that he sustained earlier in the day against Robert Collins in the Round of 16, but he wasn't able to overcome against 6th seed Ben Croft, who won their quarterfinal match in four games, 12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7.

In game one, it looked like Beltran might be able to win despite his injury, as was up 8-2. However, Croft scored 8 straight points to lead 10-8. Beltran tied it at 10-10 before Croft completed the comeback, winning 12-10.

Game two was all Croft, but Beltran won game three, and they were tied 7-7 in game four before Croft finished off the match, hitting a forehand pinch shot to end it.

The IRT Network will have the semi-finals live from 4 PM EST Saturday. The final will be noon on Sunday.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Main Draw of 16

(with seeding)

Quarterfinals

1 Rocky Carson d. Marco Rojas, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3
5 Daniel De La Rosa d. 4 Jose Rojas, 11-13, 5-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-3

6 Ben Croft d. 3 Alvaro Beltran, 12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. 7 Jansen Allen, 11-0, 11-5, 11-3

Semi-finals

1 Rocky Carson v. 5 Daniel De La Rosa - 5 PM EST
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 6 Ben Croft - 4 PM EST

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am Round of 16

Results still going mostly according to form at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, N.Y. However, Marco Rojas, the 9th seed, did upset the 8th seed Charlie Pratt, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9, in the Round of 16.

The win puts Rojas in the quarterfinals against top seed Rocky Carson, who was a straight game winner against Samuel Murray, 11-5, 11-1, 11-2.

Robert Collins almost provided the shock of the tournament, as he went five games with 3rd seed Alvaro Beltran, but the veteran prevailed denying Collins his first quarterfinal berth, 11-1, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 11-2.

Beltran tweaked his ankle at 6-6 in game two, and took all of his injury time before continuing. He seemed to be hampered by the injury, but was able to pull out the win against the young left-hander.

Beltran will play Ben Croft in the quarters, as Croft beat Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2, in the 16s.

Kane Waselenchuk made a successful return to the IRT with a win over Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2. Waselenchuk will play Jansen Allen in the quarters, as Allen beat Danny Lavely, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 11-5.

The IRT Network will have the quarterfinals live from 5 PM EST Friday.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Main Draw of 16

(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson d. Samuel Murray, 11-5, 11-1, 11-2
Marco Rojas d. 8 Charlie Pratt, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9

5 Daniel De La Rosa d. Matthew Majxner, 11-0, 12-10, 11-3
4 Jose Rojas d. Mitch Posner, 11-0, 11-0, 11-0

3 Alvaro Beltran d. Robert Collins, 11-1, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 11-2
6 Ben Croft d. Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2

7 Jansen Allen d. Danny Lavely, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 11-5
2 Kane Waselenchuk d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2

Quarterfinals

1 Rocky Carson v. Marco Rojas
4 Jose Rojas v. 5 Daniel De La Rosa

3 Alvaro Beltran v. 6 Ben Croft
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. 7 Jansen Allen

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 Temperature Controls NYC Pro-Am Preliminary Results

No surprises from the qualifying round Thursday at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am in Syosset, N.Y. But there were two five game matches.

In one, Samuel Murray defeated Joseph Palazzo, 4-11, 11-4, 11-2, 2-11, 11-3, to advance to the Round of 16 against top seed Rocky Carson. In the other, Matthew Majxner took out John Behm, 11-3, 5-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-1. Majxner will play Daniel De La Rosa in the 16s Friday.

The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web from Friday at 11 AM EST.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Preliminary Round 1


Q8: Samuel Murray d. Joseph Palazzo, 4-11, 11-4, 11-2, 2-11, 11-3
Q1: Marco Rojas d. Tom Keogh, 11-0, 11-6, 11-4

Q4: Matthew Majxner d. John Behm, 11-3, 5-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-1
Q5: Mitch Posner d. Tim Landeryou, fft

Q6: Robert Collins d. Abraham Cardenas, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8
Q3: Jose Diaz d. Jose Flores Jr., 11-4, 11-5, 11-0

Q2: Danny Lavely d. Alejandro Romo Garcia, 11-6, 11-4, 11-4
Q7: Mauricio Zelada d. Jonathan Clay, 4-11, 11-4, 12-10, 11-9

Main Draw of 16
(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson v. Samuel Murray
8 Charlie Pratt v. Marco Rojas

5 Daniel De La Rosa v. Matthew Majxner
4 Jose Rojas v. Mitch Posner

3 Alvaro Beltran v. Robert Collins
6 Ben Croft v. Jose Diaz

7 Jansen Allen v. Danny Lavely
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Mauricio Zelada

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, January 15, 2015

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am Preview

Pro racquetball is back! We can say that the new year really begins this weekend with the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am. There are fewer players that in past years, as there will be only one round of qualifying on Thursday, when often there have been three rounds in past years.

Also of note, Rocky Carson is the top seed in New York, as Kane Waselenchuk is #2 after missing three of the last four events and had to default in the quarterfinals of the fourth. Waselenchuk has not had the best luck in New York, as he's lost there more than in any other tour location. But of his five losses there four have been by default. Only Mike Guidry defeated Waselenchuk in a completed match in New York.

Hopefully, Waselenchuk's completely fit for this weekend. If so, then he should be the player to beat.

Matches to look forward to this weekend - apart from any involving Waselenchuk - should include Charlie Pratt versus Marco Rojas, who will likely meet in the Round of 16.

Daniel De La Rosa's performances will also be of interest, as he won the last IRT event: the New Jersey Open in December. De La Rosa is on course to meet Jose Rojas in the quarterfinals, and with a win there could meet Rocky Carson in the semi-finals, which would be a repeat of their New Jersey Open semi.

The IRT Network will carry the action live over the web from Friday at 10 AM EST.

2015 Temperature Controls New York City Pro-Am - Syosset, New York

Preliminary Round


Q8: Samuel Murray v. Joseph Palazzo
Q1: Marco Rojas v. Tom Keogh

Q4: Matthew Majxner v. John Behm
Q5: Tim Landeryou v. Mitch Posner

Q6: Robert Collins v. Abraham Cardenas
Q3: Jose Diaz v. Jose Flores Jr.

Q2: Danny Lavely v. Alejandro Romo Garcia
Q7: Mauricio Zelada v. Jonathan Clay

Main Draw of 16
(with seeding)

1 Rocky Carson v. Q8
8 Charlie Pratt v. Q1

5 Daniel De La Rosa v. Q4
4 Jose Rojas v. Q5

3 Alvaro Beltran v. Q6
6 Ben Croft v. Q3

7 Jansen Allen v. Q2
2 Kane Waselenchuk v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….