Sunday, September 27, 2015

Longoria & De La Rosa win 3WallBall World Championships

Daniel De La Rosa upset last year’s champion Rocky Carson, 15—4, 12-15, 11-4, to win the 3WallBall World Championships in Las Vegas Sunday. De La Rosa was the runner up last year, and this year went one better by knocking off Carson in the final. Last year's final also went to a tie-breaker. However, Carson did win the Men’s Pro Doubles with Jesus Ustarroz, as they defeated Mike Harmon and Chris Mcdonald, 15-14, 15-12, in the final.

On the women’s side, last year’s champion Janel Tisinger also fell to a challenger from Mexico, as Paola Longoria defeated Tisinger in three games, 15-11, 15-12, 11-6 [sic]. Tisinger and Longoria also faced off in the Women’s Pro Doubles final, and Longoria and Michelle Key came out on top by defeating Tisinger and Aimee Ruiz, 15-11, 15-10.

Longoria's win provides a positive answer to the question, would indoor racquetball players be good at outdoor racquetball? Yes, they are, as generally the higher players with better indoor records won in Las Vegas, but not entirely. De La Rosa doesn't have a winning record against Carson indoors (Carson holds a 9-4 record versus De La Rosa on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) indoors), but he won outdoors on Sunday.

Thus, the safe conclusion about indoor versus outdoor racquetball is that they are more similar than different.

2015 3WallBall World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada


(with seedings)

Men’s Pro - Final

2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 1) Rocky Carson, 15-4, 12-15, 11-4

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Finals

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz d. 9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald, 15-14, 15-12

Women’s Pro - Final

10) Paola Longoria d. 1) Janel Tisinger, 15-11, 15-12, 11-6

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Final

5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria d. 3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger, 15-11, 15-10

Follow the bouncing ball….

Saturday, September 26, 2015

2015 3WallBall World Championships - Semi-finals

Janel Tisinger and Rocky Carson - last year’s champions from the World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) 3WallBall World Championships will have a chance to defend their titles on Sunday in Las Vegas after winning their respective semi-finals Saturday. Tisinger defeated Michelle Key, 15-5, 15-5 in one Women’s Pro semi-final and Carson beat Fred Ramierez,in the Men’s Pro semis, 15-9, 15-5.

Tisinger will face the #1 player on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) - Paola Longoria - Sunday in the Women’s Pro final, as Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich in the semi-finals Saturday, 8-15, 15-6, 11-4.

Carson’s opponent will be Daniel De La Rosa, who was a winner against Charlie Pratt, 15-8, 15-6, in the semi-finals.

Both Tiisinger and Carson, as well as Longoria, could win both singles and doubles Sunday. Tisinger (with Aimee Ruiz) will face off with Longoria (and Key) in the Women’s Pro Doubles final, while Carson (and partner Jesus Ustarroz) will be up against the winner of the match between 9th seeds Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald and 12) seeds Brandon Davis & Tom Durham.

The finals in all divisions are on Sunday.

2015 3WallBall World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada


Men’s Pro - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Rocky Carson d. 4) Fred Ramierez, 15-9, 15-5
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 3) Charlie Pratt, 15-8, 15-6

Men’s Pro - Final - Sunday

1) Rocky Carson v. 2) Daniel De La Rosa - Noon

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday

9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald d. 1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis, 15-9, 9-15, 11-6
12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham d. 4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner, 15-10, 15-12

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz d. 6) David Horn & Brian Pineda, 15-12, 15-13
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young d. 7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane, 5-15, 15-8, 11-10

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday

9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald d. 12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham, 15-8, 15-12, 11-2
3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz d. 2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young, 15-10, 15-11

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Finals - Sunday

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz v. 9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald - 10 AM

Women’s Pro - Quarterfinals

1) Janel Tisinger d. 9) Frédérique Lambert, 15-10, 15-4
4) Michelle Key d. 5) Adrianna Moncada, 15-9, 15-4

3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 6) Cecilla Pratt, 15-5, 15-3
10) Paola Longoria d. 2) Jessica Parrilla, 15-9, 15-9

Women’s Pro - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Janel Tisinger d. 4) Michelle Key, 15-5, 15-5
10) Paola Longoria d. 3) Rhonda Rajsich, 8-15, 15-6, 11-4

Women’s Pro - Final - Sunday

1) Janel Tisinger v. 10) Paola Longoria - Noon

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Semi-finals

5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria d. 1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla, 15-5, 15-12
3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. 7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon, 15-9, 15-10

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Final

3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. 5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria - 9 AM

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, September 25, 2015

3WallBall World Championships - Day Two results

The 3WallBall World Championships continued Friday in Las Vegas. The defending champions both won their singles matches in the quarterfinals. Rocky Carson defeated Nick Montalbano, 15-3, 15-14, and Janel Tisinger beat Frédérique Lambert, 15-10, 15-4.

In the semi-finals on Saturday, Carson faces Fred Ramierez, and Tisinger will be up against the winner of the match between 4th seed Michelle Key and 5th seed Adrianna Moncada, which was still to be played on Friday night.

Play continues Saturday with the finals on Sunday.

2015 3WallBall World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada

Men’s Pro - Quarterfinals


1) Rocky Carson d. 9) Nick Montalbano, 15-3, 15-14
4) Fred Ramierez d. 5) Eric Fernandez, 15-11, 15-14

3) Charlie Pratt d. 6) Alvaro Beltran, 15-10, 15-7
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) Andree Parrilla, 15-4, 15-10

Men’s Pro - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Fred Ramierez
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 3) Charlie Pratt

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Round of 16

1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis d. 17) Fabian Parrilla & Andree Parrilla, 15-6, 15-9
9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald d. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-4, 11-15, 11-3

12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham d. 5) Charlie Pratt & Rick Koll, 11-15, 15-2, 11-0
4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner d. 13) Alejandro Landa & Fred Ramierez, 12-15, 15-14, 11-4

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz d. 14) Rod Frontino & Nick Montalbano, 15-7, 15-13
6) David Horn & Brian Pineda d. 11) Todd Entrikin & Dale Vanentine, 15-4, 15-6

7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane d. 10) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa, 15-10, 2-15, 11-10
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young d. 15) Jeremy McGlothin & Brad Schopieray, 15-3, 15-4

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Quarterfinals - Saturday

1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis v. 9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald
4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner v. 12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz v. 6) David Horn & Brian Pineda
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young v. 7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane

Women’s Pro - Round of 16

1) Janel Tisinger - BYE
9) Frédérique Lambert d. 8) Adriana Riveros, 13-15, 15-14, 11-8

5) Adrianna Moncada - BYE
4) Michelle Key - BYE

3) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
6) Cecilla Pratt - BYE

10) Paola Longoria d. 7) Sofia Rascon, 15-14, 15-2
2) Jessica Parrilla - BYE

Women’s Pro - Quarterfinals

1) Janel Tisinger d. 9) Frédérique Lambert, 15-10, 15-4
4) Michelle Key v. 5) Adrianna Moncada - Friday

3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 6) Cecilla Pratt, 15-5, 15-3
2) Jessica Parrilla v. 10) Paola Longoria - Saturday

Women’s Pro - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Janel Tisinger v. 4) Michelle Key or 5) Adrianna Moncada
3) Rhonda Rajsich v. 2) Jessica Parrilla or 10) Paola Longoria

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla d. 9) Carla Muñoz & Adreiana Riveros, 15-9, 15-14, 11-1 [sic]
5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria d. 4) Celeste Pafford & Mary Schoumaker, 15-2, 15-3

3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. 6) Michelle Harrigan & Martha McDonald, 15-5, 15-10
7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon d. 2) Yoanis Garcia & Rhonda Rajsich, 15-8, 15-10, 11-10 [sic]

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla v. 5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria
3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger v. 7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, September 24, 2015

3WallBall World Championships - Early results

The 3WallBall World Championships have begun in Las Vegas, and some matches have been done in the pro divisions. In a slight upset by the seedings, Nick Montalbano defeated Alejandro Landa, 15-8, 15-12, in the only match of the first round of Men’s Singles. Montalbano will play Rocky Carson in the quarterfinals on Friday.

But the other quarterfinal matches in Men’s Singles are complete. There were no surprises by the seedings, but 3rd seed Charlie Pratt beat 6th seed Alvaro Beltran, 15-10, 15-7, which is a significant win.

Pratt will play 2nd seed Daniel De La Rosa in the quarters on Saturday, as De La Rosa defeated 7th seed Andree Parrilla, 15-4, 15-10.

Fourth seed Fred Ramierez beat 5th seed Eric Fernandez, 15-11, 15-14, and awaits the winner of Carson-Montalbano in the semis.

In Women’s Singles, 3rd seed Rhonda Rajsich defeated 6th seed Cecilla Pratt, 15-5, 15-3. She’ll play one of 2nd seed Jessica Parrilla, 7th seed Sofia Rascon or 10th seed Paola Longoria. Rascon and Longoria play on Friday, with the winner playing Parrilla Saturday at 11 AM.

Yet the winner of that 11 AM match is scheduled to play Rajsich at Noon. That is, the quarterfinal winner will play Rajsich immediately after her quarterfinal match. That’s odd scheduling.

The odd seedings have been explained. World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) seeds the defending champion of this event as #1 with the previous year runner up seeded #2. Thanks to Aimee Ruiz for pointing this out to us.

Play continues Thursday with the semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday.

2015 3WallBall World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada

Men’s Pro - Round of 16


1) Rocky Carson - BYE
9) Nick Montalbano d. 8) Alejandro Landa, 15-8, 15-12

5) Eric Fernandez - BYE
4) Fred Ramierez - BYE

3) Charlie Pratt - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran - BYE

7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
2) Daniel De La Rosa - BYE

Men’s Pro - Quarterfinals

1) Rocky Carson v. 9) Nick Montalbano - FRIDAY
4) Fred Ramierez d. 5) Eric Fernandez, 15-11, 15-14

3) Charlie Pratt d. 6) Alvaro Beltran, 15-10, 15-7
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) Andree Parrilla, 15-4, 15-10

Men’s Pro - Semi-finals - SATURDAY

4) Fred Ramierez v. 1) Rocky Carson or 9) Nick Montalbano
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 3) Charlie Pratt

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Round of 32

1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis - BYE
16) Nicolai Miamontes & Christian Longoria d. 17) Fabian Parrilla & Andree Parrilla, forfeit

9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE

5) Charlie Pratt & Rick Koll - BYE
12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham - BYE

13) Alejandro Landa & Fred Ramierez - BYE
4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner - BYE

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz - BYE
14) Rod Frontino & Nick Montalbano - BYE

11) Todd Entrikin & Dale Vanentine - BYE
6) David Horn & Brian Pineda - BYE

7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane - BYE
10) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE

15) Jeremy McGlothin & Brad Schopieray - BYE
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young - BYE

Men’s Pro - Doubles - Round of 16

1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis v. 16) Nicolai Miamontes & Christian Longoria - FRIDAY
9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald d. 8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco, 15-4, 11-15, 11-3

5) Charlie Pratt & Rick Koll v. 12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham - FRIDAY
4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner d. 13) Alejandro Landa & Fred Ramierez, 12-15, 15-14, 11-4

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz v. 14) Rod Frontino & Nick Montalbano - FRIDAY
6) David Horn & Brian Pineda d. 11) Todd Entrikin & Dale Vanentine, 15-4, 15-6

7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane v. 10) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - FRIDAY
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young v. 15) Jeremy McGlothin & Brad Schopieray - FRIDAY

Women’s Pro - Round of 16

1) Janel Tisinger - BYE
8) Adriana Riveros v. 9) Frédérique Lambert - FRIDAY

5) Adrianna Moncada - BYE
4) Michelle Key - BYE

3) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
6) Cecilla Pratt - BYE

7) Sofia Rascon v. 10) Paola Longoria - FRIDAY
2) Jessica Parrilla - BYE

Women’s Pro - Quarterfinals - SATURDAY

1) Janel Tisinger v. 8) Adriana Riveros or 9) Frédérique Lambert
4) Michelle Key v. 5) Adrianna Moncada

3) Rhonda Rajsich d. 6) Cecilla Pratt, 15-5, 15-3
2) Jessica Parrilla v. 7) Sofia Rascon or 10) Paola Longoria

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Round of 16

1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla - BYE
9) Carla Muñoz & Adreiana Riveros d. 8) Cecilia Pratt & unknown, injury forfeit

5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria - BYE
4) Celeste Pafford & Mary Schoumaker - BYE

3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger - BYE
6) Michelle Harrigan & Martha McDonald - BYE

7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon - BYE
2) Yoanis Garcia & Rhonda Rajsich - BYE

Women’s Pro - Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla v. 9) Carla Muñoz & Adreiana Riveros - FRIDAY
4) Celeste Pafford & Mary Schoumaker v. 5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria - FRIDAY

3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger d. 6) Michelle Harrigan & Martha McDonald, 15-5, 15-10
2) Yoanis Garcia & Rhonda Rajsich v. 7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon - FRIDAY

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 3WallBall World Championships - Preview

How can the best player in the world be the lowest seeded player in a draw? Well, if you’re Paola Longoria and you enter your first outdoor racquetball event, then you could get put at the bottom. That’s exactly what’s happened this weekend at the 3WallBall World Championships happen this weekend in Las Vegas, where Longoria is seeded 10th out of 10 players in the draw.

Some have wondered how the best indoor players would do playing outdoor. They’ll find out this weekend.

Janel Tisinger, who has won World Outdoor Racquetball (WOR) events in the past, is seeded #1, which is curious, as the WOR rankings have Rhonda Rajsich #1 in both the rolling 12 month and Season To Date listing. Rajsich is seeded 3rd in Las Vegas with Jessica Parrilla 2nd seed.

The Men’s seeding is similarly confusing. Rocky Carson is seeded 1st, and he’s #1 on the Season To Date rankings from the WOR website. Daniel De La Rosa is the 2nd seed, but he’s listed as 17th in the Rolling 12 Month rankings or 47th (0 points) in the Season To Date rankings, so why he’s 2nd seed ahead of Charlie Pratt - the highest player in the WOR rankings after Carson - is unclear. Pratt is seeded 3rd.

The doubles seedings are similarly confusing to us, but one curiosity is the pairing of Michelle Key and Longoria, as Key usually plays with Frédérique Lambert, who is in the Las Vegas draw. But Lambert is playing with Sofia Rascon.

Play begins on Thursday with the finals on Sunday.

2015 3WallBall World Championships
Las Vegas, Nevada

Men’s Pro


1) Rocky Carson - BYE
8) Alejandro Landa v. 9) Nick Montalbano

5) Eric Fernandez - BYE
4) Fred Ramierez - BYE

3) Charlie Pratt - BYE
6) Alvaro Beltran - BYE

7) Andree Parrilla - BYE
2) Daniel De La Rosa - BYE

Men’s Pro - Doubles

1) Robert Sostre & Greg Solis - BYE
16) Nicolai Miamontes & Christian Longoria v. 17) Fabian Parrilla & Andree Parrilla

9) Mike Harmon & Chris Mcdonald - BYE
8) Jake Bredenbeck & Sebastian Franco - BYE

5) Charlie Pratt & Rick Koll - BYE
12) Brandon Davis & Tom Durham - BYE

13) Alejandro Landa & Fred Ramierez - BYE
4) Tommy Medina & Rick Wagner - BYE

3) Rocky Carson & Jesus Ustarroz - BYE
14) Rod Frontino & Nick Montalbano - BYE

11) Todd Entrikin & Dale Vanentine - BYE
6) David Horn & Brian Pineda - BYE

7) Scott Davis & Craig Lane - BYE
10) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE

15) Jeremy McGlothin & Brad Schopieray - BYE
2) Josh Tucker & Joe Young - BYE

Women’s Pro

1) Janel Tisinger - BYE
8) Adriana Riveros v. 9) Frédérique Lambert

5) Adrianna Moncada - BYE
4) Michelle Key - BYE

3) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
6) Cecilla Pratt - BYE

7) Sofia Rascon v. 10) Paola Longoria
2) Jessica Parrilla - BYE

Women’s Pro - Doubles

1) Jacqueline Paraiso & Jessica Parrilla - BYE
8) Cecilia Pratt & ? v. 9) Carla Muñoz & Adreiana Riveros

5) Michelle Key & Paola Longoria - BYE
4) Celeste Pafford & Mary Schoumaker - BYE

3) Amiee Ruiz & Janel Tisinger - BYE
6) Michelle Harrigan & Martha McDonald - BYE

7) Frédérique Lambert & Sofia Rascon - BYE
2) Yoanis Garcia & Rhonda Rajsich - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

Monday, September 21, 2015

Cardona wins 2015 WRT Suncoast Open

Alejandro Cardona solidified his hold on the #1 ranking on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sunday by defeating David Horn in the final of the Suncoast Open in Sarasota, Florida, Saturday, 15-12, 15-3. However, Cardona didn’t do the double this time, as he had at the Atlanta Open when he and Christian Longoria won doubles as well.

In the Sarasota doubles final, Cardona and Longoria lost to Jaime Martell and Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-8, 15-11.

Cardona had a 6-2 lead on Horn early lead in the singles final, but Horn took a timeout, and then proceeded to score ten unanswered points to lead 12-6. Horn’s cause was helped by Cardona, as at 8-6, Cardona disagreed with the referee calling one of his shots a skip, and then skipped shots on the next two rallies.

But Cardona got the serve back, and then pounded some drive serves to the left side, Horn’s backhand. Most of his serves before this were going to the right side, Horn’s forehand. Cardona followed those serves up with strong shots, both down the line and pinches to come back and tie the game at 12-12.

Horn called a timeout down 13-12, but when play returned Cardona got game point after rolling a forehand reverse pinch. Horn did get the serve back at 14-12, but he was unable to score, as Cardona got the serve back on the serve return.

Cardona won game one with a forehand down the line.

In game two, Cardona took it up a notch, and rolled to a 15-3 win.

Afterwards Horn said “Cardona played ridiculous, especially in the second game.” Cardona’s a strong server, and Horn said “I didn’t return [serve] well [enough] to win the match.”

The next WRT event will be the Modesto Open in Modesto, California October 30-November 1.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Final


1) Alejandro Cardona d. 3) David Horn, 15-12, 15-3

Men’s Doubles - Final

2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria, 15-8, 15-11

Men’s Doubles - Semi-final

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria d. 4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini, 15-6, 15-10
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 15-8

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Waselenchuk wins 16th Annual Ghost of Georgetown

Kane Waselenchuk was hobbled but still came through on top at the first International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event of the 2015-16 season, as he defeated Rocky Carson in the final of the 16th Annual Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas, 11-5, 11-0, 11-13, 11-2, on Sunday.

Waselenchuk injured his right knee late in game three, as he apparently hit on the right side wall as he tried to return a Carson serve at 11-11. As a result, Waselenchuk’s return was unsuccessful giving Carson game point at 12-11, and Waselenchuk took a few minutes of injury time before continuing.

Carson won game three on the next rally when play resumed, and one had to wonder how Waselenchuk, the IRT's #1 player, would respond. In game four, Waselenchuk started slowly, as they were tied at 2-2 early, but then he settled in, and his serving efficiency was again high, as it had been in game two. Perhaps Waselenchuk felt that he didn’t want to play any long rallies with the injury, so focussed more on serving well. He was helped by Carson, who made a few unforced errors in game four that did not help his cause.

Game one was relatively close, as they were tied at 2-2 early. Then Waselenchuk took a 7-2 lead, but Carson cut that to three points at 8-5 before Waselenchuk closed it out 11-5. Waselenchuk scored 15 straight points, as he went from 8-5 up in game one to 1-0 up in game three before Carson scored a point.

In game three, Carson and Waselenchuk were close all the way. Carson took the lead at 7-4, only to have Waselenchuk score five points in a row to lead 9-7. Then it was Carson’s turn to put a run together, as he got to game point at 10-9 with an ace drive serve to the left for the 10th point.

Waselenchuk got two points to get a match point at 11-10. But Carson fought that off with a backhand serve return. Carson then tied it with a backhand pinch, and on the next rally Waselenchuk hurt his knee.

This results mirrors last year’s start to the IRT season, as Waselenchuk defeated Carson in four games then also, although that was at the Krowning Moment Bobcat Open in San Marcos, Texas. But in the nine finals he reached after that Waselenchuk won all nine in three straight games.

The next IRT event is the US Open October 7-11 in Minneapolis.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Final - Sunday


1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 2) Rocky Carson, 11-5, 11-0, 11-13, 11-2

Follow the bouncing ball….

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Waselenchuk & Carson to meet in IRT Ghost of Georgetown final

The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) will begin this season as it ended last season: with a showdown between IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk and #2 Rocky Carson on Sunday, as they won their respective semi-finals Saturday. Waselenchuk was clinical his win over Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-0, 11-2, and Carson also won in three games, as he beat Felipe Camacho, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7.

At one point in his match, Waselenchuk scored 23 straight points on Rojas, who was held off the scoreboard from 9-6 in game one to 10-0 in game three. Waselenchuk drove serve primarily against Rojas, but with variety, going to the left, right and hitting jams to both sides as well.

Camacho was playing his first semi-final in an IRT Tier 1 event, and he certainly gave it his all against Carson. Carson led 6-1 in game one, but Camacho came back to 6-5, but was held at 5 by Carson, who scored five straight points to win 11-5.

Camacho actually led in the middle of game two at 8-3, and looked like he might level the match at a game a piece, but Carson had other ideas, as he again scored a streak of unanswered points - eight this time - to win game two.

Carson carried that momentum over into game three, as he went up 9-0 before Camacho got on the board. But still Camacho fought hard, as he cut the lead to three pointat 10-7. But that was as close as he’d get, as Carson ended the game and match with a forehand reverse pinch.

The Ghost of Georgetown final will be Sunday at noon. Watch the action live via the IRT Network.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Semi-finals - Saturday


1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 5) Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-0, 11-2
2) Rocky Carson d. Felipe Camacho, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7

Final - Sunday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 2) Rocky Carson - Noon CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Suncoast Open Semi-finals

Third seed David Horn upset 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck, 15-12, 11-15, 11-8, in the semi-final of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Suncoast Open in Sarasota, Florida, Saturday, and he’ll face WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona in the final, as Cardona outlasted Andree Parrilla, 4-15, 15-6, 11-6, in the other semi-final.

Cardona and Horn have been the winners of the last four WRT events with Cardona winning three of them, including the most recent Atlanta Open last weekend, and Horn the other, when he defeated Cardona in the final of the San Luis Open in August.

In their tie-breaker, Cardona took an early lead on Parrilla at 4-2, and he never relinquished that, although Parrilla was down five points at 8-3, he fought back to 8-6, but that was as much as Parrilla could get as Cardona held him at six and scored that last three points to win the game and match.

The match winner was a Parrilla serve return skip off a Cardona Z serve to Parrilla’s backhand on a second serve.

The singles final will be noon on Sunday with the doubles final to follow at 1 PM. You can follow the action via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday


1) Alejandro Cardona d. 4) Andree Parrilla, 4-15, 15-6, 11-6
3) David Horn d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-12, 11-15, 11-8

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini - 7 PM
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco - 7 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Suncoast Open Quarterfinals

The top four seeds won their respective quarterfinals Saturday at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Suncoast Open in Sarasota, Florida, although the 3rd and 4th seeds both needed tie-breakers to advance to the semi-finals. Top seed Alejandro Cardona defeated Jaime Martell, 15-1, 15-10, and 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck beat Christian Longoria, 15-4, 15-12.

However, 3rd seed David Horn and 4th seed Andree Parrilla went breaker with their respective opponents. Horn needed three games to fend off his sometime doubles partner Anthony Herrera, 15-7, 11-15, 11-5, and Parrilla came from a game down against Sebastian Franco to win 8-15, 15-6, 11-5.

The semi-finals go at 5 PM EDT on Saturday afternoon. The singles final will be noon on Sunday with the doubles final to follow at 1 PM. You can follow the action via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Quarterfinals


1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Jaime Martell, 15-1, 15-10
4) Andree Parrilla d. 5) Sebastian Franco, 8-15, 15-6, 11-5

3) David Horn d. 6) Anthony Herrera, 15-7, 11-15, 11-5
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 7) Christian Longoria, 15-4, 15-12

Men’s Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 4) Andree Parrilla - 6 PM
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 3) David Horn - 5 PM

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini - 7 PM
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco - 7 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, September 18, 2015

2015 WRT Suncoast Open Round of 16

The top eight World Racquetball Tour (WRT) players have all made it into the quarterfinals of the Suncoast Open in Sarasota, Florida, and they all did so by winning their Round of 16 matches in two straight games with one exception. The exception was 5th seed Sebastian Franco who needed three games to fend off 21st seed Kevin Vazquez, 15-10, 14-15, 11-7. Vazquez was an upset winner in the Round of 32, when be beat 12th seed Brent Walters, and he almost did it again in the 16s.

Franco got the better of Vazquez again in doubles, and again it took three games, as Franco and Gerardo Franco defeated Vazquez and Noslen Jimenez, 10-15, 15-4, 11-5, in the quarterfinals. Franco and Franco, seeded 3rd, will face 2nd seeds Jaime Martell and Jose Daniel Ugalde in the quarters Saturday, as Martell and Ugalde beat TOby St. Pierre and Brent Walters, 15-5, 15-6, in the quarters.

Alejandro Cardona, who won both singles and doubles last weekend in Atlanta, is on track to do it again after defeating Mike Harmon, 15-10, 15-1, in Men’s Singles and playing with Christian Longoria, beat Harmon and Wesley Miller, 15-10, 15-6, in Men’s Doubles.

The quarterfinals begin at 10 AM EDT Saturday morning with the semi-finals to go at 5 PM EDT on Saturday afternoon. The singles final will be noon on Sunday with the doubles final to follow at 1 PM. You can follow the action via the WRT website.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Round of 16


1) Alejandro Cardona d. 16) Mike Harmon, 15-10, 15-1
9) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 8) Jaime Martell, 15-4, 15-10

5) Sebastian Franco d. 21) Kevin Vazquez, 15-10, 14-15, 11-7
4) Andree Parrilla d. 13) Nicolai Miramontes, 15-4, 15-11

3) David Horn d. 14) Matt Fontana, 15-3, 15-4
6) Anthony Herrera d. 11) Gerardo Guevara, 15-10, 15-13

7) Christian Longoria d. 10) Gerardo Franco, 15-12, 15-4
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 15) Jeremy Best, 15-6, 15-7

Men’s Singles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Jaime Martell
4) Andree Parrilla v. 5) Sebastian Franco

3) David Horn v. 6) Anthony Herrera
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 7) Christian Longoria

Men’s Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria d. 8) Mike Harmon & Wesley Miller, 15-10, 15-6
4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini d. 5) David Horn & Gene Rebeor, 15-10, 15-10

3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco d. 11) Noslen Jimenez & Kevin Vazquez, 10-15, 15-4, 11-5
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 7) Toby St Pierre & Brent Walters, 15-5, 15-6

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco

Follow the bouncing ball….

IRT Ghost of Georgetown Quarterfinals

Jose Rojas came back from a game down to defeat Daniel De La Rosa in five games in the quarterfinals of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas, 9-11, 12-10, 11-1, 7-11, 11-9. Rojas will play IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk in the semi-finals on Saturday, as Waselenchuk defeated Jose Diaz, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2, in the quarters.

De La Rosa looked like he would be the winner early in game five, as he went out to leads of 7-2 and 9-3. But Rojas dug in, and kept plugging away, tying the game at 9-9. His eighth point was a flat backhand pinch, and the was a great get that he reached back for to just keep the ball in play as it looked like it was going to die in the back left corner.

De La Rosa called a timeout at 9-9 after getting the serve back, but he wasn’t able to take advantage of that. Rojas won the match off a lob nick serve to the left that led to a third shot forehand pinch winner.

On the other side of the draw, Felipe Camacho beat Bradly Rogers, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4, in a match of two upset winners from the Round of 16. Camacho will play his first IRT semi-final Saturday, when he’ll face IRT #2 Rocky Carson, who was a winner over Jansen Allen in three straight games, 11-7, 11-1, 11-5.

Ben Croft Update

Of note, Ben Croft, who lost to Camacho in the 16s, spoke of this performance during the IRT Network quarterfinal coverage, and characterized his participation in the Ghost of Georgetown tournament as a “rehab start” to use a baseball analogy, where pitchers are sent to minors when they are coming back from injuries to prepare for big league games.

Croft said he was in Kansas to avoid getting zero points for the event. He was a semi-finalist there last year, so missing the event would have meant dropping a lot of points. A Round of 16 result is already substantially fewer points than a semi-final result, but it’s not zero points, which he would have got by missing the event.

Croft intends to be fully fit for the US Open, which begins October 7 in Minneapolis.

The Ghost of Georgetown semi-finals begin at 4 PM CDT Saturday afternoon and final on Sunday at noon. You can follow the action via the IRT Network.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Quarterfinals - Friday


1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Jose Diaz, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
5) Jose Rojas d. 4) Daniel De La Rosa, 9-11, 12-10, 11-1, 7-11, 11-9

Felipe Camacho v. Bradly Rogers, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. 7) Jansen Allen, 11-7, 11-1, 11-5

Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 5) Jose Rojas - 5 PM CDT
2) Rocky Carson v. Felipe Camacho - 4 PM CDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Suncoast Open Round of 32

Only one upset in the Round of 32 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Suncoast Open in Sarasota, Florida, as 21st seed Kevin Vazquez defeated 12th seed Brent Walters, 9-15, 15-7, 11-7. Next up for Vazquez is 5th seed Sebastian Franco in the Round of 16.

Of the other matches in the 32s, we were surprised by the decisiveness of Jose Daniel Ugalde’s win over Noslen Jimenez, which was 15-1, 15-3 victory, because Jimenez is a player who gives 110% on the court, so we’d expect that he’d get more than four points in two games even against a quality player like Ugalde.

You can follow the action via the WRT website. The Round of 16 begins at 5 PM EDT Friday with the quarterfinals and semi-finals on Saturday morning and evening, respectively, and the final at noon on Sunday.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Round of 32


1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
16) Mike Harmon d. 17) Rod Van Dyke, 15-10, 15-5

9) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 24) Noslen Jimenez, 15-1, 15-3
8) Jaime Martell d. 25) Scott Rubin, 15-14, 15-2

5) Sebastian Franco - BYE
21) Kevin Vazquez d. 12) Brent Walters, 9-15, 15-7, 11-7

13) Nicolai Miramontes d. 20) Nick Hand, 15-14, 15-6
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE

3) David Horn - BYE
14) Matt Fontana d. 19) Wesley Miller, 12-15, 15-12, 11-5

11) Gerardo Guevara d. 22) Robert Koontz, 15-3, 15-4
6) Anthony Herrera d. 27) Bobby Morales, 15-5, 15-4

7) Christian Longoria d. 26) Luciano Soltren, 15-5, 15-4
10) Gerardo Franco d. 23) Armany Gonzalez, 15-0, 15-0

15) Jeremy Best d. 18) Toby St Pierre, 15-4, 15-12
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Men’s Singles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 16) Mike Harmon
9) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 8) Jaime Martell

5) Sebastian Franco v. 21) Kevin Vazquez
4) Andree Parrilla v. 13) Nicolai Miramontes

3) David Horn v. 14) Matt Fontana
6) Anthony Herrera v. 11) Gerardo Guevara

7) Christian Longoria v. 10) Gerardo Franco
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 15) Jeremy Best

Men’s Doubles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria - BYE
8) Mike Harmon & Wesley Miller d. 9) Armany Gonzalez & Robert Koontz, 15-8, 15-1

5) David Horn & Gene Rebeor - BYE
4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini - BYE

3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco - BYE
11) Noslen Jimenez & Kevin Vazquez d. 6) Jeremy Best & Matt Fontana, 15-6, 14-15, 11-8

7) Toby St Pierre & Brent Walters d. 10) Nick Hand & James Russell, 15-11, 15-7
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE

Men’s Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 8) Mike Harmon & Wesley Miller
4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini v. 5) David Horn & Gene Rebeor

3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco v. 11) Noslen Jimenez & Kevin Vazquez
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 7) Toby St Pierre & Brent Walters

Follow the bouncing ball….

16th Annual Ghost of Georgetown Round of 16

Felipe Camacho upset 6th Ben Croft in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas, as Croft retired in the middle of game four with the score, 7-0. Croft had surgery a few months ago, and was perhaps too ambitious in trying to get back to the IRT so soon after that. The final scores were 11-0, 2-11, 11-5, 7-0 - retired, in Camacho’s favor.

Camacho served mostly to Croft’s forehand, and did so successfully, which was an unusual tactic, as Croft is known for his great forehand shots. That he was unable to return serve well today was likely a combination of the recent surgery and the time off from racquetball training the recovery and rehabilitation from that surgery demanded.

Camacho will face another upset winner, as Bradly Rogers defeated 3rd seed Alvaro Beltran, 3-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, in the 16s. Thus, either Camacho or Rogers will appear in their first career semi-final on Saturday.

IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk had little trouble advancing to the quarters, as he defeated Brad Schopieray in three straight games, 11-0, 11-4, 11-5. Waselenchuk is face Jose Diaz, who was an upset winner over 8th seed Robert Collins, 11-6, 11-1, 11-6.

On the bottom of the draw, two USA National Team players from this year’s Pan American Games will face off in the quarters when 2nd seed Rocky Carson takes on 7th seed Jansen Allen. Carson beat Mario Mercado, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9, and Allen defeated Matthew Majxner, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4, in the Round of 16.

The quarterfinals begin at 5 PM CDT Friday with the semi-finals Saturday afternoon and final on Sunday at noon. You can follow the action via the IRT Network.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Round of 16 - Friday


1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Brad Schopieray, 11-0, 11-4, 11-5
Jose Diaz d. 8) Robert Collins, 11-6, 11-1, 11-6

5) Jose Rojas d. Mauricio Zelada, 11-0, 11-4, 11-4
4) Daniel De La Rosa d. Scott McClellan, 11-3, 11-1, 11-0

Bradly Rogers d. 3) Alvaro Beltran, 3-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8
Felipe Camacho d. 6) Ben Croft, 11-0, 2-11, 11-5, 7-0, retired injury

7) Jansen Allen d. Matthew Majxner, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. Mario Mercado, 11-5, 11-4, 11-9

Quarterfinals - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Jose Diaz
4) Daniel De La Rosa v. 5) Jose Rojas

Felipe Camacho v. Bradly Rogers
2) Rocky Carson v. 7) Jansen Allen

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Suncoast Open Preview

The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) is back in action with the second of back to back events, as the Suncoast Open begins Friday in Sarasota, Florida. Last weekend, Alejandro Cardona won the Grace Warrior Atlanta Open defeating Jake Bredenbeck in the final. Cardona also won doubles with Christian Longoria, when they beat Gerardo Franco and Anthony Herrera in the final.

Cardona and Bredenbeck are back in action again along with 25 others vying for the singles title with 22 (11 teams) in the doubles draw. Cardona and Longoria are playing doubles again, but Franco is playing with Sebastian Franco (no relation we believe as Gerardo’s from Mexico and Sebastian’s from Colombia) as Herrera opted out of doubles in Sarasota.

Cardona is looking to solidify his #1 WRT ranking, having won three of the last four WRT events. Bredenbeck is the WRT #2, and has finished runner up in the last four events. He’ll certainly be looking to get over that hump, and back in the winners’ circle.

You can follow the action via the WRT website. The Round of 32 will begins at noon EDT Friday with the Round of 16 to start at 5 PM EDT. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will be Saturday morning and evening, respectively with the final at noon on Sunday.

2015 WRT Suncoast Open
Sarasota, Florida

Men’s Singles - Round of 32


1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
16) Mike Harmon v. 17) Rod Van Dyke

9) Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 24) Noslen Jimenez
8) Jaime Martell v. 25) Scott Rubin

5) Sebastian Franco - BYE
12) Brent Walters v. 21) Kevin Vazquez

13) Nicolai Miramontes v. 20) Nick Hand
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE

3) David Horn - BYE
14) Matt Fontana v. 19) Wesley Miller

11) Gerardo Guevara v. 22) Robert Koontz
6) Anthony Herrera v. 27) Bobby Morales

7) Christian Longoria v. 26) Luciano Soltren
10) Gerardo Franco v. 23) Armany Gonzalez

15) Jeremy Best v. 18) Toby St Pierre
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Men’s Doubles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria - BYE
8) Mike Harmon & Wesley Miller v. 9) Armany Gonzalez & Robert Koontz

5) David Horn & Gene Rebeor - BYE
4) Gerardo Guevara & Rafael Filippini - BYE

3) Gerardo Franco & Sebastian Franco - BYE
6) Jeremy Best & Matt Fontana v. 11) Noslen Jimenez & Kevin Vazquez

7) Toby St Pierre & Brent Walters v. 10) Nick Hand & James Russell
2) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, September 17, 2015

16th Annual Ghost of Georgetown - Preliminary matches

No upsets in the preliminary matches at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Ghost of Georgetown tournament in Overland Park, Kansas, which kicks off the 2015-16 IRT season. Two matches did go to four games, as Mauricio Zelada defeated Troy Warigon, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-7, and Scott McClellan beat John Hudson, 11-3, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7.

Zelada will play 5th seed Jose Rojas in the Round of 16 Friday, while McClellan will face 4th seed Daniel De La Rosa.

IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk will be up against a fellow left hander in the 16s, as Brad Schopieray defeated Cody Hudson, 11-0, 11-8, 14-12, on Thursday.

Any upsets in the 16s would be big surprises to us, but if the top 8 seeds go through to the quarterfinals, those four matches should all be good, especially De La Rosa versus Rojas, and 3rd seed Alvaro Beltran against 6th seed Ben Croft.

The Round of 16 begins Friday morning with the quarterfinals Friday evening, semi-finals Saturday afternoon and final on Sunday at noon. You can follow the action via the IRT Network.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Preliminary Round - Thursday


Q8) Brad Schopieray d. Cody Hudson, 11-0, 11-8, 14-12
Q1) Jose Diaz - BYE

Q4) Mauricio Zelada d. Troy Warigon, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6, 11-7
Q5) Scott McClellan d. John Hudson, 11-3, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7

Q6) Bradly Rogers d. Jeremy McGlothin, 11-3, 11-5, 11-2
Q3) Felipe Camacho - BYE

Q2) Matthew Majxner - BYE
Q7) Mario Mercado d. Filip Vesely, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Brad Schopieray
8) Robert Collins v. Jose Diaz

5) Jose Rojas v. Mauricio Zelada
4) Daniel De La Rosa v. Scott McClellan

3) Alvaro Beltran v. Bradly Rogers
6) Ben Croft v. Felipe Camacho

7) Jansen Allen v. Matthew Majxner
2) Rocky Carson v. Mario Mercado

Follow the bouncing ball….

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

16th Annual Ghost of Georgetown IRT Preview

The 2015-16 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) kicks off this weekend with the Ghost of Georgetown event in Overland Park, Kansas. With 21 players, it’s not a big draw, but there were 24 players in this event last year, so there are about the same number this year.

When last we saw the IRT, Kane Waselenchuk captured his 10th IRT season ending #1 title on the basis of 10 tournament victories last season, although it wasn’t until the last event that his 10th #1 was assured, as Rocky Carson was #1 for most of last season primarily due to Waseelenchuk being hampered by an inner ear problem that he’s sometimes had in his career.

Carson finished as #2 with three tournament wins and eight runner up finishes. Alvaro Beltran finished #3 and Daniel De La Rosa was 4th helped by his first career IRT win at the New Jersey Open.

They are all in the draw, as well as Ben Croft, who returns to the IRT after having surgery on his right shoulder, and Jose Rojas, who played well in capturing gold in doubles with Jansen Allen at the Pan American Games in July.

Jose Diaz heads the list of players looking to qualify for the Round of 16, but other players to watch in the qualifiers include Felipe Camacho, Matthew Majxner, Brad Schopieray and Mauricio Zelada.

The 16th Ghost of Georgetown, September 17-20, 2015
Overland Park, Kansas

Preliminary Round - Thursday


Q8) Brad Schopieray v. Cody Hudson
Q1) Jose Diaz - BYE

Q4) Mauricio Zelada v. Troy Warigon
Q5) Scott McClellan v. John Hudson

Q6) Bradly Rogers v. Jeremy McGlothin
Q3) Felipe Camacho - BYE

Q2) Matthew Majxner - BYE
Q7) Filip Vesely v. Mario Mercado

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8) Robert Collins v. Q1

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

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

7) Jansen Allen v. Q2
2) Rocky Carson v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Cardona wins singles & doubles at WRT 2015 Grace Warrior Atlanta Open

Alejandro Cardona lived up to the top seeding Sunday, as he won both the singles and doubles divisions at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Grace Warrior Atlanta Open. In singles, Cardona beat Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-12, and in doubles he and Christian Longoria defeated Gerardo Franco and Anthony Herrera, 15-3, 15-11.

Cardona's now won three of the last four WRT events. He was a semi-finalist in the last WRT event, when David Horn defeated Cardona and won on to win the San Luis Open. For his part, Bredenbeck has been runner-up in the last three WRT events.

The WRT will be back in action next weekend in Sarasota, Florida with the Suncoast Open, September 17-20.

2015 WRT Atlanta Open
Atlanta, Georgia


Men’s Singles - Final

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-6, 15-12

Men’s Doubles - Final

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria d. 3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera, 15-3, 15-11

Follow the bouncing ball….

Saturday, September 12, 2015

WRT 2015 Grace Warrior Atlanta Open - Semi-finals

Alejandro Cardona is a double finalist at the the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Grace Warrior Atlanta Open, as he won his semi-final matches in both singles and doubles Saturday. But again Cardona was pushed to a third game, which he won by the narrowest of margins, defeating Andree Parrilla, 15-10, 11-15, 11-10, in the semi-finals.

Cardona, the top seed in both singles and doubles in Atlanta, will face 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck in the final Sunday, and Bredenbeck also needed a tie-breaker to get to the final, as she beat David Horn, 15-13, 8-15, 11-8.

In doubles, Cardona and Christian Longoria, seeded #1, beat 4th seeds Jaime Martell and Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-5, 15-12, in one semi-final, while 3rd seeds Gerardo Franco and Anthony Herrera were upset winners over 2nd seeds Sebastian Franco and Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-11.

The singles final will be noon EDT on Sunday followed by the doubles final at 1 PM. You can watch the action live from Atlanta via the World Racquetball Tour website. Click the “Live” link in the upper right corner.

2015 WRT Grace Warrior Atlanta Open
Atlanta, Georgia

Men’s Singles - Semi-finals


1) Alejandro Cardona d. 4) Andree Parrilla, 15-10, 11-15, 11-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 3) David Horn, 15-13, 8-15, 11-8

Men’s Singles - Final - Sunday

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 2) Jake Bredenbeck - Noon EDT

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria d. 4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-5, 15-12
3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera d. 2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado, 15-7, 15-11

Men’s Doubles - Final - Sunday

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera - 1 PM EDT

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Atlanta Open - Quarterfinals

The seeds are continuing to win in Georgia at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Grace Warrior Atlanta Open, although again the top seeds are having more difficulty than lower seeds in advancing, as both #1 seed Alejandro Cardona and #2 Jake Bredenbeck needed tie-breakers to advance to the semi-finals early on Saturday.

Cardona defeated his doubles partner Christian Longoria in the quarterfinals, 15-5, 9-15, 11-5, while Bredenbeck came from a game down to beat Jaime Martell, 8-15, 15-12, 11-3.

In the semis, Cardona will face 4th seed Andree Parrilla, who defeated 5th seed Anthony Herrera in the quarters, 15-8, 15-7, and Bredenbeck's opponent will be fellow American David Horn, who was beat Sebastian Franco, 15-6, 15-2, in the quarterfinals.

The semi-finals in singles and doubles go Saturday evening with the final on Sunday at noon EDT (singles) and 1 PM EDT (doubles). You can watch the action live from Atlanta via the World Racquetball Tour website. Click the “Live” link in the upper right corner.

2015 WRT Atlanta Open
Atlanta, Georgia


Men’s Singles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Christian Longoria, 15-5, 9-15, 11-5
4) Andree Parrilla d. 5) Anthony Herrera, 15-8, 15-7

3) David Horn d. 6) Sebastian Franco, 15-6, 15-2
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 7) Jaime Martell, 8-15, 15-12, 11-3

Men’s Singles - Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 4) Andree Parrilla - Saturday 5 PM
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 3) David Horn - Saturday 4 PM

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde - Saturday 7 PM
2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera - Saturday 8 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

2015 WRT Atlanta Open - Round of 16, 32 & 64

No upsets to speak of down in Georgia at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Grace Warrior Atlanta Open, as the top eight seeds have made it through to the quarterfinals.

There were some tiebreakers in the Round of 16 though, including top seed Alejandro Cardona, who needed three games to get by Canadian Samuel Murray, 15-5, 9-15, 11-5. Cardona will play his doubles partner Christian Longoria, who was a winner over Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-8, 15-12, in the quarterfinals Saturday.

Also, 4th seed Andree Parrilla was pushed to three games by Mauricio Zelada, 10-15, 15-3, 11-7, and 7th seed Jaime Martell and 10th seed Mario Mercado played three also with Martell winning, 15-10, 8-15, 11-7.

You can watch the action live from Atlanta via the World Racquetball Tour website. Click the “Live” link in the upper right corner.

2015 WRT Atlanta Open
Atlanta, Georgia

Men’s Singles - Round of 64


1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
33) Jeremy Best d. 32) Todd Upchurch, 15-2, 15-1

17) Maurice Miller - BYE
16) Samuel Murray - BYE

9) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
24) Jamal Harris - BYE

25) Matt Fontana - BYE
8) Christian Longoria - BYE

5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Cruz Acosta - BYE

21) Michael Leduc - BYE
12) Gerardo Guevara - BYE

13) Mauricio Zelada - BYE
20) Kamyron Meedks - BYE

29) Troy Warigon - BYE
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE

3) David Horn - BYE
30) Marquis Miller - BYE

19) Robert Hemphill - BYE
14) Brent Walters - BYE

11) Gerardo Franco - BYE
22) Michael Smith - BYE

27) Austin Cunningham - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE

7) Jaime Martell - BYE
26) Destry Everhart - BYE

23) Bolaji Kukoyi - BYE
10) Mario Mercado - BYE

15) Nicolai Miramontes - BYE
18) Shane Karmelin - BYE

31) Brian Stone d. 34) John Crowe, 15-6, 15-2
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Men’s Singles - Round of 32

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 33) Jeremy Best, 15-7, 15-4
16) Samuel Murray d. 17) Maurice Miller, 15-12, 15-14

9) Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 24) Jamal Harris, 15-9, 15-7
8) Christian Longoria d. 25) Matt Fontana, 12-15, 15-0, 11-4

5) Anthony Herrera d. 28) Cruz Acosta, 15-0, 15-0
12) Gerardo Guevara d. 21) Michael Leduc, 15-1, 15-6

13) Mauricio Zelada d. 20) Kamyron Meedks, 15-4, 15-6
4) Andree Parrilla d. 29) Troy Warigon, 15-6, 14-15, 11-4

3) David Horn d. 30) Marquis Miller, 15-2, 15-6
14) Brent Walters d. 19) Robert Hemphill, 6-15, 15-9, 11-2

11) Gerardo Franco d. 22) Michael Smith, 15-10, 15-9
6) Sebastian Franco d. 27) Austin Cunningham, 15-3, 15-10

7) Jaime Martell d. 26) Destry Everhart, 15-6, 15-1
10) Mario Mercado d. 23) Bolaji Kukoyi, 15-4, 15-5

15) Nicolai Miramontes d. 18) Shane Karmelin, 15-8, 15-12
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 31) Brian Stone, 15-3, 15-4

Men’s Singles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 16) Samuel Murray, 15-5, 9-15, 11-5
8) Christian Longoria d. 9) Jose Daniel Ugalde, 15-8, 15-12

5) Anthony Herrera d. 12) Gerardo Guevara, 15-11, 15-12
4) Andree Parrilla d. 13) Mauricio Zelada, 10-15, 15-3, 11-7

3) David Horn d. 14) Brent Walters, 15-9, 15-9
6) Sebastian Franco d. 11) Gerardo Franco, 15-4, 15-14

7) Jaime Martell d. 10) Mario Mercado, 15-10, 8-15, 11-7
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 15) Nicolai Miramontes, 15-11, 15-6

Men’s Singles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Christian Longoria
4) Andree Parrilla v. 5) Anthony Herrera

3) David Horn v. 6) Sebastian Franco
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 7) Jaime Martell

Men’s Doubles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria - BYE
8) Shane Karmelin & Maurice Miller d. 9) Michael Smith & Brian Stone, 15-8, 15-7

5) Gerardo Guevara & Nicolai Miramontes d. 12) Cruz Acosta & Gary Clarke, 15-3, 15-2
4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 12) Bryan Titus & Jeremy Best, 10-15, 15-14, 11-8

3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera - BYE
6) Troy Warigon & Mauricio Zelada d. 11) Robert Hemphill & Bolaji Kukoyi, 13-15, 15-4, 11-3

7) Michael Leduc & Samuel Murray d. 10) Austin Cunningham & Marquis Miller, 15-3, 15-7
2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado - BYE

Men’s Doubles - Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria d. 8) Shane Karmelin & Maurice Miller, 15-7, 11-15, 11-4
4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde d. 5) Gerardo Guevara & Nicolai Miramontes, 15-7, 15-8

3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera d. 6) Troy Warigon & Mauricio Zelada, 15-14, 15-5
2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. 7) Michael Leduc & Samuel Murray, 15-3, 15-11

Men’s Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria v. 4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde
2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, September 10, 2015

WRT 2015 Grace Warrior Atlanta Open - Preview

The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) begins the first of back to back tournaments this weekend when they hit Atlanta for the the Grace Warrior Atlanta Open. The WRT will be in Sarasota, Florida next weekend for the Suncoast Open.

There’s another big field of players in Atlanta vying for the title with Alejandro Cardona as the top seed. Jake Bredenbeck is 2nd seed with David Horn and Andree Parrilla 3rd and 4th seeds, respectively.

They are also playing doubles in Atlanta, although of the top four seeds only Cardona is playing doubles. He’s the top seed in that draw also with partner Christian Longoria.

You can watch the action live from Atlanta via the World Racquetball Tour website. Click the “Live” link in the upper right corner.

2015 WRT Atlanta Open
Atlanta

Men’s Singles - Round of 64


1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
32) Todd Upchurch v. 33) Jeremy Best

17) Maurice Miller - BYE
16) Samuel Murray - BYE

9) Jose Daniel Ugalde - BYE
24) Jamal Harris - BYE

25) Matt Fontana - BYE
8) Christian Longoria - BYE

5) Anthony Herrera - BYE
28) Cruz Acosta - BYE

21) Michael Leduc - BYE
12) Gerardo Guevara - BYE

13) Mauricio Zelada - BYE
20) Kamyron Meedks - BYE

29) Troy Warigon - BYE
4) Andree Parrilla - BYE

3) David Horn - BYE
30) Marquis Miller - BYE

19) Robert Hemphill - BYE
14) Brent Walters - BYE

11) Gerardo Franco - BYE
22) Michael Smith - BYE

27) Austin Cunningham - BYE
6) Sebastian Franco - BYE

7) Jaime Martell - BYE
26) Destry Everhart - BYE

23) Bolaji Kukoyi - BYE
10) Mario Mercado - BYE

15) Nicolai Miramontes - BYE
18) Shane Karmelin - BYE

31) Brian Stone v. 34) John Crowe
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Men’s Doubles - Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona & Christian Longoria - BYE
8) Shane Karmelin & Maurice Miller v. 9) Michael Smith & Brian Stone

5) Gerardo Guevara & Nicolai Miramontes v. 12) Cruz Acosta & Gary Clarke
4) Jaime Martell & Jose Daniel Ugalde v. 12) Bryan Titus & Jeremy Best

3) Gerardo Franco & Anthony Herrera - BYE
6) Troy Warigon & Mauricio Zelada v. 11) Robert Hemphill & Bolaji Kukoyi

7) Michael Leduc & Samuel Murray v. 10) Austin Cunningham & Marquis Miller
2) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball….