Saturday, May 28, 2016

Carson & Rajsich win 2016 USA Racquetball National Team divisions

Rocky Carson and Rhonda Rajsich won their respective USA Team divisions at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships in Denver, Colorado on Saturday. Carson defeated Jose Diaz, 15-10, 15-2, in the men's final, while Rajsich beat Michelle Key, 15-7, 15-7, in the women's final.

They were both the points leaders going into National Singles, so both Carson and Rajsich have qualified to represent the USA at the 2016 World Championships. Carson is the 4 time reigning World Champion, while Rajsich has won the title twice, in 2008 and 2010.

If you missed the action from Denver, you can see the matches via the USA Racquetball Livestream channel.

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

Men's US Team Qualifying


Final

1) Rocky Carson d. 3) Jose Diaz, 15-10, 15-2

3rd place

2) Jake Bredenbeck & 4) Chris Crowther, double default

Women's US Team Qualifying

Final

1) Rhonda Rajsich d. 3) Michelle Key, 15-7, 15-7

3rd place

4) Cheryl Gudinas d. 7) Janel Tisinger, 4-15, 15-12, 11-2

Follow the bouncing ball….

Green & Saunders are 2016 Canadian Racquetball Champions

Mike Green and Jennifer Saunders are the winningest players at the Canadian National Championships, and Saturday they both extended their career records by winning the 2016 Canadian Men's and Women's Open titles, respectively, in Burlington, Ontario. With the win, Green ties Sherman Greenfeld with 10 singles titles, which is the most open singles titles by a man or woman. Saunders now trails them by one, as she won her 9th title Saturday.

Green, at 42 and without the meniscus in his right knee, is still a world class player, because he can drive serve with the best of them. He showed that in Saturday's final against 2nd seed Tim Landeryou, as he served 11 aces or service winners in taking the match in two straight games, 15-6, 15-8.

Saunders had a more difficult time Saturday, as Michèle Morissette gave her all she could handle before Saunders won 15-10, 17-15. Saunders didn't trail in game one, but in game two, she found herself down 6-1.

Saunders came back and led 12-9, but Morissette got to 14 first, and had four chances to force a tie-breaker, but failed to do so, as Saunders came back from 14-12 to tie it at 14-14, then again at 15-15, and eventually won 17-15.

Racquetball Canada streamed matches via their Facebook page, and if you missed them, you can check out the action there.

These championships were the last opportunity for players to earn points that will get them spots on the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2016 World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July. The team will be announced in the coming days.

2016 Racquetball Canada National Championships
May 23-28, Burlington, Ontario

Men's Open


Final

1) Mike Green d. 2) Tim Landeryou, 15-6, 15-8

3rd place

5) James Landeryou d. 6) Nicolas Bousquet, 10-15, 15-11, 11-3

Women's Open

1st Place

Jennifer Saunders d. Michèle Morissette, 15-10, 17-15

3rd Place

Alexis Iwaasa d. Danielle Drury, 18-16, 15-7

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, May 27, 2016

No upsets in semi-finals at Racquetball Canada Nationals

Mike Green, the #1 seed in Men's Open, has a chance to tie the career record for most titles Saturday at the Canadian Racquetball Championships in Burlington, Ontario, as he currently has 9 titles, which is 2nd to Sherman Greenfeld's 10. A win on Saturday against 2nd seed Tim Landeryou will bring Green into a tie with Greenfeld.

In Friday's semi-finals, Green defeated James Landeryou, Tim's younger brother, 15-8, 15-4. They were close in game one, and tied at 8-8, but from there Green outscored Landeryou 22 to 4. Green ended the match with four drive serves: a service winner to the left side and then three aces to the right side.

Tim Landeryou was tested more seriously in his semi, which he won against Nicolas Bousquet, 15-8, 15-10. Bousquet had the early lead in game one at 3-0, but after Landeryou tied him at 3-3, Landeryou pushed on to lead 7-3, and never trailed after that in game one.

In game two, Landeryou had the early lead at 4-1, but Bousquet put together six straight points to lead 7-4. But Landeryou went on a streak of his own, and got six straight points to lead 10-7, Bousquet responded by drawing within one at 10-9, but he couldn't get tie it, as Landeryou pushed on to win the match in two straight games. The winning point came as Bousquet skipped a serve return from a Z serve to the left side - Bousquet's backhand.

In Women's Open, Jennifer Saunders defeated Murielle Boivin, 15-4, 15-0, on Friday, and will play Michèle Morissette for the title Saturday, while Danielle Drury and Alexis Iwaasa will play for 3rd place.

Racquetball Canada is live streaming some of the matches via their Facebook page.

The singles competition concludes Saturday. These championships are the last opportunity for players to earn points that will get them spots on the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2016 World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July.

2016 Racquetball Canada National Championships
May 23-28, Burlington, Ontario

Men's Open


Semi-finals

1) Mike Green d. 5) James Landeryou, 15-8, 15-4
2) Tim Landeryou d. 6) Nicolas Bousquet, 15-8, 15-10

Final

1) Mike Green v. 2) Tim Landeryou - 2 PM

3rd place

5) James Landeryou v. 6) Nicolas Bousquet - Noon

Women's Open

Group 1


Jennifer Saunders d. Murielle Boivin, 15-4, 15-0

Group 2

Michèle Morissette d. Valerie Fallu, injury forfeit

1st Place

Jennifer Saunders v. Michèle Morissette - 1 PM

3rd Place

Danielle Drury v. Alexis Iwaasa - Noon

Follow the bouncing ball….

One plays three in Men's & Women's divisions at USA Racquetball Nationals

The top seeds will play the 3rd seeds in both the Men's and Women's Singles finals at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships in Denver, Colorado on Saturday. Men's #1 seed Rocky Carson needed a tie-breaker to advance to the final, as he went the distance in the semi-finals with 4th seed Chris Crowther, winning 13-15, 15-12, 11-7. Rhonda Rajsich, the Women's #1 seed, had an easier time of it in the semis on Friday, as she beat 4th seed Cheryl Gudinas, 15-4, 15-6.

Carson will play 3rd seed Jose Diaz in the final, as Diaz defeated 2nd seed Jake Bredenbeck, 15-10, 15-12, in the semis, while Rajisch will face women's 3rd seed Michelle Key, who beat Janel Tisinger, 15-4, 15-13.

You can watch the finals live from Denver via the USA Racquetball Livestream channel.

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

Men's US Team Qualifying


Semi-finals - Friday

1) Rocky Carson d. 4) Chris Crowther, 13-15, 15-12, 11-7
3) Jose Diaz d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-10, 15-12

Final - Saturday

1) Rocky Carson v. 3) Jose Diaz - 3 PM

Women's US Team Qualifying

Quarterfinals

1) Rhonda Rajsich d. 9) Kelani Bailey, 15-5, 14-15, 11-2
4) Cheryl Gudinas d. 5) Erika Manilla, 15-12, 8-15, 11-4

3) Michelle Key d. 6) Da'monique Davis, 15-12, 15-14
7) Janel Tisinger d. 2) Sharon Jackson, 15-6, 15-7

Semi-finals

1) Rhonda Rajsich v. 4) Cheryl Gudinas, 15-4, 15-6
3) Michelle Key d. 7) Janel Tisinger, 15-4, 15-13

Final - Saturday

1) Rhonda Rajsich v. 3) Michelle Key - 1 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

No upsets at USA Racquetball National Singles

No upsets so far at the USA Racquetball National Singles Championships in Denver, Colorado. Top men's seed Rocky Carson will play Chris Crowther Friday afternoon in one semi-final with two young players - Jose Diaz and Jake Bredenbeck - in the other semi.

On the women's side, they are playing both quarterfinals and semi-finals on Friday. Similar to the men's draw, veterans are the higher seeds on the top of the draw with Rhonda Rajsich as the #1 seed and Cheryl Gudinas as #4 while young players Sharon Jackson and Michelle Key are seeded #2 and #3, respectively, and on the bottom of the draw.

But women's top four seeds could be hard pressed to all make the semis, as their respective quarterfinal opponents are no pushovers. Rajsich is up against 9th seed Kelani Bailey, a former Intercollegiate and USA Junior champion. Gudinas faces current USA Junior champion Erika Manilla. Also, Jackson plays veteran Janel Tisinger, and Key plays Da'monique Davis, a Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour top 20 player.

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

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

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

Men's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16


1) Rocky Carson - BYE
9) Luis Avila d. 8) Garrett Tyler, 15-14, 15-10

5) Jeff Stark d. 12) Michael Nigro, 15-4, 15-5
4) Chris Crowther - BYE

3) Jose Diaz - BYE
6) Nicholas Riffel d. 11) Matt Melster, 15-1, 15-8

7) Andrew Gale d. 10) Andrew Clarke, 15-5, 15-10
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Quarterfinals

1) Rocky Carson d. 9) Luis Avila, 15-2, 15-3
4) Chris Crowther d. 5) Jeff Stark, 15-4, 15-6

3) Jose Diaz d. 6) Nicholas Riffel, 15-5, 15-6
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 7) Andrew Gale, 15-7, 15-6

Semi-finals - Friday

1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Chris Crowther - 5:30 PM
2) Jake Bredenbeck v. 3) Jose Diaz - 4:30 PM

Women's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16


1) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE
9) Kelani Bailey d. 8) Linda Tyler, 15-14, 15-11

5) Erika Manilla d. 12) Hannah Shnurman, 15-6, 15-2
4) Cheryl Gudinas - BYE

3) Michelle Key - BYE
6) Da'monique Davis d. 11) Mary Kirchoff, 15-7, 15-5

7) Janel Tisinger d. 10) Laura Brandt, 15-1, 15-5
2) Sharon Jackson - BYE

Quarterfinals - Friday

1) Rhonda Rajsich v. 9) Kelani Bailey - 1:30 PM
4) Cheryl Gudinas v. 5) Erika Manilla - 1:30 PM

3) Michelle Key v. 6) Da'monique Davis - 2:30 PM
2) Sharon Jackson v. 7) Janel Tisinger - 2:30 PM

Follow the bouncing ball….

Top seeds into semi-finals at the Canadian Racquetball Championships

No upsets in the Men's Singles quarterfinals at the Canadian Racquetball Championships in Burlington, Ontario on Thursday. Mike Green, the #1 seed, played well, and dispatched Nathaniel Husulak, 15-3, 15-0, and 2nd seed Tim Landeryou was also a straight game winner against Tommy Murray, 15-8, 15-8.

The other quarterfinal matches went tie-breaker, but the glass slippers broke for two players playing in their home province, as Corey Osborne and Eric Desrochers, lost in the quarters. Osborne, a former Men's Singes champion, fell to 5th seed James Landeryou, 15-13, 9-15, 11-8, and Desrochers lost to Nicolas Bousquet, 12-15, 15-4, 11-0.

Osborne came back in the breaker, and when he tied it at 8-8, it looked like he might pull it out another win, but three backhand winners by Landeryou ended the match. For Desrochers, he fell behind in the second game, and then seemed to decide to save himself for the tie-breaker, which seemed like a good strategic decision, but Bousquet carried the momentum into the breaker, and Desrochers couldn't turn the momentum in his favor.

The wins by the Landeryou brothers put them in the semi-finals for the first time, and set up a potential all Landeryou final. However, James, who is two years younger than Tim, will have to defeat Green to get there, which will be no mean feat.

In Women's Open, Michèle Morissette won a close match with Danielle Drury, 7-15, 15-3, 11-9, and Alexis Iwaasa defeated Murielle Boivin, 15-4, 15-7.

Racquetball Canada is live streaming some of the matches via their Facebook page.

The singles competition continues Friday. These championships are the last opportunity for players to earn points that will get them spots on the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2016 World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July.

2016 Racquetball Canada National Championships
May 23-28, Burlington, Ontario

Men's Open

Quarterfinals


1) Mike Green d. 8) Nathaniel Husulak, 15-3, 15-0
5) James Landeryou d. 13) Corey Osborne, 15-13, 9-15, 11-8

6) Nicolas Bousquet d. 14) Eric Desrochers, 12-15, 15-4, 11-0
2) Tim Landeryou d. 7) Tommy Murray, 15-8, 15-8

Semi-finals

1) Mike Green v. 5) James Landeryou
2) Tim Landeryou v. 6) Nicolas Bousquet

Women's Open

Group 1


Alexis Iwaasa d. Murielle Boivin, 15-4, 15-7

Group 2

Michèle Morissette d. Danielle Drury, 7-15, 15-3, 11-9

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, May 26, 2016

2016 USA Racquetball National Singles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Men's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16


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

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

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

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

Women's US Team Qualifying

Round of 16


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

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

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

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

Follow the bouncing ball….

Upsets on Day 1 of singles at the Canadian Racquetball Championships

Two big upsets on the first day of singles play at the Canadian Racquetball Championships in Burlington, Ontario, as the Men's 3rd and 4th seeds both lost in the Round of 16. Samuel Murray, the 3rd seed, and Pedro Castro, the 4th seed, won the Men's Doubles championship on Tuesday, but lost out in their first singles matches on Wednesday.

Murray lost to 14th seed Eric Desrochers, 15-12, 4-15, 11-8, while former Men's Singes champion Corey Osborne turned back time to defeat Castro, 6-15, 15-4, 12-10. Osborne's singles title came back in 2005.

Two other matches went tie-breaker, as 5th seed James Landeryou came back from a game down to defeat 12th seed Tanner Mattson, 14-16, 15-9, 11-6, and in a gutsy performance 7th seed Tommy Murray came from 10-2 down in the tie-breaker to beat 10th seed Trevor Webb, 15-6, 11-15, 12-10, in what was a battle of a former Canadian Boy's U18 champion against the current Boy's U18 champion. Murray felt ill prior to the breaker, but with his back against the wall, he tried to shoot everything and amazingly it worked out for him.

In Women's Open, Jennifer Saunders defeated Alexis Iwaasa, 15-4, 15-13, and Danielle Drury got a default win against Valerie Fallu, who has a shoulder injury that's preventing her from playing.

The singles competition continues Thursday. These championships are the last opportunity for players to earn points that will get them spots on the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2016 World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July.

2016 Racquetball Canada National Championships
May 23-28, Burlington, Ontario

Men's Open

Round of 16


1) Mike Green d. 16) Mitch Brayley, 15-2, 15-2
8) Nathaniel Husulak d. 9) Lee Connell, 15-8, 15-6

5) James Landeryou d. 12) Tanner Mattson, 14-16, 15-9, 11-6
13) Corey Osborne d. 4) Pedro Castro, 6-15, 15-4, 12-10

14) Eric Desrochers d. 3) Samuel Murray, 15-12, 4-15, 11-8
6) Nicolas Bousquet d. 22) Paul Albert, 15-0, 15-4

7) Tommy Murray d. 10) Trevor Webb, 15-6, 11-15, 12-10
2) Tim Landeryou d. 15) Francis Guillemette, 15-3, 15-6

Quarterfinals

1) Mike Green v. 8) Nathaniel Husulak
5) James Landeryou v. 13) Corey Osborne

6) Nicolas Bousquet v. 14) Eric Desrochers
2) Tim Landeryou v. 7) Tommy Murray

Round of 32

1) Mike Green - BYE
16) Mitch Brayley d. 17) Michael Leduc, 15-8, 15-9

9) Lee Connell d. 24) Dylan Scattolon, 15-8, 15-7
8) Nathaniel Husulak d. 25) Graham Frattinger, 15-11, 15-6

5) James Landeryou - BYE
12) Tanner Mattson d. 21) Simon Comeau, 15-11, 15-11

13) Corey Osborne d. 20) Barret Husulak, 15-4, 15-6
4) Pedro Castro - BYE

3) Samuel Murray - BYE
14) Eric Desrochers d. 19) Patrick Jauvin, 15-6, 15-12

22) Paul Albert d. 11) Tanner Prentice, 15-2, 15-12
6) Nicolas Bousquet d. 27) Steve Scagnetti, 15-6, 15-6

7) Tommy Murray d. 26) Jeremy Renaud, 16-14, 15-5
10) Trevor Webb d. 23) Kyle Wiseman, 15-8, 15-4

15) Francis Guillemette d. 18) David Serra, 15-7, 15-7
2) Tim Landeryou - BYE

Women's Open

Group 1


Jennifer Saunders d. Alexis Iwaasa, 15-4, 15-13

Group 2

Danielle Drury d. Valerie Fallu, injury default

Follow the bouncing ball….

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

First time Champions in Men's & Women's Doubles at the Canadian Racquetball Championships

The Canadian Racquetball Championships are on in Burlington, Ontario, and there are new champions in Men's and Women's Doubles. In Women's Doubles, Michèle Morissette and Christine Richardson defeated last year's champions - Jennifer Saunders and Danielle Drury, 10-15, 15-6, 11-0 - to take their first Canadian title. Morissette and Richardson represented Canada in Women's Doubles at last year's Pan American Championships.

On the men's side, brothers faced off in the final, as it was Samuel Murray and Pedro Castro against Tommy Murray and Nicolas Bousquet with Samuel and Castro coming out on top, 15-8, 15-1. The win is the first for Castro, and the second for Samuel Murray, who also won Men's Doubles in 2014 with Vincent Gagnon as his partner.

In the semi-finals earlier on Tuesday, Castro and Murray beat Eric Desrochers and Tim Landeryou, 15-12, 15-12, while Bousquet and Murray defeated Lee Connell and Nathaniel Husulak, 3-15, 15-11, 11-3.

The singles competitions begin Wednesday. These championships are the last opportunity for players to earn points that will get them spots on the Canadian National Team that will compete at the 2016 World Championships in Cali, Colombia in July.

2016 Racquetball Canada National Championships
May 23-28, Burlington, Ontario

Men's Open Doubles

Final


Samuel Murray & Pedro Castro d. Nicolas Bousquet & Tommy Murray, 15-8, 15-1

3rd Place

Eric Desrochers & Tim Landeryou d. Lee Connell & Nathaniel Husulak, 15-8, 15-13

Semi-finals

Samuel Murray & Pedro Castro d. Eric Desrochers & Tim Landeryou, 15-12, 15-12
Nicolas Bousquet & Tommy Murray d. Lee Connell & Nathaniel Husulak, 3-15, 15-11, 11-3

Women's Open Doubles - Standings

1. Michèle Morissette & Christine Richardson
2. Danielle Drury & Jennifer Saunders
3. Valerie Fallu & Alexis Iwaasa

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Waselenchuk wins 2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open

Kane Waselenchuk closed out the 2015-16 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) with a decisive win at the Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California Saturday. Waselenchuk beat IRT #3 Daniel De La Rosa in the final, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0, for his 10th win of the season. Waselencuk won 10 of the 14 IRT events this season, so will be the #1 player in the final rankings for a record extending 11th time.

Some may look at De La Rosa as the main rival to Waselenchuk for next season, as De La Rosa was a finalist in four of the last five events. However, current IRT #2 Rocky Carson won two of the last four events, so Carson is still a solid #2.

But cracks have shown in Carson in the second half of the season, including this weekend, as De La Rosa beat Carson in the semi-finals, 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-9. Also, time is on De La Rosa's side, as he's only 22 while Carson turned 37 on Saturday.

They will likely both represent their respective countries - USA for Carson and Mexico for De La Rosa - in the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Championships in July in Cali, Colombia, where Carson will try to win a 5th straight World Championship. If De La Rosa could prevent that, it would bode well for the next IRT season beginning in the fall.

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, May 19-21
Reseda, California


Final - Saturday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa, 11-4, 11-2, 11-0

Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-3, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6
3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 2) Rocky Carson, 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-9

Follow the bouncing ball….

Friday, May 20, 2016

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open Quarterfinals & Semi-finals

The top two seeds are through to the semi-finals at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California. IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk beat 8th seed Jansen Allen in four games, 11-3, 5-11, 11-2, 11-4, in the quarterfinals, and will play IRT #4 Alvaro Beltran in the semis Saturday, as Beltran defeated Marco Rojas in the quarters, 11-1, 11-9, 11-2.

IRT #2 Rocky Carson beat Mario Mercado, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7, in the quarters, and in the semi-finals will play 3rd seed Daniel De La Rosa, a winer over 6th seed Felipe Camacho, 11-2, 11-6, 11-7.

You can watch the IRT semi-finals live via the IRT Network at 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, May 19-21
Reseda, California


Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Andree Parrilla, 11-5, 11-3, 11-2
8) Jansen Allen d. Sebastian Franco, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-2

5) Marco Rojas d. Jake Bredenbeck, 11-5, 4-11, 11-6, 11-0
4) Alvaro Beltran d. Chris Crowther, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9

3) Daniel De La Rosa d. David Horn, 11-5, 11-6, 11-1
6) Felipe Camacho d. Robert Collins, 4-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-4

Mario Mercado d. 7) Jose Rojas, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7
2) Rocky Carson d. Scott McClellan, 11-1, 11-2, 11-4

Quarterfinals - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 8) Jansen Allen, 11-3, 5-11, 11-2, 11-4
4) Alvaro Beltran d. 5) Marco Rojas, 11-1, 11-9, 11-2

3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 6) Felipe Camacho, 11-2, 11-6, 11-7
2) Rocky Carson d. Mario Mercado, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7

Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 11 AM
2) Rocky Carson v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa - Noon

Follow the bouncing ball….

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open Preliminary Matches

The qualifying rounds at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Coast to Coast California Open Thursday in Reseda, California produced few surprises. In young guns showdown, Andree Parrilla defeated Jose Diaz, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5, which we thought would be a good match, and are a bit surprised that it was only three games. Parrilla will play IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk in the Round of 16 on Friday.

Former top 5 player Chris Crowther did make it to the 16s by beating Matthew Majxner, 11-4, 13-11, 11-2, so he'll play IRT #4 Alvaro Beltran Friday.

Finally, David Horn battled Charlie Pratt, and came out on top, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9, which puts Horn into the 16s against IRT #3 Daniel De La Rosa.

The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 4 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, May 19-21
Reseda, California

Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday


Keith Minor d. Jose Ubilla, 11-1, 13-11, 9-11, 11-0
Francisco Troncoso d. Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5
Chris Crowther d. David Hester, 11-0, 11-5, 11-4

David Horn d. Nicolai Miramontes, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9
Dane Elkins d. James Anderton, 11-3, 11-3, 11-0

John Wolfe d. Javier Rebollar, 11-1, 13-11, 11-8
Majeed Shahin d. Luis Felipe Muñoz, fft

Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday

Q8) Andree Parrilla d. Jose Diaz, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5
Q1) Sebastian Franco d. Keith Minor, 11-1, 11-7, 7-11, 11-1

Q4) Jake Bredenbeck v. Francisco Troncoso, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6
Q5) Chris Crowther d. Matthew Majxner, 11-4, 13-11, 11-2

Q6) David Horn d. Charlie Pratt, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9
Q3) Robert Collins d. Dane Elkins, 11-3, 11-7, 11-3

Q2) Mario Mercado d. John Wolfe, 11-3, 11-6, 11-6
Q7) Scott McClellan d. Majeed Shahin, 11-2, 12-10, 3-11, 3-11, 11-9

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Andree Parrilla
8) Jansen Allen v. Sebastian Franco

5) Marco Rojas v. Jake Bredenbeck
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Chris Crowther

3) Daniel De La Rosa v. David Horn
6) Felipe Camacho v. Robert Collins

7) Jose Rojas v. Mario Mercado
2) Rocky Carson v. Scott McClellan

Follow the bouncing ball….

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open Preview

The 2015-16 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) wraps up this weekend in Reseda, California with the Coast to Coast California Open. IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk demonstrated that he’s back to full fitness last week in Portland, where he won the ProKennex Tournament of Champions less than two months after undergoing emergency hernia surgery.

The win likely assures that Waselenchuk will finish at the #1 IRT player for a record extending 11th season. Waselenchuk will be looking to close out the season with another win, and we wouldn’t bet against him getting it.

However, there will be several good matches aside from King Kane. It will start in the preliminary rounds on Thursday. The 16/17 seed match features two good young players: Andree Parrilla and Jose Diaz with the winner facing Waselenchuk in the Round of 16 on Friday.

Also, Charlie Pratt will likely face David Horn on Thursday with the winner taking on IRT #3 Daniel De La Rosa in the 16s. In the 16s, Sebastian Franco will likely qualify to face Jansen Allen, and Jake Bredenbeck is the likely opponent for Marco Rojas.

Finally of note in the draw is former top 5 player Chris Crowther who will have to defeat Matthew Majxner to get into the Round of 16, where he would face IRT #4 Alvaro Beltran.

The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 4 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, May 19-21
Reseda, California


Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday

Keith Minor v. Jose Ubilla
Francisco Troncoso v. Alexi David Cocco Hayes
Chris Crowther v. David Hester

David Horn v. Nicolai Miramontes
Dane Elkins v. James Anderton

John Wolfe v. Javier Rebollar
Majeed Shahin v. Luis Felipe Muñoz

Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday

Q8) Andree Parrilla v. Jose Diaz
Q1) Sebastian Franco v. Keith Minor or Jose Ubilla

Q4) Jake Bredenbeck v. Francisco Troncoso or Alexi David Cocco Hayes
Q5) Matthew Majxner v. Chris Crowther or David Hester

Q6) Charlie Pratt v. David Horn or Nicolai Miramontes
Q3) Robert Collins v. Dane Elkins or James Anderton

Q2) Mario Mercado v. John Wolfe or Javier Rebollar
Q7) Scott McClellan v. Majeed Shahin or Luis Felipe Muñoz

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8) Jansen Allen v. Q1

5) Marco Rojas v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5

3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q6
6) Felipe Camacho v. Q3

7) Jose Rojas v. Q2
2) Rocky Carson v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….

Monday, May 16, 2016

Cardona wins twice at WRT Midwest Championships

Alejandro Cardona defeated David Horn in three games, 8-15, 15-10, 11-8, to win the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Midwest Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday. Cardona followed the up by getting the best of Horn again in Men’s Doubles, as Cardona and Jaime Martell defeated Horn and Sebastian Franco, 11-15, 15-12, 11-5.

The next WRT event is the Long Beach Doubles Grand Slam in Long Beach, California June 15-18, and that will be followed by the Mexico Open in Juarez, Mexico June 23-26.

2016 WRT Midwest Championships - Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 13-15, 2016

Final

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 3) David Horn, 8-15, 15-10, 11-8

Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona d. 4) Jaime Martell, 15-7, 15-2
3) David Horn d. 2) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-8, 15-7

Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona d. Sebastian Fernandez, 15-4, 15-9
4) Jaime Martell d. 12) John Goth, 15-2, 15-8

3) David Horn d. Rafael Filippini, 15-7, 15-13
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. Miguel Rodriguez, Jr., 15-5, 15-2

Round of 16

1) Alejandro Cardona d. Joel Cassens, 15-5, 15-12
9) Sebastian Fernandez d. 8) Luis Avila, 12-15, 15-9, 11-5

12) John Goth d. 5) Sebastian Franco, 15-14, 15-8
4) Jaime Martell d. 13) Michael Gage, 15-0, 15-5

3) David Horn d. 14) Lee Meinerz, 15-9, 15-9
11) Rafael Filippini d. 6) Francisco Troncoso, 8-15, 15-14, 11-8

7) Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. d. 10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-1, 15-3
2) Jake Bredenbeck d. 18) Darrin Prince, 15-7, 15-0

Round of 32

1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
17) Joel Cassens d. 16) Shawn Merrill, 15-11, 9-15, 11-7

9) Sebastian Fernandez - BYE
8) Luis Avila - BYE

5) Sebastian Franco - BYE
12) John Goth d. 21) Ted Rohlwing, 15-2, 15-4

4) Jaime Martell - BYE
13) Michael Gage d. 20) Luis Fernandez, 15-14, 15-12

3) David Horn - BYE
14) Lee Meinerz d. 19) Ellis Syke, 15-4, 15-7

11) Rafael Filippini - BYE
6) Francisco Troncoso - BYE

7) Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. - BYE
10) Alexi David Cocco Hayes - BYE

18) Darrin Prince d. 15) Ahren Backman, 15-0, 15-0
2) Jake Bredenbeck - BYE

Doubles - Final

1) Alejandro Cardona & Jaime Martell d. 2) Sebastian Franco & David Horn, 11-15, 15-12, 11-5

Semi-finals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Jaime Martell d. 4) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez, Jr., 15-5, 15-1
2) Sebastian Franco & David Horn d. 3) Luis Avila & Francisco Troncoso, 15-7, 15-14

Quarterfinals

1) Alejandro Cardona & Jaime Martell d. 8) Tanner Gross & Lee Meinerz, 15-1, 15-5
4) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez, Jr. d. 5) Rafael Filippini & Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-1, 15-12

3) Luis Avila & Francisco Troncoso d. 6) Matt Mahowald & Ellis Syke, 15-3, 15-2
2) Sebastian Franco & David Horn d. 7) Brian Pearson & Dan Salamone, 15-7, 15-10

Follow the bouncing ball….

Longoria wins LPRT Dare 2 Dream Championships

Paola Longoria won the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships in Stockton, California on Sunday, but she needed five games to defeat Rhonda Rajsich in the final, 11-5, 9-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-1. Longoria’s win maintains her undefeated season.

The 2015-16 LPRT season ends next month with the Tour Rosa Mexicano in Veracruz, Mexico June 10-12. If you missed any of this weekend’s action (or action from any part of the season check out the LPRT Livestream channel.

LPRT 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships
March 13-15, 2016 - Stockton, California

Final


1) Paola Longoria d. 2) Rhonda Rajsich, 11-5, 9-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-1

Follow the bouncing ball....

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Waselenchuk wins 2016 IRT Tournament of Champions

Kane Waselenchuk reaffirmed his position as the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Saturday by defeating #3 Daniel De La Rosa, 5-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3, to win the ProKennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon. Waselenchuk's win likely locks up the #1 ranking at season's end as there's only one more event to go, and we don't think #2 Rocky Carson will be able to get enough points from that event to overtake Waselenchuk in the rankings.

De La Rosa helped Waselenchuk's goal of being #1 at season's end by beating Carson in the semi-finals, 6-11, 11-7, 3-11, 11-4, 11-7, on Saturday.

The IRT will close out its 2015-16 season next weekend win the Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California, May 19-22.

2016 IRT ProKennex Tournament of Champions, May 12-15
Portland, Oregon


Semi-finals

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 5) Jose Rojas, 11-8, 12-10, 11-3
3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 2) Rocky Carson, 6-11, 11-7, 3-11, 11-4, 11-7

Final

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa, 5-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-3

Follow the bouncing ball….

2016 LPRT Dare 2 Dream Championships - Quarterfinals & Semi-finals

Paola Longoria and Rhonda Rajsich will play off in the final of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships in Stockton, California on Sunday, as they won their respective semi-finals Saturday afternoon. Longoria, the LPRT's #1 player, defeated 4th seed Frédérique Lambert, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8, in one semi, while Rajsich, the LPRT's #2 player, beat 6th seed Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2, in the other.

Parrilla was the surprise semi-finalist, as she upset 3rd seed Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5, in the quarterfinals.

The final is noon on Sunday, and can be seen live via the LPRT Livestream channel.

LPRT 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships
March 13-15, 2016 - Stockton, California


Quarterfinals

1) Paola Longoria d. 8) Alexandra Herrera, 11-4, 11-6, 11-0
4) Frédérique Lambert d. 12) Maria Renee Rodriguez, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3

6) Jessica Parrilla d. 3) Maria Jose Vargas, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5
2) Rhonda Rajsich d. 10) Carla Muñoz, 8-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4

Semi-finals

1) Paola Longoria d. 4) Frédérique Lambert, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8
2) Rhonda Rajsich d. 6) Jessica Parrilla, 11-7, 11-9, 11-2

Final - Sunday

1) Paola Longoria v. 2) Rhonda Rajsich - Noon

Follow the bouncing ball....

Friday, May 13, 2016

2016 LPRT Dare 2 Dream Championships - Round of 16

Maria Renee Rodriguez and Carla Muñoz caused the two upsets in the Round of 16 at the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships in Stockton, California Friday. Rodriguez, seeded 12th, defeated 5th seed Sofia Rascon, 11-4, 2-11, 11-4, 11-0, while 10th seed Muñoz beat 7th seed Michelle Key, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8.

In the quarterfinals, Rodriguez will take on 4th seed Frédérique Lambert, who was a winner over 13th seed Carolina Luque, 11-7, 11-3, 8-11, 11-1, in the 16s, and Muñoz faces LPRT #2 Rhonda Rajsich, who beat 15th Cecilia Pratt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-3.

The closest match of the day was between veteran Janel Tisinger and junior Hollie Scott, as Scott was up 2-1 on Tisinger only to see the veteran come back and win in five games, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-2, 11-2. However, Tisinger's good times were short lived, as she fell to LPRT #1 Paola Longoria in the Round of 16, 11-2, 11-2, 11-5.

The quarterfinals begin Saturday morning at 10 AM with the semi-finals following at 2 PM and 3 PM. and the final at noon on Sunday. Matches can be seen live via the LPRT Livestream channel.

LPRT 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships
March 13-15, 2016 - Stockton, California


Round of 16 (seedings)

1) Paola Longoria d. 16) Janel Tisinger, 11-2, 11-2, 11-5
8) Alexandra Herrera d. 9) Cristina Amaya, 2-11, 11-5, 11-0, 9-11, 12-10

12) Maria Renee Rodriguez d. 5) Sofia Rascon, 11-4, 2-11, 11-4, 11-0
4) Frédérique Lambert d. 13) Carolina Luque, 11-7, 11-3, 8-11, 11-1

3) Maria Jose Vargas d. 14) T. J. Baumbaugh, 11-1, 11-9, 11-2
6) Jessica Parrilla d. 11) Adrienne Haynes, 11-4, 11-1, 11-6

10) Carla Muñoz d. 7) Michelle Key, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8
2) Rhonda Rajsich d. 15) Cecilia Pratt, 11-0, 11-6, 11-3

Quarterfinals

1) Paola Longoria v. 8) Alexandra Herrera - 11 AM
4) Frédérique Lambert v. 12) Maria Renee Rodriguez - 11 AM

3) Maria Jose Vargas v. 6) Jessica Parrilla - 10 AM
2) Rhonda Rajsich v. 10) Carla Muñoz - 10 AM

First Round (seedings)

16) Janel Tisinger d. 17) Hollie Scott, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-2, 11-2

Follow the bouncing ball....

2016 IRT Tournament of Champions - Round of 16 & Quarterfinals Rounds

Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) has clearly recovered from the hernia surgery he had in March, as he won twice on Friday to advance to the semi-finals at the ProKennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon. Waselenchuk defeated Fernando Rios, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1, in the Round of 16, and then beat Mario Mercado, 11-4, 11-6, 11-1, in the quarterfinals.

In the quarters, Waselenchuk will face the winner of #5 Jose Rojas and Andree Parrilla, who upset IRT #3 Alvaro Beltran in the Round of 16, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-4, which was the biggest upset on Friday.

Charlie Pratt was also an upset winner Friday, as he beat 7th seed Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4. But Pratt then fell in the quarterfinals to IRT #2 Rocky Carson, 11-7, 11-0, 11-5. In the semi-finals, Carson will face IRT #3 Daniel De La Rosa, who defeated Jansen Allen in the quarters, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4.

The semi-finals will be streamed live Saturday at 11 AM and noon via the IRT Network with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT ProKennex Tournament of Champions, May 12-15
Portland, Oregon


Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Fernando Rios, 11-2, 11-2, 11-1
8) Mario Mercado d. Robert Collins, 11-4, 9-11, 10-12, 11-9, 11-2

5) Jose Rojas d. Scott McClellan, 11-6, 11-2, 11-2
Andree Parrilla d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-4

3) Daniel De La Rosa d. Cliff Swain, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-1
6) Jansen Allen d. Matthew Majxner, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4

Charlie Pratt d. 7) Felipe Camacho, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. Dylan Reid, 11-2, 12-10, 11-4

Quarterfinals - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 8) Mario Mercado, 11-4, 11-6, 11-1
5) Jose Rojas d. Andree Parrilla, 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 2-11, 11-7

3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 6) Jansen Allen, 11-1, 11-3, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 11-7, 11-0, 11-5

Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 5) Jose Rojas - 11 AM
2) Rocky Carson v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa - Noon

Follow the bouncing ball….

2016 IRT Tournament of Champions - Preliminary Rounds

The preliminary matches are over at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) ProKennex Tournament of Champions in Portland, Oregon, and there have been no real surprises. Ecuador’s Fernando Rios defeated Mexican veteran left-hander Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-8, 11-2, and will face IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk in the Round of 16 on Friday. Rios will be another strong first round opponent for Waselenchuk, who’s coming off emergency hernia surgery just six weeks ago.

Former IRT #1 Cliff Swain defeated Japanese veteran Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2, and will play young gun Daniel De La Rosa, the #3 IRT player, in the 16s.

The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 5 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT ProKennex Tournament of Champions, May 12-15
Portland, Oregon


Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday

Sunji Spencer d. Tim Prigo, 11-4, 4-11, 11-4, 11-2

Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday

Q8) Fernando Rios d. Javier Moreno, 11-8, 11-8, 11-2
Q1) Robert Collins d. Sunji Spencer, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4

Q4) Scott McClellan d. Dane Elkins, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-3
Q5) Andree Parrilla v. Kamyron Meeks

Q6) Cliff Swain d. Hiroshi Shimizu, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2
Q3) Matthew Majxner d. Farshid Guilak, 11-6, 11-2, 7-11, 11-3

Q2) Charlie Pratt d. Wayne Antone IV, 4-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-0
Q7) Dylan Reid d. Majeed Shahin, 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Fernando Rios
8) Mario Mercado v. Robert Collins

5) Jose Rojas v. Scott McClellan
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Andree Parrilla or Kamyron Meeks

3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Cliff Swain
6) Jansen Allen v. Matthew Majxner

7) Felipe Camacho v. Charlie Pratt
2) Rocky Carson v. Dylan Reid

Follow the bouncing ball….

Thursday, May 12, 2016

2016 IRT Tournament of Champions - Preview

The ProKennex Tournament of Champions - this weekend’s International Racquetball Tour (IRT) stop - begins today in Portland, Oregon. In the last IRT event in Sarasota, Florida last month, IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk defaulted at the early in game five, as he seemed to still be feeling the effects of the emergency hernia surgery he had in March.

We’ll see how fit Waselenchuk is now, but we understand that the recovery time for hernia surgery is 4-8 weeks, so Waselenchuk was pushing the envelope when he competed in Florida. Waselenchuk was undoubtedly in better condition than the average person prior to the surgery, but he’s also making greater demands on his body than the average person, so he really needs to be fully recovered to perform high level racquetball. This is where there’s a difference between being fit and being match fit with the latter being in a state that high performance athletes, like Waselenchuk, are in when they are competing.

Daniel De La Rosa has moved into the #3 on the IRT, so he’s the 3rd seed this weekend, and could face #2 Rocky Carson in the semi-finals. Those two met in the Florida final, which was another epic five game match with Carson coming back from 0-2 down to win 3-2, giving him a measure of payback for the five game win De La Rosa had over Carson at last year’s US Open.

De La Rosa’s first opponent in the Round of 16 on Friday will be one of two veteran players: Cliff Swain or Hiroshi Shimizu. Their qualifying match will be an interesting one.

Another interesting qualifying match will be veteran left-hander Javier Moreno versus Fernando Rios. They faced off in the final of Men’s Doubles at this year’s Pan American Championship with Moreno and Alejandro Landa defeating Rios and Jose Daniel Ugalde, but it’ll be one on one Thursday in Portland with the winner to face Waselenchuk in the 16s on Friday.

The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 5 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.

2016 IRT ProKennex Tournament of Champions, May 12-15
Portland, Oregon


Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday

Tim Prigo v. Sunji Spencer

Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday

Q8) Javier Moreno v. Fernando Rios
Q1) Robert Collins v. Tim Prigo or Sunji Spencer

Q4) Scott McClellan v. Dane Elkins
Q5) Andree Parrilla v. Kamyron Meeks

Q6) Cliff Swain v. Hiroshi Shimizu
Q3) Matthew Majxner v. Farshid Guilak

Q2) Charlie Pratt v. Wayne Antone IV
Q7) Majeed Shahin v. Dylan Reid

Round of 16 - Friday

1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8) Mario Mercado v. Q1

5) Jose Rojas v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5

3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q6
6) Jansen Allen v. Q3

7) Felipe Camacho v. Q2
2) Rocky Carson v. Q7

Follow the bouncing ball….

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

2016 LPRT Dare 2 Dream Championships - Preview

The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) penultimate event of the 2015-16 season is this weekend: the 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships in Stockton, California. The season will end with a Grand Slam level event: the Tour Rosa Mexicano in Veracruz, Mexico June 10-12, although there will be a Tier 5 event in Cochabamba, Bolivia: the Formulaflow Pro Am June 7-11.

The Dare 2 Dream event has a small draw with 17 players, but the top 8 players will all be there, including #1 Paola Longoria, who is aiming to go undefeated this season. Standing in her way are #2 Rhonda Rajsich, #3 Maria Jose Vargas and #4 Frédérique Lambert.

The action starts Friday, and the Round of 16 can be seen live via the LPRT Livestream channel from 4 PM Pacific time.

LPRT 2016 Dare 2 Dream Championships
March 13-15, 2016 - Stockton, California

Round of 32
(seedings)

1) Paola Longoria - BYE
16) Janel Tisinger v. 17) Hollie Scott

9) Cristina Amaya - BYE
8) Alexandra Herrera - BYE

5) Sofia Rascon - BYE
12) Maria Renee Rodriguez - BYE

13) Carolina Luque - BYE
4) Frédérique Lambert - BYE

3) Maria Jose Vargas - BYE
14) T. J. Baumbaugh - BYE

11) Adrienne Haynes - BYE
6) Jessica Parrilla - BYE

7) Michelle Key - BYE
10) Carla Muñoz - BYE

15) Cecilia Pratt - BYE
2) Rhonda Rajsich - BYE

Follow the bouncing ball....

Monday, May 2, 2016

Weekend Round Up - May 2, 2016

Charlie Pratt won Men’s Open at the Florida Regional Singles tournament in Sarasota, Florida, although he needed three tie-breakers over four matches, including both the final and semi-final to get it done. In the final, he beat Felipe Camacho, 15-9, 14-15, 11-9, and in the semi-finals, Pratt defeated Floridian Mike Harmon, 9-15, 15-8, 11-6. Camacho was also a tie-breaker winner over Alejandro Herrera in the other semi, 11-15, 15-10, 11-3.

But Camacho was a winner in Sarasota, as he and Jake Bredenbeck won Men’s Open Doubles, but again a tie-breaker was needed, as they went three games with Harmon and Alejandro Herrera, 15-10, 10-15, 11-5, in the final. In the semi-finals, Bredenbeck and Camacho defeated Pratt and Toby St. Pierre, 10-15, 15-14, 11-8, while Harmon and Herrera beat Sebastian Franco and Mario Mercado, 15-11, 15-13.

In women’s play, American junior Jordan Cooperrider got the better of Colombian veteran Cristina Amaya, 10-15, 15-11, 11-6. Amaya was playing her first tournament after surgery on her left foot. Amaya and Cooperrider teamed up and won the Women’s Open Doubles title together, defeating Sara Noyes & Janet Tyler, 15-9, 15-10, in the final.

German Open

Arne Schmitz defeated Oliver Bertels, 15-7, 5-15, 11-8, to win the 2016 German Open Sunday in Hamburg, Germany. Schmitz beat Pascal Matla, 15-2, 15-8, in one semi-final, while Bertels defeated Jan Lysakowski, 15-2, 15-8, in the other semi.

Schmitz and Bertels teamed up to win the doubles title, defeating Matla and Edwin Schipper in the final, 15-7, 15-6. In the semis, Schmitz and Bertels beat Joerg Ludwig and Mike Mesecke, 15-5, 15-9, while Matla and Schipper beat Lysakowski and Andre Dietrich, 15-9, 15-10.

There are no big tournaments this coming weekend, but the following weekend will see three tournaments going on. The Pro Kennex Tournament of Champions is the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event going on May 12-15 in Portland, Oregon. In Stockton, California, the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) will be competing in the 2016 Dare 2 Dream LPRT Championships, May 12-15. Finally, the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Midwest Championships, May 13-15.

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


Men’s Open - Final

Charlie Pratt d. Felipe Camacho, 15-9, 14-15, 11-9

Semi-finals

Felipe Camacho d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-15, 15-10, 11-3
Charlie Pratt d. Mike Harmon, 9-15, 15-8, 11-6

Quarterfinals

Felipe Camacho d. Andres Ramirez, 15-8, 15-11
Alejandro Herrera d. Troy Warigon, 15-3, 15-1

Charlie Pratt d. Andree Parrilla, 15-3, 15-14
Mike Harmon d. Mario Mercado, 15-13, 6-15, 11-7

Men’s Open Doubles - Final

Jake Bredenbeck & Felipe Camacho d. Mike Harmon & Alejandro Herrera, 15-10, 10-15, 11-5

Semi-finals

Mike Harmon & Alejandro Herrera d. Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado, 15-11, 15-13
Jake Bredenbeck & Felipe Camacho & Toby St. Pierre, 10-15, 15-14, 11-8

Women’s Open - Final

Jordan Cooperrider d. Cristina Amaya, 10-15, 15-11, 11-6

Semi-finals

Cristina Amaya d. Phyllis Morris, 15-10, 15-2
Jordan Cooperrider d. Cheryl Gudinas, 15-11, 15-9

Women’s Open Doubles - Final

Jordan Cooperrider & Cristina Amaya d. Sara Noyes & Janet Tyler, 15-9, 15-10

Semi-finals

Sara Noyes & Janet Tyler d. Tamika Holman & Phyllis Morris, 15-5, 15-11
Jordan Cooperrider & Cristina Amaya d. Melissa Harmon & Alyssa Liquori, 14-15, 15-1, 11-6

German Open
Hamburg, Germany


Men’s Open - Final

Arne Schmitz (Germany) d. Oliver Bertels (Germany), 15-7, 5-15, 11-8

Semi-final

Arne Schmitz (Germany) d. Pascal Matla (Netherlands), 15-2, 15-8
Oliver Bertels (Germany) d. Jan Lysakowski (Austria), 15-2, 15-8

Follow the bouncing ball….