Game 1: Kane Waselenchuk – 12; Jack Huczek – 10
Game 2: Kane Waselenchuk – 11; Jack Huczek – 1
Game 3: Kane Waselenchuk – 11; Jack Huczek – 3

Kane now holds the a 5th US OPEN title surpassing Susdy Monchik’s record of four!

IRT FINAL
1:00 P.M. – Stadium Court
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jack Huczek

How can two players be so similar, yet so different? Both have been ranked No. 1 in the world — Waselenchuk still is. Both were identified early as racquetball prodigies, and both won World Junior Championships — Huczek won many. Both married racquetball players, and both wives are from another country. But these men grew up in different countries, and maybe as a result have different game styles. Huczek is awesome and the textbook example of how you want to play. Waselenchuk is simply amazing and makes shots other players could only dream about.
Yet with all those similarities, they are vastly separated by US OPEN success. Waselenchuk has four titles to his name, while Huczek has none. On Sunday either Waselenchuk will go into the record books as the best men’s player in US OPEN history, or Huczek will take his first title.
In two meetings this year, Waselenchuk has won both. Going back to last season, Waselenchuk has defeated Huczek nine consecutive times. Kane is the only opponent Jack has a losing record against over the last three years. Watch out for who wins the first game, as the winner of that game of every Memphis final has lifted the US OPEN Cup.

Prediction: Kane in 4

WPRO FINAL
11:00 A.M. – Stadium Court
Paola Longoria vs. Rhonda Rajsich

After 47 matches, it all comes down to No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the 2009 US OPEN Women’s Professional Final. For Paola Longoria, a second US OPEN Championship would back up her outstanding 2008-2009 season and solidify her path to becoming one of the best the women’s game has ever seen. For Rhonda Rajsich, her goal is straight forward: Reclaim her spot atop the WPRO Rankings. An added goal for Rhonda is a third US OPEN Championship that would tie the record held by Christie Van Hees.
Paola and Rhonda are very familiar with each other’s games having met in the finals of five WPRO stops last season. Longoria won three of the matches, but each one was a battle. The last of Paola’s three wins over Rhonda was also her last tournament win on tour, a drought since March. Since then, Rhonda has closed the gap in the rankings and also notched a victory at the season opener in Dallas.
Both Paola and Rhonda won five game tiebreakers in the semifinals, but the stamina of these well-fit athletes shouldn’t be an issue. Expect a match of power versus power with the winner being the player who can keep rallies alive and put the ball away when given the opportunity.

Prediction: Rhonda in 4

10:00 A.M. – Stadium Court
Woody Clouse vs. Ruben Gonzalez

In what has become the best rivalry on the CPRT Tour, Woody Clouse and Ruben Gonzalez will meet in the US OPEN CPRT (Men’s 40+) Final. The top two CPRT ranked players met in two finals last season, splitting the matches. Woody’s power game has the slight edge over Ruben’s precision game heading into the final, but as they move to the Stadium Court that advantage may be naturalized. Be sure to grab a seat early, as these two won’t disappoint.

Prediction: Woody in 5

Click here to read more in The Daily Racquet!

IRT Semifinal #2
3:00 P.M. – Stadium Court
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Jason Mannino

Kane Waselenchuk is still on track for his record breaking fifth US OPEN title. While Jose Rojas put up a good fight, it now falls to two-time US OPEN winner Jason Mannino to take out the defending champion. It will be no small task, but Mannino continued to play very well in his victory over Vanderson in the quarters and, like Rojas, will certainly not be a push over.

The “Drive for Five” got a celebrated spectator Friday with the arrival of the other four time winner, Sudsy Monchik. Waselenchuk said he was inspired by Monchik’s presence, but you might think that the winner of the first ever US OPEN has a small part of him pulling for his childhood friend in this one. If Mannino can pull out the victory, he’ll put history on hold for another year.

WPRO Semifinal #1
11:00 A.M. – Stadium Court
Rhonda Rajsich vs. Cheryl Gudinas

Rhonda and Cheryl met in the semifinals at the Dallas WPRO Stop last month with Rhonda coming out on top in a dominating three game sweep. But the US OPEN is a much grander stage then a regular tour stop.

Rhonda is looking to erase her disappointing performance in Memphis last year and capture her record tying third US OPEN championship. The problem is that the three other ladies in semifinals are also all former US OPEN champions, including Cheryl who is also looking to win her third US OPEN.
Gudinas has made the US OPEN final six times, including the last three so she knows how to win here in Memphis. While Rhonda is looking to reclaim her top ranking in the world. Expect a close tie-breaking thriller here.

WPRO Semifinal #2
1:00 P.M. – Stadium Court
Paola Longoria vs. Kerri Wachtel

These two players also matched up in the semifinals at the first WPRO Stop of the season in Dallas. Paola jumped out quickly to take the first game, before Kerri stormed back to take the match in a fifth game tiebreaker. Both players are looking to capture their second US OPEN championship and will battle each other with contrasting styles.
Paola has the speed and power that took the WPRO by storm last season en route to her year end No. 1 ranking. Kerri plays with patience and precision that often frustrates her opponents. The winner of this match will set the tone and tempo early to fit their game style. Kerri is coming off a five game tiebreaker against Kristen Bellows, so we know she has the fight if she goes down early. Until today, Paola has yet to be tested.

Read more in The Daily Racquet.

 If you are interested please call (614) 890-6073 to check for current availability.

Although this event has sold out each of the last 13 years, at the time of this writing there are still a handful of spots left.  If you are interested in participating, call (800) 234-5396  ext. 129 to register. or click for an entry form.

 

 He’s BAAAACK!  Kane Waselenchuk will attempt to win his fifth consecutive US OPEN title and pass Sudsy Monchik as the only player to win 5. Can he do it?

Can Rocky Carson win another US OPEN title?  This year he will come in to the event ranked #2.  How will he handle the pressure of being expected to win contend?

Can Jack Huczek finally get over the hump and win his first US OPEN?

Can Jason Maninno do the unthinkable and win his third US OPEN title with yet another string of upset victories?

Cliff Swain has announced he will play the major events on the IRT this season.  That means another US OPEN with Swain in the mix!

Will Mitch Williams prove his 2007 National Singles win was not a fluke and back it up with a US OPEN title?

Will Williams, Vanderson, or Beltran make the life-changing leap into US OPEN immortality by winning the 2009 title?

Always the highlight of the US OPEN, the IRT draw will undoubtedly deliver another memorable year for racquetball fans throughout the world.   Never before has the excitement level been this high going in to the US OPEN.  For those of you that like to lay a little side wager on the action, allow me to give some insights that  may help you make some cash.

Kane Waselenchuk (1:2 odds) – The chances of Kane not winning the US OPEN are slim.  Everytime he steps foot on the court in Memphis his game rises to unseen levels.  Not only does he win all his matches at the US OPEN each year but often makes the other top players look downright silly.  Of course, an upset is always possible but highly unlikely with Kane.

Rocky Carson (4:1 odds) – Rocky Carson is coming off a strong season finishing #2 on the IRT.  However, he took quite a few beatings from Kane throughout the year and the scar tissue is starting to build up.  He has a strong chance to reach the finals but it would take a Herculean effort for him to upset Kane and win the tournament.  We would all love to someone step up and give Kane a match in the finals.

Jack Huczek (4.5:1 odds) – Despite never winning the US OPEN, Huczek still is a good bet to reach the finals and battle Kane for the title.  A Huczek vs Carson semi final will make for one heck of a match.  If Jack gets by Carson he has the best chance of anyone on the IRT to pull the upset.  He took Kane to 4 games on three different occasions last season and is not afraid to win.

Jason Mannino (9:1 odds) – Winning the US OPEN is about guts, stamina, and the willpower to dig down deep.  Being the most skilled player on the court does not even come close to guaranteeing a win.  Nobody on the IRT has more guts than Jason Maninno.  However, with the return of Kane and the fact that he routinely lost to Rocky and Jack all of last season the chances of him winning a third US OPEN are not great.  However, I have learned to never count out Jason and therefore have given him reasonable odds to win.

Alvaro Beltran (12:1 odds) – Beltran continues to be a big under-performer at the US OPEN and on tour in general.  For a guy with his enormous talent to have never won a pro stop (despite 7 finals appearances) is shocking.  Everyone on tour knows how dangerous this player can be as he has all the tools.  The question is, will he break through on the biggest stage and really show the fans what he has under the hood?  As I said in my review of Mannino, winning the US OPEN is more about guts than skill.  Would love to see Beltran finally show some real fire on the court and put forth the effort necessary to claim victory. 

Shane Vanderson (12:1 odds) – Vanderson has had success at the US OPEN, making the semi-finals three times, including in 2008.  Of all the players who have never won a pro stop, Shane has about the best chance of pulling off the impossible by making the US OPEN his first victory.  The reason is he tends to get “hot” from time to time.  When he is rolling the ball from the back of the court, nobody on tour can beat him.  He becomes impossible to score against.  All you can do is “weather the storm” and wait for him to cool off, which he usually does.  To win the US OPEN he would have to stay hot for multiple matches.  Never say never!

Mitch Williams (16:1 odds) – Mitch has never made the finals of a pro stop so the chances of him winning the US OPEN are a bit remote.  However, with the weapons he has on the court you never know when he is going to break loose with a life changing performance.  He did a couple years ago at the Nationals in Houston, knocking off two players in the top 5 to win the tourney.  Mitch remains one of my favorite players to watch on tour with his big time power and fearless shot selection.

Cliff Swain (25:1 odds) – The greatest player to ever play the game of racquetball, at age 42 he probably does not have another US OPEN title in him (especially with the return of Kane).  However, the thing about Swain is he always played his best racquetball of the season at the US OPEN.  I fully expect to see him playing at a high level and would not be surprised to see him pull an upset of a top 5 ranked player.  To win the tournament he would have to string together multiple upsets which is quite a tall order.  Still probably worth a small bet with the odds offering a strong return on your money.

Ben Croft (40:1 odds) Last season he beat Jason Mannino on tour twice (and two more times the year before!) and gave other top ranked players fits with his speed and determination.  He is probably not ready to win it all at the US OPEN but every season shows more improvement on tour.  Look for this young speedster to take someone in the top ranks to the wire.

Honorable Mentions:

Andy Hawthorne – last season was a bit disappointing for Hawthorne however he remains a determined competitor.  Perhaps the hardest working player on tour, look for Andy to go down swinging (and diving) at this years US OPEN.

Chris Crowther – also known as “the crippler”, Chris is another dark horse that has incredible talent on the court.  Nearly impossible to pass, he proves that players of all heights can play at the elite level with his 6’ 5” stature.  Always fired up on the court, look for Crowther to give someone fits in the round of 16.

Tony Carson – Never heard of him!  Well he won the 2008 Intercollegiate Championships and is the best new young player on the IRT.  He has a BIG game, BIG heart, and entertaining personality.  Not much chance of winning the tournament but a great chance to upset a top ranked player in the 16’s.

Jose Rojas – WOW what a game!  He has all the shots to compete with the elite guys on the IRT.  At some point Kane will end his reign as the worlds #1 ranked player and a new young gun will take his place.  Most folks “in the know” will tell you that Rojas is the best young player in the country and has the skills to be the best.  I suspect he will take a top player to the wire at the 2009 US OPEN.

In closing, the men of the IRT are ready to let it all loose at the 2009 US OPEN.  Get your seat early for the greatest show in sports and ENJOY!

 

This is the 2009 US OPEN Racquetball Championships.

The Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) will feature all of the best female athletes from across the world on the new four wall Lucite portable racquetball court to crown another US OPEN champion.

Leading the charge will be defending champion Paola Longoria, and she will be joined by four other former US OPEN women’s singles champions – Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes, Rhonda Rajsich, Christie Van Hees, and Kerri Wachtel — in the women’s singles field along with a strong supporting cast of the world’s best players. With Longoria winning last year’s event, all of them have a legitimate chance to add another US OPEN title and have their name etched on the elegant silver championship trophy. If nerves are going to be frayed, they’re already frayed, and they’ve already been sewn back together. Everyone will be fighting a battle each round to make it to the end and winning the US OPEN makes that battle worth the effort.

It’s easy to identify who the favorites are at the US OPEN, but who could shock everyone and walk away with the famed silver trophy? What we know is the US OPEN throne no longer belongs to just one player now that Longoria is in the driver’s seat, but should Christie Van Hees, who has won three US OPEN singles championships, steps on the gas, she may leave her competition in the rear view mirror.

Of course, any one of the female players who will play in the US OPEN can win, but the previous champions have a better chance than most. Here is a preview of the tour’s top ladies looking to capture the sports most coveted championship.

Paola Longoria (2:1 odds) – What a difference a year can make for defending US OPEN champion, Paola Longoria who became the first Mexican player – man or woman, to finish the WPRO season with a No.1 ranking. At 19, and still a teenager, Longoria also became the youngest female to win a US OPEN championship. This energetic superstar has proven herself on the WPRO by winning half of the tour events last season. She defeated two-time US OPEN champion Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes in the finals last year and flashed moments of brilliance under the bright lights. Although she has a very unorthodox swing style, she has improved each year and rides her emotions to the very end. Longoria may be coming into the prime of her career at just the right time. Could she become only the fourth female player to defend her US OPEN singles championship?

Rhonda Rajsich (3:1 odds) – Rajsich is a two time winner of the US OPEN (2003, 2007) and is a serious problem for anyone standing in her way. She had another sensational performance during the WPRO ’08-’09 season, winning the other half of the tour events that Longoria did not capture. Rajsich has finished with the number one year end ranking for three straight years except for last season, when Longoria captured it and ended Rajsich’s reign at the top.  Rajsich is a warrior; she has it all and knows what it takes to get to the top. Can Rajsich win this event? Yes. Will she be ready? Yes. Is Rajsich the next queen of Memphis, the next three-time women’s singles US OPEN winner, can she reclaim her number one ranking?

Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes (4:1 odds) – By now, Cheryl Gudinas-Holmes is used to the chatter. It comes with the territory when you have been competing as long as she has. So, of course, when Gudinas-Holmes had a bad stretch during the 08’- 09’ season by not winning a single event, conjecture commenced about her future. All of that talk seems silly when viewing the big picture. She has two US OPEN championships (2002, 2004) to her credit and lost in the finals of last year’s US OPEN to Longoria. If she is healthy coming into Memphis, can she add that elusive third US OPEN championship?

Christie Van Hees (5:1 odds) – Christie continues to make headlines each year she has played in the US OPEN. She became the first unranked player to go from being a qualifier to a finalist in the 2003 US OPEN. She became the first female to win three US OPEN championships (2006, 2005, and 2000) and is looking to make more history by winning an unprecedented fourth US OPEN championship. Her lack of playing time on the WPRO may be substituted with some husband-wife court time with her recent marriage to men’s pro Jack Huczek, which may help get her back to championship form. Does she have enough in her arsenal to hoist another championship trophy?

Kerri Wachtel (6:1 odds) – For starters, we know she can win a US OPEN championship, since she did so in 2001. As anyone who has seen Wachtel in action knows, she seems to raise her level of play in Memphis. The difference now is that Wachtel is a mother to twin girls, bringing a whole new set of logistical challenges and emotional priorities as she launches her quest for a second US OPEN title. She will have to show a champion’s mettle to claim it. Does she have the heart and can she re-live the same magic?

Kristen Bellows (7:1 odds) – The player formerly known as Kristen Walsh has also been making waves in the WPRO. She finished the 08’- 09’ tour season by winning her first Grand Slam event, the Ektelon Pro World Championships, stealing the spotlight that was supposed to be on Longoria and Rajsich, who were battling for the season end number one ranking. Expectations are already mounting for Bellows, she was a semifinalist last year losing to Gudinas-Holmes and her game is back on track. Will she stop forcing the big shots and let it come to her?

Angela Grisar (8:1 odds) – This Chilean superstar has earned the respect of her competitors on the WPRO as one of the toughest players to step on the hardwood. Her best showing was a semifinal appearance at the 2007 US OPEN and she continues to sparkle on the big stage. She has relied on her backhand and supreme conditioning but will need to play with more confidence. Can she put together a performance that can get her to the finals and become the first player from Chile to win the US OPEN?

Brenda Kyzer (10:1 odds) – Kyzer has been a fan favorite every year in Memphis and she continues to add more memorable performances. Last year, she put together a flawless game plan and knocked out Rajsich to earn another semifinal appearance. Kyzer is an experienced veteran and plays within her own game style that keeps her competitive. Assuming she is healthy – and cumulative injuries certainly played a part in her initial decision to step away from the game – she may have a shot at getting close to the winner’s circle. Is it her time?