Greatest Players of the Past Set to Put on a Show- A CPRT US OPEN Preview
Back for the third consecutive year the Classic Pro Racquetball Tour (CPRT) will be in full force at the US OPEN in 2009. Rather than just having 4 players square off for the title we have again decided to engulf the entire Men’s 40+ division into the fun. Therefore, the Men’s 40+ (open to anyone 40 and over) will be a ranking event on the CPRT this year. Significant prize money is being offered for the top 4 places and many former legends of the sport have already committed to compete. Players currently ranked in the top 8 on the CPRT will start in the round of 16 while all other entries will work through a qualifying draw to reach the elite round of 16. Once we reach the finals, it will be played on Sunday morning on the stunning portable Stadium Court.
I predict that the 2009 US OPEN will feature the strongest Men’s 40+ draw in the history of the sport of racquetball. It represents a bookmaker’s nightmare, as there are literally 15 guys who can win the tournament. Here is the line on just some of the living legends you can expect to see compete at the US OPEN:
Bret Harnett (4-1) Former #1 ranked pro player in the world, Bret Harnett still possesses devastating power and a modern game-style. He has kept himself in tiptop shape and is used to dominating his competition. This left-hander will dazzle everyone with his thunderous splat shots and raw power. Look for Harnett to be a force to win the title.
Woody Clouse (2-1) Never made it to the top on the pro tour but is perhaps the most dangerous 40+ player in the world today. He is in incredible shape and has the most modern game-style of any CPRT player (except Swain). Smart money would always have at least one bet on Woody to win. He lost in the finals last year to Lowe. Looking for revenge in 2009!
Ruben Gonzalez (3-1) Former #1 ranked player in the world, the living legend is now 55 years old and is still a physical “freak of nature”. Although he is giving up quite a few years to many of his opponents in this draw Ruben still has as good a chance as any to win the title. Nobody has ever re-killed the ball better than Ruben in rallies and his never say die attitude often wears opponents out. He won the event in 2007. He has a great chance of capturing his second title in 2009.
Mike Ceresia (5-1) A true competitor, this Canadian bag of energy is always entertaining to watch. He is never happy on the court unless he is winning by 12 (which is rare) so fans can enjoy a true “gamer” in action. Don’t be fooled by his sour face on the court. Nobody loves to compete more than Mike Ceresia! Regardless of whom he is playing, Ceresia will find a way to be competitive and win points and maybe even matches.
Jimmy Lowe (4-1): The fittest player on the CPRT, Jimmy’s unorthodox game style and endless energy give these guys fits. He has beaten all the top players on the CPRT and is the defending US OPEN champion, beating Woody Clouse in a thrilling match last year. Don’t be surprised to see Jimmy in the finals again in 2009.
Cliff Swain (3-1): The greatest player of all time is now a full time member of the CPRT. He will certainly play in the IRT division at the US OPEN but will probably also play in the CPRT division. He has struggled to beat Woody Clouse at these events during the past year but nobody in the history of the sport rises to the occasion better than Swain. Expect to see him in the finals on Sunday.
Other hopeful attendees: At the time of this writing, other CPRT regulars considering entering include former top ranked pro’s Mike Ray, Dan Obremski, and Jerry Price. If any or all of these guys show up, the pool of possible winners expands.
The perennials: Perhaps the most active and sharp players of all are the amateurs that compete in the Men’s 40+ division at all the national tourneys each year. Guys like John Amatuli, Keith Minor, Tom Travers, Brad McCunniff, Tim Hansen, and others are all capable of beating anyone in the draw and winning the title. As I said earlier in this article, the 2009 US OPEN will feature the strongest draw of Men’s 40+ players ever assembled in the sport of racquetball. For true racquetball fans, this division will offer yet another spectacle to enjoy at the US OPEN!
2 Responses to “Greatest Players of the Past Set to Put on a Show- A CPRT US OPEN Preview”
Wow wish I could be THERE
THIS is going to be the stomp down battle of the best.
Great work guys in all the hard work all of you put in putting this event together. very professional, and we do appreciate all of your hard work.
Julia
where is sudsy monchik?