A Preview "Who's Who" of women pros at the Choice 7th U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships

Can 2002 be Cheryl's year in Memphis? Racquetball's biggest stage is expecting a record draw for its Women's Pro event, all gunning to take the top prize. Here's a peak at the top professional women and their outlook heading into Memphis:

Gudinas & Wachtel

Rice & Hallander All Photos: Vicki Hughes

#1 Cheryl Gudinas arguably the most dominant female player since Michelle Gould, yet vulnerable when the US Open comes around? Cheryl needs to keep her focus up during Memphis and NOT think about the fact she can't seem to win this tournament in order to succeed. She has the game to dominate; she just needs one small mental boost. Odds: 3-2

#2 Jackie Rice Jackie had a great season, reaching the finals of 7 of the 12 season events. She finished off the season strongly, defeating Wachtel at Pro Nationals and making the finals in McLean before falling to Gudinas each time. Rice has a couple US OPEN crowns to her credit, and could be preparing for another. Odds: 3-1

#3 Kerri Wachtel 2001 was Kerri's coming out year, defeating the world #1 and #2 players en route to a US OPEN crown. She continued her success through the season and finished off with her highest ranking yet. Can she repeat? Many experienced observers of the women's tour correctly predicted her victory last year; the first few events in 2002 will be a good indicator. Odds: 3-1

#4 Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda wasn't able to repeat her amazing run at the 2000 US OPEN last year, falling in the round of 16. However, she was consistent throughout the season and fell only one spot in the season ending polls. Rhonda needs to keep her athleticism advantage through the week in order to succeed. Odds: 4-1

#5 Kersten Hallander Kersten just finished off another consistent season, her fourth straight ranked in the top 5. However, she hasn't made a final since the 1999-2000 season and always finds a way to lose to the top seeds. She'll need a breakthrough win in the quarterfinals, perhaps over nemesis Rajsich, who took her out in two tournaments at the end of the 2001-02 season. Odds: 6-1

#6 Kristen Walsh This former High School and Intercollegiate champ has made a fast start on the Pro tour. She improved mightily as the year went along, presumably as she got used to the rigors of the tour. She's got to overcome Wachtel and Rice though, each of whom took her out several times in the 2001-02 season. Odds: 4-1

#7 Claudine Garcia Claudine will be seeking revenge for a lopsided loss at 2002 Worlds. Could an injury suffered at Pro Nationals still be bothering her? She's got some ground to make up on the ladies in front of her to prove her mettle. Odds: 10-1

#8 Kim Russell Kim had a strong showing at the final pro stop, making the semis and getting a good win over Rhonda. She's always been a tough competitor but doesn't have the firepower to overtake some of the top seeds. Odds: 10-1

Dark Horses #10 Laura Fenton: Dropped from a finish of #4 on the 2000-01 tour, Laura nonetheless had some career accomplishments in 2002. She made the finals of US National Singles and earned a spot on the US National team. Representing the US, she made the semis of Worlds before falling to Canadian #1 Jennifer Saunders. She's a great bet to make the semi finals at Memphis but a tough bet to win it all. Odds: 15-1

#13 Jennifer Saunders: Canada's #1 representative at 2002 Worlds made an impressive run, losing in the finals 13 and 13 to reigning world champ Gudinas. If she's got the game to hang w/ Guidas, she can hang with anyone on the tour. Odds: 12-1

#28 Krystal Csuk: Got a great win at Intercollegiates over #6 Walsh. Is she for real? Odds: 19-1

Boss (man's) prediction: Rice takes out a heartbroken Gudinas in 4. See you in Memphis!