2003 Choice Hotels 8th U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships

The Racquet Club of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee: November 19-23

Guest reporting by Mike Ceresia, Brenda Kyzer, Sarah Greenlee, and University of Memphis student interns.

Table of Contents

FINALS IRT Saturday LPRA Saturday Legends Saturday Men's Finalists IRT Friday LPRA Friday Legends Friday Thursday Wrap Up IRT Thursday LPRA Thursday Tough Road IRT Prelims LPRA Opener Pro-Am Doubles IRT Preview LPRA Preview Big "D" Robinson Kick Off St. Jude Wins UM Students on the Job Preview

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Here we go again … Just when we thought that the U.S. OPEN couldn’t hold any more surprises this year, things got even more interesting after Friday’s matches.

No.8 Derek Robinson played phenomenally in his defeat of top ranked Jason Mannino. After losing the first game 11-8, Robinson turned it up a notch to take the next three, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2.

“Hats off to Derek today, he played great,” Jason said after the match. “I’ve never seen Derek play like that – ever.”

Derek agreed. “I have never played like that in my entire life and I’m glad to share it will all of you,” he told the capacity crowd at The Racquet Club of Memphis. “It was an amazing thing for me and I’m glad it was here (at the U.S. OPEN).”

Derek’s opponent in the semifinals, No.13 Shane Vanderson is having his own Cinderella run. He defeated No.2 Cliff Swain Thursday and earned a spot in the semifinals by getting past Chris Crowther in straight games, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6.

"If someone would have told me a month ago that I would be playing in the semifinals of the U.S. OPEN, I would have told them to quit taking drugs," said Vanderson who came into the tournament unranked just a year ago. "Right now I feel like I am playing the best racquetball of my life and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s match."

The bottom half of the bracket features the semifinal that everyone has been waiting for – No.2 Jack Huczek vs. No.3 Kane Waselenchuk. Both Jack and Kane have accounted for all four wins on the tour this year with two apiece. The winner will likely assume the No.1 position in the men’s International Racquetball Tour (IRT) rankings when they are released next week.

Jack dominated Mike Green in three games, 11-0, 11-9, 11-0, in a rematch of the Gold Medal match at the Pan American Games this past August.

"Mike wasn’t playing his best today. You can never take him for granted," Huczek said after his match. "I feel like I am playing well. I am fresh and relaxed and I can’t wait to play my match tomorrow."

Kane was just as impressive in taking out four-time U.S. OPEN champ Sudsy Monchik, also in straight games, 11-2, 11-6, 11-8.

"My hat goes off to Kane," Sudsy said after the match. "I’m may be smiling, but those of you that know me know I am not happy."

"Whenever you play someone like Sudsy you have to be ready…man, he hits the ball hard," Waselenchuk said. "I hit some good shots and the ball was definitely bouncing in my favor. I’m going to go out there and bring it tomorrow."

Not to be outdone, the women’s draw provided there own set of surprises. 2001 U.S. OPEN champ, No.2

Kerri Wachtel, fell to No.7 Kristen Walsh. Kerri had Kristen up against the ropes after taking a commanding two games to none lead. Kristen had to battle to stay alive in the third game, squeaking by, 13-11. She then went on to win the next two, 11-7, 11-7, to complete her comeback.

"I am happy with my performance," Kristen said after the match. "The first game is when I usually have to let go of my jitters and I feel that I played well. In the third game I tried some new shots that I really wanted to use in this tournament and they helped to turn the tide."

Walsh will face No.3 Rhonda Rajsich Saturday. Rhonda was able to oust Angela Grisar (Santiago, Chile) in four games, 11-6, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6. It is Rhonda’s best showing at the U.S. OPEN since she made the women’s final in 2000.

"It’s time for me to stop holding back," Rhonda said. "I need to do whatever it is to prove to myself that I can win. I’ve known what I am capable of for a long time and I need to achieve my goals."

Christie Van Hees continued making her comeback to professional racquetball and has moved into the semifinals. Christie, 26, won the 2000 U.S. OPEN and then abruptly retired from the sport. She has only played one professional tournament this season, where she lost in the round of 16. She has been impressive this week, however, and defeated Tammy Brown in straight games, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5.

"I feel really good. I’m right where I want to be in my game," Christie said. "I’m just going to remain focused, relax, and have fun."

Christie will face No.1 Cheryl Gudinas who has been rolling through the competition and defeated No.9 Lori-Jane Powell, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4. Cheryl has won the last eight LPRA tournaments dating back to last season.

The quarterfinals of the U.S. OPEN looked like they were going to go according to seeding and without so much as a scuffle. Sugar Shane Vanderson looked like a veteran in his relatively easy dismissal of Chris Crowther. Jack Huczek easily disposed of a shell shocked Mike Green. However, the prime-time match up between Kane Waselenchuk and Sudsy Monchik did not live up to its billing, and Derek ‘The Clinician’ Robinson put on one of the most impressive displays of backhand splats in the history of prime time racquetball as he sent the number-one seeded Jason Mannino down the road. Mannino controlled the match for the first game and a half until Robinson went white hot.

The Semis ...This columnist predicted youth would be served this week. Vanderson, Waselenchuk and Huczek’s combined ages do not add up to the age Ruben Gonzalez really is. Huczek vs. Waselenchuk is the match the planet has been waiting for. This fracas will go a long way to deciding the year end number 1 ranking. Who can do what to who? Wasenchuk has dominated this series for a variety of reasons. First his serve. It is fast becoming one of the most feared weapons in the game. Second, his hands are the best in the history of the game.

Huczek never found a serve that would make an impression in that match. However, this portable court is one of the slowest courts the tour players compete on. Prediction, this match will be state of the art professional racquetball. Waselenchuk in a grueling five is the call.

Robinson-Vanderson is a difficult match to predict. Robinson will be sky high and full of confidence and likewise for Vanderson. Vanderson is more agile and holds a solid edge in center court play. Robinson has a huge edge in experience and will use his inspector gadget reach to full advantage. Once again, this one is very difficult to predict. We will stick with our original theme and call youth over experience. Shane Vanderson in a workmanlike four games.

Wow, what a day on the women’s side— two of the top-four seeds are gone, including 2001 U.S. OPEN Champion, Kerri Wachtel, while darkhorse Christie Van Hees has earned a trip to the semi’s. 

Probably the most exciting and longest match of the day was No. 4 Kersten Hallander against Tammy Brown. The crowd was served up almost two hours of non-stop closely played racquetball. It came down to a 5th game battle, in which, Hallander asked for an injury timeout due to a problem with a nerve that affected her grip. (Note: an injury timeouts are not given unless it is related to incident or collision on the court). Hallander took a regular timeout, while Brown proceeded to out-shoot her down the stretch. This match marked the second time Brown has ever made the quarterfinals at an LPRA Stop. 

Wachtel went head-to-head with Kristin Walsh in the quarterfinals, in a match that couldn’t be any closer, Walsh eeked out the victory against the second-ranked player on the tour. But now faces Rajsich in the semi’s. Jen Saunders from Canada played Cheryl Gudinas, who took the match easily in three games. And in the quarters, Gudinas issued another drumming to Lori Jane Powell in three games and will face Christie Van Hees in the semis. 

The semis will prove to be very exciting. It will be a meeting worthy of the best players in the world. Two former U.S. OPEN Champions, Van Hees and Guidinas are both smart and consistent players. The second semi showcases two shooters and divers (Walsh and Rajsich) so get ready for some amazing shots and rallies as these two match up.

Racquetball fans on the Stadium Court will get a chance to travel back in time today as the Legends Racquetball Tour brings Classic Pro Racquetball to the US Open. Four of the stars of the sports past -- three already Hall of Famers -- battle for supremacy and the US Open title. 

First up will be a true legend Staten Island’s Ruben Gonzalez. No player has given the Memphis fans more thrills over the years with tremendous play that still continues in the Pro division! Gonzalez, who has been around so long that he taught tour veterans Monchik & Mannino to play when they were kids will battle St. Louis’ Ben Koltun a former National Champion and top ranking professional from the 1970s. In a division where you can’t even play if you aren’t 45, Gonzalez is still the old man but dives better then many of the current pros. 

The second match features racquetball’s Babe Ruth and Player of the Century Marty Hogan taking on 80’s superstar Dave Peck. Peck, known for his football mentality and never back down attitude on the court was the 1982 World Professional Champion. Peck, from Austin, Texas never saw an opponent or referee he liked and some things never change! Hogan, from St. Louis, is responsible for the power game played by all of today's pros and was the first to set a record for the highest number of season titles earned. Hogan and Peck had wars when they played on the tour in the 80’s and today should be no different. In sports the old adage is that youth will be served, but on the Legends Tour cunning and guile are rewarded so I am predicting a sweep for the older guys. A Hogan vs. Gonzalez final, is the pick here.

“Hats off to Derek today, he played great,” Mannino said after the match. “I’ve never seen Derek play like that – ever.”

Derek agreed with Mannino. “I have never played like that in my entire life and I’m glad to share it will all of you,” he told the capacity crowd at The Racquet Club of Memphis. “It was an amazing thing for me and I’m glad it was here (at the U.S. OPEN).”

Derek’s opponent in the semifinals, No.13 Shane Vanderson (Berea, Ohio) is having his own Cinderella run. He defeated No.2 Cliff Swain Thursday and earned a spot in the semifinals by getting past Chris Crowther (Mission Viejo, Calif.) in straight games, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6.

“If someone would have told me a month ago that I would be playing in the semifinals of the U.S. OPEN, I would have told them to quit taking drugs,” said Vanderson who came into the tournament unranked just a year ago. “Right now I feel like I am playing the best racquetball of my life and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”

The bottom half of the bracket featured the semifinal that everyone had been waiting for – No.2 Jack Huczek (Rochester, Mich.) vs. No.3 Kane Waselenchuk (Edmonton, Alberta). Both Huczek and Waselenchuk have accounted for all four wins on the tour this year with two apiece, but it was Waselenchuk who took this particular head-to-head. He will likely assume the No.1 position in the men’s International Racquetball Tour (IRT) rankings when they are released next week.

Earlier Huczek dominated Mike Green (Burlington, Ontario) in three games, 11-0, 11-9, 11-0, in a rematch of the Gold Medal match at the Pan American Games this past August.

“Mike wasn’t playing his best today. You can never take him for granted,” Huczek said after his match. “I feel like I am playing well. I am fresh and relaxed and I can’t wait to play my match tomorrow.”

Waselenchuk was just as impressive in the preceding round, taking out four-time U.S. OPEN champ Sudsy Monchik (Lake Worth, Fla.), also in straight games, 11-2, 11-6, 11-8.

 Third-ranked Kane Waselenchuk (Austin, Texas) defeated four time champion, Sudsy Monchik (Lake Worth, Fla.) on Friday to advance to the semifinal. In a quick first game, Waselenchuk ran out five points in a row, throwing Monchik out of rhythm. The game ended in less than 15 minutes, at 11-2.

 “The first game was key for me. If I could throw him out of his groove in the first game, I knew that I could take the rest of the match,” Waselenchuk said. “I knew that Sudsy was not 100% at this tournament, but I tried to put it out of my mind. Because if he can get into a groove, he's hard to beat even if he is injured,” Waselenchuk continued. 

Waselenchuk quickly went into the lead in the second game, but Monchik closed the gap to 7-6. The comeback came up short, because Waselenchuk refused to let Monchik score another point closing the match 11-6. Monchik came out strong in the third game, and the two players battled with a series of long rallies until the Edmonton, Alberta native broke away, ending the match 11-8. Monchik said after the game, “I may look happy right now, but those of you who know me know that I am upset. I have no excuses, and Kane played a great game.” Waselenchuk’s semifinal round will be Saturday against Jach Huczek (Detroit, Mich.). But he says that he doesn’t care about who wins, because he knows he will bring his best game to the match. For more information, please contact Amanda Mauck, Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN press officer, at 731-225-2944 or via email at amanda_mauck@msn.com. For more racquetball in the Internet, visit www.choicehotelsusopen.com, www.usra.org, or www.racquetmag.com.

Kristen Walsh (Salt Lake City, Utah) triumphed today and moves into the 2003 Choice Hotels 8th U.S. OPEN Women’s Racquetball semifinals. Walsh, 21, is ranked eighth in the Ladies Professional Racquetball Association (LPRA). The event is presented by the United States Racquetball Association (USRA) and is hosted by the Racquet Club of Memphis Nov. 19-23. 

“Today was obviously a big win for me. I have nothing to lose and I feel really good.” Walsh, 24, began the day by competing in the Round of 16 with a match against Amy Foster (Westerville, OH). She was playing strong and won after three games. The scores were 11-4, 11-3, and 11-0. “I felt really good in warm-ups. I prepared myself mentally before the match and stayed focused,” Walsh said. 

Walsh moved into the quarterfinals where she played Kerri Wachtel (Cincinnati, OH) who is ranked No.2 in the LPRA. The players battled it out in five games and it seemed as though Wachtel was going to win the match in straight games, when Walsh came back with her amazing dives and hard serves in the third. After the turnaround, final scores were 9-11, 8-11, 13-11, 11-7, and 11-7. 

Walsh commented about her terrific comeback, “Kerri was playing great and I got worried. Then I just had to stop and tell myself ‘I don’t want to lose; just relax’.” Wachtel fought hard and the games went back and forth, but Walsh’s determination pulled her through. “I wasn’t using my head in the first two games, so I realized that I needed to start really thinking about my strategy and hits.” 

Walsh moves into the top four and plays in the semifinals against Rhonda Rajsich (Phoenix, AR) who is ranked fourth in the LPRA. The match begins at 11:15 a.m. Walsh feels confident going into the next round; “Today was obviously a big win for me. I have nothing to lose and I feel really good.” 

It was a first for racquetball’s "Babe Ruth" – Marty Hogan – when he was recently honored as Player of the Century and presented with a 2002 Hummer H2 by the Legends Racquetball Tour. The award was based on a poll of 17 of the sport’s most influential players, leaders, and historians. Hogan finished with 11 first place votes, besting runner up Cliff Swain. Hogan was awarded the Hummer, valued at over $60,000, for the selection, thought to be the largest single prize in the sport. 

Hogan’s vote went to another player “I truly believe Dr. Bud was the Player of the Century, because without him there would be no Brumfield or Keeley, no Hogan, Peck or Yellen, no Swain and probably no pro racquetball. He taught the best, who in turn taught the rest and everyone who’s played the sport has learned something from the White Knight directly or indirectly” 

In conjunction with recent Legends World Championships in St. Louis, USRA Executive Director Jim Hiser was on hand to assist in presenting the Pro Racquetball Player of the Decade Awards. These four winners were finalists for the follow-up Player of the Century Award voting: Player of the Decade 1960’s Bud Muehleisen 1970’s Charlie Brumfield 1980’s Marty Hogan 1990’s Cliff Swain Above: In 1995 Marty Hogan posed for a cover shot with now-defending U.S. Open champ Sudsy Monchik.

“I really wasn’t nervous today for some reason, but I’m not really sure why,” Vanderson said. “Maybe it’s because I felt that the pressure was off me and more on him.”

And it was Vanderson who was applying the pressure. He took the first two games 11-6, 11-3, before Swain got his drive serve going in the third to charge back with an 11-1 win. Just when it seemed that Swain was on track for a patented comeback, Vanderson closed the door in the fourth, 11-9.

“I’m pretty tired right now,” Vanderson said from the pro lounge after his match. “I have twenty-four hours to rest and I figure that I'll be ready by then.”

The women’s side had a few surprises of its own, as Christie Van Hees made her comeback official by knocking off No.5 Kim Russell. Van Hees looked as though she had barely skipped a beat in her three-year hiatus from the sport.

The other came at the hands of veteran Caryn McKinney who last made a big splash at the U.S. OPEN in 1998, and yesterday eliminated young up-and-comer No.6 Adrienne Fisher in five games.

The first game should have been an indication to the crowd of what they were in store for. After five ties and three lead changes, Fisher came out on top 13-11. The next game belonged to McKinney as she jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and never looked back, winning 11-3. They traded the next two games and the fifth seemed like another McKinney runaway after she took a 7-3 lead. The current junior champ wasn’t fazed and battled back to pull within one at 9-8, but McKinney had more left in her tank an was able to close it out 11-8.

Today’s action was both shocking and predictable all at the same time. Swain, Beltran, Ellis and Carson have all been shown the door. These veterans are used to finding themselves deep in the Open, but not this year. Let’s give credit to the players that have improved to the point they can eliminate players of this stature. Who are these guys anyway?

Sugar Shane Vanderson played like a veteran in eliminating the hobbling Cliff Swain. There were many opportunities for Vanderson to get sucked into the veteran’s trance, but Vanderson would not nod off and will face Chris ‘The Crippler’ Crowther. The ‘Crippler’ had an official coming out party of his own by dismissing Alvaro Beltran. The 7 foot 5 inch Crowther has an enormous wingspan. Expect Crowther to continue his run and advance to the semis with another five game victory.

Sudsy Monchik looked very impressive in his convincing victory over an antsy Rocky Carson. Monchik has improved with every round and has shown flashes of his former self. You remember ... ridiculous flat backhand splats and frontcourt reflexes? The match of the day will definitely be Waselenchuk vs. Monchik. Waselenchuk was impressive – with generous portions of awesome – in his dissection of Josh Tucker. The kid against the defending champ? The kid in four is the call, there's just too much consistency and coverage for the seasoned one.

A brief sideline into the wonderful world of ineptitude. You guessed it: officiating! This writer would be sporting an afro if he had an extra hair for each bad call the one referee system has generated this week.

Once more with feeling ... ref from behind the glass on the portable court with two competent linesmen. No mas on the missed calls. Pretty please, oh omnipotent leaders of the IRT and the US Open, for both the players and the knowledgeable crowd.

Jack Huczek, apparently was under the impression that he had to pay for court time. His two matches, together, totalled 11 and a half seconds. Huczek gave up a paltry 9 points in the two matches; think about that one for a moment. Huczek will face “the other Canadian” Mike Green, who has made his mark on the tour in the past 12 months. He picked John Ellis apart with relaxed front court play and an intellectual approach to his matches. However, he has a three-year drought against Huczek. For the thinking man, this is a must-see match. Huczek in a troubling four.

A couple of sideline comments: it would be great to see towel kids for every match, to speed up play. On the other side, it is hard to comprehend the level of both pace and accuracy of this generation of pros unless you are in the court with them.

Jason ‘Sugar Ray’ Mannino has been flying under the radar so far this week (unlike his performance in Virginia). Mannino, who has conceded to a certain amount of complacency after his euphoric run to number one last year, is primed to get back in to the spotlight. He had both his re-killing dive game and court generalship well in hand in advancing to the quarters with a convincing victory over Dan Fowler.

If you left before the Guidry-Robinson match early you missed two long-time solid pros playing with passion and tons o’ desire. These two were playing with a sense of urgency – and for good reason ... their biological clocks are ticking. The Mannino vs. Robinson call is no smiling and Mannino in five. Robinson wants a tournament win before he heads for the pasture. No closer for today.

The "any given day" talked about yesterday happened in the first round of the women’s pro draw. Qualifier Christie Van Hees downed No.5 Kim Russell in a tight four game match, and both players displayed a level of intensity that you could have cut with a knife. In the end, it was Christie that will make the trip to the round of 16 to face Mexican Susy Acosta.

Upset number two came at the expense of young Adrienne Fisher in an exciting five game match. Qualifier Caryn McKinney used her patience and accuracy to force Adrienne into an array of unforced errors. The veteran still has her work cut out for her today as she faces Chilean native Angela Grisar, who is coming off her own upset victory over No. 11 seed Jo Shattuck in a tough four game match.

Kersten Hallander had her hands full with another qualifier, Shannon Feaster. In the fourth game, ahead 10-4 and up two games to one, Shannon appeared to have her first major upset in her pocket when a cramp set in and she was forced to take an injury timeout. That seemed to be the turning point, because Kersten fought back and ended up taking the fourth game 12-10 to even it all up at two apiece. The tiebreaker stayed neck and neck to 8, when Kersten was able to break away and eventually end up with the 11-8 win. [Feaster is pictured in foreground against Hallander. Photo by Vicki Hughes]

All other top seeds had convincing victories for their advancement into the round of 16. However, don’t look for the fireworks to stop just yet. A key match to watch today will be the rematch of last year's upset of Rhonda Rajsich by Laura Fenton. Rhonda will be on a mission to redeem herself in order to make a return to center court on Sunday. In 2000 Rhonda went from being a virtual unknown to making the finals. Since then she has maintained her number four ranking, but has rarely seen the finals. Laura, on the other hand, has continued to play remarkably well in national and international events despite not playing full time on the tour, and recently earned a silver medal at the Pan American Games. The Rhonda vs. Laura match will go on rather early (9:00am) but it will definitely be worth making the early trip to the Racquet Club to watch.

The ladies have a full day of matches today as they will play their round of 16 and quarters, and the excitement will build as the day moves along. Don’t miss the best women racquetball players in world compete for the title of U.S. Open Champion.

On another note, this writer would like to personally thank IRT Commissioner, Dave Negrete for “doing his part” for the LPRA. Dave was a late night loser in the amateur division on Wednesday night and graciously – and willingly – did his part by refereeing one of the final LPRA qualifying matches. Another good sport ... thanks, Dave!

For many players, just getting through the qualifying rounds at the U.S. OPEN is a dream come true. Sixty-three hopefuls began the quest – just for the coveted 16 IRT slots. An additional 26 were looking to earn one of only 8 LPRA qualifying positions and a chance to play in the main draw at racquetball’s only grand slam event.

On the men’s side, it's been rare for a qualifier to break through. Eric Muller’s run in ’98 to the semi’s was by far the furthest that a qualifier has ever made it here. This year was no exception as 14 of the 16 men's qualifiers fell in three games once they reached the main draw.

But one player did come close to providing the upset of the tournament: qualifier No.11, Silvio Rostran of Miami, Florida took No.6 Rocky Carson to a five-game tiebreaker in the round of 64. Rostran came into his inaugural U.S. OPEN not even expecting to qualify. After he did and saw he played Rocky, he just decided to “give it all I had and let the game take it’s course.”

Much to the surprise of everyone in attendance, Silvio took the first game from Carson, 11-5. “I saw him (Rocky) play two years ago in Miami when he beat Cliff Swain and I was impressed,” Silvio said. “When I saw that I was playing him I just wanted to take a game off of him.”

Silvio not only took a game off Rocky, he nearly took the match. Rocky took the second game 11-8 and then struggled to win the third, 12-10. Silvio didn’t go away easily, however, and forced a decisive fifth game by winning the fourth, 11-6. He continued to stay on fire in the fifth game, taking an early 4-0 lead, before Rocky was able to put it together and pull out an 11-8 win. [Photo L-R: Carson follows Rostran off the court after his win.]

The Qualifiers
Q1: Andres Herrera (Laguna, CA)
Q2: Roberto Cantos (Winter Park, TX)
Q3: David Ortega (Chihuahua, Mexico)
Q4: Gil De Los Rios (Charlotte, NC)
Q6: Cesar Carrillo (Germantown, TN)
Q7: Dan Beaudry (Pueblo, CO)
Q8: Armando Landa (El Paso, TX)
Q9: Ricardo Gonzalez (San Luis Potosi, S.L.P.)
Q10: Chris Wright (Manchester, MO)
Q11: Silvio Rostran (Miami, FL)
Q12: Mike Ceresia (Burlington, Ontario)
Q13: Jamie Maldonado (Chihuahua, Mexico)
Q14: Abraham Pena (Chihuahua, Mexico)
Q15: Juan Gutierrez (Cali, Colombia)
Q16: Shane Karmelin (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Carson went up against Silvio Rostran (Miami, Fl.) on Wednesday. During the match, Carson’s eyes began to swell. “I don’t really know what happened. I had some type of allergic reaction. I think it was actually from the clothing detergent or something. I couldn’t really focus because of the way I was feeling. My nose kept running,” Carson said. Carson struggled to get through the matches. 

The players had to play five matches to determine who would move on to the next round. The scores were 5-11, 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8 with Carson claiming the victory. Because Carson has proven to be a strong and talented player in the sport, HEAD/ Penn Racquet Sports recently announced that Carson’s contract will be extended for three years. 

Even though Carson had a tough start, he feels that he can recover and will be able to prove what a fierce competitor he really is. “It was a hard start, but I feel better. I am determined to be more focused and do well in this tournament. I am going to go out there and try to do to the best job I can,” Carson said.

 The men’s pro draw has moved past the prelims and into the round of thirty two, after seventy eight men were excused — and most of them well punished on the way out. In short, no qualifiers advanced, which is not shocking considering that it was their third match of the day and they were playing the top 16. Result = bye-bye.

The IRT should be commended for the deportment of its players, who are approachable and carry themselves well. How many other sports can say that?! What makes this more impressive is all of the IRT events are contested in the pro-am format; one that would be absolutely unheard of in tennis or squash. Let’s imagine forcing Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76’ers to wait for the league game to finish on the court before he can warm up. The amateurs enjoy a dream situation in being able to hob-nob with the greats of today’s game.

Men from the Boys ... Today’s play will leave eight players standing. There’s a bushel basket of great match ups; here’s the skinny on a few of the sections of the draw. The crystal ball says that Waselenchuk and Huczek will glide through to the quarters. Cliff Swain, the elder statesmen of the men’s game, will see himself in a dog fight in the 16’s, facing the winner of Sugar Shane Vanderson and the improved backhand of Javier Moreno. However, the beefed-up Swain will be the beneficiary of a default in the 32’s – which should help his energy level.

Number one ranked Jason Mannino will find himself putting on some serious wear with his two matches. Assuming he disposes of Tom Fuhrmann, he will face the winner of Mike ‘the Pounder’ Dennison and Dan ‘I’m back’ Fowler. We will call Fowler in a grueling five in this one.

A quick point about the scoring system. The IRT should strongly consider changing the scoring system immediately. The current system allows for too few big points. The intensity of the players skyrockets as the score gets closer to 11 — as does the attention of the crowd. Imagine a match full of big points. A scoring system similar to tennis would immediately make the game more exciting and easier for the crowd to take an active role in the match.

How about the defending champ … one Sudsy Monchik? Today’s second round match will be a true test of his where his game really is. We’ll pick Rocky Carson to take out Doug ‘Slasher’ Ganim, who can still play but not at his current girth. Carson will then give Monchik an opportunity to truly examine his game. In yesterday’s match, Monchik hit the ball solidly but his mobility was not what it has been in the past. Nevertheless, don’t buck a trend; it will be Monchik in five.

Last, a great matchup will feature Alvaro Beltran and virtual unknown Gilberto Mejia, who is an excellent all-around player, and has beaten Beltran in the finals of the Mexican Nationals. Beltran was noticeably injured in his 64’s match, but will need to be at full strength to advance to the 16’s. The pick is Mejia in four.

In the audience … please pretend you have a pulse and get involved in the matches. Let them hear you!

The eight available slots have been filled. The draw is set. The thirty-two women are ready to compete in the biggest and most prestigious event of the season. Number one question – who will make it to Sunday? Will there be any upsets along the way?

Number one ranked and defending champion Cheryl Gudinas has dominated the first three tour stops of the LPRA season. Lurking ever closer in her shadow through those same three events has been the 2001 Open champ Kerri Wachtel. Could this possibly be Sunday’s match-up, or could it be another talent that breaks through from within the draw?

Opening round matches at LPRA events used to be predictable. However, the competition has grown to a level where no one is safe, not even in the opening rounds. No.11 seeded Jo Shattuck will have her hands full with newcomer Angela Grisar of Chile, who was a recent bronze medalist at the Pan American Games in August. Angela is physically strong and has great court sense, but the vertical skills of Jo — pitted against Angela’s strength — will prove to be an entertaining match.

This event also marks the return of two veteran Canadians who have missed several stops this season, No.9 seeded Lori-Jane Powell and No.17 Jennifer Saunders. Powell will play a rematch against Tennessee native Robyn Perrin. These two met in the first round of this tournament last year with Powell coming out ahead. Saunders will play No.16 Stephanie Munger, from Anchorage, Alaska.

Probably the biggest news is the return of the former U.S. Open Champion Christie Van Hees. Christie earned a spot in the main draw after one qualifying match and will take on the No.5 seeded Kim Russell. Kim is coming off two straight semi-final appearances in Charlotte and Albuquerque, so you won’t want to miss this intense and adrenaline-packed match that starts at 6:15pm.

In the second round of women’s qualifying, former top-4 pro regular and Hall of Famer Caryn McKinney drew Nancy Enriquez [foreground, left], a young up-and-comer from Chihuahua, Mexico. The veteran McKinney jumped out to a 5-0 lead by serving both drives and lobs to the right glass sidewall of the court. The young Enriquez succumbed to some nerves, missing more than a few easy returns and setups, allowing McKinney to win the match easily, in straight games of 4,4,1. McKinney still has the smart play, perfect execution and command of smart angles that characterized her past career performances. At the close of the match, she had only one quote: “I’m finally in the draw!” Welcome back, Caryn! She’ll face a much tougher youngster tomorrow, in eighteen-year-old No. 6 seed Adrienne Fisher, at 2:45. Caryn’s game is one of finesse and accuracy while Adrienne relies on pure overwhelming power. Veteran cunning or young power, who will win?

pictured l-r: Howard, Pilant, Robinson

Twayne Howard (Grand Rapids, Mich.) teamed with No.1 ranked International Racquetball Tour (IRT) player Jason Mannino (San Diego, Calif.) to win the 2003 St. Jude Pro/Am doubles tournament on  Tuesday evening at The Racquet Club of Memphis. The benefit tournament, now in its eighth year, precedes the annual Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships and adds a hefty $8,000 to the donations presented to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Sixteen amateur players donated $250 apiece for a chance to play with a top pro, with all proceeds donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Through the Pro/Am and other various fundraisers throughout the tournament the U.S. OPEN has been able to raise over $100,000 for St. Jude in its eight years.

Howard is an accountant and admits that playing in the Pro/Am is “pretty much the most exciting thing” he does all year. He is competing in both men’s B and men’s 35+ B singles. This past May he won the men’s 25+ C/D singles national title in Houston.

“I figure when you play in this tournament four things can happen,” Howard, a five-time St. Jude Pro/Am participant, explained. “First, and most important, you donate money to a good charity. Second, you get to hang with the pros. Third, you can win a match. Fourth, you can win the whole thing. Just to take that first step is the best and everything else is just icing on the cake.”

“I love to come out here and support St. Jude,” Mannino agreed. “It’s just a great cause and playing with the amateurs is a blast for me.”

Howard and Mannino defeated local star Landon Pilant and No.8 ranked pro Derek Robinson, of Denver, Colorado in the finals, 15-3. Although they lost, Pilant and Robinson know that St. Jude is the real winner in the tournament.

“When they told me that all of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude, that was all they needed to say and I was in,” said Pilant, who has now participated in four St. Jude Pro/Ams. A 2002 University of Memphis graduate, Pilant competed for the University in several USRA National Intercollegiate Championships. He still resides in Memphis, working in management information systems, for several companies in the area.

His partner Robinson agreed, “It’s fantastic to be able to support a cause like this and awesome that we have been able to donate all of the money that we have through the years.” He continued, “It’s great for both the pros and the amateurs to be able to get together and play for a cause like St. Jude.”

The pairings: 1st: Twayne Howard/Jason Mannino 2nd: Landon Pilant/Derek Robinson 3rd: Sal Perconti/Mike Guidry Ron Marr/Brian Pointelin David Parker/Brent Walters Ray Firlie/Mike Dennison Will Gurner/Rhonda Rajsich Father Vieron/Alvaro Beltran Pat Bernardo/Dan Fowler Jason Hicks/Jason Thoerner Joshua Jeter/Chris Crowther Tom Curran/Ruben Gonzalez Peyton Dorsett/Kim Russell Chris Coy/Kristen Walsh Peter Margolin/Shane Vanderson Greg Young/Kerri Wachtel Dan Rhodes/John Ellis Jere Jackson/Kane Waselenchuk Garrett Young/Josh Tucker Stacy Young/Mitch Williams Don Denelsbeck/Javier Moreno David Roth/Dan Llacera Bill Weiss/Mike Green Scott Segal/Jack Huczek Claude Crocker/Cheryl Gudinas Gail Schaeffer/Rocky Carson Mike Jameson/Sudsy Monchik Leo Cage/Brenda Kyzer Sandy Tucker/Adrienne Fisher Joe Roberts/Ben Croft Corey Condor/Kersten Hallander Fred Heros/Cliff Swain Below: Third place finishers Mike Guidry & Sal Perconti. All photos by Vicki Hughes. Click on photos to enlarge.

L-R: Howard, Mannino, Robinson, Pilant

Pro Am Doubles looked just like the real thing ... with Landon Pilant out-diving Mannino (above) and a good time had by all.

Welcome back to Memphis for the 2003 Choice Hotels U.S. Open Racquetball Championships. Among the men this year there will be in excess of 110 players attempting to escape with the professional crown. So far this season four IRT stops have been completed and the game’s two brightest lights are southpaw Kane ‘the Canadian do-it-all kid’ Waselenchuk in the number three spot, and the moxie-filled Michigander Jack Huczek in number two. Let’s watch and enjoy their talent along with the rest of the legitimate threats.

Question Marks ... For you racquetball scholars, there are many questions surrounding the draw, so please feel free to use this year’s play as your cheat sheet. Here are the questions: 1) Will youth be served here ... Waselenchuk, Huczek, Beltran and Carson? Answer: Duhhhh! 2) Is the era of smash mouth racquetball finished ... translation: Monchik, Swain, the mild mannered John Ellis and Sugar Ray Mannino ... or is it simply laying dormant? Refer to answer #1. 3) Are Waselenchuk and Huczek that good? You're damn right they are ... and getting better. 4) About the draw, why does the IRT insist on simply seeding players by their ranking for this major event? The Wimbledon Tennis Championships seed by ability, as they should. Here, there are at least 20 players among the 48 already in the main draw (not being made to qualify) who received their placement based on their ability to pay an entry fee rather than their ability as a professional racquetball player. This should be changed before next year’s tournament and, for that matter, a draw is a draw ... rankings are rankings; there is a big difference. Okay, let’s move on.

The Qualifiers ... There are many talented, young and hungry players sprinkled throughout the qualifying draw. Also, there are many international players looking to make an impression. The competition will be fierce but the level of play will, for the most part, be one sided. By the way, if more than one qualifier cashes a check here, this writer will personally eat a post-match wrist tether. The wrist tether, used primarily for amateurs, should be eliminated from the pro game. Can you imagine Andy Roddick using one? No way! Why should the best of our great game use this ancient and outdated item?

Here are a few suggestions for today’s matches: check out the qualies for a glimpse into the future of pro racquetball, then go straight to the main courts for an up close view of the big guns. Try and tell who looks sharp and prepared and who is attempting to find something. Also, make sure you see the ageless Ruben Gonzalez – somebody turned back his odometer 20 years and he believes it's still 1983. Don’t tell him about the oversize racquet ... he won’t believe it.

Lastly, defending champion Sudsy Monchik has fallen on hard times. A variety of injuries and motivational issues have plagued the former World No.1. He's had a hideous start to the 03-04, season but is hoping to right the ship this week. Get there early for his match today, just in case.

A couple of other matches may pique your interest in the round of 64. The powerful and emotional Mitch Williams is taking on Polo Gutierrez, a youngster with solid international experience and great hands. Look for a scrap before Williams puts the hammer down in four.

Dale Valentine against Hiroshi Shimizu will be an interesting contrast in styes. Valentine will be throwing haymakers, while Shimizu will be doing the rope a dope and attempting to counter with a variety of medium paced deliveries. I give the edge to the veteran Shimizu in an entertaining five games.

Be sure to look for Thursday’s insights into the round of 32’s and 16’s. Your polite prognosticator is too humble to mention his 15 for 16 record in match predictions from last year's Open ... we’ll see if that was a fluke. Enjoy the matches and feel free to make your feelings known in the stands. This is not chess!

The ladies pro qualifying opens this morning at 11:15 am and continues late into the evening, with 26 qualifiers playing 18 matches in hopes of securing one of the eight available spots in the main draw. International flavor is definitely being served up in the qualifying round, with representation from Mexico (with six players), Japan (6), Korea (2), and one each from Canada, Guatamala and Bolivia. However, the United States still holds the top spot on qualifiers with nine athletes.

Tucked away in one of the first rounds is a former top-4 tour contender from Atlanta, Georgia, Caryn McKinney, whose professional career peaked in 1989 when she captured the WPRA National Championship, the top spot in the rankings and was named the tour’s Player of the Year. But as recently as the 1998 U.S. Open, McKinney remained surprised a tough field of up-and-coming tour regulars by reaching the semi-finals. A 2001 inductee into the USRA Hall of Fame, McKinney is known for her accurate shot making and tough mental game. In order to secure a spot in the main draw, she will need to get by Korean Yeong Yang and then past the tough young Mexican, Nancy Enriquez.

Also attempting to qualify into the main draw is former U.S. Open Champion (2000) Christie Van Hees. After a three-year hiatus, the 26-year old Canadian tested the waters on the LPRA tour earlier this year at the Mexico stop, where she was eliminated in the round of 16 by No.6 ranked Adrienne Fisher. Christie will play at 10:00 pm this evening against another international contender; she'll face the winner of the Lupita Torres (Mexico) vs. Yoko Kawantani (Japan) match. Christie is a fierce competitor and if her game is in top championship form, she will be a force to be reckoned with.

All first round qualifying matches will be played at the Six50 Total Club between 11:15 am and 5:20 pm. Second round matches are scheduled at the Racquet Club at 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. See you there!

For more information, please contact Jaclyn Savell, U.S. Open Press Officer
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Derek "Big D" Robinson (Denver, Colo.) competes for glory -- and for charity -- this week in the 2003 Choice Hotels 8th U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships presented by the United States Racquetball Association (USRA).

Professional players both male and female compete for the prize money (over $45,000) and the glory of winning racquetball's only "grand slam" event. However, the Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN is about more than just competition and prize winnings. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the designated charity of the event and tournament organizers expect to surpass their collective $115,000 donation mark by the end of the week.

No other player stands out more than Robinson. Of course, he does have a certain edge over the competition. Robinson is 6'4" of power and stamina. His friends and competitors call him "Big D" because he literally towers over them on the court. Robinson began playing when he was eight years old after his dad introduced him to the game. Since then, Robinson has won the Intercollegiate Championships four straight years and was named a four-time All American. He has also won a gold medal at the 1999 U.S. Olympic Festival and played for the U.S. National Racquetball Team at the 1995 World Championships and Pan American Games.

Robinson is a consistent player with a wicked backhand. His height is not the only intimidator. He also has an iron will that has helped him to create his own traveling racquetball clinics and to build a solid reputation as a key player in the race for this season's biggest tournament crown.

In addition to his outstanding playing career Derek has become known as one of the top clinicians in the game, conducting over 75 clinics/exhibitions nationwide per year on the Wilson "Big D" Roadshow.

Memphis is set to host the 2003 Choice Hotels 8th U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships presented by the United States Racquetball Association (USRA) Nov. 19-23 at The Racquet Club of Memphis. The tournament is racquetball's premier event and the sport's only "grand slam". It is the eighth year of the competition, all of which have taken place in Memphis, where it also serves as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"We are once again thrilled to call Memphis home for the world's largest and most prestigious racquetball tournament," said Event Director Doug Ganim (Westerville, Ohio). "The Memphis community, at all levels has been extremely supportive of our event including strong corporate sponsorship, excellent media coverage, and brisk ticket sales from the area."

The U.S.OPEN has received commitments from all of the top pros on both the men's International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and the Ladies Professional Racquetball Association (LPRA) including defending champions Sudsy Monchik (Lake Worth, Fla.) and Cheryl Gudinas (Lisle, Ill.). With cash prizes totaling over $45,000, the tournament boasts the largest purse on both the IRT and LPRA tours.

All feature matches will be played on the only "made-for-TV" portable racquetball court, which provides a great view of the game for the audience and the media. The unique construction of the court allows stadium seating for more than 1,000 spectators, along with courtside luxury boxes for sponsors and VIPs. The newly debuted Tennis Channel will also take advantage of the court by taping matches beginning Saturday to be broadcast in February of 2004.

In addition to the marquee IRT and LPRA professional divisions, the U.S. OPEN offers over 60 USRA sanctioned divisions. Over 800 players from 18 different countries will converge on Memphis, not only to watch the pros, but also to take part in the competition. The USRA divisions are played at Six50 TotalClub and the University of Memphis Recreation Center.

"We are proud to once again name St. Jude as the designated charity of the 2003 Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships," said Event Director Doug Ganim. "With the events that we have planned and the great support we have always received from the racquetball community we hope to top $115,000 at the end of this year's tournament."

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN will host a Pro Am benefit doubles tournament. Thirty-two lucky amateurs that have donated $250 a piece will have the opportunity to play in a single elimination doubles challenge with a top professional as their partner. All proceeds will be donated to St. Jude.

In addition to the doubles tournament, several other fundraising functions will take place including a silent auction held during the event to benefit St. Jude's and the U.S. National Racquetball Team. The auction features Olympic memorabilia and racquetball equipment from the industry's best manufacturers.

The Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN features all top professional players on both the men's International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and Ladies Professional Racquetball Association tour. The tournament also hosts over 800 players competing in 60 USRA divisions to be played at Six50 TotalClub and the University of Memphis Recreation Center. Tickets can be purchased at The Racquet Club of Memphis or by telephone at 1-800-234-5396.

In 1999, the program was started by Event Director Doug Ganim (Westerville, Ohio) and Dr. Rick Fischer (Memphis, Tenn.), associate professor of the University of Memphis Journalism Department, in an attempt to give the students hands-on experience in a real life setting while working to increase exposure of the racquetball tournament.

"We are pleased to offer students the opportunity to work in an actual major sporting event media operation," said Ganim. "The hands-on experience will help to prepare them for the workplace after college."

The students are each assigned at least two top professional athletes to cover for the tournament under the supervision of the media manager. The students are then responsible for contacting the athlete's local media, issuing press releases, and providing digital images for the media if needed.

The program has been a success and the students enjoy the challenges they are faced with during the tournament period. Many of them have returned to participate in the program for a second or third year.

Nobody appreciates the student's hard work as much as Ganim, "During the past three years we have been incredibly impressed with the quality of work that the University of Memphis students have produced while working in our media operations center."

The students get their first taste of the Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN, Tuesday, Nov. 18, when they attend the Kick-Off Press Conference slated for 1:30 p.m. at The Racquet Club of Memphis. Later that evening, at 5:00 p.m., the students will cover the St. Jude Pro/Am Doubles tournament, also held at The Racquet Club.

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Credentials will be distributed to qualified media at the 2003 Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Kick-Off Press Conference. The press conference will take place at The Racquet Club of Memphis, Tuesday November 18 at 1:30 pm. Contact Ryan John for reservations.

The Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN is racquetball’s only “Grand Slam” event and the most prestigious tournament of the season. With cash prizes totaling over $45,000, it boasts the largest purse on both the men’s International Racquetball Tour (IRT) and the Ladies Professional Racquetball Association (LPRA) tour. 

All of the top players in the sport look forward to Memphis each year with the hope of becoming the next Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Champion. Not only does the tournament offer the most prize monies of the season, but there are also more ranking points at stake. With that in mind, players look to pull ahead of their competition by performing well on racquetball’s grandest stage. A win here is a huge advantage in the always-narrow rankings race. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships is the only “made-for-TV” portable racquetball court, which will be used for all feature matches. The unique construction of the court allows stadium seating for more than 1,000 spectators, in addition to courtside luxury boxes for sponsors and VIPs. From the quarterfinals on, all men’s and women’s pro matches will take place on the stadium court. Dramatic player introductions complete with laser light shows and booming music will treat racquetball fans to a total entertainment experience. 

The newly debuted Tennis Channel will take advantage of the court by taping matches from the semifinals on to be broadcast in early 2004. In addition to the marquee IRT and LPRA professional divisions, the Choice Hotels U.S. OPEN Racquetball Championships offer over 60 USRA sanctioned divisions separated by age, skill, and age/skill. Over 500 of the country’s best racquetball players not only come to Memphis each year to watch the pros, but also to take part in the competition. Medals are awarded to the top four finishers in each division. Those events take place at Six50 TotalClub and the University of Memphis.