PARC 16th Tournament of the Americas
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: April 11-19, 2003

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Current men’s world singles champion Jack Huczek (Rochester Hills, Mich.) won his first Tournament of the Americas title by defeating Canada’s Michael Green in a tiebreaker, 15-6, 13-15, 11-3. “It was a good match,” Huczek said. “Mike (Green) got off to a slow start in the first game, but played well in the second. I had to step it up a couple clicks in the tiebreaker.” Jason Thoerner (Canton, Ga.), the other U.S. men’s singles player lost to Green in the semifinals.

Ruben Gonzalez (Staten Island, N.Y.) and Mike Guidry (Carrollton, Texas) paired up to take the men’s doubles title over Mexico’s Alvaro Beltran and Javier Moreno. After losing the first game, 15-6, Gonzalez and Guidry recovered to win the next two, 15-11, 11-10. “The first game didn’t go to well. They (Beltran and Moreno) picked on me, the old man,” said Gonzalez, 50. “I just said to myself that they aren’t going to be able to do that anymore and I took control.”

Both Cheryl Gudinas (Lisle, Ill.) and Laura Fenton (Overland Park, Kan.) earned spots in the women’s singles final, which guaranteed another gold medal for the U.S. Defending champion Fenton earned the win in an upset over the current world singles title holder Gudinas in the closest match of the tournament, 15-14, 14-15, 11-8. “Even though I won the last (Tournament of the Americas) this one means more because I know I beat the best,” said Fenton referring to Gudinas. Gudinas did not compete in the 2002 Tournament of the Americas due to an injury suffered during practice.

The U.S. women’s doubles team of Kim Russell (Austin, Texas) and Jackie Rice (El Cajon, Calif.) cruised through their draw without allowing an opposing team to reach double-digits. They defeated Mexico’s Rosy Torres and Susy Acosta in the finals, 15-4, 15-8. Rice and Russell are undefeated as a team in international competition since teaming together last August to compete at the International Racquetball Federation World Championships.

Because of their outstanding individual accomplishments the U.S. also swept the team competition. Canada finished second in the overall team and men’s competition followed by Mexico. Canada and Mexico tied for second in the women’s team competition.