Women's Lineup .....

..... Men's Lineup

Defending Champion Michelle Gould (1 to 3) • no signs of slowing down • still best serve on tour; plagued by injuries all season (including a knee problem that forced her to drop out of the Tournament of the America's final) and they could become a factor during a long event. Strength – serve and shot-making ability. Weakness – mobility and up-and-back movement.

Defending Champion Ruben Gonzalez (odds 2 to 1) • determined to repeat, but injuries could affect that resolve; Achilles and knee problems could re-surface over a long event• rehab & layoff, plus age, could affect conditioning. Strength – experience, determination, consistency. Weakness – injuries, inability to train.

Cheryl Gudinas (odds 2 to 1) • as dedicated as any athlete on tour • needs to develop effective serve • can shoot as well as anyone; needs to believe she can beat Michelle. Strength – backhand pinch and intensity. Weakness – serve.

Todd O'Neil (odds 2 to 1) • should have confidence after winning World Championships and breaking his long-endured "Houston jinx" last year • first round losses on pro tour indicated inconsistency. Which Todd will show up? Strength – stroke mechanics. Weakness – concentration and conditioning. NEWSFLASH ... It's been reported that O'Neil will NOT compete in Houston, due to an injury (according to reliable sources, as of May 8.)

Jackie Paraiso (odds 3 to 1) • has game to beat Michelle • good serve, power, and mobility • needs to play more tour events to maintain competitive level. Strength – mobility and serve. Weakness – conditioning and concentration.
Malia Bailey (odds 5 to 1) • although she's playing better than she has over much of the last season, doesn't seem ready • out of shape, but her experience and consistency could pull her through. Strength – serve. Weakness – conditioning.
Laura Fenton (odds 2 to 1) • improved greatly last few months - recently beat Gudinas and took Michelle to five. Health problems have kept her from being 100%. Strength – good mobility and shot selection. Weakness – serve & consistency.
Lynne Coburn (odds 3 to 1) • great forehand serve; all around games is solid, but again, real life forces her to miss some tour stops. Has potential to upset anyone at anytime. Strength – forehand serve. Weakness – consistency.

Derek Robinson (odds 3 to 1) • shoulder and leg injuries have plagued Derek all season • strong showing in February pro stop indicates that if he can maintain conditioning he'll be a threat; all the tools, but has never put together a "whole" major tournament. Strength – power, reach, and serve. Weakness – injuries, consistency, backhand.
Kelly Gelhaus (odds 3 to 1) • broke through last season, but still unproven; new dedication to conditioning; pro tour experience will help. Strength – power. Weakness – late match concentration and conditioning.
Adam Karp (odds even) • perhaps the quickest player in tournament; great mobility • occasionally loses concentration; hits on run as well as anyone. Strength – speed and fast hands. Weakness – shot selection and concentration.
Aaron Katz (odds even) • game style frustrates opponents • enough experience to beat anyone in field; if he was practicing on a regular schedule, would definitely be favorite, but "real" life may take toll over long event. Strength – game style, shot selection. Weakness – dedication and conditioning.

SLEEPERS

• Robin Levine (4-1) • has she recovered completely from shoulder surgery?
• Kersten Hallender (4-1) • good power and aggressiveness, but lacks confidence.
• Chris Evon (4-1) • great all-around game, very quick on the court, but may lack "tournament toughness" for a championship.
• Elaine Mardas (4-1) • always a tough competitor, but needs more top level play.
• Lydia Hammock (4-1) • played well against Gould at one tour stop, has been gaining confidence and working hard on her game and conditioning.
• Randy Friedman (5-1) • Has played a good number of stops this season and improved over the last two years.

SLEEPERS

• Jason Thoerner (4-1) • much improved • Houston courts favor his power game; moves well. Strength – power. Weakness – inconsistent and not aggressive enough.
• James Mulcock (4-1) • good shot selection, but has been in a slump.
• Doug Eagle (3-1) • #1 dark horse • good power and conditioning, but over hits at times.
• Joey Paraiso (4-1) • has the game to beat anyone, but doesn't compete enough.
• Joel Bonnett (4-1) • power and conditioning, but again, doesn't play top players enough.
• Chris Cole (4-1) • in 96 showed some signs of the old Chris, but does he have the desire?