2000 Hilton 5th U.S. OPEN
Racquetball Championships
November 15-19
The Racquet Club of Memphis
5111
Sanderlin Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee
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Look for the ESPN2 broadcast dates, when released, on these three websites:
www.usra.org
www.racqmag.com
www.hiltonusopen.com
After reviewing past productions, a series of suggestions were made by the network, including the construction of the formal broadcast set for the commentators, and the use of line judges for both finals. That's right — ESPN2 has reduced the chance of a match being won or lost on a bad call by suggesting that - not unlike tennis - pro racquetball needs more than just one official. The women began using line judges in their semi-finals yesterday, the men will have them for their final today.
With these, and many other changes, Executive Producer Jerry McKinnis is determined to make this year's show the best ever ... do your part to help him help racquetball earn more air time! Let's hear it! OR post an email to: http://espn.go.com/sitetools/s/contact/lettersespn.html.
[Added material by Jo Shattuck, UM/PRSSA & Christie Hyde]
The top-two players in the Ladies Professional Racquetball Association were ousted, one in a long-standing grudge match and the other in a first-time upset. Top-ranked Jackie Paraiso, two-time defending U.S. OPEN Champion, met her match in unseeded Rhonda Rajsich.
The women played two rounds yesterday, and earlier Rhonda Rajsich stated that she had a “narrow line” of concentration when she beat Kersten Hallander in four games in the morning quarterfinals.
Courtside for what many thought was the most exciting match of the day, fans filling the stadium sat in amazement as the 22-year-old Rajsich bullied past the reigning queen of racquetball, 22-20, 16-21, 21-19, 19-21, 21-17 to reach her first career pro final — at the biggest event of the season.
Rhonda used all of her near 6-foot frame to perform diving re-kill of balls that seem to be well out of her reach and her gets were unbelievable. At the same time, Jackie seemed to be troubled by her backhand, leaving many down-the-line shots up, and sending even more to the ceiling. The defending champion showed her experience with clear crisp kills and perfect passes when it counted, but it wasn’t enough to overcome her younger opponent's agility.
A devastated Paraiso had few words for fans following the match, which ended a streak of finals appearances that spans two years.
"I want a re-count," she quipped in her post-game interview, "... a hand re-count!"
This season marks Rajsich’s first full-time appearance on the LPRA tour, which caused her to have a low seeding position going into the event. From her #44 spot, she battled through three top-12 players before reaching the semifinals. A former-NCAA Division I basketball player for Stephen F. Austin State University, Rajsich gave up her senior year in order to play the women’s pro tour full time.
“I’ve always put racquetball on hold for my basketball career,” said Rajsich, who has intentions for eventually playing in the WNBA. “For the first time in my life, I put racquetball first. I have no regrets about not playing basketball this season.”
She also acknowledged the crowd for its involvement from the sidelines for her underdog win, citing comebacks in basketball which were fueled by fan support. "It doesn't matter who you want to root for tomorrow, bring it on!" she urged.
Rajsich will meet Canada’s Christie VanHees, who toppled her biggest rival on the pro tour, number-two Cheryl Gudinas, in a four-game semifinal to advance to her third-straight U.S. OPEN final.
Earlier in the day, Van Hees had played veteran Chris Evon in the quarterfinal. Evon played tough to stay close through three games of 21-19, 21-17, 21-13 — even launching two lay-out dives to save game points in games two and three before Van Hees prevailed.
Later Van Hees provided another exciting match against Gudinas, who took the first game 21-16, overcame her slow start in the first and charged past the Canadian 21-15 in the second. Down 20-16 in the third, Van Hees rallied back to win it 22-20, but the best run of points in the match was in the fourth, when Cheryl faced a 7 point deficit at 9-16. She reduced that entire point margin —unanswered — to pull within three at 17-20, when an overturned call at match point kept Gudinas alive. Referee Kersten Hallander had called a serve to the forehand good, but line judges agreed with the crowd and overturned what would have been the match winning ace for Van Hees. Gudinas then fought back to 20-20, but lost the final game 23-21.
“I have every intention of making this year my year to win,” VanHees said later.
Although early in the season, the number-one ranking on the International Racquetball Tour will be at stake in the finals, with only few points separating the two players going in. Monchik is hoping to become the first man in history to win three U.S. OPEN titles, while Swain has a more personal motivation. His father, Red, is missing his first U.S. OPEN due to a serious illness that has kept him home in Boston. Swain has vowed to win this year’s title for his father.
by Todd "Lefty" O'Neil
This match will be decided by Rhonda Rajsich. If she continues to play as well as she did yesterday, the match will be very close and very exciting. But if she slips into a inconsistent fog, the road will be long and dark.
Christie has more big-match experience, is a little more consistent, and has a solid all-around game. The only flaw that I see in Christie's game, or her poster, is the fact that she's Canadian. A victory today, in U.S. dollars, will keep her drunken coaches - the two Mikes (Green & Ceresia) - in Labatts Blue for years to come, eh?
Rhonda was seen up late last night filing stalking charges against some Memphis locals for following her around after the ProKennex bathing suit shot, but I think she'll be well rested for this match.
Line: Christie, 2-1
Over/under: 64
Diveline: R-squared will fire at the floor 16.5; Christie .5.
Not before 1:30 pm
#1 Cliff Swain vs. #2 Sudsy Monchik
This is a huge match. This match is critical for Sudsy in his bid to capture his fifth consecutive IRT tour championship. But it has the same impact for Cliff, who could distance himself even further with a record-setting sixth. History has shown the U.S. Open finals have been pretty anti-climatic. The last two finals between Sudsy and Cliff have been in straight games. I think, this year, it will go the distance.
Cliff is entering the finals having only dropped one game and the fact that Kim Machiran thinks he looks hot gives him a bigger edge than you can imagine. Cliff still has a lot of spring left in those 34-year-old legs. Look for him to try to dictate the match with his big serve and superior shot-making.
Sudsy played great against Rocky, but looked like four miles of bad road against a very unothodox Mike Locker. If "The Kid " can stay focused within himself he will have a better chance of playing in the zone. Cliff on the other hand has a habit of rushing and not taking his time. He serves better when he establishes a good rhythm. In the past, I've always predicted "the greatest match of all time" and it's been a dud. This year, it will happen!
Line: Even
Over/under: 75
Diveline: Sudsy 16.5; Cliff 14.5.
In answer to the question "Who do you think will win tomorrow?" roving reporter Todd "Lefty" O'Neil got an earful ...
ON THE MEN • Jimmy Gallo: Me and Derek Ray Monchik were talking, and he said "dad in three." • Koichi Katamura: Cliff 3-2, condition of Cliff better than last year. • Jim Hiser: Cliff in four. No quote. • Doug Ganim: Sudsy in five. He's gonna tighten it up (sounds like it could have been pillow talk during contract negotiatons ... Suds has just re-signed with HEAD/Penn for another four years). • Shawn "The Thriller" Royster: Cliff in four. Seems like he's sharper and he wants it bad. • Kane Waselenchuk: Cliffie boy in five, although he's old enough to be my dad. • Mike Ceresia: O'Neil in three. • Laura Fenton: Oooh, wow, ahh. Can't answer that one ... • Doug Eagle: Suds in five. I noticed a decline in Cliff's quickness. • Louis Vogel: I don't know, plus I'm not going to help you do your ****** job. • Randy Stafford: I'm afraid to say, because I like 'em both. • Ramona Vonondarza: Sudsy because Alvaro tired Cliff out. • Chris Coy: I like 'em both, but my mom told me to pick Sudsy. • Harvey Brannigan: I love Cliff, dude. My dad was a lefty, from Charleston, in Boston. • Brian Pointelin: Sudsy in four, cause Cliffs boys went hogging last night. • Quinn Roberts: Cliff in four, cause I've never heard Sudsy say "y'all." • Jack Huczek: Cliff in four. Cliff is going to serve awesome. Sudsy's gets will keep him in. • Dan "retired ref" Llacera: I like Sudsy, because of how awful he played today, and Cliff worked harder. • Ben Simons: Sudsy in three, cause he's hungry and focused. • Tim Hansen: Cliff in four. Sudsy looks flat. • Javier "the colonel" Moreno, Sr.: Sudsy, 3-1, I guess. I thinks Suds is playing at a better level. • Mike Green: Suds in five. It will be close, eh? • Mrs. Mike Ceresia: Sudsy in four. He dresses better. • Allen Monchik: Suds in four, cause he's hungry for his #1 ranking. • Kim Machiran: Cliff in four, cause he's hot. • Tina Robinson: If Derek doesn't come home with a first place check, his stuff will be on the front lawn. • Marianne Walsh: Who's in the finals? • Ed "Weaverlock" Willis: Cliff in four. I believe in Cliff. • Big D: Cliff in four. Service game. • Jason Mannino: If Sudsy brings his "B" game, like he did today, Cliff will win. • Otto Dietrich: Cliff in three. Sharp as a tack all week. Nearly flawless.
by Kevin Joyce
"We were two of the first players at our club and have been playing since 1975," recalls Wahren. "I wanted to do something really special for his birthday."
Wahren began a "racquetball" search on the internet and discovered the Hilton U.S. OPEN site. "I wanted him to see the biggest racquetball event in the world and this is it." said Wahren.
Otto and his five friends arrived from Sweden on Friday night, and spent much of Saturday touring the city of Memphis. Look for them in the grandstands before they head home on Monday. Happy Birthday Otto!
Locker's earlier round marathon upset of No.6 seeded Mike Guidry had brought on the cramps, which threatened to end his bid for a semi-final berth.
“When I was laying the hospital bed, I thought that the IV would help me, and everything would be fine afterwards,” Locker said about his emergency room experience. “When I finally woke up though, everything wasn’t fine. [Later] during my warm-up, I turned to a buddy with me and told him that I didn’t think I was going to be able to play. But, when the music started to play and they introduced me on the court, the adrenaline suppressed the pain in my calves and everything.”
Looking somewhat pale and apparently hesitant to go to full extension on the run, Locker's careful attention to the details of his shot-making allowed him to launch a comeback from a 2-0 game deficit and take the upset win in five.
by Todd "Lefty" O'Neil
Sudsy “The Kid” Monchik vs. Mike “Foot” Locker
Let’s talk a little bit about Mr. Foot Locker. He has played a hundred and seventy five points, not including sideouts, in the last two days. He’s been to the hospital for intravenous fluid replacement. He’s had Ruben work on him with those catcher’s mitt hands. And, somehow, he’s still hanging in there. It must be the shoes.
Mike was down 2-0 to John Ellis in their quarterfinal, and showed a lot of guts to pull out the last three games for the upset. I’ve seen Johnny play better, but Mike made the shots that he needed to for the win.
Mike has a really unorthodox game and cuts the ball a lot, hits strange angles and is deceptively quick. He will have to shoot the ball like a champ today, for any chance of beating Sudsy.
Sudsy on the other hand, looked razor-sharp against Rocky-Road Carson. I look for the kid to pound the ball straight in to wear down the upstart number 11 seed. Unfortunately for Mike, Sudsy looks to be on a serious mission to re-gain his number one ranking. In fact, he looks like a pit bull that hasn’t been fed for three weeks.
Line: Sudsy 10-1
Over/under: 49
Diveline: Sudsy 4; Locker 2
Saturday [not before] 5:30 pm
#1 Cliff “Lethal Weapon” Swain vs.
#21 Alvaro “Muy Bien” Beltran
After yesterday’s newsletter, the Embassy Suites management put a 24-hour watch on the Robinson/Swain rooms. Earlier in the week, Cliff and Derek had been seen frolicking around the players village, seemingly the best of friends. But like the old saying goes, “there’s a fine line between love and hate” and they crossed it last night with a four game win by Swain that had his roommate in knots. Earlier, Derek had cruised into the quarters with straight game wins over Homey and the Fish (not the band). Cliff, on the left hand, always looks great to another southpaw like me.
Cliff’s forehand should be registered with the Braintree Police Department as a lethal weapon. Look for him to take control of an inexperienced Beltran with big serves and pinpoint accuracy, but this first-time matchup might hold a surprise or two for the veteran.
Beltran is certainly battle-tested with first-time, big wins over Doyle and Kane W at this event. The spectator approval rating for the Beltran/Waselenchuk match yesterday morning was a flat out 10 – it was one of the most athletic and well-played matches I’ve every witnessed. Then, with both players answering with big clutch shots, only to have the ball fly out of court on match point! Alvaro definitely has the skills to hang with Cliff, but I have to give Cliff a strong edge on mental toughness and strategy.
Line: Cliff 10-1
Over/under: 52
Diveline: Alvaro 8; Cliff 3.
The answer to Ellis' trivia question on court last night is a solid 44, and after a couple of beers at the bar last night, I was still wondering why Johnny was asking about my chest ...
by Jo Shattuck
Game two started out much the same — at first — before Van Hees’ powerful serve return and methodical shooting slowed Powell’s initial momentum. Van Hees took that game 21-17 and finished the match by winning the third, 21-14.
When Ed Willis spied the match between seasoned veterans Chris Evon and Janet Myers, he quipped ”Is this age division?” Oddly enough, in Myers’s first year on the tour in 1990, she met Evon five times in a row in her first five tournaments. Somehow, the two haven’t competed against each other for nine years ... until yesterday. The tour's “smart player” Myers was out-smarted by Evon in three straight of 15, 17, 11. “Chris played as good then as she does now” recalled Myers about Evon's former tour play, though she said it was “more fun this time.” That’s just like Janet. Isn’t it ?
Baldwin Wallace undergrad Kristen Walsh of Salt Lake City, Utah felt right at home on the championship court, as she took game one from Cheryl Gudinas, 21-19. But Gudinas then turned it up a notch, and the the youngster played tough by diving after almost every ball, but to no avail. Walsh lost the next three 16, 14, and 11.
# 1 Seed Jackie Paraiso beat Denver’s Jo Shattuck, (who really does live lakeside in a camper) in straight games. Kim Machiran and Doreen Fowler couldn’t really decide who would win their match until the last three points of the fifth game. But "Fowlers luck" held true (like husband Dan's against Rocky Carson), Doreen fell to Machiran in the tiebreak. The final score: 21-19 in a fifth game nailbiter.
No. 5 seed and 1999 U.S. OPEN semifinalist Susana Acosta was upset by unseeded Rhonda Rajsich in four games. No. 4 Kersten Hallander, who lost in the quarters to Acosta last year, cruised past Rachel Gellman in three straight, as did No.7 Laura Fenton as she advanced by Dina Moreland.
The women will be working hard today, with two rounds ending with the evening semifinal. The quarterfinals will begin at 10:00 am and promises some great early matchups between Hallander vs. Rajsich, Paraiso vs. Machiran, Van Hees vs. Evon and Gudinas vs. Fenton.
“We were very happy that Cheryl was able to negotiate such a good contract agreement with E-Force, and we were sorry to see her go.” stated Winters. “At the same time, we feel that it’s great for the women’s game, and will open up a lot of other opportunities for up-and-coming LPRA tour players.”
Winters, who only recently returned to Ektelon in mid-September after a two-year absence, is anxious to move on with both his player program and a professional transition that will keep him in Phoenix, where his last position with Head Sports had been based. “We’re also fortunate to have Andy Roberts in a key role” said Winters “He’s going to be a big part of building our new team.”
Heads Up ...
So who took Winter's place at HEAD? The new Product Manager for Indoor Court Sports for HEAD/Penn is Ben Simons, also of Phoenix. After a series of interviews, Simons was tapped for the job and began on November 6, then went directly to Austria for a plant visit and meeting with worldwide sales reps, then flew directly into Memphis to run the event scoreboard.
That's right, the fellow "behind the curtain" at the front of the exhibition court is Ben Simons, assisted by his new wife of only three weeks, Rocky Rodriguez Simons. In all the rush, the couple haven't formally honeymooned — so Rocky flew in to assist with the graphic projects for this event.
by Nikita Little
“I didn’t feel like I was real sharp today, and my backhand was not as strong as I would like it to be,” Fenton said. “I played just well enough to win, which is what I wanted to do, but I did feel pretty good with my serves.”
At last year's U.S. OPEN, Fenton sustained a back injury that forced her withdraw from the event and caused her to miss several important U.S. Team events last season. But it's also shaped her outlook on playing in the tournament.
“I don’t care who I play,” Fenton said. “I am privileged just to be playing.”
Ironically, Fenton will be facing the same opponent, No. 2 seeded Cheryl Gudinas, against whom she was competing last year when she was forced to pull out of the tournament due to her back injury.
Although the first pro match of the day had drawn a crowd of only 100 fans, they all sat in shock as Mannino’s early lead quickly diminished. In the beginning of the fourth game, the typically-cocky Mannino began his routine trash-talking in a last-ditch attempt to disrupt Waselenchuk’s momentum. But the 19-year-old Canadian simply shot back at the defending champion with a quick wit of his own, before cruising into the sweet sixteen.
“I have been playing this game for 16 years,” said Waselenchuk, a two-time amateur Canadian National champion. “Guys like Jason, Cliff and Sudsy are who I have looked up to, and now I know that I can play on their level. I belong here [on the pro tour].”
The Hilton U.S. OPEN is only the second pro tournament for Waselenchuk, who took top-ranked Cliff Swain to a grueling five games in the quarterfinals of the Pro Nationals in Las Vegas last April. Several of the top pro players took notice of the young Canadian at the tournament, including Mannino.
“I anticipated exactly what I got (from Waselenchuk),” Mannino said following the loss. “I knew that I had the toughest match of the day, and it was only the round of 32.”
Waselenchuk went up against fourth-ranked Mannino early in the tournament due to his poor ranking on the International Racquetball Tour. His one quarterfinal appearance at the Pro Nationals positioned him in the draw as the 29th seed.
And the early round loss destroyed any hopes that Mannino had of moving up in the IRT rankings.
“This ruined my whole year. There is no way I can recover from this. I can only move down from this. Moving into the top three is not even an issue anymore.”
Later in the evening, Waselenchuk again advanced with an easier straight-game win over #20 seeded Greg Thomas of Bend, Oregon and will face current world amateur champion Alvaro Beltran this afternoon.
By Todd "Lefty" O’Neil
different countries. We have a nineteen year-old kid from Edmonton, Alberta, Kane Waselenchuk, taking out defending champ Jason Mannino in four games in the round of 32. At this tournament last year Jay was unbeatable. In his second pro stop ever, Kane has a legitimate shot at winning this event.
Current amateur World Champion Alvaro Beltran also stood the IRT on its head yesterday with a huge upset win over #5 Tim Doyle. This guy from Tijuana, Mexico is a big time player. Oddly enough, this north/south of the border playoff between Kane and Alvaro takes place in the first quarterfinal today.
Friday 4:00pm
Kane Waselenchuk vs. Alvaro Beltran
Everyone, including myself, is suffering from a serious case of Kane envy. But I think this match will go the distance. Kane has the best hands and court coverage I’ve seen. Alvaro is so sneaky-fast, with deceptive reach and hits the ball great on the run. This match will be decided on who can return the serve best. Both players have great drive z’s to the back hand and — coincidentally — both players have a weakness in returning those same drive z’s. I have a weird feeling that Beltran is going to win this match, but I give the nod to Kane.
Line: Kane 6-5
Diveline: Kane 7, Beltran 12
Over/under: 78
Friday [not before] 5:00pm
John Ellis VS Mike “Foot” Locker
Elli was blessed by the racquetball gods yesterday. Down one game to zero against Huzcek and facing a game point against, John was the beneficiary of an uncharacteristic skip by Huzcek. Then he won one of the four biggest prizes at the Hollywood Casino Night Party.
On the flip side, opponent Mike Locker spent the wee hours of the morning at a nearby hospital re-hydrating himself intravenously after a five game battle with Mike Guidry. Look for Elli to dictate the match with his speed and power. Mike is an incredible shot maker and if he has recovered and can play the type of game that defeated Guidry, this match will be a crowd pleaser.
Line: Ellis 7-1
Over/under: 48
Friday [not before] 6:00pm
Rocky “Road” Carson vs. Sudsy Monchik
Yesterday, Rocky jeopardized his “Bobby Bible” status with some hostile glares and aggressive gestures towards gentleman Dan Fowler. Rocky was lucky to get by Fowler. On the other side Sudsy played Ruben for the 200th time. Ruben put up a gallant fight but, in the end, the kid had too much fire power.
In this match up look for Sudsy to dictate the rallies with his superior pace. Rocky will counter with his incredible foot speed and athletic ablility. In the end “the kid” will win in four.
Line: Monchik 6-1
Diveline: Carson 17.5, Monchik 6
Over/under: 49
Friday [not before] 7:00pm
Cliff Swain vs. Derek Robinson
I have had the opportunity to room with both these guys on tour. After a loss, both of these player are notorious for trashing the hotel room. One time I came back to the room, and found a racquet stuck in the wall and I am not going to say who did it, but this person is under six feet tall. Look for these Wilson buddies to put on a great show. This match will be decided in four games.
Line: Swain 8-1
Over/under: 52
Good Luck!!!
by Jo Shattuck
Yes, it’s true. You did see Cheryl walking around with an E-Force Bag. After a four-year stint with Ektelon, Gudinas joined friend Kelley Beane in signing a deal with E-Force.
Citing Ektelon’s latest contract offer as “not great,” Gudinas seriously began considering E-Force when reduced bonus funds and shoestring expenses made it hard for her to keep up with the costs of her tour travel.
Her new “extraordinary deal” with E-Force includes bonuses for teaching, and she calculates that a #2 LPRA season finish will net more reward from Eforce, than a number #1 LPRA season finish would have under her former contract. E-Force has made her feel welcome and like part of the family and, all in all, she feels goods about the switch.
Cheryl also wanted to report that her decision to make the switch had nothing to do with rumors that Michelle Gould (who dominated the women’s tour for years but retired in 1999) was planning on making a comeback. Her negotiations with E-Force had begun months prior to that news.
Although Cheryl used an E-Force frame in early round play yesterday, it’s possible that she will continue to use an Ektelon racquet here in Memphis, since she did not have enough time to adjust to the switch. She plans to start using the E-Force Bedlam 190 or 210 next week.
In the round of 32’s…
Virginia’s Michelle Lucas fell to long-time former tour veteran Dina Moreland of Sweet Home Alabama in four games. In her return to the tour, Moreland’s smart play and smarter pinches kept Lucas on the run. Lucas said it was a tough match both ways, and added that that Moreland was “very fair” and “nice to play.” She'll go up against Laura Fenton this afternoon.
Jackie Paraiso meets Colorado’s Jo Shattuck in the round of 16’s today after beating Shannon Feaster-Stewart in three games of 15, 18, 8. Feaster-Stewart who was tied at 15 with the defending US OPEN champion at one point, said “You gotta dig deep near the end of each game and I didn’t do that.”
Two five-game brawls marked yesterday's round, with Lori-Jane Powell defeating Kerri Stoffregen (all that effort just to face her Canadian teammate Christie Van Hees today) in a full set of five close games; while Janet Myers eliminated another Canadian hopeful, Jennifer Saunders, in their marathon tiebreaker.
Doreen Fowler faced Florida’s own Lori Lepow. (Hey, maybe Lori can tell us who’s president). After winning an easy first game 21-8, she then dropped the next game 18-21, before going on to win the next two games and the match 21-12 and 21-14.
Chantal Turgeon of Canada started out strong to earn 19 points in the first game of her round of 32 match against #4 LPRA Kersten Hallander, but finished weak in losing the next two games with far fewer points. Hallander says it feels good to have the first match win under her belt.
No. 7 seeded Laura Fenton beat Colorado’s Mickey Richer in three, Mexico’s Susana Acosta, 1999 US OPEN Semifinalist and No. 5 seed, beat Ohio's young Adrienne Fisher in three as well.
Remaining winners to advance were Kim Machiran, Rhonda Rajsich, Rachel Gellman, and Kristen Walsh.
By AmieJo Hreno
Chris and his parents, Mike and Susan Coy, found out about the award when they arrived in Memphis. Susan did not know exactly why he got the award, she felt that it might be because of his appearance in Sports Illustrated for Kids in 1999. When she heard about the award, she said, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it.” As far as Chris was concerned, it just made him nervous.
Chris lost his leg at the age of four to cancer, and he started playing racquetball at the age of 6. “He amazed us,” his mother said. Chris said, “I wanted to play because the sport wasn’t well known.”
Chris played in his first Junior World tournament at the age of eight, boasting a sponsorship from Pro Kennex. He continued to play and improve his game with his dedication and four- hour-a-day practices. Susan said, “Pro Kennex believed in him.”
Chris took silver in both singles and doubles at the 2000 Head Junior Olympic Championships in Minnesota and is doing well so far at the Open. He defeated Landon Pilant, a University of Memphis team player in straight games yesterday. Chris feels good about the tournament and is looking forward to the rest of his matches.
The SI award ceremony will be held on December 14 in New York, and will be broadcast live on CBS.
by Lefty O’Neil
• Swain 6-5
• Monchik 7-5
• Mannino 2-1
• Ellis 3-1
If I offend anyone ... well, too damn bad ... I’m out of the tournament and have a foul attitude. I, personally, should be 1) flying home to see my family or 2) on a treadmill eating celery. Instead, I’m trying to write at 2:00 am.
So my suggestion to those of you who want to watch more good racquetball (instead of playing bad racquetball ...) grab a good seat in the back so you can watch two matches at the same time. Or sneak into the player lounge and get silly drunk watching the back half of the stadium court. Then, use these lines — which are always subject to change — for recreational purposes only.
Cliff “The big Red Dog” Swain vs. Aaron “ I’m picking up a cool $325 no matter what happens “ Granberg (+8.5).
Josh “Bam Bam” Tucker vs. Mike “Redstone” Johnson (even $) This match is going to take a while. The BROKEN BALL LINE is 3.
Derek “Is it raining?” Robinson vs. Javier “Homey” Moreno (+3.5). The DIVELINE for Homey is 15.5.
Adam “Get into this” Karp vs. Dan “Let’s play some cards” Llacera (+3). DIVELINES: Fish - 6 Dan - 4.
Jay “Autovac” Mannino vs. “Citizen Kane“ Waselenchuk (+3). Some serious drama could unfold in this match. If Jay gets it and hits it the way he did last year he should win in three. But possessing a world of talent, Kane is certainly capable of the upset. DIVELINE: Jay - 10, Kane - 12.
Tim “Batman” Doyle vs. Mike “ Show me the” Green (+2). Very interesting. These two play in practice and the word is they play close.
Nacho “Momma” Bustillos (+2) vs. Alvaro “World Champ” Beltran. This match will be for all the tacos in TJ. These two young guns will be laying on the line to see who is the finest player in all of Mexico. This match gets my five stars *****. DIVELINE: Nacho - 13.5,
Alvaro - 11.
Greg “Thunder “ Thomas vs. Kevin “Golden” Graham – (even) – Test of wills between two really fit guys.
John “Elli” Ellis vs. Mike “Crusher” Denison (+5). BROKEN BALL LINE: 2.
Jack “Little Yellen” Huczek vs. Erin “Bone Crusher” Brannigan (+2). DIVELINE: Little Yellen - 4, Brannigan - 6.
Mike “Foot” Locker vs. Jim “The Hammer” Frautschi (+4). This match is for all the bragging rights of Minnesota. Jesse the Body Ventura is flying in ...
Adam “Yanks Win” Priamo (+5) vs. Mike “Grecian Formula” Guidry. It won't go five.
Doug “ Peace and Love “ Eagle (+3) vs. Rocky “Roads” Carson. A rematch of Houston's
Amateur Nationals last May. New outcome?
Brian “The Brawler” Istace (+2.5) vs. Dan “Foul Ball” Fowler. BROKEN BALL LINE: 3.
Ruben “THE MAN’s MAN” Gonzalez vs. Brian “PURE” Pointelin (+3.5).
Suds “The Kid” Monchik vs. Doug “Get Out of my Room” Ganim (+10). Who got more sleep?
and most of which used the opening rounds as warm-up time on the stadium court.
"My first match was not much of a challenge, so I used it to get a feel for the stadium court and myself," said two-time U.S. OPEN champion Sudsy Monchik. "The crowd seems really pumped up this year, even in the early rounds, so it's a great feel on the court."
There were two early scares for top-ten pro athletes, as seventh-ranked Rocky Carson (Orange County, Calif.) was unable to hold on to his second game against unseeded Billy Shepley. However, Carson did pick up the 11-3, 11-13, 11-3, 11-1 victory. Eighth-ranked Adam Karp (Stockton, Calif.) also had a rough start, as he dropped his first game to Julio Junki (Miami), but rallied back in the next three games to advance to Thursday's round of 32.
Many of the top women's pros had Wednesday off, as unseeded athletes played qualifying matches to earn spots in Thursday's round of 32.
by Jackie Smith
In order to participate, the students must be members of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Even though this tournament comes at a busy part of the month, the PRSSA students enjoy working hands-on with professional and amateur players.
“It’s hard to juggle everything you are involved in at the moment, but it is only one week and well worth it,” said Molly Watkins, president of PRSSA.
Students involved in the internship are:
Molly Watkins, Germantown,TN
Kirsten Marks, Clarksville, TN
Adam Badrian, Memphis,TN
Emily Blackwell, Memphis,TN
Sarah Pinyan, Collierville, TN
Tilea Lacy, Collierville, TN
Katie Flippo, Mountain Home, AR
Nikita Little, Memphis,TN
AmieJo Hreno, Hendersonville,TN
Jackie Smith, Germantown, TN
Kesha Whitaker, Memphis, TN
Find more of the students work online at www.hiltonusopen.com
by AmieJo Hreno
Among the players to advance yesterday were: Dale Valentine, Scott Cullins, Julio Junki, Jesus Gutierrez, Eddie Alberty, Ceasar Carillo, Enrique Esparza, Kevin Graham, Todd O’Neil, Chris Robinson, Billy Perrone, Brent Walters, John Scargle, Billy Shepley, Andy Babinchack, and Chris Cole.
Dale Valentine advanced after a no-show forfeit past former pro tour champion Drew Kachtik, while former amateur world champion Chris Cole defeated Brent Henson in four games. He lost in a close first game, 15-13, then won the next three games 11-6, 11-9, 11-4.
In what became an "international playoff," number-one Venezuelan national team player Ralf Reinhardt was defeated by Julio Junki 11-4, 11-5, 11-4. Ceasar Carillo defeated Pascal Matla, the number one player from the Netherlands, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6. Carillo plays for the University of Memphis and joined his teammate Javier Moreno to make it to the IRT’s opening round of 64. Todd “Lefty” O’Neil defeated Fabian Parilla 11-9, 11-2, 12-10 before falling in five games to Erin Brannigan. O’Neil now shifts gears into his well-known "opinionated writer" mode.
LPRA Sidelines
by Jo Shattuck
Last minute no-shows ...
Lisa Hjelm, seeded #6 here in Memphis, forfeited her spot in the draw yesterday, after succumbing to an injury sustained in the final doubles match at the Albuquerque Pro/Am three weeks ago. She had entered the U.S. Open, thinking she might be able to compete, but recently re-injured the medial collateral ligament in practice and called LPRA Commissioner Jim Hiser on Tuesday to forfeit out of the tournament. She could be out of commission until February or March.
Hjelm's doubles partner, Kari McDonough also appeared on the "no-show" list, allowing Orlando's Lori Lepow to advance into the round of 32 against Doreen Fowler.
Canada’s Karina Odegard, apparently unaware of the need to play a qualifying round of 32 match, missed her 10:00 am start yesterday, and was forfeited from the LPRA draw in favor of opponent Dina Moreland.
Peggy Stevens, a surgeon from Louisville, KY, also had to forfeit after being called in to "work" on a patient!
Last minute advances ...
In the qualifier between High School national champion Adrienne Fisher and Mexico’s Joanna Rivera, Fisher emerged victorious in a marathon two-hour five-game tiebreak. 15-21, 17-21, 21-19, 21-17, 21-19. Rivera said she felt comfortable about the way she played, but her skips hurt her. Fisher will face another
Latina, #5 seeded Susana Acosta, today at 1:45pm.
In their qualifying round, newlywed Shannon Feaster-Stewart gave Linda Moore, of Madison, Nebraska a run for her money, with another five game playoff. Feaster narrowly advanced with scores of 21-18, 11-21, 21-15, 12-21, and 23-21. Feaster meets Paraiso in the round of 32 this afternoon at 4:30.
Scoring Update ...
After trying out the new scoring system in their last two stops, the LPRA opted to maintain the format for the Hilton U.S. OPEN, including best of five matches to 21, with scoring on every rally.
Carson, Jamison Win Pro-Am Doubles
The St. Jude Pro-Am Doubles Tournament opened the Hilton U.S. OPEN on Tuesday evening, with thirty-two of the world’s best pro players pairing up with amateur partners — each of whom had donated $250 for the opportunity to compete side-by-side with the best in the sport.
A total of $8,000 was raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which specializes in the research and treatment of childhood diseases, and has been the beneficiary of Hilton U.S. OPEN fund-raising events since the tournament debuted in 1996.
This year’s St. Jude Pro-Am Doubles title went to the team of #7 ranked pro and current amateur national champion Rocky Carson, of Orange County, California, and his local partner Mike Jamison of Memphis. They defeated Houston’s Doug Eagle and Landon Pilant, a member of the University of Memphis racquetball team.
L-R: Eagle, Pilant, Jamison,
Carson. Photo: Vicki Hughes
“It’s a whole different game when you play with a pro athlete, than what I’m used to playing,” said Pilant, a member of the Intercollegiate Champion University of Memphis Racquetball Team. “Playing with a pro almost makes you feel like you need to move yourself up to their level.”
Although both the professional and amateur players agree that they enjoy the competitive fun of the St. Jude Pro-Am, everyone agrees that helping the children of St. Jude is what makes the experience complete.
“It is an honor to be able to play the sport I love and help the children of St. Jude,” Carson said. “It’s always a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone in need, but to help a young child fighting an awful disease is an unbelievable feeling.”