2010 CPRT in Las Vegas – Results!
19 people from all over the state of Arizona competed in the CPRT Championships held in Las Vegas (April 29th – May 2nd). For a complete listing of the people that attended and participated in the event click here.
As the CPRT qualifiers started their journey late Thursday evening, some of the fellow participants that entered were Jeff Bell (2010 State Champion), Louis Vogel (former Pro tour participant), Frank Taddonio (Men’s 60+ Masters Champion) and Bobby Ferreira (2010 Arizona 40+ state Champion). Jeff Bell cruised into the round of 16s with a superior display in the qualifiers dishing out two donuts of the three games. Louis Vogel also was victorious in his match with a former resident Scott Shermy. Bobby Ferreira and Frank Taddonio had the late match and were facing off against each other. Unfortunately Frank got the shorter end of the stick in the match but played very well and kept Bobby on his toes for the last two games nearly almost squeaking out each of the two last games. Now the round of 16s were set… Jeff Bell vs. Cliff Swain, Louis Vogel vs. Mike Ray and Bobby Ferreira vs. Ruben Gonzales. Jeff Bell came out firing out on on cylinders taking the first two game s off Cliff, only to leave Cliff dazed and confused. While the experienced Cliff lifted his game to the next level, put Jeff on the edge of his seat. The game went five and nearly the distance, from the looks of it, this almost became the biggest upset of the tournament, however, Cliff won the fifth game 9-7. Ruben Gonzales the legend of racquetball since 1970′s, played the era with Marty Hogan, Mike Yellen, Dave and Greg Peck, Sudsy Monchik, John Ellis, all the way to the latest era of players, Ruben has seen it all, but he didn’t see Bobby Ferreira coming in his rear view mirror. Bobby came out with his guns firing playing with nothing to lose, as he took the first game by coming back from a 7-4 deficit to win 9-8. The second game was all Bobby as he control the pace and shot selection winning 9-5. Ruben struck back as he pulled up his sleeves to find the cannons that rocked the world for nearly 4 decades and took the next three games (9-4, 9-7 and 9-1). Louis Vogel who reunited with some of his old buddies from the pro tour back in the 90s met a long time foe, Mike Ray in the round of 16s. While Mike Ray didn’t look himself from the start go, Louis looked like his old self from the past, consistently putting Mike on the defense and putting the balls down when needed. Louis defeated Mike in three games 9-1, 9-3 and 9-2. Louis found himself in the money round, but he wasn’t done yet! His next opponent, Doug Ganim. Again Louis came out firing like his old self splatting the ball, and shooting shots only pros know how to do it. While the two split the first two games, Louis was not rattled by any stretch, game three Louis constantly put pressure on Doug forcing him to retrieve and make low percentage shots. Louis was on his way to his first CPRT Semifinals by wnning the next two games 9-4 and 9-6. His next opponent, Woody Clouse. Woody and Louis are no strangers on the court as they have battled before throughout the 90s. While Woody the defending CPRT Champion was in full control of the match taking the first two games 9-6 and 9-0, Louis wasn’t about to give up. serving for match for the next two games, Louis managed to beat out Woody 9-8 and 9-8. In the 4th game after a controversy call that would of given Woody the match, forced Louis to serve out the next two points (the last one being an Ace serve to the left side corner,simply amazing!). While it may have appeared the momentum was leaning towards Louis, the defending Champion was not about to give up his title. As he continued to punch drive serves to the right side and hard low z serves to the backhand side of Louis, taking the 5th game 9-2. The end of a great run came to an end for Louis as he was able to display his skills that he once displayed back in the 90s.
Other notables from the tournament…
Pio Moniz and Jarred Imhausen won the Elite Doubles. Damian Zamorano took the Men’s Elite Singles. Robert Baker finishing 2nd in Men’s D. Jason Conway taking Alvaro Beltran to the tiebreaker in Men’s Opens (Quarterfinals). Rick Anderson and his Daughter Kelli finishing 3rd in Mixed B/C doubles. Kelli Anderson wining Women’s C/D division.
Overall it was a great turnout for all of the Arizona racquetballers. Good job and way to represent!