As the ladies of the WPRO head to Arlington, VA December 9th through 11th
to compete in the 20th annual Christmas Classic, in its 6th
year as a WPRO stop. Tournament
directors Karen Denu, Bill Millback and Wayne Toyne anticipate a large amateur
event in collaboration with the best women in the game seeking a win in what
will be the last WPRO stop of 2011. Held at
Crystal Gateway Sport & Health Club - Arlington, VA USA
Big news in the rankings as Paola Longoria moves into the top
spot over Rhonda Rajsich with her win at the Puget Sound Challenge in Olympia
WA, Longoria has won more tournaments, - 16 - than any other player over the
last four WPRO seasons. Rhonda is the
reigning champion of the Christmas Classic, but Paola will look to continue her
reign coming off back to back wins over Rhonda in their last 2 meetings of the
2011-2012 season.
In addition to the shifting of the number one position, several
players are also adding to the excitement, highlighting their careers with big
wins. Cristina Amaya out of Columbia
leads a strong contingent of international players with her highest ranking yet
at 6th. Samantha Salas out of
Mexico is knocking on the door, looking to get off the 3rd ranking
and for now Longoria and Rajsich will stand in her way.
Mexico’s Suzy Acosta comes of a semi-final
appearance in Olympia to grab the 8th ranking. And Canada’s Jen Saunders comes in at
9th. After a semi-final appearance in
Olympia Kristen Bellows looks to move back into the top 5 after a year’s
absence on tour. Not to be overlooked,
though, is TJ Baumbaugh, the number 13th ranked player on tour, who
will take a bit of a home court advantage in Crystal City, likely to unleash
her hometown fans on opponents!
Contact Media Director: Sarah Warhaftig sarah@wprotour.com
Ruiz was recently asked about how she has had so much success as a doubles player and how her game-style fits with her partners. “I think I have great partners. It’s a team in doubles, there is no I, so I can’t say it’s just me,”” said Ruiz. “I’ve always been fortunate to play with some of the very best doubles players, that there game styles help compliment my game. I definitely like to be the shooter on the court and am not afraid to try and roll it out from anywhere. You will not see me have a long ceiling ball rally that's for sure. I’m also a lefty, which I think is a plus because there aren’t very many lefty/rights teams out there.”
Ruiz also plays singles at selected WPRO events as well as the US OPEN Racquetball Championships and National Singles Championships. Surely you caught every moment when she won the 2009 US National Singles title by defeating Cheryl Gudinas in the finals in Houston. “When I went in to Houston that year there was no pressure on me. I hadn’t even played Houston in about five or six years prior to that,” said Ruiz. ‘I don’t play the pro tour full-time, in fact I only played two Tier 1 events last season, so I don’t get to play the ladies of the WPRO in singles very often. I’m used to playing strictly guys in my area. I always know whenever I step on the court, if I’m playing well, and I’m “calm” I can win singles matches against the top women.” 
