Paola Longoria adds another victory at the Wilson Tour of Hope

CINCINNATI, Jan. 29, 2012 .- Paola Longoria accumulated her fifth title on the professional racquetball circuit after winning against Kerri Wachtel, in the Wilson Tournament of Hope, a WPRO pro-stop

Longoria won in three sets,  11-3, 11-7, 11-7, which continued her lead against #1 World Champion and #2 on the WPRO Tour, Rhonda Rajsich, who was eliminated by Wachtel in the semifinals, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4.

Longoria had a buy in the first round, then defeated Laura Fenton in the quarterfinals, by 11-6, 11-1, 11-3 and already in the semifinals, pro Krystal Csuk was defeated by 11-3, 11-2, 12-10, to advance to the championship game of the sixth stop of the tour to Wachtel.

Her achievements began at the U.S. Open in Minneapolis (Minnesota), then Olympia (Washington), followed by Arlington (Virginia) and the tournament she won in Canoga Park (California).

The next WPRO tour stop will be played in Denver, March 8-11, 2012, where she will seek to add another victory. 

Paolo also won the mixed doubles tournament, teaming with U.S. men’s player Allen Jansen, defeating in the final game of round robin Rajsich Rhonda and her partner Chad McGuffey, of sleeves 14-16, 11-5, 11-3.

For a look at the tour schedule go to:  www.wprotour.com

From the Ektelon Newsflash

EKTELON LADIES - WPRO MID SEASON RECAP

The WPRO is midway thru the season and it has sure been an exciting first half with our top two Ektelon pros winning each event. The season began with Rhonda Rajsich as the #1 player and now her Ektelon teammate, Paola Longoria, has taken over the position. Rhonda won the first WPRO event of the season in August, while Paola has won the next three events after that. This past weekend was the Christmas Classic in Arlington, VA and Paola and Rhonda did not disappoint.

Rhonda started off the match on fire with big drive serves, tremendous court coverage and shotmaking from all angles. She was hitting with power and confidence and was in full control of the court and the match taking a 2-0 lead in games. Paola to her credit kept fighting to stay in the match despite not playing her best racquetball and making some uncharacteristic errors, mostly due to Rhonda’s quality of play. 


Eventually, Paola battled back, managing to win games 3 & 4, taking control of momentum going into game 5. Paola took an early lead in game 5 and never looked back eventually winning the match 11-7 in yet another Longoria/Rajsich Classic Match. Both players fought tremendously hard throughout and treated the packed crowd to a great match. Congrats to Paola on winning her 3rd consecutive WPRO Pro Stop!

Ektelon is also very excited to announce the recent re-signing of Ektelon Professionals Jennifer Saunders, Keely Franks-Kennedy and Aubrey Kirch to multi-years contracts. Jen had a great showing this weekend by making it to the quarterfinals where she lost to Paola in a close four game battle. Jen is also in charge of our Ektelon display at all of our WPRO events, so if you can’t find Jen on the court you can find her at our Ektelon booth. Look for Keely and Aubrey to have great second halves of the WPRO Season.

 

Look for the second half of the WPRO Tour to be just as exciting as the first with only a few amount of points separating the difference between the #1 and #2 players in the world! Next up: Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8, 2012 in Canoga Park, CA. Ektelon is proud to have the Ektelon Fireball as the Official Ball of the WPRO.

For more information on Ektelon "Click Here"

One WPRO professional will be looking for an early Christmas gift

As the ladies of the WPRO head to Arlington, VA December 9^th through 11th to compete in the 20^th annual Christmas Classic, in its 6^th 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 6^th.  Samantha Salas out of Mexico is knocking on the door, looking to get off the 3^rd 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 8^th 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 13^th 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

More information http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=9022