2006 National Doubles Preview - Mixed Open
September 28th, 2006 by Geoff Thomsen
Although relatively small, the mixed open draw looks like it has some interesting matchups this year at the 2006 USA Racquetball National Doubles Championships. It looks like many of the Open players who normally have only played one event (just men’s or women’s open) have also decided to add Mixed as a second division. Amiee Ruiz and Jason Thoerner earned the number seed after winning the title in 2005, but they will face MUCH stiffer competition this year (IMO). I haven’t seen every person in the draw play, but I’ll give some insight into the teams that I know about.
- Jason Samora / Kim Wilkerson - Jason is a top ranked Open player in both Oregon and California, and is known for his speed and PHOTON backhand. Kim Wilkerson is the top womens’ open player in Oregon, and these two should give Thoerner / Ruiz a run if they get past their first round.
- Fredenberg / Franks - I don’t know much about this team, except that Fredenberg can BLAST the ball. I’ve seen him compete at the US Open on the stadium court, and I believe he is a top ranked player in Texas.
- John Ellis / Kristen Walsh - John is of course a legend on the court, but still recovering from shoulder / knee issues that sidelined him from the pro tour. He’s still a TOP competitor on California’s tournament circuit, and brings some serious experience to the court. Kristen Walsh is a top ranked WPRO player, and a HUGE threat on the “weak” side (can you even call the women’s side weak at this level? I’ll just shut up since any of the “weak” side players could kick my butt on the court).
- Brian Pointelin / Tammy Brown - Another “legendary” matchup, as Brian has competed on the IRT and held his own in national level events. Tammy Brown, top-ranked WPRO player should be hitting bombs on the right side. Another team to watch out for.
- Dan Darling / Jo Shattuck - Dan Darling is the number one Open player in Oregon, losing only one or two matches in the state last season (to Jeff Stark). Great scrapper, and he knows how to put the ball away. Jo Shattuck falls into that same category, and is a clinician on the court.
- Andy Hawthorne / Diane Moore - Great to see Andy make the move into mixed, he really needs no introduction. He can cover the court like no other, and I have MANY galleries on my site devoted to him. Diane is a TOUGH open player who has been making her way up the ranks on the Women’s Pro tour. Another great team.
- Cheryl Gudinas / Jimmy Lowe - Wow, this should be an interesting team. Cheryl is of course a top player on the women’s tour, and Jimmy is a threat on the court at any level. His unorthodox style of play makes his opponent’s heads spin, and he can hustle around the court making gets ALL DAY. Note - check Jimmy’s racquet out when you see him play. There is a small spot on his strings worn out from hitting the ball in the EXACT place on his racquet for every shot. Amazing.
- Key / Orr - I don’t think I’ve seen either of them play ..
- Albrecht / Vanderson - I’ve never seen Albrecht play, but Shane Vanderson is a contender at national doubles with championships wins on the men’s side with Mike Dennison.
- Gellman / Medina - I don’t think I’ve seen either of them play ..
- Shawn Royster / Rhonda Rajsich - Two of Ektelon’s newest members, these two will be having fun on the court without a doubt. Rhonda is the current #1 woman player in the world, and Shawn is the #1 racquetball video producer :). I’ve never seen him play, but I’ve heard he’s got some mean game!
- Sudsy Monchik / Kara Mazur - Sudsy is back on the pro tour, and back at national doubles. Last year Sudsy played with Marty Hogan in the 25’s, but looked more relaxed than serious (I think they got beat in the semi’s or finals). He’s back full time on the Pro tour this year, so we’ll see what he brings to doubles. Kara is a top ranked junior, and the two should be a serious threat on the court.
- Hardiman / Doniak - I don’t think I’ve seen either of them play ..
- Janelle Tinsinger / John Dunn - Both serious threats on the court, I believe they made the finals last year, losing to Ruiz / Thoerner. Look for them as serious contenders for another finals appearance.
WOW! I can’t wait to get to Tempe on Friday!!
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Entry Filed under: Racquetball News, USA Racquetball
Tags: 2006 National Doubles, National Doubles
