The 2013 Canadian National 4 Wall Handball Championships kicked is hosted in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Manitoba Handball Association has worked hard to organize a first class event and the World Players of Handball are thrilled to be involved in this celebration of handball. Hosting the event in Winnipeg has special meaning this year as Lisa Fraser-Gilmore and Merv Deckert will both be inducted in the Canadian Handball Hall of Fame.

One Wall Junior Event at R. B. Russell School

“Thank you for having this clinic”, Noah Cote said with a smile as he exited the gym at R. B. Russell School at the conclusion of the One Wall Handball Junior Clinic, a partnership of the Canadian Handball Association and the World Players of Handball. Noah and 25 other youth ranging in age from 7 to 17 years old participated, as well as their parents and coaches. The event was hosted by Hall of Fame and International handball legend Lisa Fraser-Gilmore, who is a physical education teacher at the school and includes one wall handball as part of the curriculum. WPH Certified Instructor Tracy Davis kept the youth engaged and active throughout the two hour clinic, leading them through a series of warm up exercises, fundamentals and drill based games to practice rallying on a one wall court. “My friends and I play mostly four wall handball back home in St. John (New Foundland),” said clinic participant Leslie Amminson. “It was great to learn more about the one wall game and to get some experience playing.” The group was also treated to an exhibition match between Davis, current One Wall National and World Champion, and former number one ranked pro Anna Engele, who assisted Davis and Fraser-Gilmore in conducting the clinic. “One wall is such a fast paced game, “Fraser-Gilmore observed, “and the kids can gain a better understanding of the skills it takes to play one wall. This is a great opportunity for our Canadian youth, who do not have the chance to watch one wall played at this level or learn from one wall pros how to play the game.” The clinic concluded with Davis and Fraser-Gilmore discussing one wall handball rules and strategy with the youth and their coaches. The WPH was thrilled to be involved. “We love engaging youth with handball and look forward to each opportunity to educate and keep youth engaged in playing handball,” claimed Davis. “Everyone had a great time.” Thank you to the Manitoba Handball Association for arranging the time for the WPH to conduct this clinic and Lisa Fraser-Gilmore for hosting this event at her school. Thanks to Anna Engele, Vera Aguiar, parents and coaches for helping to make this a stellar event.

Women’s Open Singles Division –Day One

Play began Thursday morning in the round of 16 with an 8AM match between newcomers Vera Aguiar and Heloise Cote. Aguiar was introduced to 4Wall handball seven months ago by friend Lisa Fraser-Gilmore, the number two seed coming in to this tournament. Cote is the daughter of legendary Canadian handball player Kathleen Bedard. Aguiar has impressive footwork and great court sense while Cote shows potential and is steadily improving her game. Both women rallied for points and kept the score close early in game one until Cote used a lob serve to Aguiar’s left to close out the first game 21-10. Cote continued her momentum to win game two and the match, 21-1.

In the quarterfinals, the top four seeds won their matches and moved through to the semifinals without dropping a game. Davis defeated Cote in two easy games, 21-2, 21-1; number two seed Lisa Fraser-

Gilmore had too much experience for talented youngster Leslie Amminson, winning 21-5, 21-1; and fourth seeded Jessica Gawley defeated Jenine Wilson in two games 21-2, 21-5. Number three seed Maria Dugas had a tough match against Terry Bowman of Dallas, TX. Bowman is a veteran player who has not had the opportunity to compete often for the last several years. Bowman’s underhand lob serve to the left scored her many points due to Dugas’ missed or weak returns. However Dugas power and well placed shots made the difference and she was able to pull out the first game, 21-11. Bowman stepped up her offense in game two, scoring points with rally ending fist kill shots in either corner and retrieving shots that were winners for Dugas in game one. Bowman took a slight lead at 10-8 but Dugas was undeterred, rallying back to the lead and the eventual win for the match, 21-14.

Women’s Open Singles Division – Day 2

Women’s Open Singles semifinal number one featured a match-up between Tracy Davis and Jessica Gawley. Davis cruised through both games, winning 21-6, 21-6 against the southpaw from Regina, Saskatchewan. Fraser-Gilmore won in two easy games in the other semifinal against Dugas, 21-5, 21-1. Davis and Fraser-Gilmore will meet in the finals on Saturday at 11:45AM.

Women’s Open Doubles

Women’s Doubles action began Friday night in the quarterfinals. The first match of the evening saw Anna Engele return to competitive play as she teamed up with Terry Bowman to face Alexis Cloutier of Vancouver, British Colombia and Jessica Gawley of Regina, Saskatchewan. Powerful passing shots by Engele and great retrieves by Bowman catapulted the team to a 10-2 lead before Gawley/Cloutier settled in and rallied back to take a slight lead at 13-11. That’s when Engele switched in to third gear, using a power serve to either opponent to generate points from aces and pouncing on weak returns with flat kills and passing shots. Gawley/Cloutier were able to stop the carnage when Gawley hit a left corner kill to end a rally and get the side out at 18-11. Gawley began using a power serve down the wall to Engele’s left hand and was able to run 5 points. However, Engele was able to get the side out with an underhand fist to the ceiling that was too difficult for Cloutier to return as it hugged the right wall, earning her team the service opportunity. First server Bowman was able to close out the game with a three wall serve to the right, securing the first game win, 21-16. Engele/Bowman stepped up their offense in game two, controlling the match throughout with well executed passing shots and kill shots. Engele/Bowman closed out game two, 21-14.

The other quarterfinal match of the evening featured Jenine Wilson/Maria Dugas against Abbie Bajon/Heloise Cote. Bajon/Cote were outmatched by Wilson/Dugas, who won in two games, 21-2, 21-3. The number one seeded team of Leslie Amminson/Tracy Davis will face Engele/Bowman tomorrow in the semifinals; the number two seeded team of Lisa Fraser-Gilmore/Vera Aguiar will face Wilson/Dugas in the other semifinal.

Women’s Finals

The Women’s Open Finals was a highly anticipated event as spectators packed the viewing gallery to watch hometown favorite and Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Lisa Fraser-Gilmore take on the current

US Women’s Classic Champion Tracy Davis. The last time these ladies met in a match saw Fraser-Gilmore crushing Davis 21-4, 21-2 in two games. However Davis’ game has shown tremendous improvement and she is ready for the match-up this time around. “I’m excited to play Lisa,” Davis said with a smile before stepping on the court. “She is such a phenomenal player & I feel like the underdog but I am also a much better 4wall player than when we last met. We’ll see.”

Both players were on their mark in the first game, each playing flawless handball and earning points with dazzling displays of power and well-placed pass and kill shots. “We had many long rallies with 20 plus shots being hit,” Fraser-Gilmore said after the first game. “Neither of us was able to take a big lead. We each earned our points.” The scores stayed close until 16-16 when Fraser-Gilmore stepped in to the service box and put on a service clinic. “Her power serve to the left is intimidating,” claimed Davis. “She turned it up another level to close out the game. She began hitting them lower and putting more spin on the ball and they were harder to return.” “She was playing so well and keeping up with me point for point. I really focused on my serve to keep the pressure on her and it worked.” Davis missed a revolving door serve off the back one to give Fraser-Gilmore the 17th point and then it was all Fraser-Gilmore as she hit three aces to win the first game, the final serve cracking out on the left wall just out of Davis’ reach. “Wow!” exclaimed spectators, “that was just game one!”

Game two held just as much excitement as game one. “I’m down a game so I have to dig deep,” Davis said and she delivered. Davis capitalized on Fraser-Gilmore’s rare hand errors and set up opportunities. “She has such long arms,” Fraser-Gilmore quipped as Davis made amazing dives to retrieve or re-kill shots that hit the bottom board. Fraser-Gilmore took the lead and rallied to point game and the serve for the match. Davis fired a mishit to the ceiling that hit low on the back wall and out of Fraser-Gilmore’s reach and regained the serve. Davis got in to the service box and did not look back, serving out game two and the chance to play for the match in a tiebreaker.

Fraser-Gilmore capitalized on Davis many hand errors and cruised to a tiebreaker victory and her 11th Canadian national title, securing her victory with a served that cracked out on the left wall. Fraser-Gilmore pumped her fists in the air and hugged her opponent. “Tracy played great. Wow, she has improved tremendously. That was the most fun I’ve had playing in such a long time. It feels great to win this one.” “I had a great time playing Lisa,” Davis said. “It was such an honor to play her and do as well as I did. She is truly a remarkable player and a role model for me. She played fantastic and was the better player today. I hope to have the opportunity to play her again.” Donald Cote, a huge supporter of Canadian Handball Association commented, “It was one of the best matches I have ever seen, and I’ve watched handball for many, many years. Those ladies put it all out there and played with tremendous heart. What a great show for the spectators here today.”

            Luis was playing at another level. Except for a close 21-19 second game to Kevin Kopchuk in the quarters, Moreno was untouchable. Luis surpassed his opponents in nearly every category—ball speed, hooks, shot selection, serves, and consistency. After speeding to a forty-five minute victory against fellow tour pro Aaron Garner in the semis, Luis quickly dismantled Victor in like fashion. With tenacious aggression and well-placed, low and powerful hook serves, Luis determined the pace of the finals, running off five to seven point streaks at a time. Perez struggled to keep his balance, spending the majority of the match on his heels. Moreno would kill the ball when Vic was looking for the pass and pass the ball when Vic was looking for the kill; every shot was hit with either a natural or a reverse. It was frightening to watch. “I know I can win and beat everybody, I just need to do it,” Moreno said. Luis’s confidence is not only understandable, but might be a major key to his success. Moreno deservedly slammed the Canadian Nationals, dominating the doubles field with his partner Andy Nett.

            The WPH was proud to be part of the 2013 Canadian Nationals. It was an honor to watch champions Merv Deckert and Lisa Gilmore be inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame. We would like to thank Henry Traa, Merv and Colleen Deckert, Abbie Bajon, Fred Banfield, Jenine Wilson, the Winnipeg Handball Association, the Canadian Handball Association, and all the volunteers that made this tournament a success. The WPH enthusiastically looks forward to 2014’s Canadian Nationals in BC. 

Blessed with a breeze to help keep the players cool, as they scorched their hands with “fireballs”, the day began with the Pro Doubles on one side and the A Doubles on the other.  With limited teams in each division, the Pro Doubles came down to Hernandez & Magic versus Mere & Danger.  It was uncertain who would win as both teams looked solid in defeating their first opponents.  However, the Stribley Park team of Mere & Danger moved in unison to claim the Pro Doubles only qualifying spot, defeating Hernandez & Magic in 2 games!  Meanwhile, the So Cal team of Ivan & Leo adapted well to playing for the first time on a C-Wall, defeating Jaripo & Sergio for the A Doubles only qualifying spot, after edging out the young gunners from Ferns Park, Marcus & Sam in a tie-breaker.

By the time Singles kicked off, the sun was at full radiance, igniting the spirits of each player who did their best to stay hydrated and energetic.  The Pro Singles came down to Hernandez vs. Magic and Mere vs. Pitbull for the two qualifying spots.  Hernandez easily defeated Magic in game 1, but Magic fought back and dodged a bullet when Hernandez served the ball out at 14-14, to give Magic game 2.  Game 3 had its share of controversy, but what is new when it comes to these two guys facing off?? With the score 12-12, and closing in on the end, Hernandez was able to hold down his court and close out Magic of Stockton, scoring three-unanswered points in a row.  This set the stage for Mere and Pitbull to battle it out for the remaining spot.  If you only saw game one, you would have assumed Mere of Stockton was going to win as he seemed to be in a zone, dropping kill shots in both corners and lobbing the ball past Pitbull of Woodland in amusement.  However, you have to win two games to be victorious, a task Mere was not able to accomplish due to Pitbull’s relentless pursuit!  In game two and three, Pit dove and nailed shots that put him over the top to claim the 2^nd qualifying Pro Singles spot.

The A Singles first qualifying position came down to a tie-breaker between Omar & Vic, in which Omar was able to get the win for Sacramento by defeating Vic of Stockton.  The second qualifying spot was a San Jose showdown between Juan & Smiley.  Juan was determined and it showed as he defeated Smiley in two games to claim the 2^nd qualifying A Singles spot.  The B Singles two qualifying spots were won by David of Woodland and Ivan of Norwalk.  David had a tough time closing out the youngster Marcus, as he barely won game 1 & 2 by 1pt.  Ivan had to eliminate his partner Leo of Anaheim to claim the remaining spot.  Proving youth has its advantage as the day dwindled into the history books.

Overall, it was a glorious day for all who enjoyed the moment.  The local kids were fascinated to see each player go “all out” to qualify.  And the females present were inspired to play the game as the husband and wife team of Jaime and Betty participated in the event.

            Victor Perez continues to upset the field; defeating sixth-ranked pro Andy Nett in three games today. Just as he had done to Emmett Peixoto in the previous round, Victor surprised Nett. Right out of the gate, Vic hit an endless barrage of right-handed kills from everywhere on the court. Before Andy or the crowd could settle into the match, Vic had already sped to a dominating 21-9 first game victory.

            However, Perez began to slow down during the second game. “He looks tired. He wasn’t missing any of those in the first game,” commented a fan. “Yeah. He just isn’t getting his feet set,” said another. There is no doubt that Vic looked sluggish, but Nett’s powerful shot selection and flashy ace serves could have been the main contributing factor. As Nett persistently applied pressure, Vic quickly lost confidence in his right-handed killshot, falling to Andy 21-10 in the second game.

            The third game seemed to be a continuation of the first. Just as quickly as his confidence dissipated in the second game, Perez regained his confidence in the tiebreaker. Vic moved his feet under nearly every ball, forcefully pinching kills into both corners. Andy had no answer. A series of thirty-nine foot killshots wowed the crowd and closed out the match. Victor plays Luis Moreno tomorrow at 9:15AM CT.

            Moreno defeated Aaron Garner 21-4, 21-9 to solidify his spot in the finals. “I just couldn’t push him. He was too confortable and I had nothing to bother him with,” remarked a chastened Mesomorph. “Let’s get real, the Houston pro stop was my best performance and it has been all downhill from there….but Luis played well and he deserved it.”

            Both Luis and Vic have a chance to slam tomorrow, playing the men’s open doubles final succeeding their singles match. Current world champions Moreno and Nett take on Perez and Kevin Kopchuk at 11:45AM CT. The WPH will be there to report on the action.


-Emmett Peixoto

The crowed was nearly in disbelief as Kevin Kopchuk soared ahead of Luis Moreno 17-13 in the second game after dropping the first game to Luis 21-10. “I had my chances,” said Kevin, “I had a crucial miss at 19 that would have given me game point.” At the beginning of the match, Kopchuk seemed dumbfounded by Luis’s patty-cake, frontcourt play. “He was hitting shots nobody hits! I mean he was hitting overhand dump shots left and right. Nobody does that!” exclaimed Kopchuk. However, it didn’t take long for Kevin to adapt to Luis’s unique shot selection, answering Luis with hard, well-placed killshots. Moreno then began hooking the ball all over the court in the hopes of throwing Kopchuk off his game. Kevin had a difficult time adjusting at first, but he quickly acclimated to Luis’s style. He nearly forced the breaker but Moreno seemed to step it up when he needed to, clobbering every ball until he closed out the match 21-19. “His hooks weren’t bothering me, and I was bothering him with my lob serves. But then he really started powering the ball towards the end.” Moreno plays The Mesomorph at 11:45AM CT. 

“He is a retriever, I was a little tight. Then I hit some kills, and the world was right.” Rhymed Garner after his 21-13, 21-9, victory over Ryan Bowler. Although the scores indicate a relatively quick match, the two games lasted a little over two hours. “It was a good match. We had a lot of long rallies. But he was able to break away at the end of each game because he started hitting more kills,” commented Bowler. The long rallies were due in part to the retrieval skills of Bowler, but primarily, and more strikingly, to the similar style of both players. Both Ryan and Aaron have stellar defensive games, easily hitting fist shots to the ceiling with both hands. The difference in the outcome of the match was, as both players mentioned, Aaron’s ability to put the ball away when push came to shove; an offensive action Bowler could not reciprocate. 

Vic Perez defeated Emmett Peixoto 21-8, 21-13, in the biggest upset of the day. “I play better with the 21 ball than Emmett. I am able to put more hook on the ball,” said Victor. “It is weird because I just feel like I would be more satisfied with my victory if the match was closer. I don’t feel Emmett gave me his best today.” Emmett did seem to be off his game, however Victor’s play could have been a central factor. Perez kept surprising Emmett. Normally a ‘straight down the middle of the court’ killshot specialist, Vic utilized both sidewalls to create beautifully angled corner kills. He also caught Emmett off guard by his rapid foot speed. “Not only was Vic hitting a ton of hook during the rallies and putting away all his set-ups, but he seemed quicker this tournament. He played well and deserved the win.” Perez plays a very hot Andy Nett tomorrow at 1:00PM CT. 

Nett advanced to the semifinals defeating Vlad Klym 21-11, 21-8. “His serve was on,” said Klym. “He hit nine serves that cracked out flat off the side walls. At first he was hitting cracks down the left and then he was hitting cracks down the right. The game would be close and then he would quickly take a six-point lead. It is hard to do anything against that.” Tomorrow’s Nett/Victor match-up pits two strong WPH touring pros against each other. Both Nett (currently sixth) and Victor (currently fourteenth) have been steadily moving up the ranks since last year’s race-for-eight season. Their tour experience and flashy play will create a thrilling semifinal match. 

Tomorrow’s match-ups, junior clinic, and Hall of Fame induction banquet, will make for another excitement-packed day at the Canadian Nationals. The WPH will be here to report!

-Emmett Peixoto

            After his 21-6, 21-12, loss to Ryan Bowler of Toronto, Jason Johns commented, “I just couldn’t get my rhythm. I came in early to get used to the courts—I play in dark, concrete courts in Regina—but I came in a little too early. Ryan showed up on time to the match but then warmed up for about twenty minutes. By the time he was ready I had sat down and got cold. I know from playing years of football that athletes are at their best when they get their rhythm, and I just couldn’t get it after I cooled down.” Johns, who recently dropped twenty-five pounds, was admittedly ready to re-enter top level competitive handball after a three-year hiatus from tournament play. However, the defense-minded Bowler never let the aggressive Johns into the game. Hitting fist shots to the ceiling every time Johns gained control of the frontcourt, Ryan continually kept him off balance, making him unable to get into a steady groove. Bowler advances to play fourth seeded Aaron “The Mesomorph” Garner tomorrow at 9:15AM CT. 

            Toronto native Kevin Kopchuk showed veteran-like poise, cruising to a well-played 21-6, 21-3, victory against Raphael Santerre. Kevin plays number one seeded Luis Moreno at 10:30AM CT in the first Men’s pro match of the day.

            On the bottom half of the draw, Dan Santha fell to Vic Perez 21-9, 21-4. Vic dominated play, showing the gallery a vast array of shots from his two-year deep WPH pro tour experience. Santha was unable to keep Vic from setting up rallies in his favor. Dan's impatience continued to build due to the scarcity of set-up opportunities. At one point, Santha even attempted a desperate overhand killshot from deep in the court, only to watch the ball rollout flat off of Perez's hand. Vic will play fellow tour pro Emmett Peixoto tomorrow at 1:00PM CT.

            Vlad Klym defeated Chris Simmons in a seesaw, momentum-shifting match. Chris had moments of brilliance on the court but could not sustain his patient and steady play throughout the course of the match. “Chris’s play was similar to fine wine, it got better at the match progressed. He was able to change the pace of the match. He let me stay in the front during my two main runs in the match, a 13-0 run in the first and an 11-0 run in the second. During my runs he kept driving the ball at me. Then he would change the pace, hitting deep passes and ceiling shots. Basically, he started playing four-wall rather than playing one-wall.” Klym, on the other hand, remained focused, consistent, and determined, relentlessly pouncing on every frontcourt shot. Kylm faces the second seeded Andy Nett tomorrow at 11:45am CT.

            The WPH is proud to be apart of the Canadian Nationals and is excited to report on tomorrow’s pro action and one-wall junior clinic.

2013 Canadian Nationals Preview

The 2013 Canadian National Championships commences this Thursday in beautiful Winnipeg, Manitoba. Five of the top 15 Race 4 Eight stars be competing for the prestigious Men’s Open Canadian National Championship, and living legends Lisa Fraser-Gilmore and Anna Engle will challenge current women stars Jessica Gawley, Tracy Davis, and Maria Dugas for the coveted Women’s Open Canadian National Championship. WPH certified instructors Luis Moreno, Emmett Peixoto, and Tracy Davis will be teaching several junior clinics throughout the event for over 50 Canadian juniors participating in the championships. The certified WPH instructors will also lead a WPH Coaching Certification Clinic for those interested in learning the most comprehensive coaching techniques and strategies in handball. If you are competing or attending the championships and want to improve your game and your coaching abilities, sign up now! Contact David Fink at fink@race4eight.com or Merv Deckert at mdeckertca@yahoo.com to reserve your spot now.

“The Manitoba Handball is pleased to have the support of the WPH at the upcoming Canadian National Handball Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba May 16 - 19, 2013.The clinics that will be presented by Emmett Peixoto, Luis Moreno, and Tracy Davis will be one of the highlights of the tournament,” claimed 2013 Canadian Nationals tournament director and Grand Master Merv Deckert. “Co-chairs, Henry Traa & Colleen Deckert are both thrilled to have players of this calibre attending our National tournament and thank the WPH for their continued commitment to the growth and development of our sport.”

The Men’s Open division features current World number two and Race 4 Eight I Player of the Year Luis Moreno. “We in Winnipeg are ecstatic to have Luis Moreno coming to our tournament,” stated co-tournament director Abbie Bajon. “With a player of that caliber coming to Canada for our Nationals it is sure to change the ambiance here. We are delighted to have him represent the WPH, and that our juniors and players will have an opportunity to learn from him.” Moreno will face formidable challenges from his long-time rival Emmett Peixoto, world champion doubles partner Andy Nett, as well as rising R48 sensations Vic Perez and Aaron Garner.

The Women’s Open division features the return of the greatest rivalry in the history of women’s handball. Rivaled only by the Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert rivalry in women’s sports, Lisa Fraser-Gilmore and Anna Engle will resume a rivalry that has seen the two legends play one another for over 50 national championships. Jessica Gawley, Tracy Davis, and Maria Dugas will all be aiming to stake their claims to the Canadian women’s singles and doubles throne.

The WPH will provide daily updates and pictures of all of the exciting matches and junior clinics from Canada. Follow The World Players of Handball of facebook and stay connected to all that is hot in the world of handball!

2013 WPH Junior Handball Camp Hosted by Minnesota State University, Mankato

The WPH is thrilled to be hosting the most exciting junior handball camp of the summer at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota June 20^th-23^rd. Participants will be coached by WPH Master Instructor and former number one ranked pro, Emmett Peixoto, as well as Minnesota State University coaches Mike Wells and John Stoffel. “My love for handball really started when I attended my first handball camp as a 13 year-old,” claimed Peixoto. “I am excited to inspire the next generation of handball players by teaching the fundamentals and fun learning techniques to make every player enjoy the game and improve. 

“The WPH exists to grow the game,” said WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “We want to introduce and teach handball to as many people as possible in a structured and fun environment with our proven curriculum. The WPH is very excited to be a part of the WPH Junior Handball Camp in Mankato.”

Coaches will lead campers through the techniques and strategies to improve every aspect of their games. Participants will learn the warm-up, fundamentals, drills, drill-based games, group games, and cross training. Campers will play in a camp tournament on the last day of the camp. Campers will also enjoy various activities off the court in beautiful Mankato, including rock-climbing, laser tag, pizza parties, and a tour of the incredible Minnesota State University, Mankato.

"We are so excited to host this WPH Junior Handball Camp on Minnesota State Mankato’s campus,” claimed Mankato’s Mike Wells. “We look forward to recruiting and coaching junior players that want to continue their handball careers at the collegiate level.  Come and see our campus and get instruction from nationally ranked pro players as well as the MN State coaching staff.  The camp is right before the 4-wall nationals in Des Moines, so it will be a great way to prepare for the event too.”

Contact John Stoffel at john.stoffel@alerus.comor 507-386-6291 for assistance with travel and lodging arrangements.  The cost of the camp is $400 and includes meals, video analysis, and all of the off-court activities.

Contact Mike Wells at michael.wells@mnsu.edu or David Fink at fink@race4eight.comto sign up today!

WPH 2012-2013 Season End R48 II and SR48 Rankings

1. *Shanks      63.5

2. Moreno      52

3. Lenning       48.5

4. Fink             35.3

5. Brady          35

6. Nett             31.5

7. Peixoto       31.25

8. Al. Garner  22

9. Alvarado     21.5

10. Aa. Garner 11.75

11. Iglesias     10.25

12. Montijo      9.25

13. Selestow   8.75

14. Perez         7.75

15. Morales     4

16. Mulkerrins 3

17. Bike            2

18. Sh. Ruiz         2.35

19. Nahorniak 1.25

19. Mike Schneider 1.25

21. Circosta     1.1

*Denotes Race 4 Eight Player of the Year based on Race points accumulated throughout the 2012-2013 Race 4 Eight II season

·      2012-2013 WPH Ranked events include: U.S. Open '12, Tucson '12, Houston '13, Alaska '13, Denver '13, Salt Lake City '13, Seattle '13

·      The next WPH ranking event will be Plummer '13 in the first week of October 3-6 2013

 

Interesting Race 4 Eight II Facts:

·      Charles Shanks improved from 4^th in the R48 I standings to 1^st in the R48 II Race standings

·      Shanks won the R48 II Player of the Year by earning the most combined Race points in seven total R48 II events

·      Shanks, Moreno, and Brady each won two Race stops on the R48 II Tour

·      Lenning became the first ever Race player to lose four matches in one event (Seattle Player’s Championship ’13)

·      Andy Nett lost his first 10 Playoff matches in the R48 I, but became “Mr. Fifth” on the R48 II by winning 5^th place four times (Tucson, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle)

·      The number two, number four, and number five ranked players entering the Player’s Championship won a combined two matches out of 12

·      Naty Alvarado maintained his streak of finishing 4^th or better in every Race event in which he has participated in Seattle. Alvarado is the only non-Irish Race player to have never lost before the semifinals in a Race event

·      Luis Moreno finished second in the R48 II standings after finishing 1^st in the R48 I standings

·      Paul Brady and Robbie Mccarthy are the only two players to have never lost a Race match

2013 Senior WPH Rankings

1. *Bike 32

2. Alvarado 30

3. Schad 21

4. Armijo 19.5

5. Mclaughlin 17

6. Hamel 8

7. Vincent 6

*Denotes Senior Race 4 Eight Player of the Year based on Senior Race points accumulated throughout the 2013 Senior Race 4 Eight II season

 

Senior ranked events include: Houston '13, Denver '13, Salt Lake City '13, Seattle '13

Interesting Senior Race Facts:

·      John Bike won the inaugural Senior Race Player of the Year despite never winning a SR48 event

·      Andy Schad participated in just two SR48 events, but finished 3^rd in the SR48 standings with a semifinal appearance in Salt Lake City and a win in Seattle

·      Naty Alvarado never lost a SR48 match, but finished second in the SR48 rankings behind his brother-in-law John Bike. Alvarado did not play in the SR48 in Seattle

·      Matt Mclaughlin advanced to the final of his first ever SR48 event by defeating John Bike in the semifinals

·      Dan Armijo retired John “Flash” Robles by thrashing him in 25-16 in Denver. Robles became the second former top three player to be retired by Armijo (Naty Alvarado, Sr.)

-David Fink