The 2008 New York City Pro Am – Presented by Cactus Salon

Long Island NY - The IRT was back in action in Long Island at the great facility known as SPORTIME of Syosset. The famous “fishbowl” court has seen the likes of all the great IRT professionals over the years. One of the few privately owned clubs in the area that supports the racquetball community, SPORTIME is the home to event director Tom Keogh and handles over 300 league players. The events here are run first class and definitely one of the most highly attended events of the IRT season and this year was no exception as the IRT division had its largest draw of the season thus far with forty seven players. The weather would have no effect on this year’s event with a balmy thrity two degrees and sunny sky’s most of the weekend.

The qualifying was huge and there were many tough matches as most players had to play three matches to get into the main draw. All the top seeded players advanced into the main draw. The “legend” Ruben Gonzalez had what would be an upset taking five games to defeat Hiroshi Shimizu. This was a battle that left Ruben feeling his age. Travis Woodbury also lost a tough five gamer to Andres Herrera after a long two and a half hour cab ride from LaGuardia and a very confused New York City cab driver. Jason Sylvester had the opportunity to take out Canadian Kris Odergard in three but Odegard found the extra fire to come back being down tw games and won this one in five games.

The round of sixteen would have one upset as Javier Moreno would defeat Chris Crowther in three tough games 4,11,9. Andy Hawthorne world give Shane Vanderson some trouble but Vandy would hold on to move forward in four games. All the other tops seeds advanced Huczek, Carson, Williams, Mannino, Beltran and Croft.

The quarters witnessed the near upsets of the top two seeds as Shane Vanderson began the evening with a five game marathon against Rocky Carson. Shane was well prepared to take out the number two seed Carson on Friday night but Carson hung in and weathered the ferocious backhand attack of Vanderson. Mitch Williams came ready to play number one Jack Huczek and looked like he had a good game plan for Hucazek blasting serves to both sides of the court. Huczek would battle tough and hang on for a five game victory. Javier Moreno was the surprise quarterfinalist and did give Jason Mannino a match before losing in four. Ben Croft continued his determined play against Alvaro Beltran and pushed the match to five games Beltran would come out on top in this one at the players left the court at 12:30 Saturday morning.

In the semi-finals Rocky Carson would come out on top in three games 8, 9 8 over Jason Mannino. The match was a close one and lasted close to two hours as both players did their best to see the ball in this tough glass court. The second semi-final was not as long as the first as Jack Huczek came out very fresh, focused and energized while Beltran looked very tired and sluggish from his late night battle with Croft. Huczek would win this one in convincing fashion 4, 5, 4 to meet his new rival on the tour Rocky Carson in the final.

In the final Rocky came out strong from the start but with the number one ranking on the line Huczek took charge and played with much emotion and focus. Jack would not be denied victory here this weekend on Long Island as he finished off Carson in three games 8, 2, 6 to win his third title of the season.

Sidenotes:

Hats off to Tom Keogh and his staff for once again running a great event and drawing record numbers in the pro and amatuer draws.

Thanks you to Sportime of Syosett for histing the event. It is a greeat club and we enjoy coming to play in front of all the fans here.

Special thanks to Joe Secreti owner of Cactus Salons for renewing his title sponsorship of the event.

The IRT would also like to extent its thanks to Len Silversmith and Doug Walsh, Rob Cerrito for your continued support of the NYC Pro Am as well as all of the other suppoting sponsors.