WPH Press, Overland Park, KS, 10/24/21
Overland Park’s Jewish Community Center played host to the 73rd annual Handballesta, featuring 77 players from Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Colorado, Minnesota, Mexico, and Canada. The event was highlighted by a star-studded Men’s Open field headlined by Killian Carroll, Daniel Cordova, Luis Cordova, Sam Esser, and Max Langmack. The top pros were in pursuit of the Handballesta title, while also prepping for the upcoming $50k Tucson Memorial/2021/22 Race 4 Eight Stop #1.
After defeating Ross Colyer in the quarterfinals, Carroll faced Luis Cordova in the upper bracket semifinals. Unlike several of their encounters, Lucho was unable to to work his way into the match, as Carroll advanced in two games.
Daniel Cordova swept Michael Gaulton in the quarterfinals to set up a clash with Sam Esser. Danos had little trouble with the recently married Esser, dropping Esser in two lopsided games.
Carroll continued to dominate in the final, steamrolling Danos in two games to clinch the title.
“Killian definitely brought the pressure this weekend,” barked WPH reporter Max Langmack. “Both Lucho and Danos had moments where they were running off points but Killian remained focused and continued to push the pace on his way to winning the title.”
Semifinals
Carroll def Lucho 21-10, 21-12
Danos def Esser 21-7, 21-9
Final: Carroll def Danos 21-11, 21-6
The Cordova brothers did not leave Overland Park empty-handed, as they defeated Carroll and Langmack in two games to win the Open Doubles.
Flying Cordovas def Carroll/Langmack 21-9, 21-12
Follow all of the brackets from the 73rd Handballesta HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer