WPH Icebreakers #8: 3-Wall Small Ball Pro Singles
The WPH is proud to present the WPH Icebreaker #8, the eighth official WPH 3-Wall Singles Icebreakers since September of 2020.
“We want to show people that we can safely hold events with all of the COVID protocols in place,” stated WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “We allow a limited number of socially distant fans, while ensuring the players are distanced as much as possible. The Icebreaker is our way of “breaking the ice” during the pandemic and reintroducing pro handball to the world.”
The WPH Icebreakers #8 featured men’s stars Sean Lenning, Killian Carroll, Luis Cordova, David Fink, Abraham Montijo, Shorty Ruiz, Leo Canales, Jr., and Dylan Hernandez in one of the best 3-Wall draws in history competing at Tucson’s Clark Park in Tucson.
Men’s Quarterfinal #1: Sean Lenning vs. Dylan Hernandez
The first men’s semifinal of the Icebreaker #8 8-Man Showdown pitted 11-time 3-Wall national singles champion and #1 seed Sean Lenning against WPH Icebreaker #2 champion and surging Dylan Hernandez. Hernandez had defeated Luis Cordova in a 4-Wall singles tournament the weekend prior, continuing his stellar play in the past four months. Lenning served Hernandez a wakeup call in the first game, scoring 15 straight points to take a one-game lead in just two minutes and 40 seconds. Hernandez was more competitive in game two, but was unable to apply pressure to disrupt the 3-Wall juggernaut, falling in two games.
Final: Lenning def Hernandez 15-1, 15-9
Watch Lenning vs. Hernandez HERE
Men’s Quarterfinal #2: David Fink vs. Abraham Montijo
David Fink won the first three Icebreakers he had entered at Clark Park, including a semifinal victory in his Icebreaker #1 title run against 2019 3-Wall singles finalist Abraham Montijo. Montijo entered Icebreaker #8 motivated, dedicating himself to the gym and more practice. Fink surged to a 9-3 lead in game one, only to surrender his lead after a 10-1 Montijo run. Fink regained control of the game, scoring the final five points to take a one-game lead. Fink charged to a 9-3 lead in game two and held off a late Montijo charge to advance to the semifinals.
Final: Fink def Montijo 15-13, 15-10
Watch Fink vs. Montijo HERE
Men’s Quarterfinal #3: Shorty Ruiz vs. Luis Cordova
Shorty Ruiz has been regarded as one of the top 3-Wall players since his teens, while Luis Cordova is one of the game’s most versatile and feared players.
Lucho dominated game one, building a 14-6 lead with ace serves and a number of kills. Lucho missed a setup at 14-6 that would have clinched game one, opening the door for a Ruiz comeback. A barrage of tap kills, power ceilings, and Lucho errors yielded a 10-point run for Ruiz, the largest comeback in Icebreaker history. Lucho built a 14-5 lead in game two, and this time there would be no Ruiz comeback. Ruiz took control of the match for the first time in the tiebreaker, rallying from a 2-5 deficit to lead 14-5. Lucho capitalized on a Ruiz error on match point to score six unanswered points, but two consecutive Lucho errors sunk the “Juarez Express,” as Ruiz advanced to the semifinals.
“That comeback hurt,” checkled Ruiz, who was still recovering from a hand injury sustained in a foot race two weeks prior against Lucho’s older brother.
Final: Ruiz def Lucho 16-14, 5-15, 15-11
Watch Ruiz vs. Cordova HERE
Men’s Quarterfinal #4: Killian Carroll vs. Leo Canales, Jr.
Killian Carroll entered his first Icebreaker with little court time, as his Boston courts have been closed for months. Leo Canales, Jr. won Icebreaker #4 and finished third in Icebreaker #6, proving that his 3-Wall game is dangerous.
Canales appeared to be in control in game one, as Carroll was clearly finding the strategy and shot selection necessary on the 3-Wall courts. Canales held a game point at 14-13 in game one but was unable to convert. The missed opportunity cost the “Juarez Kid,” as Canales fell victim to the Carroll fly kill attack and overtime win. A deflated Canales was unable to offer much resistance in game two, as Carroll cruised to the semifinals.
Final: Carroll def Canales, Jr, 17-15, 15-6
Watch Carroll vs. Canales HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer