WPH Press. Tucson, AZ, 11/6/21
Day 2 of the 2021 Memorial featured the R48 Men’s Pro field shrinking from eight players to two, with the top eight seeking to become the winner of the 64th Race 4 Eight event.
Killian Carroll played flawlessly in the first match of the day, overcoming rising star Sam Esser in two extremely well-played games. “It’s really nice to play new players in the R48 quarterfinals, especially really good young players,” stated Carroll.
Sean Lenning blitzed David Fink in the second quarterfinal, never allowing the lefty into the match. Lenning’s serves, first-strike offense, deep left-handed kills, and ability to extend rallies allowed “The Freak” to cruise into the semis.
Danos Cordova overwhelmed fellow Texan Leo Canales, Jr. in the first bottom bracket quarterfinal, showcasing his all-around game to advance.
Lucho Cordova was equally dominant in the other bottom bracket quarterfinal, as Lucho ended Stephen Cooney’s Memorial run in two games.
R48 Pro Quarterfinals
Carroll def Esser 15-7, 15-8
Lenning def Fink 15-6, 15-7
Danos def Canales 15-1, 15-8
Lucho def Cooney 15-4, 15-5
R48 Pro Semifinals
R48 Semifinals
Killian Carroll stood two match wins from breaking the all-time R48 titles record entering the semifinals against Sean Lenning. Carroll dominated game one in 19 minutes, 15-5. Lenning came to life late in game two, serving for the game at 14-13. An exhausted Lenning was unable to finish, as Carroll earned a side out and scored three consecutive points in his final inning to advance to the final.
“Mixed emotions (on winning in overtime) but something I need to work on for the final,” stated Carroll. “I need to be more focused. Sean has big serve and he sort of roped me into his game. He is so efficient and effective at his style of game. It feels awesome making it to the final. It means everything to me. One of the things I really want to do is break the record (for most R48 titles). Hopefully tomorrow is the day.”
Lucho Cordova and Danos staged a 62-minute battle in the bottom bracket semifinal. The brothers were tied at four and at eight before Lucho pulled away, taking game one, 15-9. Lucho took control in game two, taking a 14-8 lead and serving for the match. Lucho was unable to convert on his first match point, opening the door for a Danos comeback. Danos reeled off five straight points to cut the deficit to one, but Lucho earned a side out and hit a second serve ace to close out the match on his third match point.
“Felt good, playing my brother is always a war,” stated Lucho. “Anybody has issues finishing the game against him. I went for the ace (on a second serve) and got it. He gets on streaks, when he starts playing well he can kill a bunch of shots so I tried to keep steady. I knew I had it in me (to get to the finals). It feels good to prove to myself that I can make the finals.”
Carroll def Lenning 15-5, 16-14
Lucho def Danos 15-9, 15-13
R48 Final: Carroll vs. Lucho (10:30 am MST)
R48 5th Place Playoffs
Fink def Esser 25-8
Cooney def Canales 25-22
Final: Fink vs. Cooney (9 am MST)
R48 9th Place Playoffs
Ruiz def Iglesias 25-16
Montijo def Langmack 25-17
Final: Ruiz vs. Montijo (9 am MST)
Men’s Pro Doubles
Flying Cordovas def Esser/Ruiz 15-7, 13-15, 15-6
Carroll/Langmack def Lenning/Montijo 15-5, 15-5
Final: Flying Cordovas vs. Carroll/Langmack (11:30 am MST)
Women’s Pro Semifinals
Moler def Della Croce 15-3, 15-0
Davis def Mitchell 16-14, 15-4
Final: Moler vs. Davis (9:45 am MST)
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Sunday’s LIVE times for ESPN3 & WatchESPN App
WPH Tucson Memorial – Nov 7, 2021
All Times in the Mountain Zone
9:00 Men’s Pro 5th Place Final – David Fink (AZ) vs Stephen Cooney (CA)
9:45 Women’s Open Final – Ashley Moler (AZ) vs Tracy Davis (CA)
10:30 Men’s Pro Singles Final – Killian Carroll (MA) vs Luis Cordova (MEX)
11:30 Men’s Pro Doubles Final – Cordova/Cordova (MEX/MEX) vs Carroll/Langmack (MA/KS)
Watch all the action on ESPN3 & WatchESPN App
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