Tywan Cook Takes the $10k Impact Pro U.S. Open in NY
WPH Press, Queens, NY, 7/30/22
Impact Pro’s Isaias Rivera and Mel Sky hosted the 2022 U.S. Open at the Astoria Heights Playground in Queens, NY on the second weekend in July, featuring 129 1-Wall men’s big ball singles players in one of the most lucrative first place prizes in 2022. The two-day Impact Pro U.S. Open produced sensational drama, including the final between the current 1-Wall big ball #1 Tywan Cook and the resurgent Timbo Gonzales.
Tywan courtesy of Marjorie Garcia
Timbo defeated Hector “Pito” Velez in the quarterfinal and overcame his longtime rival Tavo in a semifinal thriller that saw both players serve for the match. Tywan Cook defeated Miguel “Miggz” Mendez in the quarterfinal and Mikey Mendoza to meet Timbo for the five-figure first prize.
Timbo trailed 13-7 in the one game final to 25 but methodically worked his way back into the match with deep serves, first-strike kills, and incredible re kills, showcasing his tremendous lateral movement. Trailing 18-15, Tywan earned a side out and took control of the match. Tywan’s consistency and shot placement appeared to unravel Timbo, as Timbo made several uncharacteristic errors to relinquish the lead. Known for spending day and night on the court honing his craft, Tywan capitalized, scoring ten consecutive points in one inning with a dazzling display of kills and defense to take the title.
Final: Tywan def Timbo 25-18
“I want to first and foremost say thank you to Izzy and Melissa for showcasing a wonderful, great tournament,” stated Tywan on his Facebook page. “The tournament was ran right and everything about it was really great. I feel a little numb, it hasn’t sunk in yet. The title means so much to me, it is so significant to me. Now is my time and I am reaping the benefits of everything I have sold into this sport. It feels like a job well done. I’m humbled and I’m honored and I’ve got so much gratitude. This trophy (behind him) is for us, all my supporters, inner circle, family, and everyone who is Team Tywan. You put your mind to it, you put that work ethic into it, don’t worry about the naysayers. I’m not done, I just scratched the surface of what I’m capable of doing.”
“What a crazy weekend for handball,” stated Timbo. “Big thanks to Izzy and Melissa for hosting such a great event that we will continue to look forward to each and every year also thanks to their staff who did a major job helping. Tywan Cook, congratulations on taking this big title. It was very well deserved. You have taken a long path to get where you are right now. I’m proud of how great you been playing lately and how much the focus you have. You are a tremendous competitor. I will continue to enjoy being on the battlefield with you as much, and as I hate losing, I can’t shame losing to you because you put all the work in to have the game you have right now. I really want to thank all who supported me and pushing me to make it so far. I’m sorry I let you guys down but this is just the start. I’m almost back and coming for blood. I’m super hard on myself when I take an “L” but will only spark fire for the next one. And my doubters and haters, keep it going. You guys are the reason I am who I am in the sport, appreciate you keeping me motivated.
Watch the 2022 Impact Pro U.S. Open final, courtesy of TensFinest HERE
Watch the Timbo vs. Tavo Impact Pro 2022 U.S. Open semifinal, courtesy of TensFinest HERE
Watch the Tywan vs. Mendoza 2022 Impact Pro U.S. Open semifinal, courtesy of TensFinest HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer