Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Press, Saturday, Aug 16th- The World Handball Championships conclude the one wall portion today (Sunday, Aug 16th, 2015) with the men’s big ball 1 wall open doubles final (Polanco/Cook as victors over Gonzalez/Calle); however, last night’s opening ceremonies were one for the ages, as multiple countries were represented and honored with festivities, musical performances, tear-jerking speeches and loads of laughter and bright eyes from the nearly 1,500 in attendance.
Today marks the official conclusion of one wall, as Calgary Handball Association-World Championship Organizers move all administration to the 4 wall courts for the second half of this thirteen-day event. In one wall, a few surprises, upsets and regular names grace the halls of the World Championship Trophy Room.
The Men’s Open Doubles Big Ball finals concluded the 1 Wall tournament and featured Tywan Cook and William Polanco against Timothy “Timbo” Gonzalez and Andres “Playstation” Calle.
In game one, Cook/Polanco took a commanding lead and maintained their momentum throughout, utilizing well placed defensive lob shots that kept Gonzalez/Calle out of front court position, and drive shots that forced hand errors from both players. Despite their best efforts to stay in the game, Gonzalez/Calle were visibly frustrated and Cook/Polanco cruised to a comfortable victory, 21-6.
In game two, Gonzalez/Calle played steadier. “We warmed up and find a groove,” said Calle about his team’s improved performance. Neither team was able to mount sizable leads within a point or two. Cook and Polanco were able to push their lead to 19-16, putting the pressure on Gonzalez/Calle, who held their own and were able to win side outs but not able to convert scoring opportunities. A frustrated Gonzalez called a time out and regrouped, rallying to point game and a potential tiebreaker. An unforced error by Calle created the side out and the opportunity for Cook/Polanco to secure the game, match and championship title.
When asked what was key in their victory today Cook answered, “Willie (Polanco) and I have such great chemistry and we trust each other as partners. That was the difference, we had great teamwork.”
Congratulations to the 2015 World Champions William Polanco and Tywan Cook and to finalists Timothy Gonzalez and Andres Calle. It was an exciting match to track for #TeamWPH and watch. – Tracy Davis, #TeamR48 Reporter
Below, find all one wall completed brackets and scores in a special WPH Created Photo Slider:
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Track all of the results, get more info and see 4 wall draws, HERE>
World Players of Handball film crews will be LIVE beginning August 18th, 2015, from the University of Calgary, when Broadcast Partners, David Fink, Dave Vincent (and special announcing guests like Fred Lewis, Abraham Montijo, et al) bring you the play-by-play; meanwhile, high definition coverage on the show court, scheduled by the Calgary Handball Association, will be streamed at www.race4eighht.com. WPH Live will bring you player interviews, sideline reporting (Tracy Davis), replays and features. The Broadcast Schedule is HERE (PDF).
All current members of the WPH organization (#TeamR48) will receive the feed for FREE w/no username or password. New #TeamR48 members will be able to watch LIVE, plus receive access to over 1,500 HD On Demand Videos (next 12 months), 10%-15% off all Web Store sales and free #TeamRace Gear. As seen HERE>
What does being a member of #TeamRace, #Team48, #TeamWPH mean? It’s a group of fans, players and supporters of handball that are helping the growth of the game from a Peer-to-Peer Networking angle. WPH members that want to emulate the WPH mass marketing approach by helping expand the game by promoting from within.
A grassroots revolution.
WPH Members are comprised of athletes and spectators that have picked up their camera phones, notepads and laptops, proactively, to report scores, update us on current issues, highlight behind the scenes and bring light to the game we all love. WPH members are: Volunteers of the sport …of the organization bringing them accelerated Junior Development, The Professional Handball tour, ESPN Coverage & Mass Exposure. Those that are helping to expose the game.
Currently, if you are a WPH Paid Member (Junior/Collegiate/Armed Forces Level, General Membership Level, All Access Pass or Master Member) you are already on this team. “Do not be confused,” says WPH Executve Director and lead announcer with ESPN’s handball coverage beginning this September [Vegas 3 WallBall Outdoor Worlds]. “This #TeamRace concept is many many months in the works and came about when we decided to answer the public’s overwhelming outcry to get more further involved with our ESPN connections and production, plus ability to promote the development of the game.” The WPH #TeamRace is not a traveling team of athletes, but rather a full squad of members that support the sport and World Players of Handball. If you believe the WPH is making progress and building inroads, then please purchase your membership and join the squad of peer-to-peer volunteer reporters. Or, just purchase a membership and enjoy the benefits (no further action necessary). Membership levels and details HERE>
If you’d like to take a more proactive role in exposing the game of handball, then please join the esablishment and send us your stories, photos and ideas and please help us share the interest of the game on a more social level as we introduce the world to handball: info@wphlive.tv