WPH Showcase, Tucson, AZ
As the 2022 Icebreaker Series and the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight Tour are set to kick off, the WPH is thrilled to introduce WPH 2021/22 Matches of the Season Series, featuring the best match from each of the major stops during the 2021/22 pro handball season.
After being shut down for nearly two years due to COVID restrictions, the Race 4 Eight returned in November of 2021 for the prestigious Tucson Memorial. Many of the game’s best R48 Men’s Pros made their way to the Tucson Racquet Club to begin the Race 4 Eight’s tenth season, all with their sights set on the season-ending Race 4 Eight Elite 8.
Canales, Jr. vs. Iglesias: November 5, 2021
The match of the 2021 R48 Tucson Memorial featured Lake Forest College stars Leo Canales, Jr. and Jonathan Iglesias in a round of 16 clash (…that was not filmed, unfortunately). Canales was nearly stunned in his opening round by his frequent sparring partner Alfredo Herrera, facing match point against Phoenix’s Herrera before rallying to avoid the upset. Jonathan Iglesias returned from Costa Rica and nearly two years away from the sport with the aim of returning to his customary spot in the top twelve on the Race tour.
Jonathan took control of the round of 16 match from the outset, employing his hybrid indoor/outdoor, big ball/small ball style, dominating the front court with fly kills and punch passes. Canales was scrambling but was never within striking distance, dropping game one 15-11 and trailing in game two. An exhausted Iglesias stood two points from upsetting the sixth seed, leading 13-10 in game two. A 28-shot rally that featured seven dives went the way of Canales at 13-10, shifting the momentum in favor of the “Juarez Kid.” Another furious rally ensued on the next point, leaving Iglesias flat on his back and nearly too fatigued to continue. Canales scored 20 of the final 22 points of the match to advance to the quarterfinals and spring-board himself to his first year-end Race 4 Eight Elite 8 finish.
Final: Canales, Jr. def Iglesias 11-15, 15-13, 15-2
Stay tuned for upcoming WPH 2021/22 Matches of the Season Series features.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer