2021/22 Matches of the Season Series: Esser vs. Canales in the Old Pueblo
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.
2022 R48 Hall of Fame: Sam vs. Leo, March 6, 2022
5th place final: Esser vs. Canales
Sam Esser had never defeated Leo Canales, Jr. in collegiate or pro events entering the 2021/22 Race 4 Eight season, but earned his first win against Canales in the fifth place playoffs in Tucson and defeated Canales again in the next event in the fifth place playoffs in Houston.
The rivals met for the third consecutive event in the fifth place playoffs at the 2022 R48 Hall of Fame event. Esser and Canales were never separated by more than four points throughout the first half of the one game to 25 match, with Esser was dictating rallies and the lightning quick Canales retrieving and staying alive. Esser took control at 18-19 in the second half, rattling off four kills and three aces to clinch his third straight fifth place finish.
“It’s always close when I play Leo,” stated Esser. “The difference was that I was able to put down the kills at the end, which I have to do because Leo is so quick. It’s never comfortable against Leo and I have to be 100% focused because he can always get on a roll. If you would have told me two months ago that I would have won three fifth place finals in a row I would’ve taken it.”
Final: Esser def Canales 25-19
Esser rode his Match of the Season victory to a season-ending #6 Race ranking.
Stay tuned for upcoming WPH 2021/22 Matches of the Season Series features.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer