Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 9/17/22
WPH mega donor Doug Clark proudly hosted the Clarktember Clarkbreaker Fest at Clark Park, with small ball and big ball action kicking off at 7 am on Saturday and playing well into the Tucson evening.
Small Ball Singles: Three Cordovas in the Quarters!
Lucho Cordova has dominated the 2022 WPH Icebreaker Series, winning both of his small ball singles starts this summer without dropping a game. Lucho has served four donuts in the 16 games he has won this summer at Clark Park, making him the heavy favorite in the men’s small ball singles at the Clarkbreaker.
Lucho continued his dominance in the early rounds in the Clarkbreaker, thrashing 3-Wall star Bill Mehilos in two games. “Lucho is definitely playing really well,” stated Mehilos. “He doesn’t give many opportunities and he’s hitting the ball with a lot of power.”
Andres Cordova scored one of the biggest upsets in Icebreaker history, knocking out two-time Icebreaker finalist Shorty Ruiz in the round of 16.
Two-time Icebreaker finalist Danos Cordova dispatched his younger brother and first-time Icebreaker quarterfinalist Andres Cordova in two games. “It was definitely strange playing my younger brother,” Danos would later say.
Brant Bidegain and Sam Esser played for the second consecutive Icebreaker event, with the San Diego fireman taking their first encounter in three games. Today’s quarterfinal was more decisive, as Bidegain swept Esser in two games, keeping Esser back and forcing Esser errors from well behind the back line.
Former Icebreaker champion Abraham Montijo faced the white hot and surging Leo Canales, Jr. in the final small ball quarterfinal of the evening. The current 3-Wall national finalist led Montijo early in game one, but the hard serving Montijo rallied from a 2-6 deficit to win the first, 15-8. Montijo was in complete control in game two, building seemingly insurmountable 12-2 and 14-7 leads. Despite serving four times at 14 against Cardiac Canales, Montijo could not end the match, falling in overtime. “I just ran out of fuel,” Montijo would say between the second and third games.
An extended delay ensued between the second and third games due to a light issue, giving Montijo time to cool down and recharge. Montijo raced to a 6-0 lead in the third and never looked back, earning one of the best victories of his career. “I just didn’t want to read about me blowing this match after having a big lead in game two,” Montijo would later say.
Quarterfinals
Lucho def Mehilos
Bidegain def Esser 15-10, 15-11
Danos def Andres 15-1, 15-8
Montijo def Canales 15-8, 14-16, 15-11
Semifinals (Sunday)
Lucho vs. Bidegain
Danos vs. Montijo
Big Ball Singles: The Champ’s Reign Ends
Three-time undefeated Icebreaker big ball pro singles champion Brian Medina led the largest and strongest big ball singles field singles field in Icebreaker history, including a contingent of Southern California’s best and along with several cross over stars.
Medina’s undefeated Icebreaker streak came to an end in the quarterfinals, as Southern Cal’s Jerry “Bear” Vicencio overwhelmed “The Champ” in two games. The Bear played aggressively, keeping Medina behind him and attacking at all times.
Oscar “The Gremlin” Sordia made his second semifinal in as many appearances at Clark Park, sweeping Phoenix’s top star Albert Pizano in two games.
Chava Cordova was pushed to the limit by Danny Villegas, dropping game one before rallying to win two razor close games to advance to his second Icebreaker semifinal in four weeks.
Samzon Hernandez was also pushed to the limit by his longtime rival Sal Duenas, splitting the first two games before cruising in the third game to advance.
Quarterfinals
Vicencio def Medina 15-10, 15-11
Sordia def Pizano 15-10, 15-10
Chava def Villegas 10-15, 15-12, 15-11
Samzon def Duenas 15-8, 13-15, 15-8
Semifinals (Sunday)
Vicencio vs. Sordia
Chava vs. Samzon
Doug Clark Ceremony
The WPH honored Clark Park namesake and Clarkbreaker sponsor Doug Clark with a special plaque to thank him for all he has done for the Clarkbreaker, Clark Park, and the sport. “I am 81 years old and this sport has meant so much to me,” stated Clark. “Almost all of my friends are through handball and I just love everything about this game and everything the WPH does for the game.”
Thanks!
Thank you to Doug Clark for sponsoring the Clarkbreaker. Special thanks to grill master Scott Cleveland for an outstanding Saturday night BBQ at Clark Park’s Field of Dreams.
Sunday will feature the conclusion of all of the brackets, to include the small ball and big ball singles and doubles.
The WPH filmed the action and upload the matches to Patreon (HERE).
R2 page for the 2022 WPH Ice Bowl HERE
Icebreaker pro player bios HERE
2020-22 Icebreaker Fun Facts HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer