SUNDAY IN VEGAS

World Outdoor 3WallBall Championships Ends in Historic Fashion (Posted Sep, 2014)-

Sunday featured the culmination of a scintillating WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup III season on the famed 3 Wallball courts at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, as well the 1-Wall small ball and 1-Wall big ball finals.

Men’s Player’s Cup 3-Wall Big Ball Singles Final: Juan Santos vs. Ricky Ruiz

Aiming for his third consecutive WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championship, Juan Santos faced a white hot Ricky Ruiz in the final. Ruiz entered the final on seven-match win streak, claiming WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup III Stop #4 Tijuana in his last start and dominating each of his opponents en route to the Vegas final. Santos also entered the match on a seven-match win streak, winning his last start at WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup III Stop #3 La Mirada and cruising to the Vegas final.

Santos dictated play throughout the final, using his unrivaled serve to run Ruiz off the court and earn offensive opportunities. A lethargic Ruiz had no answer for Santos’ exceptional play in game one, losing 15-6. Ruiz would be more competitive in game two, tying the score at 11 and in a position to force a tiebreaker. Santos regrouped and scored four consecutive points to claim the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball championship for the third consecutive year.  Read More, HERE>  

FRIDAY VEGAS RECAP

World Outdoor 3WallBall Championships (Posted Sep, 2014)-

Handball’s top men’s small ball and big ball stars thrilled galleries and the thousands on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday at the 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships. A number of players crossed over, playing in both small ball and big ball, demonstrating that if you can play handball, you can play with any ball!

3-Wall Small ball Men’s Pro Doubles

 *Moreno and Lenning vs. Peixoto and Gonzalez: Match of the day Nominee #1

Friday’s action kicked off with a blockbuster doubles showdown featuring three of the top Race 4 Eight stars on the WPH R48 tour and one of the game’s greatest outdoor stars. Sean Lenning and Luis Moreno teamed up and faced Emmett Peixoto and Timbo Gonzalez in the small ball doubles semifinal, with each player displaying the sensational shot making and retrieving ability that makes each of them crowd favorites.  Read More, HERE>

FRIDAY MORNING IN VEGAS

World Outdoor 3WallBall continues (Posted Sep, 2014)-

Men’s Pro Small Ball Doubles: *Match of the day Nomination Friday’s action kicked off with a blockbuster doubles showdown featuring three of the top Race 4 Eight stars on the WPH R48 tour and one of the game’s greatest outdoor stars. Sean Lenning and Luis Moreno teamed up and faced Emmett Peixoto and Timbo Gonzalez in the small ball doubles semifinal, with each player displaying the sensational shot making and retrieving ability that makes each of them crowd favorites. Moreno and Lenning built a 10-7 first game lead but relinquished their advantage, as Peixoto caught fire and Gonzalez dominated front court play. Eight consecutive points secured a game one victory for the Californian and the New Yorker. Peixoto and Gonzalez maintained their momentum in game two, building a 6-1 lead and seemingly on the verge of two-game victory. Moreno and Lenning turned up their intensity, fighting back with inspired play. Gonzalez failed to execute a front court kill with his team leading 12-10 that would have put Peixoto and Gonzalez two points from clinching a spot in the final. “I needed to make that shot and that was the turning point in the match,” revealed a disappointed Gonzalez after the match. Lenning and Moreno took advantage of Gonzalez’s mistake and forced a tiebreaker with five consecutive points. The tiebreaker featured the best action of the event, as all four players executed awe-inspiring anticipation and effort. Lenning and Moreno were able to separate themselves and stood just one point from the final at 14-9. The final rally of the match would be the most exciting, as each player contributed to the most exciting action of the event during the 34 shot rally. Lenning ended the remarkable rally with a drive to the left and secured a finals birth for the former 3-Wall national doubles champions.

WPH OPENING DAY

World Outdoor 3WallBall on race4eight.com (Posted Sep, 2014)-

Played kicked off at the fifth WPH/WOR 3Wallball World Championships on Thursday morning, with the top small ball 3-Wall stars competing under the Vegas sun at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Men’s Pro Ball Singles: Shorty Ruiz returned to the form that earned him the 2011 WPH/WOR 3Wallball World Championships small ball singles title with a dominating quarterfinal victory over defending champion Jurell Bastidas. Ruiz was focused from the start, building a 12-1 lead on the 2013 champion with a barrage of ace serves and first strike kills. Bastidas would drop game one 15-6 and although the two stars trading side outs early in game two with Ruiz leading 5-4, Bastidas was never ever to gain any momentum. Ruiz scored 10 of the match’s final 12 points to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2012. Ruiz will face Nik Nahorniak in Friday’s semifinals after Luis Moreno was unable to make the quarterfinal start. Emmett Peixoto faced New York’s Cesar Sala in a matchup of two former pro national singles champions. Peixoto started slowly in game one, as the cagy play of the veteran Sala allowed him to surge to a 6-1 lead. Following a timeout, Peixoto grooved his power serve, hitting two-way hops to the left and right and earning points and easy kill shot opportunities to take a 10-7 lead. Sala would push “The Rock,” extending rallies and the match into the one-hour mark. Ultimately, Peixoto was too strong and secured a two game victory over the New York City legend.  Read More, HERE>

WPH TO BROADCAST ON ESPN

World Outdoor 3WallBall on race4eight.com (Posted Sep, 2014)-

WPH Outdoor is is embarking n a seven stop ESPN filming stint beginning this weekend in Las Vegas at the WPH Outdoor Combined 3WallBall Championships.  “We locked down ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App after working on this project since 2005,” says WPH Executive Director, David Vincent.  “This weekend in Vegas we will begin something truly monumental for our sport as we open a door that we ope will lead to bigger things.”

WPH will film and broadcast al non-ESPN matches at www.race4eight.com to WPH Video Subscribers (All Access Pass Holders) from Saturday, September 13th, from 9am-6pm Pacific, then flipping to the Hands vs Racket Expo (Joe Young/Robert Sostre vs Timbo Gonzalez/Tywan Cook – 1 Wall Big Ball) on ESPN3 beginning at 6pm.  WPH will continue the broadcast until 10pm Pacific; continuing Sunday from 10am-4pm through ESPN’s Bristol, CT, network. You can follow the draws LIVE at the event page:  http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/noDraws.asp?TID=12442

ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a 24/7 destination that delivers thousands of global sports events annually and accessible online via WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold level members.  It is currently available to 92 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.  The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers connected to on-campus educational networks and on-base military networks.

Launched in April 2011, WatchESPN delivers live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line on computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV.  It is currently accessible in 55 million households nationwide to fans who receive ESPN’s linear networks as part of their video subscription from Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity TV, Midcontinent Communications, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, AT&T U-verse or Google Fiber.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE POSTED HERE>

WPH OUTDOOR WOMEN’S PLAYER’S CUP

Quick Hits (Posted Sep, 2014)-

WPH Outdoor is proud to present to Women’s Player’s Cup Player’s Championship at the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships from the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Defending champion Tracy Davis, Women’s Player’s Cup #1 Tanisha Groomes, 2013 finalist Danielle Daskalakis and the rest of the best women in 3-Wall big ball handball will compete for the most prestigious prize in women’s big ball handball.   “There are literally eight women who could win this event,” barked WPH Outdoor Director David Vincent. “I could make a case for any of the quarterfinalists winning the event and I really believe that the fittest player will be the last player standing and holding the Women’s Player’s Cup trophy.”   Meet the Top 8:

1. Tanisha Groomes: “T” has won an astounding nine of 10 Player’s cup events in which she has entered, losing only at the 2013 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships to Danielle Daskalakis. Groomes has not only proven to be the most prolific winner in Women’s Cup history, but also the most clutch performer, overcoming match point twice during the Women’s Player’s Cup III season to win events at Pico Rivera and Las Vegas

2. Tracy Davis: Davis captured the 2013 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships in impressive fashion, defeating Mel Sky and Danielle Daskalakis en route to her maiden Women’s Player’s Cup title. A second place finish at Pico Rivera Stop #1 and a third place finish at La Mirada Stop #3 on the Women’s Player’s Cup III moved Davis to #2 in the rankings and poised to defend her Vegas 3Wallball title

3. Danielle Daskalakis: Daskalakis in the only player to ever defeat Tanisha Groomes in Women’s Cup play, defeating the Player’s Cup #1 in a thrilling tiebreaker in the semifinals of the 2013 WPH/WOR 3Wallball World Championships. Daskalakis is the two-time defending 1-Wall big ball women’s national champion and will be aiming to capture her first ever Women’s Player’s Cup singles yellow

4. Karina Arias: Arias is the youngest ever Women’s Player’s Cup finalist, appearing the in finals of the Women’s Player’s II La Mirada Stop #3 and Women’s Player’s Cup III Vegas LTE Stop #2. Arias quickly rose up the ranks on the Women’s cup tour after only starting her 3-Wall career in 2013. Arias will try to become the youngest Women’s Player’s Cup champion at the 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships

5. Ashley Moler: Moler captured the first ever Women’s Player’s Cup title at the inaugural Cinco de Mayo Cup Stop #1 in May of 2012 and added four finals appearances. Moler nearly advanced to the finals of the Vegas LTE Player’s Cup III Stop #2, losing to rising star Karina Arias in a thrilling tiebreaker. Moler has the game and experience to earn her second Cup title and will be a threat against any opponent

6. Jessica Gawley: Gawley combines triathlon training with handball training, making her one of the fittest players in the sport. Gawley has challenged the best players on the Women’s Cup tour, holding match point against Tanisha Groomes at the Player’s Cup III Vegas LTE Stop #2 and nearly defeating Danielle Daskalakis at the 2013 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships

7. Mel Sky: Sky is one of the top women’s 1-Wall big ball players in the game and has established herself as one of the top women’s 3-Wall big ball stars as well. Sky defeated Tracy Davis in the 2012 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships and suffered close losses against Ashley Moler and Tanisha Groomes

8. Aoife McCarthy: McCarthy finished the Women’s Race 4 Eight in the top five and will make her second ever Women’s Player’s Cup start in Las Vegas. Armed with nearly 15 years of court experience, McCarthy possesses the shots and guile to upset any of the top seeds at the 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships

To watch the exciting Player’s Cup Player’s Championship action live, tune into ESPN3 on Saturday, September 13^th and Sunday, September 14^th for over 16 hours of live coverage. To watch ESPN3, simply go to http://espn.go.com/watchespn/ or contact your local cable provider. For more information on the event, log onto http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=12442.   For more information on the World Players of Handball, like us on facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments, the WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup and the Race 4 Eight tour.

WPH OUTDOOR PLAYER’S CUP III

Quick Hits (Posted Sep, 2014)-

World 3WallBall Outdoor Championships-  The WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup III featured four events in California and Mexico on various types of 3-Wall courts. The top 16 point-earners from the four events qualified for the prestigious Player’s Cup III Player’s Championship at the WPH/WOR 3Wallball World Championships at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. “Qualifying for the Player’s Cup Player’s Championship in Las Vegas was a very nice personal accomplishment,” proclaimed fifth ranked Player’s Cup pro Sal Duenas. “Of course, I want to try to win the event and become the Player’s Champion, but I’m also looking forward to seeing all of the talent, upsets and surprises on the awesome 3-Wall courts at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino.”

1. Samzon Hernandez: Known as “The Machine,” Hernandez methodically decimated his competition throughout the first half of the Player’s Cup III season, sweeping the first two events. Hernandez captured Player’s Cup Stop #1 in Pico Rivera with a two-game victory over Alfredo Morales and added Stop #2 at the Vegas LTE with a victory over Timbo Gonzalez. Hernandez’s chief rival, Juan Santos, ended his bid for a perfect season in the finals of Stop #3 at La Mirada, and an alarm clock malfunction at Stop #4 in Tijuana cost “The Machine” an opportunity for his third title of the year. Hernandez is the defending Player’s Cup champion but has lost in the finals at the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships in the last two years
2. Juan Santos: Enjoying the birth of their first child just weeks ago, the Santos’s are undoubtedly having the best year of their lives. The defending WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World champion experienced an inconsistent year on the court by his standards, losing in the quarterfinals of Stop #1 to rising star Chava Cordova and skipping Stop #2 at the Vegas LTE, before winning Stop #3 at La Mirada with a sensational performance over number one ranked Samzon Hernandez. Santos has excelled on the Vegas courts and will aim to win his third consecutive WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championship
3. Ricky Ruiz: Ruiz became just the third player to win a WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup Stop at Stop #4 Tijuana, staging a valiant tiebreaker comeback against Mexico’s Victor Martinez on the massive Tijuana 3-Wall court. Ruiz also captured the Pro Doubles with partner Timbo Gonzalez at Stops #2 and #3. “I haven’t felt this good in years,” proclaimed an ecstatic Ruiz after winning Stop #4. “I am physically and mentally ready for Vegas.”
4. Chava Cordova: 21-year old Chava Cordova was the most consistent player on the Player’s Cup III tour, advancing to the semifinals in all four Player’s Cup III stops. Unfortunately for Cordova, he was never able to advance past the semifinals, but wins over Juan Santos, Vic Duran, Mando Ortiz, Raul Calvillo and Rudy Cruz proved that Cordova is knocking on the door and will likely capture a WPH Yellow in the near future
5. Sal Duenas: Known as “The Wiz,” Duenas has remained in the top eight since the inception of the Player’s Cup in 2012. Duenas has appeared in just one semifinal in his Player’s Cup career, but his consistency in advancing to quarterfinals has enabled him to remain amongst the game’s elite. At 30 years old, Duenas is the oldest player in the top eight. Duenas enters every event believing he can win it and with his skills and experience, the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships could be the Wiz’s coming out party
6. Timbo Gonzalez: Crossing over from 1-Wall big ball just under a year ago, Gonzalez quickly announced himself as a threat on the Player’s Cup tour with wins over Flash Tojin, G-man Velasquez and Boxer Rosales in the 2013 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships. Player’s Cup III wins over Ricky Ruiz and Shorty Ruiz and near misses against Samzon Hernandez and Juan Santos moved Timbo into the Player’s Cup top eight. Timbo will set his sights on claiming his first ever WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup singles yellow at the 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships
7. Rudy Cruz: A former member of the “Fab Four,” Cruz has maintained his standing amongst the game’s elite with his all-court game. Wins over fellow top eight pro Kevin Gonzalez and top 12 pro Chris Tojin earned Cruz his invitation to the 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships. Cruz will try to become the fourth ever player to win a Player’s Cup singles title.
8. Kevin Gonzalez: The top eight’s only lefty, Gonzalez plays with a flair and angst uncommon to the rest of his top eight pros. One of the game’s greatest shot makers because of his ability to end rallies from off the court and behind the back line, Gonzalez appears to be poised for a deep run in a Player’s Cup event

The remaining eight players in the Player’s Cup III Player’s Championship:

• Raul Calvillo
• Noe Garcia
• Fuji Hernandez
• Boxer Rosales
• Flash Tojin
• Ramon Valencia
• Jose Venegas
• Jerry Vicencio

To watch the exciting Player’s Cup Player’s Championship action live, tune into ESPN3 on Saturday, September 13^th and Sunday, September 14^th for over 16 hours of live coverage. To watch ESPN3, simply go to http://espn.go.com/watchespn/ or contact your local cable provider. For more information on the event, log onto:  http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=12442. For more information on the World Players of Handball, like us on facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments, the WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup and the Race 4 Eight tour. David Fink WPH Senior Writer

WPH 3WALLBALL WORLD OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Player Preview; Deadline Tonight @ 11:50pm (Posted Sep, 2014)-

World 3WallBall Outdoor Championships-   The World Players of Handball is thrilled to team with World Outdoor Racquetball and 3 Wallball for the fifth 3 Wallball World Championships. Handball will feature men’s, women’s, juniors and age divisions competing in 3-Wall and 1-Wall small ball and big ball handball. The World Players of Handball is also thrilled to present a junior handball clinic on Wednesday, September 10^th at 6 pm for all experienced and new junior handball players with Junior WPH Certified Coaches to kickoff the incredible event. Handball commences with small ball on Thursday morning, September 11^th, with the big ball divisions beginning on Friday, September 12^th. ESPN3 will cover all of the weekend’s matches live, meaning that millions of viewers will be able to experience to excitement and passion of the world’s greatest players competing in the world’s greatest outdoor handball tournament. “I always envisioned handball reaching mainstream status by building portable outdoor courts in a high traffic area and that is exactly what has happened at the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships,” barked WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “This is our fifth year on the Las Vegas Strip at the beautiful Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and the 3 Wallball World Championships has become our marquee outdoor event of the year.” The 2014 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships features the culmination of the WPH Outdoor Big Ball Player’s Cup III season, with the top 16 big ball pro players from four events this season qualifying for Vegas’ Player’s Championship being held in conjunction with the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships. “Player’s Cup big ball players had to earn their spots into the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships this season by competing in four grueling stops across California and Mexico,” revealed WPH Outdoor administrator David Fink. “With only 16 spots available and hundreds of great players, the players faced maximum pressure on every point throughout the season. The 16 that qualified were certainly worthy and will put on a great show at the biggest event of the season.” “I am pumped to have qualified for the Player’s Championship at the WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships,” revealed top 8 WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup pro Sal Duenas. “There is nothing better than playing on the Vegas Strip at the Stratosphere. I never dreamed as a handball player that I would have the opportunity to play on this kind of stage and I am truly honored and thankful for the opportunity.” “I haven’t felt this good in years,” proclaimed Player’s Cup #3 Ricky Ruiz and Cup Stop #4 champion. “I am physically and mentally ready for Vegas and I wish the event started today!” Sal Duenas and Ricky Ruiz will be joined by the rest of handball’s big ball giants, including number one ranked Player’s Cup pro Samzon Hernandez, Juan Santos, Timbo Gonzalez, Chava Cordova and many more! The Women’s Player’s Cup series will also crown its number one player on the Women’s Player’s Cup III circuit, with Tanisha Groomes firmly in the pole position after winning all three events on the Women’s Player’s Cup III tour. The game’s greatest all-around outdoor superstar, Tracy Davis, will aim to defend her 2013 WPH/WOR 3Wallball title and defeat Groomes for the first time. Danielle Daskalakis, the only woman to ever defeat Groomes in Cup play history, will target her second consecutive victory over Groomes on the Women’s Player’s Cup tour. Additionally, former number two Player’s Cup pro Ashley Moler, Canada’s Jessica Gawley, New York City’s Na Liu and Ireland’s Aoife McCarthy will each be in search of their first Women’s Player’s Cup title of the season. The Men’s small ball 3-Wall singles features virtually all of the game’s greatest small ball 3-Wall players. Jurell Bastidas was the Cinderella Story at last year’s 2013 WPH/WOR 3 Wallball World Championships, upsetting number one seed Luis Moreno, Nik Nahorniak and Emmett Peixoto en route his first ever yellow jersey. Bastidas will not fly under the radar this season, as current 3-Wall national champion Sean Lenning, current Race 4 Eight #1 Luis Moreno, Emmett Peixoto, Nik Nahorniak and many more are setting their sites on dethroning last year’s Cinderella story. The Men’s 1-Wall big ball division promises to be one of the most exciting, as New York City’s top players will make the cross-country trek for 1-Wall west coast supremacy. Current national champion Timbo Gonzalez will be the favorite, but his two greatest rivals, Rookie Wright and Gio Vasquez, will have designs on vanquishing their younger adversary. Men’s and women’s doubles will also be on display in big ball and small ball 3-Wall and 1-Wall, as the top players from each code will team up with one another for what invariably becomes the most exciting matches of the event. Ricky Ruiz and Timbo Gonzalez will continue their partnership that has yielded consecutive 3-Wall big ball Player’s Cup doubles victories in the Vegas LTE Cup Stop #2 and the La Mirada Cup Stop #3, while Timbo Gonzalez will team with Emmett Peixoto in 3-Wall small ball doubles in what promises to be an electrifying pairing of two of the game’s fastest stars. Gonzalez and Peixoto will likely run into the “Super Team” of Moreno and Lenning. Tracy Davis will team with Sandy Ng in the Women’s big ball doubles, while Women’s Player’s Cup number one Tanisha Groomes teams with fellow Women’s Player’s Cup top eight star Jessica Gawley, forming two women’s powerhouse duos. To watch all of the exciting action live, tune into ESPN3 on Saturday, September 13^th and Sunday, September 14^th to watch over 16 hours of live coverage. To watch ESPN3, simply go tohttp://espn.go.com/watchespn/ or contact your local cable provider. For more information on the event, log onto http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=12442. For more information on the World Players of Handball, like us on facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments, the WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup and the Race 4 Eight tour. ALL INFO HERE>

VEGAS DEADLINE NOW

Thousands of Player’s Vie For World Title & You Are Invited! (Posted Sep, 2014)-

World 3WallBall Outdoor Championships-   September 5th (this Friday) is the drop-dead last date for entry into the Vegas 3WallBall Outdoor World Handball, Racquetball and Paddle Ball Championships at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino.  This explosive event will be aired on ESPN and viewed by thousands, as the grandstands will be packed; players from all over the world have traveled for a chance at amateur, age division, junior, women and elite championship trophies and yours awaits you! ALL INFO HERE> In handball, we have constructed 1 wall courts, bolstered the prize money, and have provided multiple divisions in small & big ball; one and three wall.  We have a special junior clinic set for Wednesday, with hundreds of youngsters on the courts with the pros and the list of amenities continue to grow.  Thursday night is Lady’s Night Out, bringing players and wives from all codes together for a special mixer at the Stratosphere; meanwhile, Saturday’s Special Military Salute is a fan favorite from year’s past. A Hands vs Racket match is expected to steal the show during this event (Timbo/Tywan vs Freddy/Sostre); while the WPH Cup Series will continue to draw fans seeking this year’s Cup Champ.  Bigger yet, WPH Film Crews have teamed up with ESPN to provide a special broadcast on Saturday and Sunday.  Details a www.race4eight.com.  You can also find the schedule at www.espn3.com by browsing ERSPN’s calendar. Whether you come to play, watch court side, or on your WatchESPN APP, we will guarantee drama and major excitement from the Strip in Vegas.  Details, HERE>

 

PLAYERS AWARDED #10; VEGAS DEADLINE APPROACHES

Tanisha Groomes, Luis Moreno, Samzon Hernandez, and Tracy Davis Honored (Posted Aug, 2014)-

Event Info HERE>

Tucson, AZ, Press-  “T” also known as Tanisha Groomes was awarded her tenth yellow jersey this past week for fabulous play in the world of outdoor handball.  WPH gives a yellow, as a trophy of sorts, to pro winners in the men and the women’s elite circles.  “It feels good to reach my 10th jersey,” claims Groomes, our current number one ranked 3 wall big ball women’s points leader.  “Nice to have something that shows my number of achievements.”   Also receiving their tenth, in the WPH inaugural ceremony, Samzon Hernandez, our current #1 big ball men’s cup leader; Luis Moreno, the indoor small ball 4 wall #1 ranked pro, Tracy Davis, multiple code pro stop champ and last year’s Vegas 3WB Women’s Champ. 

“Samzon Hernandez and Luis Moreno are right at the 20 jersey mark,” says WPH Executive Director.  “They will be receiving the #20 very shortly, I have a feeling.  Ricardo Ruiz and Juan Santos are also threatening the 10-shirt-club and will hit this mark before year’s end.”

The full list of champions (Race4Eight 4Wall Small Ball Tour & Big Ball 3 Wall Outdoor Cup Series), Posted HERE>

Each mentioned player will be featured in Las Vegas, September 10th-14th, for the WPH/WOR 3WallBall Outdoor World Championships as titles will be defended and fans will be entertained!   

You can play too and earn your colors.  Entry deadline is September 5th. Hotel discounts, prize money, fees and rules all posted on the event website, HERE>  

      

WPH 3WALLBALL OUTDOOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Deadline Approaching (Posted Aug, 2014)

Event Info HERE>

World 3WallBall Outdoor Championships, Las Vegas, NV, September 10-14th, Stratosphere Hotel & Casino Parking Lot, Featuring Handball, Racquetball & Paddle Ball in the biggest combined court-sport event of the year! With 1 and 3 wall; small and big ball divisions all scattered throughout the registration process, we have created a glossary to assist you. Please go HERE for help when registering. We want you in the right division. QUICK FACTS:

• Enter this event and get all tourney info answered on the registration page, HERE>
• Eye ware is mandatory; players will not be allowed to play or practice on these courts without eye protection. No-Tolerance Rule.
• Must hold WPH Player’s Card to Participate in Handball Events (Available at Handball Registration for $20 or on-line for $30 @ http://www.thehandballstore.com/
• All event information and updates will be on the WPH main site and the event homepage: www.wphlive.tv/wphoutdoor, http://www.3wallball.com/ and http://www.r2sports.com/.
• Bring water! Although the event organizers provide ample water, please bring your own. Playing handball in the outdoor dry-desert air is an experience. Please prepare yourself.
• First Aid tent, refreshments, food and adult beverages will be provided. Tournament goers will get gift bags with free buffet ticket passes, gaming coupons, shirts, and ample souvenirs—The biggest gift bag in our combined sports history, in fact!
• Deadline to Enter, Sept 5th
• You can play four ways! Only if 3 divisions are one wall and 1 division is three wall -or- 3 divisions are three wall and 1 division is one wall

Read more, enter and receive fees, hotel, prize money, playing schedule and more, HERE>

USHA 3 WALL NATIONAL HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Deadline is here (Posted Aug, 2014)

Event Info HERE>

MAUMEE, Ohio – Everyone’s favorite event of the year, every year! This year marks the 40th Anniversary the event has been held in Toledo. The best three-wall courts and the best hospitality keep it at the top of the list.

WPH OUTDOOR GETS ON ESPN

A Message From Executive Director, Dave Vincent (Posted Aug, 2014)

Event Info & All Questions Answered HERE>

Tucson, AZ, Press, Aug 7, 2014-  World Players of Handball-Outdoor teams up with 3wallball.com, World Outdoor Racquetball, Ektelon Outdoor and the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, plus Sponsors for the World 3WallBall Outdoor Championships this September 10-14th (In Vegas) for the 5th Edition of the largest combined court sport event of the year (maybe ever!).  Recently, the WPH signed a contract with ESPN to air the games on the network and we caught Dave Vincent, WPH Executive Director and Lead Announcer during all broadcasts, who had more to say: “We first approached ESPN back in 2005, again in 2006, 7… and so on. They were always interested but our product just wasn’t where we wanted it to be and the venues simply were not ready for a major production. Finally, through technology and some learning, we brought more confidence and resources to the table… and they bit.” ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App carried the Simple Green US Open of Handball in 2013, produced by the World Players of Handball, Naty Alvarado, Bruce Fabrizio and the Green Team. In April of this year, the WPH Player’s Championship, in Salt Lake City, got picked up for a second ESPN stint with an ESPN-Reported 165,000 views on the Saturday of the event and over 2,000,000 on-demand and live plays (still available) on ESPN3.com. Vincent continues, “We are now returning back to the network and expect massive numbers for the WPH/WOR 3WallBall Outdoor Championships this September, at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino (September 10th-14th) in Las Vegas. WPH will have an ESPN Sideline Reporter to accompany our production; meanwhile, players from all over the world will be highlighted and promoted on the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Pretty amazing, really.” Virtually EVERY question you have about the Tournament is Answered on the homepage message or by clicking the tabs on the webpage, HERE>

 

OUTDOOR 3WALLBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS HIT THE STRIP

1 Wall Steals The Show – John “Rookie” Wright Named Ambassador/Director! (Posted July, 2014)

Event Info & All Questions Answered HERE>

Tucson, AZ, Press, July 30, 2014-  World Players of Handball-Outdoor teams up with 3wallball.com, World Outdoor Racquetball, Ektelon Outdoor and amazing sponsors (like EDTL Handball, et al) for the 5t…h edition of the Outdoor 3WallBall Championships this September 10th-14th at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, and you are invited! Throwing his name onto the team is the greatest 1 wall outdoor player of his generation, John “Rookie” Wright, who will participate in a rare pro singles and doubles appearance for the fans and administer the draws, seeds, scheduling and ref duties.  “This is Vegas where the best of the best compete– all in all out,” barked Wright during the naming ceremony.  Wright made himself known with WPH Rules committee members quite quickly after the morning announcement and swiftly changed a few 1 wall rules.  “John got us to go back to having second serves in 1 wall and threw some weight around to get both servers in doubles to have a crack at a serve,” says WPH Director, Dave Vincent.  “Next thing you know, he’ll demand I’m fired and take over my job.”  All rules are posted at the event website under the “info” tab at www.r2sports.com, or email the WPH for clarification:  wph@race4eight.com Riding alongside handball will be Racquetball, Paddle Ball and a ton of entertainment embedded in a truly fantastic court-sport extravaganza that you really just cannot miss.  Between 500-750 participants expected and thousands of Las Vegas BLVD onlookers and fans will be exploring our sports! Do you want to rent a booth?  Contact us! “The court complex is located on the parking lot of the Stratosphere,” says WPH Executive Director, Dave Vincent. “We timed it last year by finding the farthest hotel room and it took less than two minutes to make it to the tournament desk on foot.”  In fact, the Stratosphere has reduced hotel room rates to help your budget offering an exclusive LINK right to the handball discount page or call the Stratosphere at 1-800-99-TOWER and use the code:  C-3WB14. THE SCHEDULE: The event may start on Wednesday, September 10th, but handball will begin on Thursday (9/11) in the afternoon when Small Ball 3 Wall action will begin (ending on Saturday night).  Friday afternoon (9/12) will bring 3 Wall Big Ball action; meanwhile, 1 Wall and Women’s 3 Wall will kick off on Saturday morning (9/13).  A special Hands vs Racquet 1 Wall Expo will take place on Saturday afternoon when Racquetball standouts Robert Sostre and Freddy Ramirez take on Tywan Cook and Timbo Gonzalez. PRIZES, JUNIORS & WEBCAST: The WPH team will provide over $20,000 in prize money in pro divisions for singles, doubles, 1 wall and 3 wall; small and big ball; meanwhile, the film crew will find the champion for the the 3 wall big ball cup series and crown the small ball world champ w/a live broadcast beginning on Friday @ race4eight.com.  Junior Clinics will be performed by WPH coaches on Wednesday, September 10th (so bring the kids!). ENTRY FEE & INFO: The WPH does not collect entry fees.  3wallball.com manages this event and collects 100% of the fees.  WPH Outdoor holds fundraisers throughout the year, gathers donor gifts and sponsor monies to help fund this tournament.  WPH does require that all players are WPH members and can purchase a player’s card at the event at check in for $20 (online in advance for $30).  All entries need to be paid prior to the deadline using r2sports.com event page.  There are no walk up entries!  All tournament entrants will receive an amazing souvenir bag packed full of drinks, gaming coupons, tournament shirts and more! If you need to contact the WPH, for any reason, please text:  520-336-6231 or email:  wph@race4eight.com.  You can gather even more info at www.3wallball.com. SCORING FORMAT & RULES: Big Ball 3 Wall: two wall serves okay – only one player serves in doubles – only one serve (no second serve – lines are good (except short line on serve) – play all bad bounces – 15, 15, 15 rally scoring (win by one) – 2 60/sec time outs per game – 3 minute between game breaks – doubles players must stand in server’s box when serving – Eye guards mandatory – play all bad bounces – Big/Small Ball 1 Wall: NY Rules Apply – Server gets second-serves – Doubles both players get to serve – Lines are good (except short line on serve) – one game to 25 (no rally) win by two to determine a match – Eye guards mandatory – 3/60 sec time outs Small Ball 3 Wall: No two-wall serves – play all bad bounces – only one player serves (side in) per inning in doubles – 15, 15, 11 games determine a match (no rally) – 2/60 sec time outs per game – 3 minute break between games – Eye guards are mandatory. All forms:  Check into the tournament desk 15 minutes ahead of your match or face a potential forfeit; show up 10 minutes after scheduled match time or new match time and you will be forfeited or fined prize money or both; a player forfeited from a match may be forfeited from further rounds, playoffs and prize (to include cash) consideration. 1 WALL: The greatest 1 wall big ball player of all time and former 1 wall small ball national champion/ambassador, John “Rookie” Wright, will be administering this event and participating in singles and doubles. Rookie will be scheduling, seeding and coordinating referees. If you have questions, please contact Rookie through your channels or email us: wph@race4eight.com

 

RICARDO RUIZ TAKES YELLOW IN TJ

WPH Outdoor Big Ball 3W Cup Stop #4 – Tijuana Mexico International Tour Stop- WPH Outdoor continued its thrilling Player’s Cup III season with another sensational and dramatic final in Tijuana Mexico’s International Tour Stop. Samzon Hernandez grabbed the first two Player’s Cup stops of the season in Pico Rivera and Las Vegas, while Juan Santos seized Stop #3 in La Mirada, CA. Tijuana’s final would be the first ever Player’s Cup singles title won by a player other than Samzon Hernandez or Juan Santos in the first three seasons of overall play, as Ricky Ruiz faced Mexico’s Victor Martinez in the final. Ricky Ruiz advanced to the final with wins over Victor Escobar, Jerry Vicencio and a walkover against Samzon Hernandez when “The Machine” failed to appear for the 10 am semifinal. Victor Martinez cruised to the final with victories over Daniel Cervantes, Sal Duenas and Chava Cordova. Ruiz faced a formidable task in the final. Martinez played top big ball in L.A. for several years until relocating to Tijuana. Martinez plays daily on the Tijuana’s huge court, and he has acclimated himself to the strategy and angles of the unconventional 3-Wall court. Ruiz learned the game playing all codes of handball, including 4-Wall, 3-Wall, 2-Wall and 1-Wall, playing with all types of balls and rules. Ruiz’s background with all codes of handball undoubtedly helped him to adjust to the 30 foot x 30 feet x 50 foot 2-Wall Tijuana court with a back wall at the 50-foot line. Martinez clinched the first game 15-10, using his control and precision to run Ruiz off the court. “He is really good,” barked Ruiz between games. Ruiz adapted to the big court game in the second game, forcing a tiebreaker, 15-9. “I started using side fronts because those are just killers on that court,” declared Ruiz. “The side front kills force you off the court and force you to do a lot of running.” Ruiz appeared to be tense in the tiebreaker, undoubtedly aware of his opportunity to claim his first ever WPH singles yellow. Martinez raced to an 8-3 lead in the 12-point decider and needed to win just four of the next 13 rallies to claim the title. Ruiz would not relent, and systematically fought his way back into the game. “It was tough and I just gutted it out,” revealed an exhausted Ruiz. “I made a final push and it was just enough to win the title.” Ruiz completed the improbable comeback and his maiden WPH singles yellow in dramatic fashion, 10-15, 15-19, 12-9. “Martinez is no joke,” declared Louie Maciel. “He has crazy control. Ricky had better shot selection.” Victor Martinez and Jose Lopez defeated Samzon Hernandez and Raul Calvillo to win the Men’s A doubles. “Martinez and Lopez just took Samzon and Calvillo to school,” barked Maciel. Thank you to WPH Outdoor, Tom Flores, Andrew Fernandez, Louie Maciel and all of the players and volunteers for making the WPH Outdoor Big Ball 3W Cup Stop #4 – Tijuana Mexico International Tour Stop a huge success. Like the World Players of Handball on facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments and the Race 4 Eight tour.

WPH BIG BALL CUP STOP #4

Tijuana, Mexico, WPH Press, 7/22/2014- WPH Outdoor is thrilled to present the 3-Wall Player’s Cup Stop #4 from Tijuana Mexico July 26^th and 27^th 2014. The Tijuana International Tour Stop represents the final regular season Cup Series event and the final opportunity for big ball pros to earn their invitations to the elite 16-man Player’s Cup Player’s Championship at the WPH/WOR 3WallBall World Championships September 10^th-14^th, 2014. Top-ranked Cup superstar Samzon Hernandez enters the event on the heels of his first loss of the season at Cup Stop #3 at La Mirada and will be hungry to return to his winning ways. Hernandez will be joined by a group of top challengers, including Sal Duenas, Chava Cordova, Vic Duran and Chris Tojin. Big ball superstars will be faced with completely different court dimensions to what they are normally accustomed. While venues on the Player’s Cup series vary in terms of front wall height, sidewall length and height and back line length, the courts in Tijuana resemble more of a fronton court than a 3-Wall court, with the court being nearly 70 feet long, the front wall being 60 feet high, no left side wall and a back wall at 70 feet. According to “Fab Four” Player’s Cup staple Sal Duenas, the massive court favors either a smart player that can accurately place shots or a player in supreme condition, or both. Duenas believes that the game comes down to strategy and which player can adjust his serves and kills to suit the court’s dimensions. “You can serve the ball 70 feet up in the air to create a giant rainbow lob serve, and something as frustrating as that can be all it takes to win a match,” explained Duenas. “The court can punish aggressive play because trying to end rallies from the 70-foot line leads to setups or errors. Failure to adjust to the big court’s strategy can break players mentally. “ Follow all of the exciting action from Cup Stop #4 in Tijuana by liking the World Players of Handball on facebook, logging onto wphlive.tv or following @dfwph or @wphlive on twitter for all of the updates! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments, the Race 4 Eight tour and the WPH Outdoor Player’s Cup Series. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of donations go towards junior handball development.

WORLD 3WALLBALL OUTDOOR WORLDS-

OUTDOOR 3WALLBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS HIT THE STRIP Tucson, AZ, Press, July 12, 2014-  World Players of Handball-Outdoor teams up with 3wallball.com, World Outdoor Racquetball, Ektelon Outdoor and amazing sponsors for the 5^th edition of the Outdoor 3WallBall Championships this September 10^th-14^th at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, and you are invited! Riding alongside handball will be Racquetball, Paddle Ball and a ton of entertainment embedded in a truly fantastic court-sport extravaganza that you really just cannot miss.  Between 500-750 participants expected and thousands of Las Vegas BLVD onlookers and fans will be exploring our sports! Do you want to rent a booth?  Contact us! “The court complex is located on the parking lot of the Stratosphere,” says WPH Executive Director, Dave Vincent. “We timed it last year by finding the farthest hotel room and it took less than two minutes to make it to the tournament desk on foot.”  In fact, the Stratosphere has reduced hotel room rates to help your budget offering an exclusive LINK right to the handball discount page or call the Stratosphere at 1-800-99-TOWER and use the code:  C-3WB14. THE SCHEDULE:  The event may start on Wednesday, September 10^th, but handball will begin on Thursday (9/11) in the afternoon when Small Ball 3 Wall action will begin (ending on Saturday night).  Friday afternoon (9/12) will bring 3 Wall Big Ball action; meanwhile, 1 Wall and Women’s 3 Wall will kick off on Saturday morning (9/13).  A special Hands vs Racquet 1 Wall Expo will take place on Saturday afternoon when Racquetball standouts Robert Sostre and Freddy Ramirez take on Tywan Cook and Timbo Gonzalez. PRIZES, JUNIORS & WEBCAST:  The WPH team will provide over $20,000 in prize money in pro divisions for singles, doubles, 1 wall and 3 wall; small and big ball; meanwhile, the film crew will find the champion for the the 3 wall big ball cup series and crown the small ball world champ w/a live broadcast beginning on Friday @ race4eight.com.  Junior Clinics will be performed by WPH coaches on Wednesday, September 10^th (so bring the kids!). ENTRY FEE & INFO:  The WPH does not collect entry fees.  3wallball.com manages this event and collects 100% of the fees.  WPH Outdoor holds fundraisers throughout the year, gathers donor gifts and sponsor monies to help fund this tournament.  WPH does require that all players are WPH members and can purchase a player’s card at the event at check in for $20 (online in advance for $30).  All entries need to be paid prior to the deadline using r2sports.com event page.  There are no walk up entries!  All tournament entrants will receive an amazing souvenir bag packed full of drinks, gaming coupons, tournament shirts and more! If you need to contact the WPH, for any reason, please text:  520-336-6231 or email:  wph@race4eight.com.  You can gather even more info at www.3wallball.com. SCORING FORMAT & RULES:  Big Ball 3 Wall: two wall serves okay – only one player serves in doubles – only one serve (no second serve – lines are good (except short line on serve) – play all bad bounces – 15, 15, 15 rally scoring (win by one) – 2 60/sec time outs per game – 3 minute between game breaks – doubles players must stand in server’s box when serving – Eye guards mandatory – play all bad bounces –  Big/Small Ball 1 Wall:  NY Rules Apply – doubles only one player serves per inning (side in) – Lines are good (except short line on serve) – one game to 25 (no rally) win by two to determine a match – Eye guards mandatory – 3/60 sec time outs  Small Ball 3 Wall:  No two-wall serves – play all bad bounces – only one player serves (side in) per inning in doubles – 15, 15, 11 games determine a match (no rally) – 2/60 sec time outs per game – 3 minute break between games – Eye guards are mandatory. All forms:  Check into the tournament desk 15 minutes ahead of your match or face a potential forfeit; show up 10 minutes after scheduled match time or new match time and you will be forfeited or fined prize money or both; a player forfeited from a match may be forfeited from further rounds, playoffs and prize (to include cash) consideration. Handball Event Page:  HERE> Racquetball Event Page:  HERE> Paddle Ball Event Info:  HERE> Tournament Host Page:  HERE> Video Promo Trailer:  HERE> WPH Outdoor Updates:  HERE> Special Hotel Discount Page:  HERE> Past HB, RB and PB Photos:  HERE>

COLORADO STATE 3 WALL TOURNAMENT-

2014 WORLD 3WALLBALL OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

-Dates are picked; Watch Promo Video – (Posted:  July, 2014)

The 2014 Vegas 3WallBall Outdoor World Handball, Racquetball, and Paddleball Championships will be the biggest combined court sport event to date.  Mark your calendars now for September 10th-14th, 2014, Las Vegas, NV. Hotel info HERE> Complete details at 3wallball.com

• World Outdoor Racquetball
• World Players of Handball
• 3WallBall.com

WATCH PROMO VIDEO HERE ONLINE ENTRY HERE

BIG BALL 3W RANKINGS UPDATE-

BIG BALL 3W NATIONWIDE CHALLENGE WRAP-

SATURDAY’S STARS IN ACTION-

THE NATIONWIDE; DAY ONE-

WPH OUTDOOR NATIONALWIDE CHALLENGE-

KING OF THE RING-

ONE WALL BIG BALL DOUBLES EXPO SET-

TIMBO MAKES FINALS; SAMZON REIGNS SUPREME-

WPH OUTDOOR GOES TO VEGAS-

 

WPH BIG BALL 3 SERIES TO SIN CITY

WPH BIG BALL 3 WALL CUP SERIES

WPH BIG BALL 3W JR NATIONWIDE CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED

2014 WORLD 3WALLBALL OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

-Dates are picked; Watch Promo Video – (Posted:  Apr, 2014)

The 2014 Vegas 3WallBall Outdoor World Handball, Racquetball, and Paddleball Championships will be the biggest combined court sport event to date.  Mark your calendars now for September 10th-14th, 2014, Las Vegas, NV. Hotel info HERE> Complete details at 3wallball.com

• World Outdoor Racquetball
• World Players of Handball
• 3WallBall.com

WATCH PROMO VIDEO HERE ONLINE ENTRY HERE

-Stop One Is In The Books (Posted:  Apr, 2014)

-Wrap Up – (Posted:  Sept, 2013)

• Must wear eyeguards
• Players must check in at least 15 mins prior to match, 10 mins late is forfeit
• Rally scoring to 15 (straight up), best of 3; 3 60/sec time outs per game
• No second serves, lines are good except on serve
• In doubles, only one server per side-out (no switching after first serve)
• Play all bad bounces, except for on the serve (ref’s call)
• No foot faults over front line (One warning, then side out)
• When serving doubles, both players must stay in serving box
• No crossing in front of opponent during his shot (avoidable will be called)

Men’s Pro Singles Samzon Hernandez entered the event as the number two seed, but most observers considered him to be the favorite. “The man is always motivated, intense, and strong,” claimed big ball national quarterfinalist Ricky Ruiz. “Someone would have to be on top of his game to beat him.” Two of the “Fab Four” were eliminated before the quarterfinals, demonstrating the incredibly deep talent pool in big ball handball. “There are 16 guys that can easily advance to the semifinals or beyond in these events,” claimed WPH Outdoor Head Referee David Fink. “Every match is so close, and the difference between losing in the first round and advancing to the final is often one shot in a match.” Top seed Juan Santos and number two seed Samzon Hernandez were both pushed to tiebreakers in the round of 16. “I was definitely worried,” claimed Hernandez when referring to the 7-1 tiebreaker deficit he faced in the round of 16. “I just tried to keep the pressure on and he (Chava) seemed to get nervous.” Samzon Hernandez cruised to the final after his round of 16 scare, easily defeating former doubles partner Ricky Ruiz in the quarterfinals and “Feo” Venegas in the semifinals. Juan Santos also cruised in straight sets in the quarterfinals and semifinals to reach the finals, defeating Raul Calvillo and rising star Alfredo Morales respectively. In a rematch of the finals of the Simple Green U.S. Open, Samzon and Santos battled once again for big ball supremacy. Santos plays his best handball on the long courts of Venice, but Samzon applied too much pressure to his rival, dismantling Santos 15-11, 15-4 to clinch the first ever 3-Wall Big Ball National Title. “Samzon appears to be more motivated for each event,” claimed David Fink. “The more he wins, the more he burns to win again.” “I want to say thank you to WPH, staff, players, and spectators for making the Big Ball 3-Wall Nationals a big success,” claimed newly crowned 3-Wall Big Ball National Champion and living legend Samzon Hernandez. “It was a fun weekend. And for all the people that were against me thank you for giving me that extra boost. Can’t wait for the next event coming with that fire.” Men’s Pro Doubles The men’s pro doubles has historically been the most exciting division in big ball. Rallies often feature multiple dives, 50-plus shot rallies, dramatic momentum changes, and unrivaled passion from the massive crowds cheering on their favorite teams. Alfredo Morales announced himself on the national stage with a stunning upset over Shorty Ruiz in the singles. Although he would eventually lose to Juan Santos in the singles, he would redeem himself in the doubles. Morales and “G-Man” Velasquez survived close tiebreaker wins in all three of their matches en route to the final, as did their final’s opponents Juan Santos and Lobo. In perhaps the most exciting match of the championships, both teams thrilled crowds with amazing diving gets, diving rekills, and nonstop action. Morales and “G-Man” were cool under pressure and ultimately clinched the tiebreaker with a sensational victory. “I have never played in a pro finals match so to play in one was amazing,” claimed newly minted 19-year-old 3-Wall big ball superstar and national doubles champion Alfredo Morales. “Surprisingly, I didn’t feel an ounce of nervousness. I just went out there and had fun and did the best that I could, and luckily it paid off. The energy from the crowd was unbelievable. Whether they were cheering me on or the opposite for me it was such a great experience for me. The pro doubles win meant everything to me. I had trained non-stop the past weeks. Honestly, the yellow jersey meant everything to me. That jersey to me is worth more than money knowing that I trained hard for it. Money comes and goes but that yellow jersey is forever.” “The doubles final was the last match of the tournament and the crowd was huge,” claimed big ball player and enthusiast Derek Pyper. “Referee Shorty Ruiz constantly had to get people to back up and give the players room because everyone wanted to see the action. I can’t possibly describe what it was like watching this match and the rest of the games throughout the weekend. There were rallies in this match that had to be 90 seconds long, it was truly unbelievable, the athleticism on display through the match.” Women’s Pro Fourteen of the best women’s 3-Wall big ball superstars ascended on Venice Beach to battle for the title of best female in the sport. In the Women’s Singles, Tanisha Groomes entered the event as the number one seed, having never lost a match in WPH competition. Groomes would face a serious challenge in her semifinal against all-court superstar Danielle Daskalakis. Trailing 11-14 in game one, Groomes appeared to be on the verge of falling one game behind for the first time in WPH history. Groomes won four straight rallies to steal the momentum and the game and cruised in game two to clinch her spot in the final. Ashley Moler entered the event as the number two seed, and easily defeated New York 1-Wall specialist Melissa Sky to clinch her spot in the final. Groomes was too strong for Moler in the final, overwhelming the WPH Outdoor Director with precise kills and powerful drives. Groomes captured her fourth WPH women’s title in four events. “Tanisha continued her dominant reign in the women’s singles,” claimed Ashley Moler. “She’s the best and has proved it over and over again.” Groomes partnered with Lilly Prez to complete the Women’s Slam. Groomes and Perez defeated the New York powerhouse team of Daskslakis and Ng in the semifinals, and defeated the east coast/Midwest tandem of Alethia Mendez and Amalia DeSardi in the final. Juniors “We consider Sunday “Kid’s Day” at our big ball events,” claimed WPH Youth and Development Director David Fink. “Sunday is when we have the top players teach clinics to inspire the kids, as well as organizing junior tournaments to allow the kids to enjoy the thrill and camaraderie of playing in tournaments. This event was certainly one of best we have ever had for the juniors.” The WPH’s commitment to developing the game was evident on Sunday. The juniors took over the courts by midday on Sunday, and most of the enormous galleries shifted to the junior courts to watch the junior clinic hosted by WPH Youth and Donor Director David Fink and 3-Wall superstar Samzon Hernandez and the junior tournament. “Helping with the clinic was a huge thrill for me,” claimed Samzon Hernandez. “The first shot I taught the kids was a side-front kill, and I used that shot a lot in my match with Santos later in the day. Every time I used the shot effectively, I was thinking about the clinic!” The 11-and-under featured some of the most promising talent in recent memory. Gabriel Crespio advanced to the final with two impressive wins and faced Eddie Rocha in the final. Crespo emerged victorious in a thrilling match, and became the first junior crowned in Venice Beach. “There were people strolling through the beach that had never seen handball before that stopped to watched these two kids that were no more than four feet tall and 80 pounds hitting the handball from the deep court with both hands,” claimed WPH 3-Wall Big Ball Junior Nationals tournament director David Fink. “I had a basketball coach stop me and ask me if I could teach his group handball because he was so impressed with the athleticism and sportsmanship of the Gabriel Crespio and Eddie Rocha. It looks like we will add about 20 new players at Venice Beach between the ages of 6-13 in the coming months. Exciting times for junior handball!” The 15-and-under featured a full round of 16. Chris Camilo faced Gabriel Carbajal in the final. Both youngsters won three rounds en route to the finals. In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Chris Camilo edged Gabriel Carbajal by the slimmest of margins to clinch the title. The 19-and-under division was mistaken for the open by a number of fans. “I play with some of these guys, and these guys are amazing!” remarked top pro Shorty Ruiz. “I tried to enter the pro doubles with Christian Lopez, but I already had a partner.” Chris Vargas dominated the top half of the draw, and Christian Lopez cruised in the bottom half of the draw to setup of final between two youngsters that will be competing on the elite level in the near future. Lopez’s experience was the difference and he edged past Vargas to win the title. Men’s A’s Erik Gonzalez and Vic Villanueva staged an epic A singles final for the right to call themselves pro players. Villanueva held a match point at 14-14 in the second game after winning the fist game 15-12, but appeared to run out of energy just before he could cross the finish line. Gonzalez won a 17-shot rally to clinch the second game, then held of a late Villa charge to win the title in the third game. “It’s always 50-50 when we play,” claimed Villanueva. “I almost had him today, but I was just happy to be a part of such a great event.” Brian Fombona and Noe Garcia won the Men’s A Doubles over Danny Delacruz and Erik Gonzalez and denied Gonzalez the “A” slam. The second season of the WPH Big Ball Cup Series started with a surge of excitement. “The tournament was like something I’ve never experienced before,” claimed one of big ball’s elite players and supporters Sal Duenas. “It was like the Olympics of handball at the beach. Every matchup was perfectly set, organization was second to none, and the amount of fans, players, spectators, women participants, and juniors was something I have never before experienced or seen before, and this was just the beginning!” “The venue, the crowd, the beach, the weather, and the games all made for the perfect ending to a perfect tournament run smoothly and effectively by Ashley Moler,” revealed Derek Pyper. “Thanks WPH for hosting this event and bringing 3-Wall Handball, the most exciting sport there is, to the public.” The WPH will continue to build on the momentum from the WPH 3-Wall Big Ball Nationals with upcoming stops in northern California, southern California, and Las Vegas. The big ball players have all been challenged,” claimed WPH Executive Director and Outdoor Handball Architect David Vincent. “There are athletes all around the country at parks dreaming of being on a grand stage. The WPH is in search of these elite players as we construct the Player’s Cup Series exposing the game’s best from coast to coast. As a result, more players are venturing out of their city, more players are beginning to play this sport, more families are becoming involved, and more attention in the media has been placed on the players and the game. We, as an organization, cannot be more excited for the future of handball.” For the full results of the tournament go to http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=10884. The WPH will hold Player’s Cup #2 July 27-28 in Tracy, CA (northern California), Player’s Cup Stop #3 September 19-22 at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. Make your plans now!