Looking at the weekend in racquetball, the top of the food chains are pretty much all playing this weekend. Looking at it from a distance, I see some interesting things happening.
The International Racquetball Tour stops at Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the Lewis Drug Pro/Am. What's interesting with this stop is the doubles play. Actually, pretty much this whole event is doubles based. The only singles divisions are the IRT Pro and the Open. (There are only 5 games being played in the IRT 32's...) Looking at all the divisions, you can find some interesting player match ups. Including in the Men's Pro, where you will find Kane Waselenchuk playing with IRT president Jason Mannino. The divisions are light with players, but on paper, they look to be heavy with talent.
Some local press got a hold of Kane's story and ran with it.
It's personally interesting because coming from outdoor racquetball, doubles has mostly been the format of choice. Since I've been playing indoor, I find I enjoy playing singles more than doubles. I haven't yet gotten to a point where I can fully enjoy doubles, or maybe just don't have access to really high level court time. I'll be watching on the IRT Network and I'm looking forward to seeing if pro doubles is as fun to watch as pro singles. There is some chatter about doubles opening up to the pro tour if interest builds. Doubles specialists... player comebacks... could be worth talking about if this happens.
The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour is also hitting the second half of the season for the first time in Cincinnati. Already underway, I'm looking at the draw and some interesting match-ups in the 32's have already been decided. (Not aired unfortunately...) It's a packed draw with most of the best young players making this one. It's nice to see the women so deep with talent. They have it listed to air on the LPRT Network, with a disclaimer for the internet connection at the host facility.
I'll be trying to catch the play on the go (and as I play,) this weekend. Do you have a subscription?