2007 19th IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships
presented by the International Racquetball Federation
Over 200 kids from 17 countries will be competing for World Junior gold medals in different age divisions at the 2007 IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
This World Championship event will crown winners of top finishers in 18- Singles/Doubles, 16- Singles/Doubles, 14- Singles/Doubles, 12- Singles/Doubles and 10- Singles/Doubles in Boy's and Girl's divisions.
The U.S. Junior Team is currently competing in the pool play format of the event to determine seeding for the single elimination draws at the 2007 IRF 19th World Junior Racquetball Championships, December 14-20, 2007 in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Follow along with updates and photos by clicking on the links below.
Tournament Web-Site | IRF Site | USA Junior Racquetball | Live Video
Report Three
forwarded by Cheryl Kirk
photo: Jim Hiser
Good evening! As the team moves into the newly-formed straight draw competition, Jim Hiser provides these snapshot notes (as of Monday afternoon).
Michelle Key feeling ill but squeezed out the tiebreaker—Sharon Jackson lost to Mexico's Paola Longoria---Sheryl Lotts played well but lost to Bolivia
Devon Pimentelli lost to Canada but close match -- could have gone either way. Ishmael Aldana beat the Costa Rican who beat Chris Coy last year...Bolivia team playing very well—after round robins I would say they are favored to finish in top three, maybe even two. Round robins have been important for players to adapt to altitude, etc. and US should play better in second half."
More impressions from players and parents...
Frances Jackson (parent)
"The people here are extremely friendly and the hotel is nice. This is a unique opportunity to learn about another country.
I like the stadium seating at the club...everyone can see. The scoring system is great." (See photo...the ref changes the score so the spectators can see the score).
Danny Lavely
"The city has been awesome--I feel very safe here. Getting used to the altitude and the speed of the ball--it was difficult the first few days.
The team is very positive and confident. My 3 years of high school Spanish has really not helped me much."
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Aubrey O'Brien
"I really like this country, love the hotel. Everyone has
been very nice. I was extremely disappointed that Veronica (Sotomayor from Ecuador who won last year) was not here. I really wanted a chance to play her again!
I find keeping track of the time difficult since there are no clocks here."
Zach Wertz
"Things here are very different but also very interesting. The
drivers are crazy, seems like no rules.
The people are very friendly. The
courts are very fast. Traveling here makes me appreciate the US even more.
Good luck to everyone tomorrow -- at the Junior Worlds in Cochabamba, Bolivia!