Number one ranked WPRO pro and defending champion Rhonda Rajsich (Phoenix, AZ) is on a three-tournament winning streak, having won stops in Phoenix, Miami and York heading into the WPRO World Championships. Always a threat to take home the gold, Rhonda will bring her exciting game style of gut-wrenching dives and between the legs kill shots to thrill the New Orleans crowd.

There is a lot at stake for Rajsich, who hopes to take home her 3^rd year end title on the WPRO circuit. She has five titles this season and is trailed closely by Cheryl Gudinas Holmes (Naperville, IL) who also has her sights set on the season-ending number one ranking. Gudinas Holmes is looking for her 7^th year end title on her way to the racquetball Hall of Fame, and is currently ranked #2 on tour. Cheryl has played extremely well all season and comes to New Orleans with four tournament titles to her credit this year.

There will be a strong international presence at this championship, including 18-year-old Paola Longoria from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, who had a breakthrough event in New Orleans last year as she reached the finals. She followed that up with her first Pro title at this season’s first tour event in Fayetteville, NC last September. Longoria will come into the tournament ranked sixth and will be looking to bookend the season and add to her victory in December at the IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships in the Girl’s 18 and under division.

Pros from Canada, Bolivia and Japan will also compete in the WPRO division of this championship. Top contenders based on their finals appearances this season are #3 Angela Grisar from Santiago, Chile and #4 Kerri Wachtel of Cincinnati, Ohio. Also in the hunt will be #5 Kristen Bellows (Salt Lake City, UT), #7 Brenda Kyzer (Leesville, SC) and #8 Adrienne Fisher (Centerville, OH).

In addition to being a Grand Slam for the WPRO with players from the, the WPRO World Championships is sanctioned as a USA Racquetball Regional Qualifier for amateurs with hundreds of players from around the country coming to participate. All are welcome to compete in the tournament and view the pro matches throughout the weekend.

The opening rounds of the Pro division will begin on Friday morning beginning at 10AM. The round of 16 will take place between 3pm and 8pm. The Quarterfinal matches will take place on Saturday between 11am and 2pm. The first Semifinal match will begin Saturday at 6pm followed by the second Semifinal match at 7:30pm. The Championship match will take place Sunday at noon.

About the WPRO
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is the governing body of a growing membership of the top female racquetball players in the world. The WPRO’s mission is to promote health and fitness through racquetball among women and girls around the world.