WINNIPEG, MB, September 16, 2018 – Samuel Murray of Baie-Comeau advanced to his first major pro-tour final at the MWRA International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Pro-Am in Laurel, Maryland on Saturday, The tournament ran from September 13 to 15 and was the first IRT event of the season.
Murray faced Rocky Carson of USA in Saturday’s final, with Carson defeating Murray 15-7, 15-11. Advancing to the final was a major milestone for Murray who only has been regular player on the tour for the past two seasons. Carson is the top ranked IRT singles player and Murray is ranked eighth in the IRT singles standings.
In the semi-final played earlier on Saturday, Murray faced Alejandro Landa of Mexico, who is second in the IRT singles standings. The two split the score in the first two games 15-8, 9-15 and it was a close tiebreaker until Murray pulled away to win 11-7.
Murray has faced Carson on five other occasions in IRT events but has not yet defeated him. He has only played Landa once before in an IRT event and after Murray’s win on Saturday they are even in head to head matches.
Murray is a member of Racquetball Canada’s national team. He is the defending Canadian Champion in both singles and doubles and is ranked second in Canada.
Links to the draws and results can be found at: http://www.r2sports.com/website/event-website.asp?TID=29377
Racquetball Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of Racquetball in Canada. Along with the support of the Government of Canada and many valued partners, Racquetball Canada develops competitive national teams and oversees programs that grow the sport of racquetball in Canada. For more information visit our website.
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Racquetball Canada Board of Directors
Results – Samuel Murray
MWRA IRT Pro/Am, September 13 – 15, 2018
Round of 64: Samuel Murray (CAN) – bye
Round of 32: Murray – bye
Round of 16: Murray defeated Jake Bredenbeck (USA), 15-13, 15-7;
Quarterfinals: Murray defeated Thomas Carter (USA), 15-2, 15-11;
Semifinals: Murray defeated Alejandra Landa (MEX), 15-8, 9-15, 11-7;
Final: Rocky Carson (USA) defeated Murray, 15-7, 15-12.