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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Scottsdale, AZ, United States, 2011/11/11 - We are excited to announce that the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is heading back to Washington to display some of the greatest talent in the world during the Puget Sound Challenge - WPROtour.com.
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The event will be held November 17-20, 2011 here at the Bally Total Fitness Olympia, WA. This tournament is consistently one of the most anticipated amateur events in the Northwest and has grown into one the most attended tournaments in the area, with first class hospitality and exposure for the elite female athletes of racquetball
The dynamic players of the WPRO travel throughout the United States, Canada and South America, to promote health and fitness among women and youth by introducing them to the thrilling sport of racquetball and exhibiting tremendous athleticism and mental toughness at the highest level.
Rhonda Rajsich remains atop the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) rankings despite her loss to Paola Longoria at last month's US Open. Longoria remains #2, but is less than 90 points behind Rajsich now.
The only change in the rest of the top 10 is Angela Grisar's move ahead of Cristina Amaya into 9th from 10th, where Amaya now sits. But there could be changes coming after this month's Puget Sound WPRO tournament, as we understand Cheryl Gudinas is going to have knee surgery this month, so will likely miss the event in Washington state.
Gudinas is #5 now, but there are only about 70 points between her and #11 Krystal Csuk. Gudinas was a semi-finalist in Puget Sound last year, so missing the event this year will mean she drops significant points. That gives the six players immediately below her an opportunity to move past Gudinas in the rankings.
Gudinas has been in the top 10 at season's end every year since 1994.
A highlight of the next 10 ranks is Kristen Bellows's reappearance in the top 20 for the first time in a couple of years, as the former top 4 player got to the quarter finals of the US Open last month. Bellows is now 18th.
WPRO members earn ranking points by competing in sanctioned tour events which, combined with the prize money purse and special bonuses, provide great incentives for local amateurs to participate. Event sponsors are given primary consideration public address announcements, media and television exposure throughout the championships.
During the past few years, through the efforts of many, Washington's Women's Racquetball has grown tremendously. A few short years ago, there were almost no women's divisions being held at tournaments. Now, you can find a women's event going on almost every month as well many women taking the time to compete at our many local tournaments. Never has women's racquetball been more exciting in our area.
Among the excitement of the ladies coming into town, is the their charitable work of giving back to the community. The Pros will be working along side of young girls in development of the GOGIRLGO! Program. GoGirlGo! is a nationwide program designed by the Women's Sports Foundation to encourage young girls to get involved in physical activity through sports.
These elite athletes will be available for personal appearances, clinics, and various other public relations activities on behalf of event sponsors throughout the weekend. There will be a Sponsor Doubles round robin for the Top 8 contributors to this event. Selected sponsors will be paired up with pro's for a fun evening of doubles, photo ops and networking.
WPRO Rankings (October 10, 2011)
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points
1 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1374.40
2 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1291.00
3 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 768.30
4 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 530.45
5 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 384.80
6 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 383.70
7 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 350.00
8 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 332.50
9 Angela Grisar (Chile) 327.00
10 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 324.85
11 Krystal Csuk (USA) 314.50
12 Da'monique Davis (USA) 222.75
13 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 206.50
14 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.25
15 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 148.00
16 Laura Brandt (USA) 106.00
17 Linda Scales (USA) 106.00
18 Kristen Bellows (USA) 96.90
19 Keely Franks (USA) 94.00
20 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 92.80
The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is the governing body for the highest-level professional female racquetball players in the world. It is currently comprised of elite athletes representing over a dozen countries including the United States, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
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media[.]wprotour.com 
