RANCHO MIRAGE, CA -- Jeff Soo beat Ben Rothman 26tp-9, 26tpo-14 to claim his first U.S. AC National Singles title yesterday at the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Jeff Soo advanced over Paul Bennett 26-11, 26-21, to earn his place in the final. Rothman had a 9-26, 26tp-1, 26-20otp win over Brian Cumming to make the final. That match ended a streak of 24 straight triples that broke a 2007 record of 20.
On the doubles side, Bennett was able avenge the singles loss to Soo as he and Sherif Abdelwahab were able to overcome Soo and Brian Cumming 26-12, 26-2 for the partners championship.
NOTES
- It was Soo's first AC national title, but his 14th 15th national title overall. Ben Rothman also holds 15 total titles. Paul Scott has 11 titles.
- Paul Bennett has two titles now and Sherif Abdelwahab collected his sixth title.
- Soo is now the current holder of the AC title and the USCA Rules title.
- Soo has the first leg of the "Mythical USCA Triple Crown," but we will not have to wait until October to see if he can make a run at being the first player to collect the three major USCA titles in a single calendar year. The USCA Rules National Championship is in October and the GC Championship will be held in December.
U.S. AC SINGLES CHAMPIONS
2014 Jeff Soo
2013 Ben Rothman
2012 Rich Lamm
2011 Stephen Mulliner
2010 Danny Huneycutt
2009 Ben Rothman
2008 Brian Cumming
2007 Rich Lamm
2006 Jerry Stark
2005 Danny Huneycutt
2004 Bob Cherry
2003 Leo McBride
2002 Jacques Fournier
2001 John Taves
2000 Jerry Stark
1999 Leo McBride
1998 Mik Mehas
1997 Mik Mehas
1996 Leo McBride
1995 Archie Burchfield
1994 Tony Stephens
1993 John Taves
1992 Tremaine Arkley
1991 David Openshaw
1990 Damon Bidencope
1989 Damon Bidencope
1988 Damon Bidencope
1987 Bob Kroeger
There was a slight correction. Jeff Soo and Ben Rothman are tied at 15 national titles. The article yesterday forgot to account Soo's newest title.