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