Defending Racquetball Champ Eliminated

Three of the top eight seeds in the Ektelon Racquetball Championships, including defending champion Brett Harnett, were eliminated Thursday in the first two rounds of play at Anaheim’s Sports Gallery.

Harnett, of Las Vegas, the fourth seed who broke his thumb three weeks ago and wasn’t expected to play in the tournament, lost to Dan Obremski, of Irwin, Penn., 10-11, 5-11, 11-2, 11-0, 11-9 in the opening round.

Also eliminated in the first round was seventh-seeded Scott Oliver, of Stockton, who lost to Mike Ray, of Athens, Ga., 11-3, 11-0, 11-10. No. 8 seed Ruben Gonzalez, of New York City, lost to Castro Valley’s Gerry Price, 11-2, 11-10, 11-9, in the second round.

Top-seeded Marty Hogan, of San Diego, won his opening-round matches and will advance to today’s quarterfinals.