In the Simple Green US Open of Handball at Los Angeles, California, the current world, US and Irish champion, Cavan’s Paul Brady defeated fellow Irishman, Cork’s Tony Healy in the semi-final to put himself in contention for the $25,000 final winning prizemoney.
In 2003, Brady collected a cheque for $50,000 following his defeat of US all-time handball great, David Chapman at the Ultimate Showdown in Seattle and will now be favourite to take US Open honours when he faces Seattle’s Sean Lenning. Lenning played in the Ulster Open earlier this year in Cavan and this meeting will deliver a rematch of June’s US Nationals where the Breffni football star proved too hot for the American to handle.
The seeding held true as Brady held off Healy to win the Irish battle and Lenning rallied from 13-20 in the second to beat Californian, Naty Alvarado Jr. Thus, the top two seeds will meet later today for the $25,000 first prize.
Brady had overpowered Healy in the first 21-3 but found a tougher opponent in the second as Healy went ahead 17-15 before Brady closed the door 21-19. Today’s Ireland v US final should be an exciting affair with two very contrasting styles of handball on show. Lenning shows plenty of grace and style in the court, while the pure athleticism and power of Brady is something to behold.
In the pro doubles, defending champs Vince Munoz and Marcos Chavez dashed Irish hopes of a final appearance when they defeated hard-hitting Mayo handballer, Dessie Keegan and Galway’s Noel McHugh, 21-13, 21-18.
The World of Pro Handball will show the Singles Final live on extremehandball.org at 7pm Irish time, with $25,000 for the winner and $10,000 for the runner-up.
RESULTS: Pro Singles Quarterfinals: Paul Brady (Cavan) d. Tati Silveyra (USA), 5, 16; Tony Healy (Cork) d. Emmet Peixoto (USA), 10, (16), 5
Semifinals: Brady d. Healy, 3, 19
Pro Doubles Quarterfinals: Marco Chavez/Vince Munoz (USA) d. Michael Gregan/Egin Jensen (Ireland) 6, 14; Dessie Keegan/Noel McHugh (Ireland) d. Chapa/Silveyra, (17), 14, 5
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