Tyrone duo into quarter-final

Handball

Tyrone men Gabhain McCrystal and Pól Clarke have advanced to the quarter-finals of the US Junior Nationals 19 and Under Singles in Tucson, Arizona following impressive early wins.

Right-hander McCrystal, the defending champion and no 1 seed, saw off Julio Gutierrez from Modesto, California 21-3, 21-2 in the round of 16 clash, with clubmate Clarke defeating San Jose’s George Mendiola on a similar scoreline.

Their main opposition, ironically, will be two Americans with Irish names — young guns Anthony Sullivan, also from San Jose, and Colman McGrath from San Francisco, whose father is a native of Mayo.

McCrystal and Clarke were due to take to the court late last night for their opening doubles match in the 19 and Under division. The Junior Nationals attracts the best young talent from the USA, Canada and Ireland.