Healy returns for last hurrah

The eagerly-awaited first round of the men’s Open Singles serves off today at the World Handball Championships in CityWest, with the meeting of Cork’s Tony Healy and rising New York star Tyree Bastidas arguably the tie of the round.

Healy, a former two-time world finalist and four-time All-Ireland senior champion, vied with Paul Brady for the No 1 spot for much of his career and while a hip injury, work and family commitments saw him take a step back two years ago, he is returning for this tournament.

The 34-year-old Ballydesmond man admitted he isn’t approaching the tournament with the “24-7, total dedication” of old, but he could well still have enough up his sleeve to beat arguably America’s top youngster.