Brady reigns supreme

Handball fans across the world have run out of superlatives for Paul Brady as the Cavan man put in yet another virtuoso display of almost perfect handball en route to claiming his ninth US Nationals title in Minneapolis.

Having suffered his first defeat in six years last month in Salt Lake City, some questioned Brady’s form. But Brady answered all in style, never conceding more than 10 points a game as his power, accuracy and sheer athleticism was unmatched all week.

Jeff Streibig (Last 16: 21-10, 21-5), Nicolai Nahorniak (QF: 21-3, 21-2) and Killian Carroll (SF: 21-5, 21-10) all fell victim to Brady’s revenge mission before Californian Emmett Peixoto could muster little better in the final, losing 21-15, 21-2.

In the ladies’ section, Cork’s Catriona Casey won the singles and doubles titles; defeating Aisling Reilly in the singles 21-14, 15-9 (ret injured), before teaming up with Limerick’s Martina McMahon to win the doubles against Danielle Daskalakis and Tracy Davis (NY/Arizona). Armagh’s Charlie Shanks made it a clean sweep for the Irish as he teamed up with Minnesota’s Andy Nett to seal the Men’s Open Doubles crown.