Martin Mulkerrins to face Braulio Ruiz in round of 16 at Wall Handball Championships

WALL HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Number one seed Martin Mulkerrins, the Texas-based Galwegian, will meet Los Angeles native Braulio Ruiz, with 22-year-old American sensation Ray Ure through to face Clare lefty Diarmaid Nash.   Picture: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

The stage is set for the round of 16 at the oneills.com World 4-Wall Handball Championships following the conclusion of day two of action at Croke Park.

Number one seed Martin Mulkerrins, the Texas-based Galwegian, will meet Los Angeles native Braulio Ruiz, with 22-year-old American sensation Ray Ure through to face Clare lefty Diarmaid Nash.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Paul Brady and Robbie McCarthy, with Brady to take on Liscarroll’s Michael Hedigan, who had a superb win over American Sam Esser.

Mallow clubmates David Walsh and Killian Carroll also advanced, Walsh defeating 6ft 8 American Max Langmack and Boston-based Carroll beating Tyrone’s Caolán Daly; they will take on Leo Canales from Arizona and Canadian Ivan Burgos respectively.

However, there were defeats for a number of the Irish players against international opposition. Kevin Diggins of Kildare blew a big lead in game one before going down 15-14, 15-4 to Illinois man Ure, with Burgos enjoying an eye-catching 15-2, 15-9 win over Galway’s Diarmuid Mulkerrins.

Los Angeles power-hitter Braulio Ruiz used his trademark spin shots to great effect as he battled past Monaghan’s Gavin Coyle in a tiebreaker.

Tadhg Carroll, older brother of Killian, came closest to a major upset, going down 15-11, 14-15, 11-7 to leading Mexican Luis Cordova.

On a great day for the Rebels, Daniel Relihan saw off a Californian of Irish parentage in youngster Coleman McGrath (15-2, 15-14) and will now face Luis Cordova, a former number-one ranked pro in the USA who is originally from Juarez, Mexico.

The ladies grades serve off Wednesday.