Defiant Mulkerrins takes major USA title

The big news story from last weekend was the victory of Galway’s Martin Mulkerrins in the prestigious USA Collegiates Men’s Open final in Springfield in Sunday’s dramatic final against Mexican native, Daniel Cordova in Springfield, Missouri.

In what proved to be one of the best finishes witnessed at this annual tournament, Mulkerrins won the tie break by the slimmest of margins 11-10. The final was seen by handball enthusiasts all over the world as it was streamed live on the internet by the World Pro-Handball Association.

Tournament handball is a gruelling test of skill, stamina and endurance and Mulkerrins played eight matches in the three days before the men’s singles final. He was unlucky not to advance to the doubles final with his UCD partner, Sean Foley, the duo were pipped 21-20, 20-21, 11-7 in the semi-final.

In the singles semi-final, Mulkerrins accounted for the no.1 seed Issac Acosta, USA, in straight games, powering his way to a 21-3, 21-7 victory and a place in Sunday morning’s final against the Mexican, Daniel Cordova of University of Texas El-Paso.

Mulkerrins had the better start and played some inspirational handball to close out the first game 21-9 and looked to be on his way.

However, the experienced Mexican was well settled in the second and both players, exhibiting great skills, wonderful athleticism and top drawer serving and killing, traded aces to 12-12, before Cordova moved to a 16-12 lead and was in the ascendency.

Despite Mulkerins’ best efforts, he couldn’t stop his opponent’s run and Cordova claimed the second on 21-12 scoreline. The hectic schedule of nine matches in three days seemed to have taken its toll on the UCD student and Cordova, who did not play doubles was contesting only his 5th match, looked fresher and had the advantage going into the tie-breaker.

He maintained that momentum to run up a 6-2 lead and it looked all but over for Mulkerrins. But the Galway man was not finished and in a display of pure grit and never-say-die determination, he levelled matters at 6-6 and moved 7-6 ahead.

It was a battle royale from there to the end. Cordova regained serve and took the lead 8-7. Mulkerrins failed to make a point on his next serve thus giving Cordova the initiative, which he seized and served for the match at 10-7.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.