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Brady victorious again in California

Cavan's Paul Brady has won his 5th US Open title, defeating Arizona's Luis Moreno in today's final in California.

Due to his commitment playing both Singles & Doubles in this years event, Brady was playing his 7th match in four days, and this may have been a factor in his sluggish start in the final. Moreno opted out of the Doubles and this had two games less than Brady and looked explosive from the off, storming to a 14-5 lead.

But from then Brady moved through the gears and went on a sensational 37-6 run of points to seal victory 21-15, 21-5.

In Saturdays SF, 5 time World Champion Brady was tested to the limit in a physically gruelling encounter with Sean Lenning before prevailing in a tiebreak. Lenning was brilliant throughout and took the opener 21-14, before Brady levelled 21-15. Both men appeared to be feeling the effect of playing their 5th match in approx 48hrs, with both playing both Singles & Doubles, but the match was on a knife edge heading to the tiebreak. Lenning took an early 2-0 lead before Brady turned the screw and went on a serving masterclass and won the next 11pts to seal his progress 11-2.

In the Ladies Open, Antrim's Aisling Reilly reaffirmed her status as World #1 after an enthralling 11-9 tiebreak win over Catriona Casey in the final.

Casey raced to a 21-9 first game, before being pegged back 21-10 in the second by Reilly. Casey took a 7-0 lead in the tiebreak before Reilly fought back to 8-7, and eventually taking the title 11-9. Both ladies again did themselves and Ireland proud in an epic battle, as they continue to bring Ladies Handball to new heights.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Belfast’s Aisling Reilly on winning the 2015 US Open of Handball. Aisling adds the US Open title to the World and All-Ireland Championships already secured this year. Hailing Aisling’s achievement, Minister Ní Chuilín said:

“The US Open title caps what has already been a phenomenal year for Aisling Reilly. Aisling is once again showing how Belfast and the north can produce the world’s best sportspeople. 

Images courtesy of WPH