Sunday in Rose City featured the conclusion of the first Race stop of the 2023/24 season, as Galway's Martin Mulkerrins and Lucho Cordova met for the second consecutive year in the Portland final.
In the semi-finals Mulkerrins dominated Lenning in two straight games, thus consolidating his historic win at the World Championships last May.
Aiming to repeat as the Race 4 Eight (R48 ) Portland Classic champion, while also closing in on the R48 #1 spot, Martin Mulkerrins started the final with obvious anxiety, skipping his first set-up of the match and struggling to end rallies. Lucho took advantage, absorbing Martin’s power to keep rallies alive and capitalising on his opportunities.
The Mexican seized a 12-6 lead and appeared to be in the driver’s seat. However, Mulkerrins started to find his rhythm, scoring points quickly with ace serves and bottom board kills, eventually tying the game at 12.
Mulkerrins extended his streak to eight consecutive points to serve for the game at 14-12 and the best rally of the tournament ensued, Lucho hit the deck multiple times and Mulkerrins extended the rally with a behind-the-back-scoop. Mulkerrins had an opportunity to win the game on the 25th shot of the rally, but overhit a back wall setup, opening the door for a Cordova kill and a side out. Lucho scored one point in the next inning, but could not force overtime, as Mulkerrins completed the comeback with a 9-1 run to end the game.
With the first game in his pocket, Mulkerrins relaxed and showcased his full arsenal of aces, kills and passes, striking the perfect shot from virtually every spot on the floor to run away with the game and take Rose City for the second consecutive year. Next up for the Moycullen Ace is Pro-Stop #2 Tucson, Arizona in early November.
