Martin Mulkerrins sealed his fifth consecutive R48 Portland Classic title as he defeated Sean Lenning 15-11, 15-13 last Sunday in Oregon.
The Maigh Cuilinn man entered Sunday’s final seeking his 18th R48 title in his 26th final. Lenning was contesting his first final since 2023 as he sought his eighth R48 title.
Mulkerrins raced into a 11-6 lead, playing his best handball of the event with airtight defence and a range of stunning kills and passes. Lenning caught Mulkerrins at eleven with a barrage of kills but Mulkerrins quietened the American’s support by calling a timeout and ending the game on a four-point streak.
Mulkerrins extended his scoring streak into the second game as he built a 3-0 lead. Mulkerrins’s tactics continued to quell the Lenning attack as he was unable to unleash his offensive firepower.
The Galway man seemed to have both hands on the trophy at 13-4, but a seemingly innocuous error at 13-4 gave Lenning the boost he needed. He scored nine unanswered points in five innings to tie the score.
But Mulkerrins managed his emotions and his game to earn a side out and end the match with two consecutive kills.
“No lead is safe with these guys,” Mulkerrins said. “I was pleased with how I managed psychologically and I was pleased how I played to get to 13-4. He had a chance to get to 14, but that’s the way it goes.”
“They’re all equally satisfying,” Mulkerrins told ESPN’s Kara Mack after winning his fifth R48 Portland Classic.
“Sean had beaten me in St Louis, Salt Lake City and the Nationals. Very pleasing to come out on the right side today. You have to block out the noise and focus on what you can control.
“I had the chances at the Nationals and played very well. It’s just so competitive (on the tour ). I don’t look past any game so I don’t take any game for granted. Everyone gets my full respect. I treat everyone the same and play as hard as I can.”
