New York, NY, WPH Press, 7/23/23
The Inner City Handball Association and the New York Parks Department proudly presented the 28th Annual Speaker’s Cup Tournament in memory of handball icon Jim Jacobs at the famed Central Park handball courts in Manhattan.
The Speaker’s Cup has traditionally been one of the premiere 1-Wall small ball events in the world and 2023 was no exception, as many of the world’s best small ball 1-Wall players converged at Central Park, to include the Bastidas brothers, Saul Gonzalez, Alvaro Rebaza, Victor Lopierre and many more.
Both Jurell and Tyree cruised to the final to set up a Battle of the Brothers final. “Amazing final,” stated USHA board member, WPH correspondent, and handball mega donor Jared Vale. “Jurell was hitting the ball at a ridiculous pace, clearly several levels above anyone else, including Tyree. It seems the game has turned to power and a lot less shooting, with a lot less taking the ball out of the air and flying. Everyone (plays) backing up.”
Semifinals
Jurell def Rebaza 21-6
Tyree def S. Gonzalez 21-9
Final: Jurell def Tyree 21-19
Watch the Battle of the Brothers Speaker’s Cup Final HERE
The Bastidas Brothers earned the Speaker’s Slam, teaming to defeat Sheihk Hussain and Jonathan Davila in the final.
Doubles Final: Team Bastidas def Hussain/Davila 21-12
In addition to the Open and skill level brackets, the 2023 Speaker’s Cup also featured more than three dozen junior players. Congratulations to the Inner City Handball Association on a tremendous event.
Thank you to Jared Vale for updates from the 2023 Speaker’s Cup
Watch the matches on ICHAlive.tv
Follow all of the brackets from the 2023 Speaker’s Cup HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer