Missoula, MT, WPH Press, 9/20/26
Final: Ure vs. Doyle
In a rematch of May’s Aces R48 Player’s Championship, Ray Ure was aiming for his third Race 4 Eight title in his sixth Race 4 Eight final, while Mark Doyle was aiming for his first in his third Race for Eight final.
Ray Ure quickly took a 6-0 first game lead in the final, largely due to Doyle hand errors. Doyle eliminated his errors and applied pressure, eventually taking an 11-7 lead. Ure regained the momentum, striking laser serves to the right to set up first-strike kills, scoring the final eight points of the game.
Mark Doyle was in full control in game two, defending Ure’s serve and dominating rallies with a power-hop serve to the left. Ure struggled to defend the Doyle serve in the second, making errors or giving Doyle offensive opportunities. Doyle led 14-4 and closed out the game four rallies later to force a third.
Doyle’s momentum did not carry into the third game, as Ure earned a side out on the first rally and scored six consecutive points by finding another gear. Doyle was unable to stop the Ure Express, as Ure hit nearly unreturnable serves down the right and pouncing on each Doyle return. Ure clinched his third Race 4 Eight title and second consecutive title, inching closer to the Race 4 Eight’s top spot.
“Last game was trying to find another gear,” Ure would tell ESPN’s Kara Mack. “I did a good job of upping my intensity in the third. Having been in that position before helps me stay composed. The hope is always to win these tournaments. Couldn’t have started the season any better. I still want to make better shot selections with my left. I’ll be in Tucson and getting ready for that tournament after the (Chicago) marathon.”
Final: Ure def Doyle 15-11, 6-15, 15-4
Playoffs
Coleman McGrath and Dylan Hernandez battled for one hour and forty-five minutes in the fifth place final, with Hernandez appearing to be in complete control at the 45-minute mark, leading 15-10, 8-2. McGrath made his move at 2-8, outscoring Hernandez 13-4 to force a third. McGrath gained control of the match in the third, building an early lead and maintaining his advantage with sensational retrieves and left-handed kills.
Fifth place playoff: McGrath def Hernandez 10-15, 15-12, 15-9
“I’m beat,” an exhausted McGrath would tell ESPN’s Kara Mack after the marathon match. “A lot of handball this weekend, a lot of intense competition that I’m not used to. Lucky to come away with a win. I just want to see how far I can push myself. Dylan is only getting better and more consistent. I just want to see if I can keep showing up and giving good competition. Lucky I could fight enough towards the end and match Dylan’s energy. More experience against these guys will help me. Handball is a game where you cannot have a perfect plan for every match. My dad is always there giving me pointers. I learn a lot from him every time I talk to him. He is always in my corner and on my side.”
Ninth place playoff: Chapman def Langmack (fft)
2026 R48 Red Finishes
1st: Ure
2nd: Doyle
3rd: Lucho/Mulkerrins
5th: McGrath
6th: Hernandez
7th: Danos/Burgos
9th: J. Chapman
10th: Langmack
11th: Ruiz/Streibig
13th: Montijo/T. Schmitt/D. Schmitt/Lenning
Post 2026 R48 Red Rankings
Despite losing in the semifinals, Martin Mulkerrins remained the R48 #1 by just one ranking point ahead of Ray Ure, who won his third Race 4 Eight title at the 2026 R48 Red. With his second finals appearance in his last three starts, Mark Doyle jumped from #5 to #3, while Leo Canales dropped from #3 to #5. Coleman McGrath vaulted to #9 after winning fifth at the 2026 R48 Red, while Dylan Hernandez climbed to #10 after finishing sixth.
Thank you!
Thank you to the 2026 R48 Red tournament directors Don and Valerie Schmidt for hosting an outstanding event. Thank you to the Peak Health and Wellness Club, particularly Irma and Jim. Thank you to Shorty and Ashley Ruiz for running the tournament desk. Thank you to the WPH broadcast crew for another sensational weekend of coverage on the ESPN APP.
Watch replays from the 2026 R48 Red on the ESPN APP starting at 10 am MST
2026 R48 Red brackets HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer