Portland, OR, WPH Press, 10/2/23
The twelfth Race 4 Eight season is set to kickoff with the 2023 Race 4 Eight Portland Classic, October 6-8 at the famed Multnomah Athletic Club. In advance of Opening Day, let’s examine the stats from the Race 4 Eight’s top 13 ranked pros entered in the 2023 Portland Classic. In addition to the stats, Race 4 Eight pro and passionate handball fan and follower John Chapman will breakdown his thoughts on the Race 4 Eight’s Elite 8 entered in the 2023 Race 4 Eight Portland Classic.
Lucho Cordova (#1)
- 2022/23 Player’s Cup Winner
- 5 Race 4 Eight titles during the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Current Race 4 Eight #1 pro
- 32-5 record on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- 9 Race 4 Eight titles in his career (2011-2023)
- Won 5 of 7 2022/23 Race 4 Eight events in which courts had one or zero glass back walls
- 133 career Race 4 Eight match wins (fourth all-time)
- Nine career Race 4 Eight titles (fourth all-time)
John Chapman’s Breakdown: Cordova is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of professional handball. Cordova’s style of play is characterized by relentless pressure and pinpoint precision, a combination that keeps his opponents on their toes, denying them the luxury of comfort. Luis is not afraid of big-time moments, as he remains unfazed in the face of adversity. Cordova stands as a formidable figure in the sport’s history with nine Race 4 Eight titles, placing him fourth all-time. As the new season dawns, fans and competitors alike eagerly await Cordova’s return to the court, where his unwavering determination and exceptional skills promise to make every match a spectacle.”
Martin Mulkerrins (#2)
- 3 Race 4 Eight titles during the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Current Race 4 Eight #2 pro
- 26-6 record on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- 5 Race 4 Eight titles in his career (2013-2023)
- Reached #1 for on the Race 4 Eight tour after winning the 2023 New Orleans R48
“The R48 Portland Classic is shaping up to be a very deep draw, and like everyone else, I will be aiming to win the tournament and to get a strong start to the season,” stated defending R48 Portland Classic Mulkerrins.
John Chapman’s Breakdown: The reigning world champion, Martin Mulkerrins, storms into the upcoming 2023-2024 Race 4 Eight season beginning at the Portland Pro Stop! Mulkerrins, who astounded the world with his exceptional skills in singles and doubles last May in Minneapolis, is set to bring the house down once again with his awe-inspiring handball prowess. With a remarkable tally of 5 R48 titles already to his name, he’s on a mission to elevate his international standing and all-time career even further by adding a WPH Players Championship to his resume’. Martin’s footwork keeps him continuously in the perfect position to unleash remarkable power on every shot, and his arsenal of rollouts and defensive maneuvers promises plenty of oos and ahhs.
David Fink (#5)
- 20-10 record on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- One Race 4 Eight title (2021 R48 Icebreaker), six finals appearances
- 148 career Race 4 Eight match wins (most in history)
- Reached one final and six semifinals on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Reached #1 on the Race 4 Eight tour (2017)
John Chapman’s Breakdown: David Fink is looking to defy the odds once again as he continues to succeed at the highest level of handball. With more wins under his belt than anyone in the history of WPH R48, and former #1 ranked pro on the R48 tour, he is ready to further solidify his dominance in the WPH R48 history books. Fink brings an unparalleled level of competitiveness and sheer determination to the court that’s bound to leave you on the edge of your seats. Whether he’s leading 20-0 or trailing 0-20, he’s giving it his all, making every single point a fierce battle.
David Fink is perpetually in search of the intelligent handball shot, strategically placing the ball where his opponent least expects it. Employing a forceful power serve coupled with a skillful hop, he remains patient on the defensive end, waiting for that precise moment when his opponent makes a crucial error before launching his attack.
Fink emerged from a fantastic summer, securing a dominant victory in an icebreaker event, and he’s determined to carry that momentum into the upcoming season.
Daniel Cordova (#6)
- 16-10 record on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Four semifinal appearances on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Recovered from a broken foot to make the finals of the 2022 R48 Icebreaker
- Three Race 4 Eight title, eight Race 4 Eight finals appearances
- Reached the semifinals of the 2022 R48 Portland Classic
John Chapman’s Breakdown: Daniel Cordova is on the verge of a sensational comeback to the top 3 in the upcoming season! His handball performances have been nothing short of remarkable, and as he gears up for the new season, he’s looking more formidable than ever. If he can sustain a healthy season, Cordova is all set increase his impressive tally of 3 R48 titles. With on of the games mose explosive hops, coupled with two incredibly skilled hands, offensive firepower, and an uncanny ability to snatch impossible shots off the backwall, Cordova is a powerhouse to be acknowledged.
Coming off a scorching summer, Cordova seized victory in the Icebreaker Cup, each of his shots a precision missile that left spectators breathless. As the new season dawns, the anticipation is electric. Cordova is poised to be the spark for a seismic shift in the handball world, ready to shake things up.
Braulio Ruiz (#7)
- 12-12 record on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Reached the semifinals twice in his Race 4 Eight career
- Finished in the top seven of the first five Race 4 Eight events on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Finished sixth in three consecutive Race 4 Eight starts (2022 Player’s Championship, 2022 Memorial, 2022 R48 Icebreaker)
John Chapman’s Breakdown: Shorty Ruiz, a former 3 wall world champion and a two-time R48 semifinalist, prepares to set the court ablaze. Shorty starts with his puzzling hop serve, a weapon that leaves opponents struggling to find an answer. But what truly distinguishes Shorty is his offensive arsenal is simply breathtaking, showcasing an array of jaw-dropping shots including the elusive fly kills, deft paddle kills, devastating backwall rockets, and pinpoint deep kills. This season, the handball world is abuzz with anticipation as Shorty Ruiz embarks on a quest to secure his very first R48 title, and you can bet it’s going to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
Sean Lenning (#8)
- Reached #1 on the Race 4 Eight tour (2012)
- 136 career Race 4 Eight match wins (third most all-time)
- Advanced to three consecutive Race 4 Eight finals in his last three starts on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season (Juarez, Tucson, Salt Lake City)
- One of two players to have started the Race 4 Eight tour in the top eight (2011, Idaho) and still be in the Race 4 Eight top eight (current)
- Seven Race 4 Eight titles in 23 Race 4 Eight finals
John Chapman’s Breakdown: All eyes are on the legendary Sean Lenning, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of handball. With a storied career that includes a reign as the former #1 ranked R48 pro, seven R48 titles, arguably the best 3-wall player of all time with a record number of national titles, Lenning stands as a true titan of the sport. His remarkable 136 career R48 wins, securing him the third spot on the all-time list, underscore his consistent dominance on the court. What’s even more impressive is his rapid ascent to the #8 rank, achieved with just four pro stops, a testament to his extraordinary talent.
Watching Sean Lenning in action is nothing short of a privilege. His shots are nothing less than awe-inspiring, with an uncanny ability to annihilate the ball from every stop and every angle on the court. Last season, he left spectators and fellow players alike in sheer amazement with a behind-the-back shot that not only kept a rally alive but concluded in a jaw-dropping backwall flat kill. Fresh off a World Championship finals appearance, and another 3-Wall National Title, Lenning is on a mission to reclaim his coveted #1 ranking in what promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable season for handball enthusiasts around the world.
Max Langmack (#9)
- Reached his first Race 4 Eight final at the 2023 RFC R48LTE
- Was the only player to advance to the final of a R48 final during the season and not finish the season inside of the Elite 8
- Became the first player ranked outside of the top 4 to defeat R48 #1 Lucho Cordova during the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
- Tallest pro handball player in history (6”9)
- Finished fifth at the 2022 R48 Portland Classic
- First qualified at the 2018 Race 4 Eight Houston
Sam Esser (#10)
- Career high Race 4 Eight ranking of number 5 (2022)
- Best career Race 4 Eight finish (fifth)
- Rallied from match point down at the 2023 Race 4 Eight Hall of Fame to defeat Ivan Burgos
- Finished in the top seven in four of his last five starts and inside the top nine in all five starts on the 2022/23 Race 4 Eight season
Mark Doyle (#12)
- 2022/23 Race 4 Eight Rookie of the Year
- Best career Race 4 Eight finish: sixth at the 2023 R48 Red Death
- Survived three match points to defeat then R48 #3 David Fink at the 2023 R48 New Orleans
- Qualified as a 19-year-old for the first time at the 2022 Tucson Memorial (defeated then R48 #11 Abraham Montijo)
- Current collegiate All-American (University of Minnesota, Mankato)
Ivan Burgos (#13)
- Defeated then #4 Danos Cordova in the round of 16 at the 2022 Tucson Memorial
- Became the first R48 pro to lose consecutive back-to-back round of 16 matches by two points in tiebreakers since Shorty Ruiz in 2018 (Burgos lost to Cooney 13-15 in the third in Juarez, Burgos lost 15-17 to Esser at the Hall of Fame)
- Best Race 4 Eight finish: 7th at the 2022 Tucson Memorial
Joining the top 13 pros at the 2023 Race 4 Eight Portland Classic will be Stephen Cooney (#14), Loren Collado (#15), Dylan Hernandez (#16), Kyle English (#18), Jeff Streibig (#19), Abraham Montijo (#21), Diarmuid Mulkerrins (#23), Vic Perez (#24), Jab Bike (#27), Daniel Perez (#32), John Chapman (#33) and Pete Svennungsen (#35), all with the hopes of starting the 2023/24 Race season with a title.
“Get ready for a season packed with intense matches, fierce rivalries and the promise of fresh talent making their mark in the world of professional handball,” stated Chapman.
Thank you to John Chapman for his thoughts on the upcoming season.
Buckle up for the 2023/24 Race 4 Eight season…it’s going to be an exciting ride!
2023 Race 4 Eight Portland Classic Press Release HERE
Follow the draws and results from the 2023 Race 4 Eight Portland Classic HERE
WPH Destination Series Portland HERE
Handball Terminology + Instruction and R48 Rules HERE
Race 4 Eight Pro Player Bios HERE
WPH Race 4 Eight Power Rankings HERE
DF’s R48 Fun Facts and Trends + Race 4 Eight History of Champions HERE
Full 2023/24 Race 4 Eight XI schedule HERE
WPH Coaching Center Instructional Videos HERE
Support the sport and become a WPH Patreon HERE
WPH RACE 4 EIGHT: The World Players of Handball’s 2023/24 Race 4 Eight XIII Powered by ESPN features Race 4 Eight stops in Oregon, Arizona, Missouri, Montana and Mexico, all culminating with The Player’s Championship in Utah in May of 2023. Similar to NASCAR’s Nextel Cup and the FedEx PGA Playoffs, players earn points in the Race 4 Eight’s regular season stops to qualify for the season-ending Player’s Championship and bonus prizes.
For more information on the WPH Race 4 Eight title sponsor opportunity, please contact World Players of Handball Executive Director David Vincent at dave.vincent@wphlive.tv or World Players of Handball Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv. For more information on the World Players of Handball, please visit wphlive.tv
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer
WPH R48PRO STOP #1 – PORTLAND CLASSIC
PORTLAND, OREGON ~ MULTNOMAH ATHLETIC CLUB
(BROADCAST SCHEDULE ~ AIRING LIVE ON PATREON.COM/WPHLIVE & ESPN+)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023 (ALL TIMES PACIFIC)
10:00 MENS PRO QUARTERS (TBD)
11:00 MENS PRO QUARTERS (TBD)
12:00 MENS PRO QUARTERS (TBD)
13:00 MENS PRO QUARTERS (TBD)
14:00 MENS 5 th or 9 TH SEMIS (TBD)
14:45 MENS 5 th or 9 TH SEMIS (TBD)
15:30 MENS PRO SEMIS (TBD)
16:30 MENS PRO SEMIS (TBD)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2023 (ALL TIMES PACIFIC)
10:00 MENS 9 TH PLACE FINAL (TBD)
10:45 MENS 5 TH PLACE FINAL (TBD)
11:30 MEN’S PRO FINAL (TBD)
Filmed for WPH Patreon supporters of the WPH at patreon.com/wphlive. WPH members will have
various access by emailing info@wphlive.tv for a link. Find the Brackets:
https://www.r2sports.com/website/no-draws-available.asp?TID=41410 (WHEN AVAILABLE)