PORTLAND, OR — The historic Multnomah Athletic Club set the stage for an extraordinary showcase of elite professional handball this weekend as the 2026 WPH R48Pro Stop #3 ‘The Classic’ delivered relentless drama on the court and groundbreaking technological milestones on the broadcast.
With the sport’s premier athletes battling for tour supremacy, the WPH broadcast team pushed tournament coverage into uncharted territory.
Revolutionary Innovations: On-Court Microphones and Real-Time Stats
Viewers tuning into ESPN+ experienced a historic first for the sport: individual player microphones on court. Spearheaded by WPH Co-founder Jeff Kastner, this technological leap delivers direct, immersive court-level audio. Fans can now catch every audible breath, strategic call, referee appeal, and the distinct crack of the ball striking the front wall—bringing the intensity and speed of four-wall handball directly into living rooms like never before.
Complementing the enhanced audio experience is the launch of real-time match analytics. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of WPH team members “Statman” Steve Soto and Kris Gurrad, fans across the globe can track in-game statistical swings dynamically as they unfold.
- Live In-Match Stats Tracker: Follow real-time match data here
Saturday Semifinal Drama Sets Up a Blockbuster Final
Saturday featured high-stakes quarterfinal battles and dramatic semifinal showdowns:
- Quarterfinals: Martin Mulkerrins pushed past Max Langmack in two disciplined games (9, 11), while Leo Canales Jr. mounted a gritty three-game comeback over Ivan Burgos ((11), 0, 13). On the other side of the draw, Sean Lenning showcased offensive mastery against Mark Doyle (13, 6), and Luis Cordova Jr. took a grueling brotherly clash over Daniel Cordova (11, 9).
- Semifinals: Martin Mulkerrins maintained his clinical rhythm to halt Leo Canales Jr. in two games (5, 11). In the evening’s marquee battle, Sean Lenning rallied from an opening game loss to defeat WPH future hall-of-famer Luis Cordova Jr. in a three-game thriller ((15), 8, 8), securing his spot in Sunday’s championship match.
Championship Sunday Schedule
Action begins at 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time live on ESPN+:
- 10:00 AM PDT — 9th Place Final: Dylan Hernandez (CA) vs. Shorty Ruiz (AZ)
- 10:45 AM PDT — 5th Place Final: Mark Doyle (IRE) vs. Ivan Burgos (AZ)
- 11:30 AM PDT — Pro Singles Final: Martin Mulkerrins (IRE) vs. Sean Lenning (WA)
A Community Effort: Heartfelt Gratitude
Executing a premier professional stop requires relentless dedication behind the scenes. Tremendous appreciation goes out to Portland organizer Conor Casey and his powerhouse local support crew for championing this weekend’s operations.
Special recognition belongs to the tournament desk, anchored by Kathy Adelman, who marked over four decades of tournament administration excellence alongside her talented group of volunteers. Immense gratitude also goes to Hank Marcus, the entire Multnomah Athletic Club staff, and the tireless WPH operational crew: Ashley & Shorty Ruiz, Kris Gurrad, Linda Manning, Jeff & Jean Kastner, Che & Everett Lowenstein, Kara Mack, Nick Flores, Ryan Watkins, Max Langmack, Steven Soto, David Fink, and the WPH Board of Directors, members, and WPH Patreon supporters.
Growing the Game: Post-Tournament Junior Clinic
Following the conclusion of Sunday’s final, the mission to foster the next generation kicks into high gear. Jean Kastner, David Fink, and Che Lowenstein, joined by touring R48 professionals, will host an extensive junior coaching clinic on the MAC show courts. Comprehensive recaps, photo galleries, and video highlights from the clinic will be released across WPH platforms this week.
Tournament Coverage & Links
- Live Streaming: Watch the broadcast live on ESPN+
- Bonus Coverage & Exclusive Interviews: WPH Patreon
- Official Brackets & Results: R2 Sports Tournament Central
- Event Preview: Full Portland Classic Preview
- Day 1 Recap: Friday Wrap-Up
- Day 2 Recap: Saturday Wrap-Up
- Stat Tracker: Link During LIVE Matches