The World Players of Handball was proud to present the sixth installment of the Rodney Fink Classic at Amerifit Handball Club in Pittsburgh, PA. Three countries were represented in the draw, with top talent from the United States. Canada, and Ireland. All proceeds from the event went towards Junior WPH and teaching and inspiring the next generation of handball players.
Open Singles
Top-seeded and WPH R48 #7 pro David Fink advanced to the RFC 6 final with victories over Ireland’s James Gavaghan and Ireland’s Patrick Funchion. Second-seeded Peter Funchion earned victories over Tyree Bastidas and Mike Schneider in Albany last week and continued his stellar play at the RFC with a quarterfinal victory over Joe Delsardo, and a nearly two-hour, three-game comeback victory over Ryan Bowler in the semifinals to setup a clash with Fink.
Fink recalled sparring with Peter Funchion over six years ago on Funchion’s first trip to the United States before the two met in the final. “Peter was great as a 15-year old and I knew he would be playing at the top level in a few years.”
Fink surged to a 10-2 first game lead behind crisp serving and “first-strike” kill shot conversions. Funchion built momentum late, but was never able to mount a serious challenge, dropping game one, 15-7. Fink started quickly again in game two, leading 6-1 with two ace serves, two kill shots, and two Funchion errors. Funchion nearly erased the deficit in his next service inning, locating his power serve to the left and right and executing several deep court left-handed kills, cutting the deficit to 5-6. Fink thwarted Funchion’s momentum with a right-handed return of serve kill and scored nine consecutive points to close out the match, claiming his second RFC title, 15-7, 15-5.
James Gavaghan rebounded from his first round loss in the main draw to claim the RFC Contender’s, defeating co-tournament director Mike Semplice, Joe Delsardo, and Brian Makowski.
Open Doubles
Conceding 45 years to both of his opponents, tournament namesake Rodney Fink claimed his fifth RFC Open Doubles title, teaming with Patrick Funchion to defeat Ryan Bowler and James Gavaghan, 25-21.
“I just can’t beat RFC at the RFC,” lamented six-time RFC participant Ryan Bowler.
All tournament participants were treated to a breathtaking view of downtown Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington, one of the most spectacular views in the country. RFC players then rode down the Duquesne Incline for dinner at Station Square. What a night!
Thank you to the WPH, Mike Semplice, Rodney Fink, Ryan Bowler and all of the Amerifit staff and tournament participants for making the RFC 6 such an incredible event.
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