2006 Worlds

Montanans finish strong at World handball tourney

EDMONTON, Alberta — Mike Spotorno of Helena won the 35-plus division at the World Handball Championship held here Aug. 7-12, 2006.

Spotorno defeated three Canadians on his way to the title. Spotorno won the final match in a tie breaker 21-9, 15-21, 11-7 over Rajczak. More than 800 men and women from a dozen countries participated in numerous age divisions. Eighteen Montana handballers competed in the 4-Wall Championships which are held every three years.

Montana entrants who placed high included:

— Taking second place in the 70-plus doubles were Fred Chapman of Frenchtown and Kevan DelGrande of California. They lost in the finals to Jim Economides of Albuquerque and Charlie Wicker of Tucson 21-10, 20-21, 11-5

— Tied for third place in the 70-plus division was Paul Wachholz of Kalispell. The eventual champion Jim Economides beat Wachholz in a semifinal match.

— Tied for third place in the 55-plus doubles were Robin Peters and Rick Harrington of Missoula. They lost their semifinal match to the current U.S. National Champions Alan Sherrill and Jay Capell of California.

— Tied for third place in the 45-plus doubles were Dr. Ron Deriana of Bozeman and Todd Timboe of Great Falls. The eventual champions Vern and Chris Roberts of Tucson and Cincinnati beat the duo in a semifinal match.

— Second place place in the 50-plus consolation bracket was Steve Birrell of Bozeman.

— Tied for third place in the 50-plus consolation bracket was John Larson of Helena.

Dan Scilley of Red Lodge was ahead in his quarterfinal match until he was injured late in the second game. His opponent from Canada went on to take second place in the 60-plus division.

Mike Barragan of Kalispell lost his 50-plus division quarterfinal match to eventual champion David Steinberg of Portland.

Paul Brady of Ireland, who recently won the U.S. Nationals, beat countryman Tony Healy 21-7, 21-11 to claim the Open division crown.