McCarthys world title bid ended by Brady focus switches to doubles

Only Cork sensation Killian Carroll stands between Cavan's Paul Brady and a quintet of consecutive world handball titles, after he knocked Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy Jnr out at the men's singles semi-final stage today.

Mullingar man McCarthy made a tremendous start to the last-four clash at the University of Calgary, but Brady pulled away to take the first game 21-12.

Any signs that Brady's legs were tiring were quickly forgotten in the second game, as McCarthy fell behind 15-0 to some powerful shooting from the champion.

In the end Brady won 21-7, and Robbie's medal hopes now rest on the doubles competition, with the semi-finals down for decision tonight (9pm).

McCarthy and his doubles partner Diarmuid Nash (Clare) – who lost to Carroll in the second senior semi tonight – will take on American hotshot Luis Moreno and his wingman, Andy Nett for a place in tomorrow's final.

On the other side of the doubles draw, Brady was due to line out with Michael Finnegan against Roscommon pair Rikki O'Gara and Joe McCann, but has pulled out to rest up ahead of tomorrow's singles final, making way for Charly Shanks.

McCarthy's father Robbie Snr – who has already won two singles Masters medals in Calgary – will be out in his semi-final at 5am (all times Irish).