by Ian Marshall, Editor

After recording a 3-1 semi-final win in opposition to the Chilean outfit comprising Daniela Ortega, Valentina Rios and Paulina Vega, a full distance 3-2 defeat was experienced in the final at the hands of the United States combination formed by Amy Wang, Crystal Wang, Wu Yue and Crystal Wang.

Against Chile, Bruna Takahashi had beaten both Valentina Rios (11-2, 11-9, 14-12) and Paulina Vega (8-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7); facing the United States, she repeated the feat. She accounted for Crystal Wang (12-10, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6) and Wu Yue (12-10, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6).

However those were to prove the only Brazilian successes; the agony being that in the decisive fifth match of the fixture, Jessica Yamada experienced defeat by the very narrowest of possible margins. She was beaten by Crystal Wang (11-7, 6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9).

Impressive semi-final success

A fine effort by the United States outfit and a fine effort one round earlier; Amy Wang, Wu Yue and Lily Zhang on duty, a 3-0 semi-final win had been recorded against Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, Melanie Diaz and Daniely Rios, the winners of the women’s team event at the recent Pan American Games in Lima.

One step short for Brazil in the women’s team competition; in the counterpart men’s event, it was the top step, a 3-1 win being the margin of victory in opposition to Puerto Rico in the title decider. Backbone of the success was the experienced Gustavo Tsuboi. He beat both Angel Naranjo (11-4, 11-7, 11-9) and Daniel Gonzalez (11-4, 11-5, 11-3).

The one further win for the Brazilians was secured by Eric Jouti, in the third match of the engagement he accounted for Brian Afanador (11-9, 10-12, 11-2, 11-9). Meanwhile, the one success for Puerto Rico was gained in the opening match, Brian Afanador and Daniel Gonzalez combined to beat Vitor Ishiy and Eric Jouti (9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9).

Earlier at the semi-final stage with no changes to the selection, Brazil had recorded a 3-1 win against the United States combination of Kanak Jha, Nikhil Kumar and Zhang Kai; Puerto Rico, similarly with the same players on duty had secured a 3-0 success when facing Canada’s Jeremy Hazin, Edward Ly and Marko Medjugorac.

Angel Naranjo excels

The one win for the United States was recorded by Kanak Jha; in the second match of the fixture he beat Gustavo Tsuboi (11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 11-9); the player to shine for Puerto Rico was 15 year old Angel Naranjo; he excelled to beat Jeremy Hazin (11-7, 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 11-8).

The individual events now follow; play concludes in Asuncion on Sunday 8th September.