by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Selecting from Henrique Noguti, Gustavo Gertsmann, Shim Joon and Luigi Yamane; Brazil secured a three-nil semi-final win over Argentina’s Franco Spinelli, Facundo de Leon and Ulises Lemos.
Equally, in the penultimate round with Alexandre Gomes, the coach on duty, Peru’s Adrian Rubinos and Carlos Fernandez impressed, they recorded a three-one success in opposition to Ecuador’s Jeremy Cedeño, Diego Piguave and Luan Nogales.
Furthermore, they maintained the good form in the final; the Peruvians secured a three-one win against the Brazilians to claim the top prize.
“I feel very happy for the children. They have worked hard for this championship. I think it’s a well-deserved achievement, they played very well; it’s the result of hard work. So far we exceed expectations. I thank the parents because thanks to them it was possible to come to compete and also I thank the support and encouragement they provided during the matches.” coach Alexandre Gomes
“It was a very tight match but I think the whole team feels very good about this achievement, I’m proud. We have several difficulties, the level is good, Ecuador made us fight as of course did Brazil.” Carlos Fernandez
“I am proud to have achieved this for the second time, repeating an achievement of 2015 with “Nano” Fernandez. We were faced with difficult rivals to get here but we knew how to face all and move forward. Now with we will look for gold in doubles.” Adrian Rubiños
Top spot for Peru, it was third place for Ecuador; a three-one margin of victory was posted against Argentina.
Disappointment for Brazil in the Under 13 Boys’ Team event; in the counterpart Under 13 Girls’ Team competition it was success, gold for Giulia Takahashi and Laura Watanabe and gold in convincing style.
At the semi-final stage a three-nil win was recorded against the Chilean trio of Fernanda Areneda, Josefina Lara and Macarena Reyes, before the same margin of victory was secured in the final when facing Peru’s Ana Aragon, Lucciana Cisneros and Maria Maldonado.
“I feel very happy. I was very focused. During the final I felt a lot of pressure, which made me feel nervous, everyone wants to win. It is necessary to give your best to be able to get what we want. I thank all those who believed in me; today all my efforts have been rewarded.” Giulia Takahashi
“I have trained a great deal to play here, like Giulia I also felt a little nervous. I want to thank my club, my training partners and those who supported us today.” Laura Watanabe
Third place was secured by the Argentine duo of Elea Hernandez and Divina Ding; after having experienced a three-two semi-final defeat at the hands of Peru’s Ana Aragon, Lucciana Cisneros and Maria Maldonado; they beat Chile’s Fernanda Areneda, Josefina Lara and Macarena Reyes by three matches to one.
Photos: courtesy of Paloma Mutti
2017 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Complete Results – Under 13 Boys’ Team Event
2017 South American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships: Complete Results – Under 13 Girls’ Team Event