by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
In the crucial semi-final contests, the United States beat Chile by three matches to one; Brazil recorded a three-two win over the hosts, Argentina.
Mainstay of the United States success was Sharon Alguetti, after Kanak Jha had lost to Nicolas Burgos (8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6), he overcame Andres Martinez (11-9, 13-11, 12-10), before later returning to the table to beat Nicolas Burgos (7-11, 11-9, 13-11, 11-7) and thus seal the victory. The one further success for the United States was recorded by Victor Liu; in the third match of the fixture, he overcame Jorge Paredes (11-3, 6-11, 11-8, 11-4).
“Especially because we lost the first match I had more pressure. I knew that if I lost, we could go home. We did well, I played well and won. I’m happy with my game.” Sharon Alguetti
A match winning performance from Sharon Alguetti; it was the same from Siddharta Almeida at the same stage for Brazil against Argentina. He beat both Martin Bentancor (11-5, 11-2, 11-7) and Francisco Sanchi (11-8, 11-7, 13-11).
The one further win for the Brazilians was recorded in the crucial fifth and deciding match of the fixture, when Carlos Ishida overcame Martin Bentancor (11-6, 11-8, 12-14, 13-11). The wins for Argentina were recorded in the opening match of the fixture when Francisco Sanchi beat Carlos Ishida (11-8, 11-9, 11-5) and in third contest which witnessed success for Santiago Tolosa against Eduardo Tomoike (11-8, 11-9, 15-13).
“For our team it was very important to win and reach the final. First, because we wanted to qualify for the World Junior Championships; second, because of the rivalry we have with Argentina. Our team is united; I think that’s why we managed to win.” Carlos Ishida
Earlier at the quarter-final stage with Jack Wan“Especially because we lost the first match I had more pressure. I knew that if I lost, we could go home. We did well, I played well and won. I’m happy with my game.” Sharon Alguetti
g preferred to Victor Liu, the United States had recorded a three-nil win against El Salvador’s Oliver Mendoza, Oscar Villalta and Jamie Galeano. At the same stage with no changes to the line-up, Brazil had beaten Mexico’s Diego Fuentes, Dario Arce and Layan Neumann by the same margin.
Likewise, fielding the same selection as appeared in the penultimate round, Argentina had recorded a three-one win in opposition to Peru’s Adolfo Cucho, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Carlos Fernandez; Chile had overcome Canada’s Bryan Ho, Jeremy Hazin and Edward Ly by the same margin.
Brazil and the United States now contest the final; additionally, to determine the remaining two qualification places a second tournament administered on the same knock-out basis is organised. The quarter-final losers in each half of the first phase draw meet; the winners confront the losing semi-finalist in the opposite half of the draw to determine the two remaining places.
Once again, with no selection changes, Peru beat Mexico three-nil, by the same margin Canada overcame El Salvador; at the semi-final stage to determine the two further paces for the Boys’ Team event at the 2017 World Junior Championships, Peru meets Chile, Canada opposes Argentina.
Play in the Boys’ Team event concludes on Thursday 22nd June.
Photos: Paloma Mutti
