by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Throughout the two days, 17 year old Ishana Deb remained unbeaten, she provided the guiding hand for her younger colleague, 13 years of age, Sarika Ahire.
Furthermore, it was Sarika Ahire who gave the United States partnership the ideal start in the final. She beat Keren Constanza in three straight games (12-10, 11-8, 11-8), before Ishana Deb doubled the advantage by overcoming Cecilia Orantes (13-11, 11-8, 11-8).
Sarika Ahire and Ishana Deb now very much in the ascendancy; a five games doubles win (3-11, 13-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-3) secured the victory and the title.
O ne round earlier at the semi-final stage, Keren Constanza and Cecilia Orantes had beaten the Costa Rican duo of Francella Carballo and Brenda Vasquez by three matches to nil; whilst, in the same round, Sarika Ahire and Ishana Deb had posted a three-one success against the top seeded Guatemala ‘A’ Team pairing of Paula Acevedo and Lucia Cordero.
Once again, as was the situation throughout the whole event, Ishana Deb proved the mainstay of victory.She beat Paula Acevedo (11-9, 11-9, 11-1) and Lucia Cordero (11-8, 12-10, 11-2), whilst sandwiched in between, securing the doubles in harness with Sarike Ahire (11-6, 13-11, 4-11, 11-4).
Success and success before the storms came; throughout the Caribbean and Central America, there have been major electrical storms resulting in power failures.
The effect of the power failures in San Salvador is that both the Cadet Boys’ Team and Junior Boys’ Team finals could not be completed and will be held on Friday 18th August at 9.00am (local time).
