by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Three matches to nil victory margins were the outcomes against teams who had excelled expectations to reach the semi-final stage and were most certainly both in good form and had every right to have an air of confidence. Progress was halted in abrupt fashion.

Facing Paraguay, the no.6 seeds, Eric Jouti gave Brazil the perfect start; he beat Alejandro Toranzos in four games (14-12, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9), a result that was repeated by a back to form Thiago Monteiro who had experienced unexpected defeat on  the opening day. He accounted for Marcelo Aguirre (11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4) to put his team firmly in control.

“We have a very strong team, four very good players and we did our best.” Eric Jouti

Matters concluded with Vitor Ishiy beating Axel Gavilan in three straight games (11-5, 11-3, 11-8).

Impressive from the Brazilians for whom Hugo Calderano is named in the selection but as yet has not raised his racket in anger.

No moments of charity from Brazil, it was the same from Argentina when facing the United States, the no.5 seeds.

Horacio Cifuentes beat Adar Alguetti (11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6), before Gaston Alto accounted for Sharon Alguetti (11-8, 11-6, 11-7). The momentum very much with the South Americans, Pablo Tabachnik, the most experienced member of the Argentine team, overcame Kunal Chodri in a full distance five games contest to end matters (11-5, 8-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-5).

The final of the Men’s Team event will be played on Thursday 14th September.