by Ian Marshall, Editor
Selecting Eric Jouti, Humberto Manhani and Thiago Monteiro, Brazil recovered and recovered in style. They recorded a three-nil win in opposition to the Dominican Republic’s Samuel Galvez, Emil Santos and Isaac Vila; a point was proven. they are very much title contenders.
Conversely for Chile, on home soil, selecting Gustavo Gomez, Juan Lamadrid and Felipe Olivares, it was a three-nil defeat at the hands of the no.7 seeds, Cuba’s Jorge Campos, Livan Martinez and Andy Pereira.
Defeat contrary to expectations for Chile, it was the same for Argentina’s Gaston Alto, Horacio Cifuentes and Francisco Sanchi when confronting Mexico’s Dario Arce, Marcos Madrid and Ricardo Vila. A three-one defeat was the end result with Marcos Madrid the architect of the upset; he accounted for both Horacio Cifuentes (9-11, 11-3, 14-12, 11-7) and Francisco Sanchi (11-9, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9).
Tense times, it was no different for Puerto Rico’s Brian Afanador, Daniel Gonzalez and Ricardo Jimenez in opposition to the no.5 seeds, Paraguay represented by Marcelo Aguirre, Italo Ibañez and Alejandro Toranzos. The crucial difference to the other leading outfits was that a win was recorded. Success but it was hard earned, the engagement went the full five match distance.
Marcelo Aguirre beat both Ricardo Jimenez (11-7, 11-6, 12-10) and in five games Daniel Gonzalez (11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6). Disappointment for Ricardo Jimenez but he emerged the hero of the hour; in the vital fifth and deciding match of the fixture he overcame Italo Ibañez to seal the victory. Success but the 23 year old gave his supporters nervous moments; he needed the full five games to secure victory (11-7, 5-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3).
Brazil has now concluded its initial stage fixtures, one contest in the group remains, the Dominican Republic opposes the United States.
Somewhat differently, the remaining leading outfits have one further engagement. Chile faces Bolivia, in the same group Cuba meets Guatemala; likewise Argentina plays Uruguay, Mexico confronts Ecuador. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico and Peru draw swords as do Paraguay and Canada.
The fixtures will be held on the late morning and early afternoon of Wednesday 21st November.
