by Ian Marshall, Editor

A five games defeat was the end result against the Hungarian (11-4, 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4), the reverse coming after five most creditable wins.

In the group stage Juan Perez beat Puerto Rico’s Angel Naranjo (11-2, 11-9, 5-11, 11-5), followed by success against Austria’s Lorenz Purtsinger (11-8, 11-7, 11-7) and Hungary’s Akos Kishegyi (11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7). A place in the main draw booked, the good form was maintained, he accounted for Frenchman, Antoine Doyen (12-10, 13-11, 11-3, 11-9), prior to recovering from a three games to one deficit in opposition to Peru’s Carlos Fernandez (4-11, 5-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7); the win booking his rendezvous with Csaba Andras.

“I have finished the competition in round three. One year ago this result would have been amazing for me but with hard work and dedication and the support of my family, since I left for Germany, my results are improving. I lost to Andras, we haven’t been able to analyze correctly the match; his level was much higher than mine. I need to work harder to beat this type of player.” Juan Perez

Defeat for Juan Perez but not too downhearted and he was full of praise for the tournament organisers.

“I have been coming to Platja d’Aro for the last three years; I can only say that the flooring and the general conditions of play and organisation are simply excellent. I would recommend this tournament to anyone. Every year the level is increasing; with players from Hungary, France and Germany, the tournament becomes more and more challenging. I would recommend cadet and junior players to share this experience. It is really worthwhile.” Juan Perez

Notably at the 2018 Spanish Junior and Cadet Open, Juan Perez did not progress beyond the group phase of the junior boys’ singles event, progress is more than evident.