by Ian Marshall
Impressively in Guatemala, Juan Jesus Gomez partnered Dario Arce to junior boys’ doubles gold and Arantxa Cossio to the mixed doubles top prize, before securing the boys’ singles title.
In Cuenca, alongside Dario Arce, he has advanced to the men’s doubles semi-final round where Ecuador’s Emiliano Riofrio and Rodrigo Tapia await; likewise in the mixed doubles, once again joining forces with Arantxa Cossio, a quarter-final place has been reserved.
Once again they will face Rodrigo Tapia; he partners colleague Mylena Plaza.
Worthy performances but it was in the opening round of the men’s singles where Juan Jesus Gomez shone, he caused the one and only upset; he beat the host nation’s Diego Piguave, the no.5 seed (9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 6-11, 11-3, 13-11).
Leading names progress
Problems for the fifth seed, not for the leading four names.
India’s Mudit Dani, the top seed, accounted Peru’s Moises Duffoo (9-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 11-2); colleague Sanil Shetty, the no.2 seed, ended the hopes of Ecuador’s Jeremy Cedeño (11-5, 11-6, 11-2, 11-4).
“I have never been to Ecuador before and I was very excited to come, it was a long journey but I
am very excited to play. Also Ive heard about the city before that it is very tourist friendly, very safe city and very beautiful. So yeah, I am very happy to be here. Here, it is quite different for me, but luckily I came here couple days earlier so I could practise.” Mudit Dani
Similarly, Emiliano Riofrio, the no.3 seed, overcame Puerto Rico’s Derek Valentin (11-9, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8), Rodrigo Tapia, the no.4 accounted for Peru’s Rodrigo Vigo (11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 9-11, 11-3).
Disappointment for hosts
The quarter-final stage of the men’s singles reached; it is the same in the women’s singles, the opening round witnessing defeats for the host nation.
Eunice Galvez was beaten by India’s Ankita Das (11-4, 11-8, 11-9, 22-20, Maria Cabrera by Arantxa Cossio (11-6, 11-7, 11-5, 11-4); Angelica Arellano by Puerto Rico’s Fabiola Diaz (11-5, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5).
“I felt very confident with my service and game. Also I felt more comfortable with the height that in the past tournament. The ball always drops off the table, that was my first problem at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender tournament. I was not able to attack but with time I am getting used to it. I will give my best in every single match and hope for a medal. I would like to raise my level of play as much as I can.” Fabiola Diaz
Penultimate day
On Friday 5th November the winners of the mixed doubles event will be known.
Additionally, the men’s doubles and women’s doubles finalists alongside the men’s singles and women’s singles semi-finalists will have been decided.
