by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
They are the players who have reached the final of the first knock-out tournament.
Success and for the quartet it was impressive success. Matias Burgos accounted for Costa Rica’s Alfredo Sanchez (11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-8) and Uruguay’s Pablo Palou (11-6, 11-3, 13-11, 11-6), before reserving his place in the final courtesy success against Puerto Rico’s Francisco Matias (4-11, 11-7, 16-14, 11-3, 11-7).
Most impressive, it was very much the same from Guilherme Teodoro. He beat Trinidad and Tobago’s Luc François Savier O’Young (11-9, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6), prior to recording a quarter-final success in opposition to a familiar opponent.
He overcame the Dominican Republic’s Mariano Lockward (11-9, 11-2, 11-6, 11-6), a player against whom he had experienced defeat at the 2015 Latin American Junior and Cadet Championships but more recently had beaten at the 2016 Latin American Cadet Championships. A semi-final place secured; Guilherme Teodoro overcame Mexico’s Guilhermo Casio (11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7) to reserve his place in the final.
Impressive from Guilherme Teodoro; it was the same from compatriot Bruna Takahashi. The 16 year old from São Paulo imposed her authority on proceedings from the very start; she accounted for the Dominican Republic’s Esmerlyn Castro (11-9, 11-7, 12-10, 11-8), prior to booking her place in the final by overcoming Ecuador’s Nathaly Paredes (11-5, 11-9, 11-, 16-14).
Most impressive, it was just a little exacting for Adriana Diaz. She beat Chile’s Valentina Rios in four straight games (11-4, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7) but needed six games to overcome Peru’s Kelly Santur in the semi-finals (11-2, 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-7).
The finals of both the Boys’ Singles and Girls’ Singles events will be played on the Morning of Saturday 13th May; the respective winners qualify for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
After a short break, in which a presentation ceremony will be held; the second knock-out tournament will be held to determine the second qualifiers.
Latin American is allocated two boys and two girls via continental qualification.
