21 Jul 2017

Status prevailed and honours were shared, as the first titles were decided at the 59th Caribbean Championships in Havana, Cuba on Thursday 20th July.

The host nation, the top seeds, won the Men’s Team event beating the Dominican Republic, the second seeds, in the final; in the counterpart Women’s Team competition, it was the reverse scenario; the similarity being the head of the order accounted for the next in line.

by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Unbeaten throughout, Eva Brito proved the mainstay of the Dominican Republic’s three-one win over Cuba in the final of the Women’s Team event.

After Lisi Castillo had beaten Esmerlyn Castro in the opening contest (11-8, 14-12, 8-11, 11-8) to give the host nation the early lead; Eva Brito sparked her team’s resurgence. In what was to prove the vital match of the engagement, she accounted for Idalys Lovet (14-12, 11-5, 4-11, 7-11, 11-9); before in the fourth contest, overcoming Lisi Castillo to conclude matters (16-14, 8-11, 11-4, 11-8).

Sandwiched in between, in the third match of the fixture, Cinthya Sanchez had swayed the momentum in favour of the Dominican Republic by overcoming Shelly Macado Fernandez.

“I’m super pleased with my great team. It was a great victory because Cuba selected their best players; that is why we feel super happy. We prepared well and now we have the result.” Eva Brito

“We did not expect to lose in this way; today the Dominican Republic team was better prepared. However there are many matches left in the tournament; let’s see if we can do better in the individual events.” Lisi Castillo

Similarly, in the Men’s Team final, the outcome was decided in four matches as Cuba overcame the Dominican Republic.

The medal podium for the Men’s Team event; Cuba won gold with the Dominican Republic being the silver medallists. Aruba and Puerto Rico concluded matters as the bronze medallists (Photo: Calixto N. Lanes)

 

Emil Santos gave the Dominican Republic the perfect start by beating Livan Martinez (11-8, 14-12, 8-11, 11-7), before Jorge Campos levelled matters. He overcame Samuel Galvez (11-7, 11-4, 11-7).  The outcome in the balance, Andy Pereira accounted for Isaac Vila to give Cuba the lead before Jorge Campos returned to the fray to secure the top prize for the host nation. He defeated Emil Santos in three straight games (11-7, 11-6, 11-5).

“For Cuba this gold was important because we are playing at home; players from the Dominican Republic are strong. Today I was always very focused and always looked to take the initiative.” Jorge Campos

“I have a problem in the left knee but the team needed me to play; that’s why I played in the third position. It was a very good effort; we have a great deal of respect for the players from the Dominican Republic.” Andy Pereira

“We played well but Jorge and Andy made the most of the opportunities. I made some unforced errors; against a player of Jorge’s level you cannot make such mistakes.” Emil Santos.

The Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events, alongside the Men’s Doubles and Women’s Doubles competitions, commence on Friday 21st July; the Mixed Doubles will be staged on Saturday 22nd July.

 Day Three: 59th Caribbean Championships
Photos: Calixto N. Lanes, Monica RF, Roberto Morejon

 

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Prospectus (as on Monday 17th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Schedule of Play (Updated – Tuesday 18th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Entries (Updated Tuesday 18th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Seeding – Team Events (Updated Tuesday 18th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – Men’s Team Event (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Team Event (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – First Stage Under 21 Men’s Singles (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – First Stage Under 21 Women’s Singless (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – First Stage Men’s Singles 45 Years (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Singles 45 Years (Thursday 20th July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: First Stage – Men’s Singles (commences Friday 21st July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: First Stage – Women’s Singles (commences Friday 21st July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Draw – Men’s Doubles (commences Friday 21st July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Draw – Women’s Doubles (commences Friday 21st July)

2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Draw – Mixed Doubles (commences Saturday 22nd July)

General News 59th Caribbean Championships