by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Imposingly, with Cinthya Sanchez, Dahyana Rojas and Esmerlyn Castro on duty, a three-nil success against the Martinique trio comprising Oceane Miredin, Mevene Avrila and Leila Rapinier was posted by the Dominican Republic, to conclude the group stage fixtures unbeaten.
A place in the semi-finals assured; with Eva Brito replacing Dahyana Rojas, victory by the same margin was recorded against the Jamaican outfit comprising Brittany Murray, Onika Yanika Francis and Larissa McLaughlin.
Likewise, there was no stopping Cuba. Represented by Lisi Castillo, Shelly Machado Fernandez and Karla Perez Gonzalez, a three-nil win was secured against the St. Kitts and Nevis team comprising Shaniqua Esdaille, Shania Harris and Angelisa Freeman to complete the group phase contest.
One step away from the final, that step was climbed in style. Idalys Lovet preferred to Karla Perez Gonzalez; a three-nil win was recorded against Guyana but the margin of victory was rather closer than the score-line may suggest. Lisi Castillo beat Chelsea Edghill in three straight games (11-6, 11-7, 11-6) but Idalys Lovet needed the full five games to overcome Trenace Lowe (7-11, 11-3, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7), as did Shelly Machado Fernandez when facing Natalie Cummings (11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7).
Guyana and Jamaica are the bronze medallists; the final will be played on Thursday 20th July; however, the lower positions have already been decided.
Puerto Rico, who fielded very much their next generation team, selecting from Amanda Chavarria, Ana Paola Rivera, Alanis Rodriguez and Kristie Torres, as opposed to sending the likes of Adriana Diaz, Melanie Diaz, Daniely Rios and Carelyn Cordero, finished in fifth place. Dominica who selected from Gem Eloi, Larrysa Dover, Alliah Prince concluded matters in sixth position.
Meanwhile, the Martinique outfit formed by Mevene Avrila, Oceane Miredin and Leila Rapinier ended matters in seventh place, one ahead of St. Kitts and Nevis who selected from Angelisa Freeman, Shaniqua Esdaille and Shania Harris.
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Prospectus (as on Monday 17th July)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Schedule of Play (Updated – Tuesaday 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 Stage One & Stage Two (Wednesday 19th July)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Team Stage One & Stage Two (Wednesday 19th 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)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: First Stage – Under 21 Men’s Singles (commences Thursday 20th July)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: First Stage – Under 21 Women’s Singles (commences Thursday 20th July)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: First Stage – Men’s Singles 45 Years (commences Thursday 20th July)
2017 Caribbean Regional Championships: Final Stage – Women’s Singles 45 Years (played in total on Thursday 20th July)