by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Impressively, Livan Martinez accounted for colleague Carlos Hernandez in four straight games (12-10, 11-9, 11-3, 11-9); the player with whom he had won the Men’s Doubles event one day earlier.

Soon after, in the immediate ensuing contest, a somewhat closer duel witnessed victory for Esmerlyn Castro. She recorded a six games success in opposition to Idalys Lovat, like Livan Martinez from Cuba (11-6, 8-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-6).

The win recorded by Livan Martinez was very much as anticipated; similar to Carlos Hernandez he had been a member of the successful outfit in the Men’s Team event alongside Andy Pereira and Jorge Campos. However, in the crucial title deciding fixture in opposition to the Dominican Republic, Livan Martinez was the preferred option; for Carlos Hernandez it was the role of supporter.

“I felt good throughout the tournament in general. I was disappointed to lose in the second round of the Men’s Singles event to Samuel Galvez from the Dominican Republic but I have won three titles; Men’s Team, Men’s Doubles and now Under 21 Men’s Singles.” Livan Martinez

Conversely, in the Under 21 Women’s Singles competition, Esmerlyn Castro was not necessarily the favourite, although alongside Eva Brito and Cinthya Sanchez she had played a major role in the Women’s Team success; notably, she is four years younger than 19 year old Idalys Lovet.

“The first three games I felt under pressure as I was playing against a Cuban, they have a good level; I tried to really focus and play with more top spin. I am very excited because it is not my age group; I am only 15 years old. I am happy for what I have been able to achieve here, playing here has given me a great deal of experience.” Esmerlyn Castro

Winner on the ITTF World Tour in 2016 when succeeding in Chile, Idalys Lovet is presently named at no.143 on the Under 21 Women’s World Rankings; Esmerlyn Castro is at no.316; in Havana, there was a major challenge for Esmerlyn Castro, the challenge was met in style.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Main Draw Under 21 Men’s Singles (Sunday 23rd July)

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

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Main Draw Under 21 Women’s Singles (Sunday 23rd July)

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

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Men’s Singles 45 Years (Saturday 22nd July)

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

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

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Main Draw Men’s Singles (Sunday 23rd July)

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

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Main Draw Women’s Singles (Sunday 23rd July)

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Men’s Doubles (Saturday 22nd July)

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Women’s Doubles (Saturday 22nd July)

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Results – Mixed Doubles (Saturday 22nd July)

2017 Caribbean Region Championships: Complete Results (Sunday 23rd July)