by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
A three matches to one result was the outcome with Ana Codina the mainstay of the Argentine success.
She beat Esmerlyn Castro (11-2, 9-11, 12-10, 11-3), before bringing matters to a conclusion in the fourth match of the fixture by overcoming Eva Brito (12-14, 11-8, 11-9, 15-13). The one further success for the victors was recorded by Camila Arguelles in the second match of the fixture, she overcome Eva Brito (7-11, 11-7, 15-13, 17-15), a contest that swayed the momentum in favour of the South Americans. The one win for the Dominican Republic was recorded in the third match of the engagement when Cinthya Sanchez overcame Agustina Iwasa (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 4-11, 11-7).
“I’m very happy for the organization of the event. It is a bit difficult; it is hot and quite humid. Today I won my match against the Dominican Republic; this helps my confidence for the next matches.” Camila Arguelles.
Places booked in the last eight for the United States and Argentina; at the same time, Brazil, the no.2 seeds and El Salvador, both assured of progress before the second day of play commenced, completed their group phase matches. The contest decided the final order; the end result was first place for Brazil with El Salvador in second spot.
El Salvador with Estefania Ramirios, Emme Arias and Wang de Ying named on the team sheet received a walk-over against Cuba unable to travel owing to Hurricane Irma; Brazil represented by Gui Lin, Bruna Takahashi and Bruna Alexandre beat Costa Rica’s Nicole Granados, Angie Araya and Paola Maroto by three matches to nil.
Similarly, Puerto Rico and Mexico were assured of quarter-final place, both teams having been unbeaten on the opening day; the decision was as to who would command top place, the decision went in favour of Puerto Rico. A three-nil outcome in favour of Melanie Diaz, Adriana Diaz and Daniel Rios was the order of the day against the trio formed by Dulce Machinena, Gladys Blanqueto and Alejandra Cervantes.
The quarter-final fixtures in the Women’s Team event will be played later in the day.
