by Ian Marshall, Editor
A four games result was the outcome in the mixed doubles final in opposition to colleagues Nikhil Kumar and Amy Wang (11-7, 15-13, 10-12, 14-12), before a straight games win against Chile’s Daniel Ortega and Paulina Vega (11-9, 11-7, 11-4) reserved the top step of the women’s doubles podium.
Impressive performances, as the day concluded it was no different in the women’s singles final; straight was the conclusion against Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi, the no.3 seed (11-8, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9). Earlier in the penultimate round Lily Zhang had ousted top seed, Canada’s Zhang Mo (11-9, 11-7, 11-4, 14-12); Bruna Takahashi had beaten Wu Yue (11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9).
The win recorded by Lily Zhang was a mild surprise, she commenced proceedings the no.4 seed but in 2016, staged in San José, Costa Rica, she had won the first edition of the Pan American Cup. Arguably she started the favourite.
Major surprise
Somewhat differently, in the men’s singles event, the win recorded by Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy was much more a surprise. He began play as the no.10 seed.
At the semi-final stage he beat colleague Gustavo Tsuboi, the no.2 seed (6-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-3, 11-9), prior to securing the title at the final expense of Argentina’s ever faithful Gaston Alto, the no.12 seed (9-11, 11-3, 14-12, 11-4, 11-7). Notably, Gaston Alto was very much a player in form; in the penultimate round he had beaten Kanak Jha of the United States, the top seed and defending champion (12-10, 7-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-9).
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Success for Gaston Alto
Silver for Gaston Alto but earlier in the day it had been gold; he partnered colleague Horacio Cifuentes to men’s doubles success, at the final hurdle, the duo overcame Eric Jouti and Gustavo Tsuboi (8-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-9).
Success for Gaston Alto and Horacio Cifuentes, the one title to elude the clutches of Brazil and the United States, the respective men’s team and women’s team champions earlier in the week.
