by Ian Marshall
In the crucial quarter-final contest, Chile, the no.8 seeds, recorded a thrilling 3-2 win against Ecuador, the no.7 seeds, a team in form.
Represented by Jeremy Cedeño, Diego Piguave and Neycer Robalino, they had finished in first place in their initial phase group, notably recording a 3-0 success when facing the no.2 seeds, the Peruvian trio formed by Carlos Fernandez, Adrian Rubinos and Rodrigo Vigo.
A team effort secured a penultimate round place; Diego Piguave beat both Jeremias Paredes (11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10) and Eusebio Vos (12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-4) but that was the sum total of Ecuadorian success.
Jeremias Paredes secured victory by beating Neycer Robalino (11-9, 5-11, 3-11, 11-8, 11-4), the win coming after Matias Pedraza had overcome Jeremy Cedeño in the third match of the fixture (8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 14-12) and in the opening contest, Eusebio Vos had defeated Neycer Robalino (11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 11-5), the only match that did not go the full five games distance.
A semi-final place contrary to expectations for Chile, it was the same for Brazil, the no.6 seeds. First place in their group ahead of Puerto Rico, the no.3 seeds, a 3-2 quarter-final win was secured in opposition to Peru.
Carlos Fernandez beat both Kenzo Carmo (11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-6) and Diogo Silva (11-9, 11-8, 11-5) but those were the only successes enjoyed by Peru.
At the semi-final stage, the United States, who recorded a 3-1 quarter-final win against Mexico, meet Brazil; Chile opposes Puerto Rico, 3-1 winners in the round of the last eight when facing Canada.
A semi-final place for Puerto Rico, the same in the under 19 girls’ team event but somewhat contrary to predictions.
First place in the group stage ahead of Canada, the no.4 seeds, fielding the trio comprising Brianna Burgos, Fabiola Diaz and Alondra Rodriguez, the no.6 seeds, a 3-0 quarter-final win was recorded against the Chilean trio formed by Jerusalen Flores, Macarena Montecino and Valentina Rios.
In the remaining under 19 girls’ team quarter-finals, the respective top three seeds all prevailed, the United States beat the Dominican Republic, Brazil accounted for Canada, Mexico ended the hopes of Guatemala.
Play in the team events concludes on Tuesday 14th September.
