Notícia

KOCK AND MANHANI DEFEATS IN LATIN AMERICA'S FINAL

Por CBTM

The Dominican Republic’s Juan Antonio Víla and Colombia’s Paula Medina won the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles titles respectively at the Latin American Junior Championships in the Ecuadorian city of Cuenca on Saturday 23rd June 2007.

Furthermore, both won in style, both dominated matters from start to finish in the contests to determine the gold medals.

Juan Antonio Víla beat Brazil’s Humberto Manhani 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 whilst Paula Medina overcame Brazil’s Gabriella Kock 11-2, 11-8, 11-2.

Excelled
Furthermore, both runners up had excelled in the semi-finals with Humberto Manhani overcoming top seed, Cuba’s Andy Pereira in a tense five game encounter.

Gabriela Kock also ousted a Cuban. She beat Leisy Jimenez in an equally close contest, Leisy Jimenez having been in splendid form throughout. She beat second seed, Brazil’s Jessica Yamada, in round two.

Tactics
“The main tactic for me was to serve short and then attack”, said Juan Antonio Víla who is a right handed player as opposed to Humberto Manhani who is left handed. Throughout the game the Dominican Republic teenager served short to forehand of the Brazil and then attacked quickly to dominate the point.

“I was nervous before the match but those nerves soon disappeared”, continued Juan Antonio Víla. “I feel I’ve been playing well recently and I don’t have too many obvious weaknesses.”

Consolation
However, there was consolation for Humberto Manhani; he partnered Eric Mancini to Boys’ Doubles gold, the pair beating Cuba’s Jorge Campos and Andy Pereira at the final hurdle.

Two Titles
Meanwhile, for Paula Medina two titles came her way; in addition to winning the Girls’ Singles crown she partnered Luisa Zuluaga to victory in the Girls’ Doubles, the pair beating Chile’s Giovanni Gomez and Blanca Duran in the final.

However, it was in the Girls’ Singles final where she shone. “I was totally focused and I didn’t have too many problems”, explained Paula Medina. “I won a lot of points with my services and first attack; also, I was very motivated, I wanted to win before I leave the junior age group category.”

Gold for El Salvador
Success for Colombia in the Girls’ Singles and in the Mixed Doubles success for El Salvador; somewhat against the odds the duo of Josué Donado and Estafania Ramirios won the title against Cuba’s Andy Pereira and Heylyn Trujillo.

They won in four games.

Good Pair
“I feel I could have played a little better”, said Estafania Ramirios. “Our coach helped a great deal, I think we make a good pair, Josué supports me really well.”

Similarly, Josué Donado was of like mind. “We both played well in the final”, he said. “But yes, I think we can play better.”

Vital Points
One of the main reasons for victory was that they won the vital points and Carlos Lovo, the El Salvador coach was well aware that there had been anxious moments. “They got an advantage and then they lost several points”, he said. “They helped each, they played at a good level and they beat the favourites.”

It was a close match but Josué Donado and Estafania Ramirios kept their nerve and El Salvador had earned a place on the medal table.

ITTF - Ian Marshall