BRAZIL AND COLOMBIA ADD TO THEIR MEDAL COLLECTION IN CUENCA
Por CBTM
Brazil’s Eric Mancini added to his ever growing collection of silverware, when in partnership with Humberto Manhani he won the Boys’ Doubles title at the Latin American Junior Championships in Cuenca, Ecuador on Thursday 21st June 2007.
Furthermore, Eric Mancini retained his impressive form in the Mega Five, as the Brazilians overcame the Cuban top seeds Andy Pereira and Jorge Campos in a gruelling final that went the full five games distance.
Meanwhile, in the counterpart girls’ event it was gold for Colombia; at the final hurdle Paula Medina and Luisa Zuluaga overcame Chile’s Giovanna Gomez and Blanca Duran.
Route to Final
Seeded two, Eric Mancini and Humberto Manhani beat Colombia’s Carlos Arcila and Juan Valdivieso in their opening encounter in three straight games before succeeding by the same margin against Puerto Rico’s Elvin Rivera and Carlos Gracia in the quarters.
In the semis, the champions elect were given what was to prove their most severe test; they beat the fourth seeded Peruvians, Bryan Blas and Fernando Inca by the very narrowest of five game margins.
Determination
“I think it was just sheer determination and willpower that enabled us to win”, said Eric Mancini who with Humberto Manhani has formed a very successful doubles partnership.
On the ITTF World Junior Circuit in 2007 they reached the semi-finals at the Venezuelan Junior Open and the following week in Chile they were crowned champions.
Understanding
“We know each other well”, continued Eric Mancini. “He helps me in every aspect of the game, absolutely everything.”
Equally, Humberto Manhani was very positive about the relationship. “I think if one of us is playing badly then the other supports and encourages”, he explained. “Eric is always supporting me; we have a really good understanding.”
Impressive Cubans
Certainly that is the case but the Cuban also deserve praise. They came very close to success and en route to the final had been most impressive.
In their opening encounter they defeated Venezuela’s Cecilio Correa and Daniel Escalona in four games before recording a quarter-final win by the same margin against Argentina’s Jermias Sotelo and Joel Szlit to reserve a place in the semi-finals. Fine performances, they continued in the same mode to overcame the talented Dominican Republic duo of Juan Antonio Víla and Emil Santos in straight games.
Ian Marshall - ITTF
