(by Steve Hopkins)

The 2023 ITTF Pan American Championships began today in Havana, Cuba.  The top seeds, including Hugo Calderano as the top seed in Men’s Singles and Adriana Diaz as the top seed in Women’s Singles, will see their first action on Monday.

Here are some of the results from early action on Sunday.  In Men’s Singles, USA’s Sid Naresh defeated Hector Gatica 4-0 and will face Puerto Rico’s Daniel Gonzalez in the Round of 32.  USA’s Darryl Tsao had a narrow 4-3 win over Tyrese Knight  to advance.  Canada’s Edward Ly won 4-0 in his first round match to advance – where he will face Brazil’s Guilherme Teodoro.  Puerto Rico’s Oscar Birriel won 4-0 in his match over Heber Moscoso to advance (to face Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy).  Nandan Naresh narrowly lost to Emiliano Riofrio of Ecuador 3-4.  Jishan Liang, Eugene Wang, Brian Afanador, and Daniel Gonzalez all advanced with a bye.

In Women’s Singles, USA’s Sally Moyland had a 4-0 win on Day 1 and will now face top seeded Adriana Diaz on Monday. USA’s Rachel Sung topped Argentina’s Candela Molero 4-3.  Puerto Rico’s Fabiola Diaz advanced with a 4-1 opening round win.  Canada’s Ivy Liao and Jessie Xu both advanced with first round wins.  USA’s Lily Zhang, Puerto Rico’s Melanie Diaz, Canada’s Mo Zhang and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz all advanced via bye.  All three of Puerto Rico’s Diaz sisters are through to the Round of 32 – with Adriana and Melanie advancing by seed, and Fabiola winning her opening round.

Lots of action on tap this week – check back for more coverage.

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