Afanador Claims 1st Match Against Matsumuto at ITTF Latin American Cup

Courtesy of ULTM

Brian Afanador was the surprise in the first matches of the group stage of the 2015 ITTF Latin American Cup. The Puerto Rican player won a major victory against Cazuo Matsumoto in considered group of death. In the women’s competition, there have been no surprises so far.

In the last male round, Brian Afanador defeated Cazuo Matsumoto, Latin American vice-champion, by 10-12, 11-6, 8-11, 15-13, 11-6 and 11-9. After the game, the Puerto Rican referred to his win: “This is a moment I was waiting for as they say in Puerto Rico” take the stick “to one of the top-100. I am the youngest of the event and the goal is always to give all out, no matter what results I will always give my best.”

Within hours, Matsumoto must beat Marcelo Aguirre from Paraguay to remain competitive and to await the outcome of the meeting Aguirre and Afanador. In group 1, Gustavo Tsuboi defeated host Jorge Campos, 4-1 and will face Alberto Miño of Ecuador in the afternoon. In group 2, Hugo Calderano overcame Puerto Rican Daniel Gonzalez 4-2, after going down on the scoreboard. In group 4, Marcos Madrid of Mexico won against the Guatemalan José Miguel Ramirez 4-1.

In the women’s race, the Brazilian players clearly prevailed in his debut. In group 1, Lin Gui of Brazil defeated the Dominican Eva Brito 4-1. In group 2, Caroline Kumahara beat Cuba 4-0 Lisi Castillo. In group 3, Ligia Silva secured a 4-1 win against the Cuban Leisy Jimenez. In group 4, Adriana Diaz, seed, struggled against Andrea Estrada of Guatemala, but managed to overcome them and took the win 4-1.

Visit ULTM.org and ITTF.com for more information and results from the 2015 Latin American Cup.