(by Ian Marshall/Photo: Rémy Gros)

The destination is Cuenca, a city located in the highlands of Ecuador, some 8,400 feet above sea level; it is the home for the 2021 ITTF Pan American Under 11 and Under 13 Championships, play commencing in the seven day tournament on Monday 18th October.

Now 13 years ago, it was also the destination for international competition; the player to shine on that occasion was the host nation’s 18 year old Alberto Miño.

Guided by Paul Bermeo, at the 2008 Ecuador Junior and Cadet Open, an ITTF World Junior Circuit tournament, Alberto Miño won the boys’ singles title.

Earlier this year he became the first ever athlete from Ecuador to compete in the table tennis events at an Olympic Games.

Currently, alongside Benedikt Duda, Alvaro Robles and Elias Ranefur, he represents TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt in the powerful German Bundesliga.

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