July 28, 2010
Venezuelans Tested but Favorites for Honors Emerge Successful
 Ruaida Ezzeddine, cool under pressure Photo By: Luis Sanchez |
Courtesy of ITTF However, for two Venezuelans in opposition to two home based players there were moments of consternation. |
In the Men’s Singles event, Jonathan Pino had to recover from a two games to one deficit against a spirited Ricardo Criado; while Ruaida Ezzeddine escaped from the brink of defeat against Gloriany Baba.
Played at Higher Level
The blocking skills of Ricardo Criado caused Jonathan Pino problems as the adrenalin flowed in the body of Ricardo Criado, the crowd cheering his efforts to the rafters.
He played above himself in the second and third games; with the Venezuelan blinking in disbelief. However, maintaining the level was asking too much.
Jonathan Pino, the no.3 seed, re-grouped at the start of the fourth game, took a deep breath and assumed control; victory for Venezuela but great credit to the Puerto Rican supporters, they stood as one to applaud a brave effort from Ricardo Criado.
Controlled Effort
It was a determined effort with athletic topspin play that brought success for Jonathan Pino; conversely for Ruaidda Ezzeddine, seeded no6, it was staying cool, calm and collected that reaped rewards.
In the vital seventh game against Gloriany Baba, the Venezuelan trailed 7-9; she let Gloriany Baba play the first attacking stroke and then used her control and blocking skills to force four errors in a row from the Puerto Rican and secure victory.
Calm
Calmly Ruaida Ezzeddine walked away from the table, no emotion.
It was as though she had just left the supermarket check-out; for poor Gloriany Baba it was bitter disappointment.
Top Men in Form
Two of the top eight seeds tested but for the others there were no moments of drama.
The Dominican Republic’s Lin Ju and Mexico’s Marco Madris, the respective top two seeds in the Men’s Singles event both returned victorious from their one visit to the table as did fourth seed, Guatemala’s Jose-Miiguel Ramirez.
Similarly for those in the next four seeded places, there were victories; El Salvador’s Josue Donado, Venezuela’s Henry Mujica and Marco Navos plus Mexico’s Jude Okoh all secured success.
Two Matches, Two Wins
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Singles event it was two matches complete and two successes for the top eight.
Colombia’s Paula Medina, Venezuela’s Fabiola Ramos, Mexico’s Yadira Silva and Johana Araque, also from Colombia, the respective top seeds all enjoyed victories as did the next four in line.
In addition to Ruaida Ezzeddine, El Salvador’s sixth seeded, Morayle Alvarez emerged victorious as did Puerto Rico’s Lyanne Aponte, the no.7 seed and Iizzwa Medina of Honduras, the no.8 seed.
Participants
Full list of countries competing
Full list of teams competing
Full list of players competing
Final Results: Team Events
Saturday 24th July 2010: Men’s Team Final Draw
Saturday 24th July 2010: Men’s Team Full Results
Saturday 24th July 2010: Women’s Team Final Draw
Saturday 24th July 2010: Women’s Team Full Results
Final Results: Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles
Monday 26th July 2010: Men’s Doubles Final Draw
Monday 26th July 2010: Women’s Doubles Final Draw
Monday 26th July 2010: Mixed Doubles Final Draw
Update: Women’s Singles First Stage
Tuesday 27th July: Men’s Singles First Stage
Tuesday 27th July: Women’s Singles First Stage
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