Cubans and Puerto Ricans win their groups undefeated

HAVANA, Cuba, May 26, 2018 - Couples from Cuba and Puerto Rico advanced to the boys’ semifinals by winning in their respective pools in the Tournament of the Central Zone of the Norceca Qualifier to the Youth Olympic Games of Argentina 2018.

In a day practically under the rain those from the house Miguel Ángel Ayón and Jorge Luis Alayo got their two successes in Group A over Leonel Garza and Franky Hernández, of Mexico, 2-0 (24-22, 21-19) and Deivy Ramírez and Raymer Sarmiento, from the Dominican Republic, also in straight sets (21-17, 21-19).

On the other hand, the duo of the Isla del Encanto formed by William Rivera and Randall Santiago came from behind and sentenced Americans Tim Brewster and John Schwengel 2-1 (19-21, 22-20, 15-12).

Nor were they intimidated against Canadians Cole Irwin and Robert Kemp to take the victory 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) on a stage at Club Habana that despite the overcast of the day showed its natural beauty.

This Sunday, the Puerto Ricans will play at 14:00 local time in the semifinals to the winning team between those of Mexico and Canada, and the Cubans from 3:00 pm to the winner in the match that will take place between United States and the Dominican Republic.

Even when the winners in each lot showed their talent, the teams located in second and third places of each pool still maintain their hopes for claiming a spot for the fight in Argentina.

Results Men Friday 26

Group A: Miguel Ángel Ayón / Jorge Luis Alayo (Cuba) d Leonel Garza / Franky Hernández (Mexico) 2-0 (24-22, 21-19); Leonel Garza / Franky Hernández (Mexico) d Deivy Ramírez / Raymer Sarmiento (Dominican Republic) 2-0 (21-15, 21-19); Miguel Ángel Ayón / Jorge Luis Alayo (Cuba) d Deivy Ramírez / Raymer Sarmiento (Dominican Republic) 2-0 (21-17, 21-19).

Positions: CUB (2-0), MEX (1-1) and DOM (0-2)

Group B: William Rivera / Randall Santiago (Puerto Rico) by Tim Brewster / John Schwengel (USA) 2-1 (19-21, 22-20, 15-12); William Rivera / Randall Santiago (Puerto Rico) d Cole Irwin / Robert Kemp (Canada) 2-0 (21-13, 21-16); Tim Brewster / John Schwengel (USA) vs. Cole Irwin / Robert Kemp (Canada) 2-0 (21-19, 17-21, 15-11).

Positions: PUR (2-0), USA (1-1), CAN (0-2)