Puerto Ricans survive marathonic day

BOQUERON, Cabo Rojo, july 26, 2010. - Rodriguez/Irizarry (PUR) and Hernadez/Villafañe (VEN) claimed a direct ticket to semifinals.

Rodriguez/Irizarry (PUR) had a long journey to the semifinals, as they had to come from behind to notch a thrilling first victory over Villegas/Guevara (CRC), 21-16 and 34-32. Then, they continued to earn their spot by defeating Dominicans Perez/Recio by 21-17 and 21-16.

“We’re closer to the final match, we had to sweat it but we feel fine and satisfied to be in the semifinals via the winners’ round,” said Rodriguez.

Venezuelans, Hernandez/Villafañe enjoyed their two victories of the day, first over Medrano/Vargas (ESA) by 21-9 and 21-14 and later defeating Miramontes/Virgen (MEX) by 21-14 and 21-16, one of the favorites to win the gold medal.

Igor Hernandez expressed, “our match with Mexico was of great level, but we still have two more matches which we must face firmly.”

Miramontes/Virgen (MEX) and Perez (DOM) had to play an additional match to be in the Games’ semifinals.

The spot for Miramontes/Virgen (MEX) was earned by winning over Villegas/Guevara (CRC) by 21-11 and 21-19. “It was a long day, we feel tired and we know tomorrow’s match with Puerto Rico will be a tough one” indicated Virgen.

Dominicans Perez/Recio defeated El Salvador 21-18 and 21-19. “We must win to assure the silver medal and today’s match with Puerto Rico was great, they are always strong contenders” said Perez.

Semifinal 1: PUR vs. MEX. Semifinal 2: VEN vs. DOM

Men’s Results MEX d. GUA (21-12, 21-08); VEN d. ESA (21-09, 21-14); DOM d. JAM (21-16, 21-15); PUR d. CRC (21-16, 34-32); ESA d. GUA (21-19, 21-11); CRC d. JAM (19-21, 21-23, 15-13); VEN d. MEX (21-14, 21-16); PUR d. DOM (21-17, 21-16); MEX d. CRC (21-11, 21-19); DOM d. ESA (21-18, 21-19).