Humacao – The Marcelo Trujillo Panisse Coliseum of this municipality hosts these days the first tournament of the World Table Tennis WTT Youth Contender Humacao 2025– who has gathered about 100 players from Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, China Taipéi, Cuba, Spain, the United States and India.
The contest gives the tennisists the opportunity of those countries to measure themselves in a competitive environment that helps them up level.
In fact, for several players interviewed by The new day During Thursday, the experience has been enriching and of great competitive level.
“The level is quite high compared to other championships we have played. In these higher rounds, the level is getting more and more”, Said the Spanish player Miguel Zaballos Galán16 years.
“It seems to me a good championship, with a good organization and quite good facilities for this content,” added the European.
Zaballos Galán conquered bronze in the Single Tournament of the U17 division when falling into the semifinals before his compatriot and eventual runner -up Álvaro Gimeno.
Zaballos Galán – who will also participate in U19 – has had the opportunity to meet old San Juan and go to the beach, and shared that everything has seemed very nice.
Chalong norepresentative of Australia, expressed in similar terms.
“There is a very good atmosphere, with many promising young players and a very competitive environment”, Articulated Nie, 18.
“I think it is definitely not as competitive as in some countries in Asia or Europe, but it is still very competitive compared to Latin America countries,” added Nie.
Meanwhile, the tennisist Joshua Josephfrom the United States, he commented that “the more WTT players play in other places outside your country, the more experience you acquire for future WTT competitions in other parts and you feel more relaxed.”
For his part, the coach of the Spanish team, Rafael TaboadaHe was satisfied with what his players have learned and pointed out that people's treatment on the island has been “incredible.”
“We have been here for a week and a half, and it has been very good. We have shared moments in the shelter (Olympic, where they are quartered) training with the boys of Puerto Rico. It has also been a week of learning for the Spaniards. The truth that people have behaved incredible with us, very service and we are very happy. Surely we will repeat”, Said the coach.
As for the level of competition, Taboada described it as strong, particularly for the little ones. The competition has a U11 division.
“Yes, the competition is strong. The best players we bring from Spain are competing here, there are also the best players in Puerto Rico, there are people from India, there are people from Australia, from the United States. The competition is hard, and well, especially for the little ones, that there are a lot of little ones”Taboada said.
“It is being an unforgettable experience. We come with high expectations of being there touching the medals, getting them and seeing if we got some gold,” Taboada said.
He WTT Youth Contender Humacao 2025 It started on Wednesday and concludes Sunday.
