National badminton player Solangel Guzman advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles draw yesterday at the Venezuela International Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela, in a tournament which has been difficult so far for the T&T contingent.Guzman, who is the two-time defending singles champion at the tournament, defeated Daniela Macais of Peru 21-17, 21-17 in round two action. Guzman, who received a first round bye, will play Luz Maria Zornoza of Peru in the quarterfinals today at 10.45 am.
On Thursday, T&T players Kerwyn Pantin and Nicholas Bonkowsky were both defeated in their men's singles round one matches. Pantin went down 23-21, 6-21 and 15-21 to Mexican Luis Ramon Garrido. Pantin earned a spot in the main draw, after beating Ivan Perozo of Venezuela 19-21, 21-11, 21-13 on Wednesday in the men's singles qualification.Venezuelan Kevin Rivas proved a challenge for Bonkowsky, as the T&T player lost 13-21, 18-21.
In another match, national player Nekeisha Blake fought hard against Danica Nishimura of Peru, but lost in three sets. Nishimura won the first set 21-7, but Blake bounced back to take the second set 22-20. In the the final set, Nishimura eased to a 21-12 victory to seal the match.After press time last night, Blake and Guzman were scheduled to play in round one women's doubles action, while Bonkowsky and Pantin were carded to play in round one of the men's doubles.
Results
Yesterday
Women's Singles Round Two
Solangel Guzman (T&T) def Daniela Macais (Peru) 21-17, 21-17
Thursday
Men's Singles Round One
Kevin Rivas (VEN) def Nicholas Bonkowsky (T&T) 21-13, 21-18
Luis Ramon Garrido (MEX) def Kerwyn Pantin (T&T) 21-23, 21-6, 21-15
Women's Singles Round One
Danica Nishimura (PERU) def Nekeisha Blake (T&T) 21-7, 20-22, 21-12
Mixed Doubles Round One
Silva Pomoceno/Ana Campos (BRA) def Nicholas Bonkowsky/Solangel Guzman (T&T) 21-11, 21-12
Federico Diaz/Daiana Garmendia (ARG) def Kerwyn Pantin/Nekeisha Blake (T&T) 24-22, 21-16
Wednesday
Men's Singles Qualification
Kerwyn Pantin (T&T) def Ivan Elyouri Perozo (VEN) 19-21, 21-11, 21-13