Caribbean Table Tennis Powerhouses Converge in Havana for Regional Championship
The vibrant city of Havana will host the 62nd edition of the Caribbean Table Tennis Championship from March 2nd to 8th, bringing together top athletes from across the region. This prestigious tournament serves as a crucial qualifying event for both the Pan American Championships in Santiago, chile, scheduled for October, and the 2023 World championships.
A total of eight nations will be represented, including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the host nation, Cuba. The competition promises to be fierce, wiht a roster of international and Olympic medalists vying for supremacy.
The championship will feature a comprehensive programme encompassing team, doubles, and individual competitions for both men and women.
Dominican Republic’s contingent boasts a formidable lineup, including seasoned veterans like Eva Brito, Yasiris Ortiz, and Esmerlyn Castro, who have made their mark on the international circuit. They will be joined by rising star Shary Muñoz, eager to make her presence felt.
Puerto Rico will be led by the gold medalist from the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Daniely Ríos. Her teammates, Fabiola Díaz, Briana Burgos, and Kristal meléndez, will be looking to contribute to the team’s success.
In the men’s division, the Dominican Republic will field a strong team comprising Samuel Gálvez, Abit Tejada, and Eduardo Darley. Puerto Rico’s men’s squad will feature Daniel González, Richard Pietri, Ángel naranjo, and Oscar birriel.
Adding to the excitement, Guyana’s Olympic flag bearer from the Tokyo 2020 Games, Chelsea Edghill, will be participating alongside her compatriots Trenace Lowe and Shemar Britton.
The Cuban team, competing on home soil, will be spearheaded by Olympic athletes jorge Campos and Daniela Fonseca. They will be joined by the experienced Idalys Lovet, as well as Andy Pereira and Liván Martínez, who ply their trade in foreign clubs.
The 2019 Caribbean championship, held in Guyana, saw Dominican Emil Santos secure his second consecutive gold medal, while Cuban Daniela Fonseca clinched her maiden international title in the senior category. This year’s tournament promises to be equally thrilling, with athletes battling for regional supremacy and coveted spots in upcoming international competitions.
Caribbean Table Tennis Titans Ready to Clash in Havana: An Exclusive Interview with Olympian Chelsea edghill
the Caribbean is buzzing with anticipation for the 62nd edition of the Caribbean Table tennis Championship, set to ignite Havana from March 2nd to 8th. This prestigious tournament is not just a regional showdown; it’s a crucial stepping stone to the Pan American Championships in Chile and the 2023 world Championships. With powerhouses like the Dominican Republic, Puerto rico, Cuba, and Guyana locking horns, the competition promises to be electrifying.
To delve deeper into the excitement surrounding this championship, we sat down with Guyanese Olympian and table tennis star, Chelsea Edghill.
Moderator: Chelsea, welcome! The Caribbean is brimming with table tennis talent. What are your thoughts on the upcoming championship in Havana?
Chelsea Edghill: Thanks for having me! I’m truly excited. This championship is always fiercely competitive, and this year is no exception.You’ve got seasoned veterans like eva Brito and Yasiris Ortiz from the Dominican Republic, alongside young talents like Shary Muñoz, eager to make their mark. And let’s not forget our Caribbean sister, Daniela Fonseca from Cuba, who’s a force to be reckoned with.It’s going to be a thrilling battle for supremacy.
Moderator: Guyana has a strong track record in Caribbean table tennis. Do you feel the pressure to perform on the regional stage?
Chelsea Edghill: absolutely! As Olympic flag bearer for Guyana at the Tokyo 2020 games, I feel a huge responsibility to represent my country with pride.We have a strong team with Trenace Lowe and Shemar Britton, and we’ll be giving it our all to bring home the gold.
Moderator: The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico consistently field formidable teams. How do you see Guyana stacking up against thes regional giants?
Chelsea Edghill: They are undoubtedly strong contenders, but we’ve been training hard and are confident in our abilities. We’ve studied their playing styles,and we’re prepared strategically. This championship is a great opportunity for us to showcase Guyana’s table tennis prowess.
Moderator: Many young athletes look up to you. What advice would you give to aspiring table tennis players in the Caribbean?
Chelsea Edghill: Never give up on your dreams. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to succeed in this sport. Find a good coach,train consistently,and always strive to improve. And most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Moderator:
Thank you for your time and insights, Chelsea. We wish you and the Guyanese team all the best in Havana!
Now, we want to hear from you! Who do you think will emerge victorious in havana? Share your predictions and discuss your favorite Caribbean table tennis moments in the comments below!
