Strong Outing from the North: Canada and USA Stack Semifinals
by Joshua Dyke
And then there were eight. The semifinalists for the 2024 Pan Am Cup are set for the final day, with Canada and the USA taking up two slots for men’s and women’s singles.
Canada has earned a semifinal appearance in both men’s and women’s singles, and the USA women have taken up two slots as winners from the quarterfinals of the Pan American Cup.
The knockout rounds were halved once again in the quarterfinals. A thrilling push into the final stages awaits the remaining players. They're anticipated to leave everything they have on the table as they shift their focus to the semis.
Edward Ly has eliminated yet another top seed in tight games at 4-2, ending the bracket for Vitor Ishiy. The Canadian will face Puerto Rico’s Daniel Gonzalez, who etched his position in the men’s semifinals.
“It's kind of crazy. Especially winning four zero in my first two matches against another very good player. I’m really happy with my performance. I just wanted to try and play my best game and it worked out.” Edward Ly CAN
Mo Zhang has earned her spot in the women’s semis with a sensational victory over tournament favorite Adriana Diaz. Zhang takes the win in five games, being able to side-step the assault on her forehand coming from Diaz.
Amy Wang swiftly dismissed Giulia Takahashi, ending the Brazilians first Pan Am Cup. The extra experience on the international circuit was evident in the four-game win.
“I just played her at the Pan Am Games a couple of months ago so, going into the match, I knew how to structure my play and how I should come about playing her.” Amy Wang USA, reflected on the about the quick quarterfinal matchup.
Amy Wang moves forward to play in the 2024 Pan Am Cup semifinals against Mo Zhang on the final day.
In fantastic form going into the semifinals, Lily Zhang has a meeting with Bruna Takahashi. It should turn out to be an epic match between Zhang and the number three seed.
The top men’s seed, Chilean Nicolas Burgos, gained the upper hand on Eric Jouti to take a win in game seven of their match.
Burgos started to take more chances on the attack, and it paid off in the last game, earning him a trip to the semifinals. He will see Alberto Mino of Ecuador in the semis.
Alberto Mino took retribution from Brian Afanador and their matchup at the 2023 French Open in December.
Mino maintained excellent receives, was punishing with his strong forehand throughout the match. Mino looks to take the strong momentum into the final rounds of the 2024 Pan Am Cup.
Watch the 2024 ITTF Pan American Cup Semifinals live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.