International Table Tennis Federation 15 Apr 2021
Now just under 100 days to go before the torch is lit at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Friday 23rd July, cousins Brian Afanador and Melanie Diaz can look forward to a memorable occasion dressed proudly in Puerto Rican uniforms.
On Wednesday 14th April in Rosario, alongside Argentina’s Horacio Cifuentes and Chile’s Paulina Vega, both emerged successful at the Latin American Singles and Mixed Doubles Qualification tournament.
Emotional momenents for cousins Melanie Diaz and Brian Afanador (Photo courtesy of organising committee)
by Ian Marshall
Accounting for Guatemala’s Mabelyn Enriquez, the no.6 seed (11-4, 13-11, 11-4, 11-8), before recovering from the brink of defeat against the no.15 seed from Cuba, Daniela Fonseca Carrazana (7-11, 13-11, 9-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6), Melanie Diaz rewrote the history books.
Astonishing comeback sees Daniela Fonseca Carrazana progress - International Table Tennis Federation
ittf.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ittf.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Brian Afanador prevails to set up qualification showdown - International Table Tennis Federation
ittf.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from ittf.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
International Table Tennis Federation 13 Apr 2021
Three places available for Tokyo 2020, the name at the top of the list in the women’s singles event at the forthcoming 2021 Latin American Singles and Mixed Doubles Qualification tournament, which starts in Rosario, Argentina, on Tuesday 13th April, is that of Puerto Rico’s Melanie Diaz.
Melanie Diaz aiming to create history
by Ian Marshall
Not only is the 24-year-old from Utuado, where you take a boat to visit the local restaurant, seeking to make her debut in the prestigious multi-sport gathering, she is also aiming to create history.
At the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, younger sister Adriana Diaz reserved her place in Tokyo, courtesy of securing the women’s singles title; ever since table tennis was first included in the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988, no sisters have ever both competed in the women’s singles event or have been on duty in the same Games!