Argentina secures the ‘Double’ in Cancun. Paraguay and Mexico on the boys’s podium, Brazil and Chile complete the girls’

CANCUN – Argentina celebrated twice in Cancun within the space of a few hours. First, the girls claimed the FIP Junior America Padel Cup title by defeating Brazil in the final. Then, the boys secured the men’s title with a victory over Paraguay, sealed by Contreras/Graupera in the third match of the tie. The final day also determined all the remaining positions: hosts Mexico finished third in the men’s draw, while Chile secured a podium place in the women’s competition.

 

BOYS The young talents of the Selección Albiceleste concluded the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Paraguay. In the opening match of the final, Argentina’s Maza/Lescano Barrera defeated Unger Rey/Zorilla in three sets (7-6, 4-6, 6-4). Paraguay levelled the tie in the second match, with Bareiro/Lopez Barres beating Ciccioli/Botta (6-1, 3-6, 4-6). Argentina’s title was secured by Contreras/Graupera, who defeated Serna Thompson/Petit Fernandez 7-5, 6-4. “I want to thank my family, who always support me, even from afar,” said an emotional Contreras. “Representing Argentina is always special, especially when you get to lift a trophy. I also want to thank my national team-mates, who fought until the very end: the Under 14 team won, while the Under 16 team gave everything, showing the spirit that defines us.” Graupera also reflected on the achievement: “This is my final year wearing the youth team shirt, and I am extremely proud to be experiencing it this way. It was a hard-fought final. I want to thank my team-mates: I had a warrior by my side. Santino is like a brother to me; he never left me on my own.”

 

GIRLS Argentina also demonstrated their strength in the women’s final, securing a 2-0 victory over Brazil. In the opening match of the tie, Ingrassia Yarade/Siage defeated Brazil’s Do Carmo Vargas/Sousa de Almeida. After winning the first set 6-1 and losing the second by the same score, they secured the match 6-3 in the deciding set. The winning point was delivered by Vilchez/Benitez Blanco, who defeated Hossen/Wienke Dallagnol 6-1, 6-2. “It is an incredible moment. I went from playing the World Cup in Qatar with Argentina, finishing second, to coming here to Mexico and winning a title,” explained Vilchez. “I am very happy to have been able to make my small contribution to this team. I would like to congratulate all the girls who made their debut in this competition.” Benitez Blanco also expressed her pride: “Playing in these colours is an immense source of pride, a privilege that not everyone has. I am therefore delighted to be here. I want to applaud all the girls because they played incredibly well throughout the week. We fought and gave everything from the first point to the last.”

 

THIRD PLACE In the boys’ competition, hosts Mexico secured third place with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela. The home NextGen team took an early lead through B.Batarse Lopez/E.Batarse Lopez. Mexico’s victory was secured by Garza De La Pena/Rodriguez Gomez in the second match of the tie (the third match, played after the result had already been decided, was won by Venezuela). In the girls’ competition, Chile claimed a podium finish by defeating Mexico 2-0, with victories from Salamon De La Maza/Abarca Ahumada and Candia Gonzalez/Carvajal Santos proving decisive.

 

Brazil completed the men’s standings in fifth place after a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, while Colombia won the play-off for seventh place against the United States. In the women’s draw, Paraguay finished fifth with a 2-0 win over Venezuela, while the United States secured seventh place by defeating Colombia 2-1.