Andy Maqueira

Havana, Jun 29 (RHC) - Andy Maqueira once again confirmed Cuba's prestige in the world of table tennis with his victory in the under-15 category of the Youth Contender in New York, United States, and, in just two days, he will compete in a similar event in the Venezuelan capital.

The youngster from Mayabeque shone at the Westchester Table Tennis Center, where he won seven of the eight matches he played from the group stage to the gold medal match in the main draw against Canada's Sanuka Herath.

He defeated Herath in 23 minutes of play with a score of 3-1 (11-4, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8) to seal an outstanding performance that confirms him as one of the island's top talents.

Maqueira, who will be one of the Cubans attending the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, advanced as second in his group after defeating hosts Evan Wu and Marcus Yao 3-0 and suffering a 1-3 defeat against fellow American Kevin Doyle.

In the round of 32 players, he defeated American David Su 3-1 and continued his successful run with a 3-2 victory over India's Eshaaan Nayak, a 3-0 win over local player Maxin Mouchinski, and a 3-0 victory over Vietnam's Than Duc Hieu Ho in the semifinals.

The Cuban Table Tennis Federation posted on its Facebook page:

“Andy Maqueira, ‘The Genius of Cuba,’ continues to deliver incredible surprises... It was a highly competitive and tactical tournament. Congratulations to the entire Cuban table tennis family.” 

In just four days, Andy will compete again, this time in the Contender in Caracas, where Alejandro Martínez, another Cuban registered for Asunción 2025, will also be competing.

Source: JIT