The Argentine Table Tennis Federation (FATM) was in charge of supervising this contest, which was held in the “Carl Diem” multifunctional gym in the Núñez neighborhood, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
Carrying out one of his best performances of the season, Joaquín Alvarez from Balcarce managed to get on the podium in the U-17 category in the new edition of the Open of the Republic, the second most important table tennis competition in the country, which was held at the National High Performance Center (CeNARD). Likewise, Ignacio Bianchini was part of the game.
The Argentine Table Tennis Federation (FATM) was in charge of supervising this contest, which was held in the “Carl Diem” multifunctional gym in the Núñez neighborhood, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. It was reserved for all categories, from U-9 to Maxi 75; adding the doubles modality.
About 800 athletes were in the game, with delegations from Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, to which were added the representations of the 23 Argentine provinces.
Precisely, representing the Balcarceña Club Top Serrano Association, Joaquín Álvarez and Ignacio Bianchini participated.
ALVAREZ PODIUM
The best performance belonged to Joaquín Alvarez, within the U-17 category. In the first phase, they won the group, after defeating the capital’s Romeo Maldonado (3-1) and Manuel Buk (3-1). Then in the round of 32, he beat another native of the capital, Malik Müller (3-2).
In the round of 16 he faced Santiago Serra from Rio Negro, beating him 2-1, and reaching the quarterfinals where he beat Agustín Domínguez from Mendoza, 3-2.
In the semifinals he had to face Camilo Mosteirin from the capital – a player for the Argentina U-19 team -, falling narrowly. Beyond that, the Balcarce native got on the podium, which he shared with the Paraguayan Gonzalo Méndez.
The title went to Uruguayan Sebastián Timbal, who beat Mosteirín in the final. A total of 48 players were in the game.
Later, Alvarez also participated in the senior category (all competitors). In this instance, he placed second in his qualifying zone and had to access bracket B, since only the first in each section advanced to the main draw.
He was still able to advance a couple of stages. In the round of 32 he defeated the Uruguayan Miguel Portos (3-1), and in the round of 16 he beat the “charrúa” Fausto Castagnaro Pinato (3-2).
In the quarterfinals, the Balcarce native defeated Felipe Alvarez from the capital (3-2), but was eliminated in the semifinals, losing to the Russian Dimitri Burdin, who has lived in our country for several months.
IGNACIO BIANCHINI
As for Ignacio Bianchini, he also did it in two competitions. In the first instance he acted in the U-19 division. In the first instance, he won his zone, after successively defeating Juan Cruz Díaz from the capital (3-1), Benicio Recupero from Jujuy (3-9) and Julián Gass from the capital (3-0).
He was eliminated in the round of 32 against the country’s number 1 paddle, the capital’s Alan Weis, 3-1; who would later become the champion of the contest.
For his part, in the senior division (all competitors), Bianchini surpassed the first phase, successively defeating the Chilean Martín Luengo Morales (3-0) and the capital’s Felipe Alvarez (3-0).
In this way, he entered the Championship Zone, debuting with a victory against the capital’s Dante Rubín, but was eliminated in the second duel against the Uruguayan Damián Moleda. It should be noted that this category was the one that brought together about 100 athletes, being the largest in the competition.
**Looking beyond individual achievements, how do you view the role of young players like yourselves in promoting and developing the future of table tennis in Argentina?**
## Interview with Joaquin Alvarez and Ignacio Bianchini
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! We are delighted to have two young and talented table tennis players, Joaquín Alvarez and Ignacio Bianchini, joining us today to discuss their recent achievements at the Open of the Republic.
**Section 1: Tournament Experience & Performance**
* **Interviewer**: Joaquin and Ignacio, congratulations on your impressive performances at the Open of the Republic! Could you share your overall experience of participating in such a prestigious tournament? What were some highlights and challenges you faced?
* **Interviewer**: Joaquin, you secured a podium finish in the U-17 category. Can you walk us through your journey to the semifinals, and what were the toughest matches you encountered?
* **Interviewer**: Ignacio, you competed in both the U-19 and senior divisions. How did your approach differ between these two categories, and did you notice any significant disparities in the competition level?
**Section 2: Training and Future Goals**
* **Interviewer**: Both of you represent the Balcarceña Club Top Serrano Association. How has the club supported your development as table tennis players?
* **Interviewer**: What are your individual training routines like, and how do you strive to improve your skills and game strategy?
* **Interviewer**: Looking ahead, what are your short-term and long-term goals in table tennis? Are there any specific tournaments or achievements you are aiming for?
**Section 3: Importance of International Representation**
* **Interviewer**: The Open of the Republic saw participation from athletes across South America. How does competing against players from different countries enhance your gameplay and understanding of the sport?
* **Interviewer**: What does it mean to you to represent Argentina on a regional and international stage in table tennis?
* **Interviewer**: Do you see yourselves pursuing international competitions in the future, and what are your aspirations at that level?
**Section 4: The Future of Table Tennis**
* **Interviewer**: What do you think are the biggest strengths and challenges facing Argentine table tennis currently?
* **Interviewer**: What advice would you give to young aspiring table tennis players in Argentina who dream of following in your footsteps?
* **Interviewer**: Where do you see the future of table tennis heading, both in Argentina and globally?
**Conclusion:**
We thank Joaquin and Ignacio for sharing their insights and experiences with us today. We wish them continued success in their table tennis careers and look forward to watching their achievements in the future.
