KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):
CUBA'S BADMINTON players kicked off their three-match series in Jamaica with a 5-0 shut out of the National "B" team at the Constant Spring Golf Club (CSGC) on Tuesday night.
Led by reigning national champions Yunier Alvarez and Solangel Guzman, the Cubans did not drop a single game although they got some spirited challenges from some of the Jamaica reserves in the series that is preparing both countries for major international assignments.
LAYING GROUNDWORK
The Jamaicans are tuning up for the Commonwealth Games in Australia in March, while the Cubans are laying the groundwork for their participation at the Thomas and Uber Cups, the world male and female team competitions, scheduled for Peru in a few months time.
Alvarez dominated the local Emilio Mendez 15-1, 15-2 and Guzman ran past Alya Lewis 15-6, 15-5, while in the other singles tie, Isaura Medina defeated Shawnekka Phillips 11-4, 11-0.
SWEPT THE DOUBLES
The Cubans also swept the doubles matches in straight games.
Alvarez teamed with Oslenis Guerrero to defeat Mendez and John Martin 15-12, 17-14 in the men's doubles, Medina joined Guzman to outplay Phillips and Lewis 15-6, 15-5 in the women's doubles, and Guerrero and Guzman defeated Martin and Lewis 17-14, 15-1 in the mixed doubles fixture.
The Cubas played the first of two matches against Jamaica's 'A' Team last night at the badminton hall at Constant Spring. The second match of the series will be played tonight.
Headed by national champions Bradley Graham and Nigella Saunders, Jamaica's 'A' outfit is expected to provide a stiffer challenge for the visitors.
