Cubans will try to reach semi-finals in badminton tourney

HAVANA, Cuba, Mar 24 (acn) Led by Osleni Guerrero, five Cubans will try today to reach their ticket to semifinals in the Giraldilla of Havana International Badminton Tournament, hosted by the Sports City Coliseum until next Sunday.

Guerrero, who conquered his second consecutive title last year, will rival his teammate Leodannis Martinez; while Angel Herrera will be the opponent of Italian Matteo Bellucci, fourth seed of the contest.
Also among men, Italy´s Rosario Maddaloni, first seed, will rival Guatemalan Christopher Martinez; and another Italian, Giovanni Greco, will face Therry Aquino, from the Dominican Republic.
In the women's event, the locals Tahimara Oropeza and Marianne Gonzalez will also fight to be included in the group of semifinalists.
Oropeza, best Cuban player, will face Dominican Nairoby Jimenez; while Gonzalez will have a very tough opponent in Hungarian Laura Sarosi, first seed of the tournament.
The other two quarterfinal matches are Mexican Mariana Ugalde vs. Bermary Polanco, from the Dominican Republic; and Welsh Aimee Moran against Guatemalan Diana Corleto.
This tournament grants 2,500 points for the world ranking to the winners in each event, single in box sexes, men´s and women´s doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
More than 50 athletes from nine countries, including 21 Cubans, attend this competition.