Fernandez dominated the match from start to finish as reflected by the scores in the three sets played (11-7/11-6/11-8), to secure his second win in the round robin of the C1 class, intended for disabled athletes in wheelchairs and with severely reduced functionality of the arm with which he grips the racquet to play.

The day before, the Cuban tennis player had achieved his first victory against the American Michael Godfrey also by 3-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-5).

Everything indicates that Fernandez’s main rival on the road to gold will be Argentina’s Jose Bustamente, who this Friday obtained his third victory in a row by overcoming Godfrey with a 3-0 (11-7/11-6/11-1) slate.

Bustamante had earlier wins over compatriot Eberhardt by 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-6) and Chile’s Vicente Leyva also in three sets (11-9, 11-4, 11-9). The latter inflicted on Godfrey in a close duel concluded 3-2 and scores of 9-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7 and 11-3.

ef/jav/ro/jcm