2011 Brazilian University League Martial Arts, Chess and Table Tennis

SAO PAULO – Martial arts, chess and table tennis give sequence to 2011 season of the Brazilian University League. Chess and table tennis players from nine Brazilian states are the first into action in the premier edition of the Brazilian University League in these sports. There will be seven rounds of the Chess tournament from May 25th to 29th. Besides the national title, players look for a spot to represent Brazil at the 2011 Summer Universiade in China.

Liria Garcia and Janine Martinez from São Paulo are the toppers of the Chess League. They represented Brazil at the 2010 World University Chess Championship in Zurich, Switzerland. “It’s the premiere edition of the chess and table tennis league and an opportunity for young graduates to compete and it also serves as a stepping stone for future high profile contestants in those sports”, said Luciano Cabral, President of Brazilian University Sports Confederation.

The table tennis players begin the tournament on Friday, May 27th, and finals matches will be on Sunday, May 29th. Champions are also guaranteed a spot on the Brazilian Universiade team.

The Martial Arts League of Judo, Karate and Taekwondo, in São Paulo city, bring together 300 athletes from sixteen Brazilian states. The judo tournament opens the competition in the Pacaembu gym from May 26th to 28th. Athletes of karate and taekwondo compete on Saturday, May 28th. This is the third edition of the Martial Arts University League. One of the elite athletes in the judo tournament is Breno Alves, who is a member of the Brazilian selection and an London 2012 prospect.

The 2011 Brazilian University League is organized by the Brazilian University Sports Confederation (CBDU) with support from the Ministry of Sports and sponsorship of Itau, Volkswagen, Koch Tavares, Wilson Bank, ABC Redecard, Nokia, Contax and Bauducco through Law for the Encouragement of the Federal Government.

(Source: Polyanna Padua, CBDU Media Officer)