by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Both will be making no less than their eighth appearance of the year on the ITTF World Junior Circuit, each having enjoyed Junior Girls’ Singles podium finishes.

Earlier successes

Yuko Kato who is presently listed at no.28 on the Under 18 World Rankings won in France, Sweden and Portugal, whilst being a semi-finalist in the Czech Republic and in Spain. Presently, she is named at no.1 on the ITTF Junior Circuit Girls’ Standings.

Unquestionably, she is one of the most successful players on this year’s international junior scene; however KanaTakeuchi is not far behind. She won the Junior Girls’ Singles title in the Czech Republic, whilst also being the runner up in Portugal and Spain.

Additionally KanaTakeuchi advanced to the penultimate round in Hong Kong. She occupies second place on the ITTF World Junior Circuit Standings but in Varazdin, she is the top seed. Presently, she is named at no.23 on the Under 18 World Rankings.

Silver medallist in India

Good form throughout the year from Kana Takeuchi and Yuko Kato; for the next in line it is recent good form; Chinese Taipei’s Su Pei-Ling is the third name in the pecking order.

A semi-finalist earlier in the year on home soil, more recently at the just completed Indian Junior and Cadet Open she finished in runners up position.

European challenge

The top three names in the Junior Girls’ Singles event from Asia; there is also a most notable challenge from Europe. Germany’s Luisa Saeger, Caroline Hajok and Janina Kammerer are all on duty as is Russia’s Kristina Kasantseva.

Notably of the group from the old continent, Caroline Hajok is the most successful on this year’s ITTF World Junior Circuit; presently listed at no.11 on the Standings, she reached the semi-final round in Italy prior to winning in Tunisia.

Listed at no.68 on the current Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings, she is the sixth seed in the Junior Girls’ Singles event in Varazdin.

Seeded places

Luisa Saeger at no.46 is the fourth seed followed immediately by Kristina Kasantseva with Janina Kammerer being the eighth seed. Presently on the Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings, Kristina Kazantseva is at no.53, Janina Kammerer at no.80.

Earlier this year Kristina Kazantseva advanced to the semi-final stage in France; as yet Luisa Saeger and Janina Kammerer have to make an impact on the 2016 ITTF World Junior Circuit.

First appearance of year

Challenges for honours from Asia and Europe; there is also a notable name on duty in the Junior Girls’ Singles event from across the Atlantic Ocean.

The seventh seed in the Junior Girls’ Singles event, Amy Wang makes her first appearance of the year on the 2016 ITTF World Junior Circuit.

Impressive entry

Overall an impressive total of 91 girls will compete in Varazdin, of whom 59 will be on duty in the Junior Girls’ Singles event.