by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Meanwhile, Bastien Rembert, formerly in the no.3 spot, the winner earlier in the year in France but beaten by compatriot Lilian Bardet in the Spa final, now heads the Boys’ list (1,980 points).
He is one place ahead of Austria’s Maciej Kolodziejczyk (1,616 points), the winner in Italy and Azerbaijan’s Yang Xinyu (1,576 points), the player who emerged successful in first tournament of the year, the Czech Junior and Cadet Open.
Japan’s Naoya Kawakami and Shunsuke Togami, alongside Romania’s Cristian Pletea share fifth spot (1,250 points); Naoya Kawakami who won in Australia, Shunsuke Togami in Sweden, Cristian Pletea in Tunisia.
Remi Menand, like Bastian Rembert and Lilian Bardet from France, occupies eighth place (1,228), being ahead of Japan’s Haruka Miyamot (1,170 points), Brazil’s Carlos Ishida (1,000 points) and Aoto Asazu, also from Japan (970 points). Italy’s Antonino Amato and Azerbaijan’s Wang Chenxi, share 12th place (928 points).
A prominent presence from Japan; it is the same on the Girls’ order of merit; Maki Shiomi, who reserved the top step of the medal podium in both the Czech Republic and Sweden, continues to head the list (3,800 points).
She stands ahead of Azerbaijan’s Ning Jing, the winner in the Czech Republic (1,640 points). Next in line is Miyu Nagasaki (1,470 points), she is followed by Germany’s Jennie Wolf, the victor in Italy (1,360 points) and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz (1,295 points).
Romania’s Adina Diaconu, successful in Tunisia and Lavanya Maruthapandian, the champion in Australia, share seventh place (1,250 points). Next on the list is Adina Diaconu’s compatriot, Tania Plaian (1,176 points); she is followed by Japan’s Yuko Kato. Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Yau (1,010 points) and Brazil’s Beatriz Kimoto (1,000 points) complete the top 12 names.
Notably Carlos Ishida won the Junior Boys’ Singles event in Paraguay; Beatriz Kimoto donned the Junior Girls’ Singles crown.
The goal at the end of a schedule of 25 tournaments is a place in the Finals; the venue to be announced.
A total of 16 players will be invited to compete in each of the Boys’ Singles and Girls’ Singles events. A player must compete in a minimum two continents to be eligible.
Each of the six continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Oceania – is entitled to be represented by at least boy and one girl. One place in each event is reserved for the host association if not otherwise qualified, whilst a national association is limited to two players per event.
It is reasonable to presume that a top 12 place will gain an invitation to the Finals.
Sunday 23rd April: Boys’ Standings following Belgium Junior and Cadet Open
Sunday 23rd April: Girls’ Standings following Belgium Junior and Cadet Open
