by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

After overcoming Cristal Meneses on the opening day of action (11-6, 11-7, 11-2, 12-14, 11-8), Valentina Rios sealed top spot and a place in the main draw by overcoming Judith Morales in a similar manner (11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8).

First place for Valentina Rios but she was the only player from the host nation to secure top spot in the group stage; the remaining three groups witnessed success for visitors.

Argentina’s Candela Molero clinched first place in her group by beating Chile’s Macarena Montecino in a hard fought seven games encounter (6-11, 12-14, 12-10, 8-11, 12-10, 13-11, 11-4); whilst in a rather more comfortable manner, compatriot, Agustina Iwasa also reserved first place.

On the second day of play, she accounted for the Chilean duo of Natalie Ramos (12-10, 11-7, 12-10, 5-11, 12-10) and Carolina Cardenas (11-5, 11-7, 13-11, 9-11, 11-9).

Success for Argentina at the expense of the host nation; it was the same for Colombia’s Maria Perdomo. She overcame Claudia Infante (11-6, 11-4, 13-11, 11-3) and Eymmy Diaz (9-11, 11-6, 11-13, 11-6, 11-5, 11-9) to finish her group in pole position.

Only players finishing in first places in each of the four groups advanced to the main draw where they join the four seeds.

At the quarter-final stage, Maria Perdomo meets Brazil’s Caroline Kumahara, the top seed; Valentina Rios faces Argentina’s Ana Codina, the no.4 seed. In the opposite half of the draw, Agustina Iwasa confronts Colombia’s Paula Medina, the no.2 seed; Candela Molero opposes the host nation’s Paulina Vega, the no.3 seed.

The quarter-final Women’s Singles matches will be played on Saturday 29th April.