by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Paulina Vega, now 33 years old has been a stalwart member of the Chilean National Team throughout the current century; Anna Codina, 26 years of age, has become a pivotal player for Argentina in recent years.

At the semi-final stage of the Women’s Doubles event, Judith Morales and Paulina Vega flew the flag for the host nation.

They accounted for the combination of Argentina’s Agustina Iwasa and Brazil’s Caroline Kumahara (11-5, 11-6, 11-7), before in a much closer contest, Ana Codina in partnership with compatriot Candela Molero, emerged successful against the Colombian formation of Paula Medina and Maria Perdomo (11-2, 9-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7).

Success in the Women’s Doubles event was followed later in the afternoon with Women’s Singles success.

Paulina Vega, the no.3 seed, beat Candela Molero (11-4, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5); the win coming after Ana Codina, the no.4 seed, had overcome Chile’s Valentina Rios (11-8, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8).

“For me this tournament is the possibility to measure myself against the strongest players of the continent, I think it can be a great weekend in my country.” Paulina Vega

Ana Codina now meets Brazil’s Caroline Kumahara, the top seed, in the semi-finals; in the opposite half of the draw Paulina Vega opposes Colombia’s Paula Medina, the no.2 seed.

Caroline Kumahara reserved her last four place courtesy of success against Maria Perdomo, like Paula Medina from Colombia (11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9); Paula Medina ousted Agustina Iwasa (11-6, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4).

The Women’s Singles semi-finals are scheduled to start at 10.00am on Sunday 30th April, the Women’s Doubles final at 2.30pm (local time).