by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Head of the shock absorbing list was Ayano I, after overcoming Hong Kong’s Poon Yat, the no.20 seed (11-9, 12-10, 11-7, 11-5), she ended the host nation’s brightest medal hope; she overcame Jinnipa Sawettabut, the top seed (9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-5).
Most impressive, it was the same from Asuka Sasao, Mitsuho Kimura and Kasumi Kimura; all three had ended their group stage matches unbeaten with leading names in second places.
Asuka Sasao had finished ahead of Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Yau, the no.2 seed; the latter’s compatriot, Lee Ka Yee, the no.3 seed, had been required to settle for runners up spot behind Mitsuho Kimura, whilst for Chinese Taipei’s Wen Ruei-Ling, the no.4 seed, the final order destined that she finished next in line Kasumi Kimura.
Top position in the group meant a direct entry to the main draw. Maintaining first stage form Kasumi Kimura accounted for Lee Ka Yee (11-6, 14-12, 11-6, 14-12), Mitsuho Kimura added to Thai woes by overcoming Cathareeya Poungsri, the no.14 seed and surprise opening round winner against Wen Rue-Ling (10-12, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4). Meanwhile, Asuka Sasao ended the hopes of India’s Maushree Patil, the no.15 seed (11-3, 11-6, 11-9, 11-6).
Four surprises, in the remaining contests to determine quarter-final places, matters advanced as status advised.
Hong Kong’s Chau Wing Sze, the no.5 seed, who in the opening round had beaten India’s Priyanka Pareek, the no.6 seed (11-2, 12-10, 7-11, 11-2, 11-6), accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Yun-En (11-6, 11-6, 12-10, 7-11, 11-5), whilst also in the top half of the draw, Chien Tung-Chuan, likewise from Chinese Taipei was in form.
The no.7 seed, having in the opening round beaten Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Yau, the no.2 seed11-3, 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9), she overcame Sweden’s Rebecca Muskantor (11-4, 11-8, 14-12, 11-3) to reserve her last place.
Problems for Hong Kong but in the lower half of the draw there was success. Ng Wing Lam, the no.9 seed, reserved her quarter-final place courtesy of success against Chinese Taipei’s Liang Jing-Jing (11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 12-10); similarly Australia’s Wu Jiamuwa, the no.13 seed, caused Thailand more anguish by overcoming Naja Mekamporn (5-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-4, 11-4).
At the quarter-final stage Ayano I meets Chau Wing Sze, Chien Tung-Chien faces Mitsuko Kimura; in the opposite half of the draw, it is Kasumi Kimura versus Ng Wing Lam, Wu Jiamuwa in opposition to Asuka Sasao.
Proceedings in all events conclude on Sunday 14th May.
Photos: Nakares Terakashimi
