by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Furthermore, it was somewhat of a surprise success; the 15 year old, still eligible for the cadet age group category and the no.2 seed, accounted for Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi, the top seed and winner of three ITTF World Junior Girls’ Singles titles, at the final hurdle.

In a closely fought contest, Amy Wang emerged successful in six games (11-9, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4) to end Brazilian aspirations.

“I feel very good, happy; today I think that way I felt more relaxed.” Amy Wang

“The match was very difficult. I gave my all, I fought to the end, but I did not do well.” Bruna Takahashi

The top step of the podium for Amy Wang, on a day, when matters proceeded very much according to status; notably only one of the top eight names did not advance to the quarter-final stage. The player to cause the upset was Peru’s Kelly Santur, the no.15 seed, in the second round she accounted for Paraguay’s Leyla Gomez, the no.8 seed, in a closely contested seven games duel (11-3, 9-11, 11-9, 6-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-7).

A last eight place booked but that was to be the end of the road for the Peruvian; she was beaten by Rachel Yang of the United States, the no.3 seed, in four straight games (11-3, 11-3, 11-8, 11-6).

One round later at the semi-final stage, Rachel Yang experienced defeat at the hands of Bruna Takahashi in hard fought seven games exchange (12-10, 6-11, 11-7, 8-11, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5). Earlier at the quarter-final stage, Bruna Takahashi had ousted, Grace Yang, the no.5 seed and like Rachel Yang from the United States (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6).

Meanwhile, in the opposite half of the draw, Amy Wang had ended Argentine hopes by beating Camilia Kaizoji, the no.11 seed, prior to overcoming Ecuador’s Nathaly Paredes, the no.6 seed (11-3, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5) and colleague Rachel Sung, the no.4 seed (11-7, 13-11, 11-7, 11-8) to reserve her place in the final.

Photos: Paloma Mutti