by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

They made the best possible start to the campaign; in their opening encounter they beat United States ‘A’ Team trio comprising Lavanya Maruthapandian, Angie Tan and Emily Tan by three matches to two.

Mainstay of the victory was Karen Lee Hoi Man; she beat Lavanya Maruthapandian (14-12, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8) and Angie Tan (11-7, 11-8, 12-10), whilst partnering Jim Lok Lam to success in the doubles contest when facing Angie Tan and Emily Tan (11-8, 11-9, 11-4).

Success against the United States was followed by success in opposition to the outfit comprising Sri Lanka’s Hasali Sanaya Buddhadasa, Australia’s Parleen Kaur and England’s Wong Jasmin. A three-nil victory margin was the order of the defeat.

Problems for Lavanya Maruthapandian, Angie Tan and Emily Tan but a three-one victory over the trio formed by Hasali Sanaya Buddhadasa, Parleen Kaur and Wong Jasmin secured second place in the group and thus a passport to the main draw.

Teams finishing in first and second places in each of the four groups advance to the quarter-finals.

Runners up spot for the United States, for the other leading outfits it was first place.

Hong Kong ‘A’, the top seeds, with Lee Ka Yee and Ng Wing Lam on duty, finished in first place in their group, as did the next two outfits in the order of merit. It was pole position for the Chinese Taipei ‘A’ Team duo of Cai Fong-En and Huang Yu-Jie; a situation that also applied to the Hong Kong ‘B’ Team pairing formed by Chelsea Chan Shiu Lam and Chau Wing Sze.

In addition to Lavanya Maruthapandian, Angie Tan and Emily Tan; second places finished in the hands of Japan’s Haruna Ojio and Fuwa Yumoto, as well as in the grasp of the Hong Kong ‘C’ Team duo comprising Phoebe Wai Hui and Lee Chung Yang. Likewise it was runners up spot for the United States ‘B’ Team trio formed by Joanna Sung, Rachel Sung and Neha Saju.

Play in the Cadet Girls’ Team event concludes on Thursday 3rd August.