by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Monica Mendoza accounted for colleague Esa Diaz (11-1, 11-6, 11-1) and Puerto Rico’s Kassandra Maldonado (15-13, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9) to reserve her place in the quarter-finals; an outcome that was also to prove the eventual lot for the Puerto Rican.

In the concluding group phase contest, she overcame Aida Diaz (11-5, 11-6, 11-1) and thus advanced to the main draw where she accounted for Costa Rica’s Diana Piedra (11-2, 11-3, 11-4) to book her place in the last eight. Earlier in the day, Diana Piedra had finished in second place in her group behind Mexico’s Monica Muñoz.

Likewise, Cristina Machado progressed to the quarter-finals but it was a more testing journey.

Impressively, in the group phase she accounted for compatriot, Sara Romero (11-5, 11-7, 15-13), Costa Rica’s Amanda Garro (11-1, 11-6, 11-7) and Mexico’s Maria José Castillo (12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2).

Comfortable wins but the opening round was very different. She needed the full five games to beat Chile’s Sofia Perez (9-11, 13-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5). In the group stage of proceedings, Sofia Perez had finished in runners up spot behind Mexico’s Mercedes Mendizabal.

Notably, Mercedes Mendizabal reserved her quarter-final place courtesy of a first round win in opposition to Costa Rica’s Stacey Vega (11-7, 10-12, 11-4, 11-5). Earlier in the day, Stacy Vega had finished in second place in her group behind Puerto Rico’s Fabiola Diaz, a player who gained a direct entry to the last eight.

A place in the main draw for Fabiola Diaz, there was also a place in the last eight for her colleague, Brianna Burgos. She finished in second position in her group behind Sarika Ahire of the United States; before, in the opening round, overcoming Maria José Castillo (11-4, 11-6, 11-2) to reserve a last eight place.

The quarter-final matches in the Cadet Girls’ Singles event will be played on Saturday 19th August, the semi-finals and final on Sunday 20th August.