by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

A surprise defeat according to seeding, Yadira Silva having being been required to compete in the qualification stage but in reality it was no great upset.

Notably Yadira Silva has competed in the Women’s Singles event at the three most recent Olympic Games and is a former Latin American champion; minimal international scene this year has meant her world ranking has lapsed otherwise she would undoubtedly appear amongst the seeds in Cartagena de Indias.

Defeat for one top eight name but for the rest quarter-final places were booked.

Canada’s Zhang Mo, the top seed, beat Puerto Rico’s Melanie Diaz (11-6, 8-11, 17-15, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6), whilst the latter’s younger sister, Adriana Diaz, the no.2 seed, accounted for Argentina’s Ana Codina (12-10, 11-2, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8).

Success for Canada and Puerto Rico; there was also success for Brazil in the form of Gui Lin and Bruna Takahashi as there was for the United States pairing of Wu Yue and Crystal Wang.

Gui Lin, the no.4 seed, beat Colombia’s Luisa Zuluaga (15-13, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9), Bruna Takahashi, the no.5 seed, accounted for Natalia Bedoya, like Luisa Zuluaga also from Colombia (11-4, 11-9, 11-1, 11-4). In a similar manner, Wu Yue, the no.3 seed, overcame Chile’s Daniela Ortega (11-4, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5), Crystal Wang, the no.6 seed, halted the progress of Puerto Rico’s Daniely Rios (11-6, 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7).

Meanwhile, in the one remaining contest to determine last eight places it was success for Cuba’s Lisi Castillo; she ended the hopes of Peru’s Angela Mori (11-7, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9).

At the quarter-final stage Zhang Mo meets Bruna Takahashi, Wu Yue faces Lisi Castillo; in the opposite half of the draw it is Gui Lin in opposition to Crystal Wang, Adiana Diaz versus Yadira Silva.

The Women’s Singles event will be played to a conclusion on Sunday 17th September.