by Wade Townsend 

Team Asia has guaranteed themselves the top two places on the podium as Huang Yingqi and Yumeno Soma saw off the last two threats from Team Europe.

Yumeno Soma, who had dropped to Team Europe in their clash in the Team’s Event, made up for her loss today as she dismantled Elena Zaharia in straight games.

Zaharia had multiple points to close out the opening game, but couldn’t convert.

The surprise semi finalist from Europe had said before that match that defenders weren’t her favourite style to play. And that is in spite of her older sister being a chopper.

Out on the court you could tell she wasn’t comfortable, and Soma was in full control  Would it been a different ball game if she had taken the first game? Possibly. But Soma’s style just didn’t suit the young Romanian. But she needn’t worry, at thirteen years old she will have a lot

On the neighbouring table it was once again a clash of Team Europe and Asia. Huang Yingqi showed why she is the top seed here in Suva. Yesterday’s nervous seven game encounter seemed a distant memory for Huang as she made her way to the final in a straight games win over Elizabet Abraamian.

It was an entertaining display from both players, with the Russian charging at the table with backhand punches.  But Huang, although less spectacular, was the more consistent and wouldn’t back away from the table. The no.1 seed closed out the match 4-0 (4, 7, 3, 8).

Zharia and Abraamian will playoff for third place later today, while Soma and Huang will battle for gold this evening in Suva.