by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Alina Zaharia accounted for Kim Haeun, also from Korea, in a four games encounter (11-9, 13-11, 6-11, 12-10), Kim Yedam overcame Russia’s Kristina Kazantseva by the narrowest of decisions (11-13, 11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 13-11).
Meanwhile, Daria Trigolos ended the progress of Norway’s Rebekka Carlsen (16-14, 11-5, 11-4), the player who had started her quest in the qualification stage of proceedings, before in the opening round causing a major shock by beating Romania’s Adina Diaconu, the no.2 seed (11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 10-12, 18-16).
Three surprise names, otherwise those who complete the last eight are as anticipated.
Korea’s Li Zion, the top seed, beat Czech Republic qualifier Kristyna Stefcova (11-6, 11-5, 11-8),Chinese Taipei’s Li Yu-Jhun, the no.3 seed, overcame Russia’s Anastasia Kolish, the no.11 seed (10-12, 11-7, 14-12, 11-5). Likewise, Germany’s Wan Yuan, the no.6 seed, accounted for Italy’s Giorgia Piccolin, the no.15 seed (11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-2); Ekaterina Guseva, like Anastasia Kolish from Russia and the no.7 seed, ended the hopes of Oceane Guisnel of France, the no.9 seed (11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 7-11, 11-3).
At the quarter-final stage Lee Zion meets Alina Zaharia, Wan Yuan faces Bruna Takahashi; in the opposite half of the draw it is Li Ju-Jhuan versus Ekaterina Guseva, Kim Yedam in opposition to Daria Trigolos.
The Under 21 Women’s Singles event will be played to a conclusion on Friday 3rd November.
