by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Top name in the Boys’ Singles event is that of Frenchman Myshaal Sabhi; he is followed by colleague Fabio Rakotoarimana.

Next in line is Iran’s Radin Khayyam with Poland’s Maciej Kubik being the no.4 seed; however, I would suggest that a name very much to take into consideration is that of Ivor Ban.

A talented left hander, the 14 year old has impressed on this year’s ITTF World Junior Circuit, notably at the Serbian Junior and Cadet Open in Belgrade he was in splendid form. He guided Croatia to success in the Cadet Boys’ Team event remaining unbeaten throughout the whole competition.

France to the fore in the Boys’ Singles event; also the country is most prevalent in the counterpart Girls’ Singles competition, where both Lou Frete and Lucie Mobarek appear amongst the leading names.

Lou Frete is the third name in the order of precedence, Lucie Mobarek is the fifth name; Ukraine’s Anastasia Dymytrenko tops the list followed immediately by Lithuania’s Kornelija Reliskyte. The Czech Republic’s Linda Zaderova is the fourth listed.

Overall a total of six events – Boys’ Team, Girls’ Team, Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Boys’ Doubles, Girls’ Doubles – appear on a busy schedule that provides young players with splendid opportunities to savour the international scene.

Matters commence with the Boys’ Team and Girls’ Team events.