by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
Similarly the second seeded combination of Guatemala’s Lucia Cordero and Peru’s Kelly Santur ended the day without defeat but they did experience problems when facing Brazil.
They emerged successful by three matches to two but found Livia Lima in form; she was the thorn in the side. She accounted for both Kelly Santur (18-16, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5) and Lucia Cordero (11-6, 11-8, 11-8); crucially Lucia Cordero and Kelly Santur combined to win the vital doubles, the third match of the fixture, they beat Livia Lima and Daniela Yano in straight games (13-11, 13-11, 11-7).
Problems overcome; the third seeded partnership comprising Argentina’s Camila Kaizoji and Ecuador’s Nathaly Paredes experienced just one hiccup. Facing the host nation’s Ceilo Mutti and Leyla Gomez they experienced a doubles defeat (11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-8) in a three-one win.
Overall three teams without defeat in the first day of play in the Junior Girls’ Team event; it was the very same in the Cadet Girls’ Team competition. Chile represented by Mariam Ruiz and Natasha Ruiz ended the day without defeat as did Argentina’s Florencia Chirino and Elea Hernandez.
Meanwhile, not to be left out, the host nation pairing of Rebecca Cuenca and Cristina Martinez enjoyed a day without defeat to the delight of their supporters.
The Junior Girls’ Team and Cadet Girls’ Team events continue on Tuesday 10th April; the finals are scheduled to be played on the morning of Wednesday 11th April.
