by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
The no.2 seed, Chau Wing Sze was beaten in the second round by Japan’s Hikari Okubo (10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9); in the same round Wong Chin Yau, the no.6 seed, experienced defeat at the hands of China’s Hu Shiyao (6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8).
Two defeats for Hong Kong but there was a bright note, Lee Ka Yee who had been required to compete in the qualification group stage, duly booked her place in the third round courtesy of success against the Czech Republic’s Gabriela Stepanova (11-3, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5).
Defeat for Gabriela Stepanova but not unexpected. On the current Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings, Gabriela Stepanova is listed at no.112; Lee Ka Yee is at no. 35. However, for Czech Republic colleague, Zdena Blaskova, defeat in round two was contrary to status. The no.7 seed and thus a direct entry to the main draw, she was beaten by Russia’s Maria Malanina (7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8).
Problems, for notable names but not for China’s Shi Xunyao, Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ting-Ting or for Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz; campaigns starting in round two, all enjoyed success.
China’s Shi Xunyao, the top seed, beat Isa Cok of France (11-2, 11-6, 11-4, 11-2). Likewise, Chen Ting-Ting, the no.3 seed, accounted for Slovakia’s Rebecca Muskantor (11-3, 11-6, 11-4, 11-5), Adriana Diaz overcame Russia’s Kristina Kazantseva (13-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5).
Meanwhile, as play commenced in the Junior Girls’ Doubles event, the leading pairs, all enjoyed success in their opening contests. Notably, Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ting-Ting and Wen Rue-Ling, the top seeds, were stretched to the limit by Marose Al Hanra and Hanira Raharimanana of France (4-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 12-10); more comfortably, Shi Xunyao and Sun Yizhen, the no.2 seeds, also beat a French pairing. They overcame Amelie Pauly Prost and Vony Ange Randriantsoa in three straight games (11-5, 11-4, 11-6).
Play in both the Junior Girls’ Singles and Junior Girls’ Doubles events concludes on Thursday 26th April.
