by Ian Marshall, Editor

Shi Xunyao duly completed her first phase matches unbeaten to top her group but she did experience problems; Japan’s Moe Nomura proved a most worthy adversary. A full distance contest was the outcome with the eventual decision in the fifth game being only by the very narrowest of margins (11-3, 11-2, 6-11, 11-9).

Meanwhile, Zhang Binyue, the no.5 seed and Chen Yi, the no.7 seed, both enjoyed a trouble free day; each has one match still to complete.

Success as expected, for Kuai Man and Wu Yangchen, their success upset the pecking order. Both caused Hong Kong pain. After accounting for Australia’s Chermaine Quah (11-6, 11-6, 11-6), Kuai Man overcame Lee Ka Yee, the no.4 seed (11-4, 11-8, 11-9); similarly following success in opposition Japan’s Miwa Harimoto, Wu Yanchen beat Fung Wai Chu (11-4, 11-6, 11-3).

Defeats for Lee Ka Yee and Miwa Harimoto but both, with one match to play, have the possibility of second place in the group and progress to the main draw; in their opening contests Lee Ka Yee beat Japan’s Hina Kizuka (7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10), Fung Wai Chu overcame New Zealand’s Vong Hui Ling (11-7, 11-6, 11-2).

Problems for Hong Kong but there were notable successes. Chau Wing Sze, the no.2 seed, duly secured top place in her group as did Wong Chin Yau, the no.3 seed. However, there were trying times for Wong Chin Yau, she needed the full five games to beat Japan’s Anne Uesawa (9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 11-8).

Play in the Junior Girls’ Singles event continues on Saturday 7th July, the finals will be staged the following day.