by Ian Marshall, Editor
Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ting-Ting, the top seed, duly reserved first place in her group and thus gained a direct entry to the last eight; somewhat similarly India’s Prapti Sen, the no.4 seed, progressed without alarm bells ringing.
Likewise, she finished in top spot in her group, prior to recording an opening round win against Thailand’s Wanwisa Aueawiriyayothin (11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-8). However, for colleagues Selena Selvakumar, the no.2 seed as well as for Yashini Selvakumar, the no.3 seed and defending champion, it was a different journey.
Both finished in second places in their respective initial phase groups, both next in line to colleagues; Selena Selvakumar behind Suhana Saina, Yashini Sivasankar the runner up to Trisha Gogoi. Places in the main draw booked, both recorded wins against Chinese Taipei adversaries to reserve quarter-final places. Selena Selvakumar beat Cai Fong-En (11-9, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8), Yashini Sivasankar defeated Tsai Yun-En (11-3, 8-11, 11-7, 7-11, 5-11, 11-7, 13-11).
Notably, Suhana Saini, like Chen Ting-Ting received a direct entry to the quarter-finals, whilst Trisha Gogoi and Surbhi Patwari, having reserved main draw places, recorded opening round wins. Both from India, Trisha Gogoi beat Thailand’s Phantita Pinyopsian (11-7, 11-6, 8-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-8), Surbhi Patwari defeated colleague Diya Parag Chitale (11-6, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7).
Most creditable performances, it was the same from Chinese Taipei’s Fang Sih-Han; no current world ranking but the winner in Amman in 2016; she beat India’s Munmum Kundu (11-4, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6) to secure her last eight place.
At the quarter-final stage Chen Ting-Ting faces Surbhi Patwari, Selena Selvakumar opposes Trisha Gogoi; in the opposite half of the draw Prapti Sen confronts Yashini Sivasankar, Fang Sih-Han meets Suhana Saini.
Play in the Junior Girls’ Doubles event has yet to commence; both the Junior Girls’ Singles and Junior Girls’ Doubles competitions will be played to a conclusion on Friday 27th July.
