by Ian Marshall, Editor
On the Under 18 Girls’ World Rankings Qian Tianyi occupies the top spot with Shi Xunyao being the next in line; on the Standings, the order is the reverse; notably Zhang Binyue completes the line-up.
It is to say the least a formidable trio, between them they have six ITTF World Junior Circuit titles to their credit; Shi Xunyao being the most successful of all. Earlier this year she won in the Czech Republic, Poland and China; Qian Tianyi prevailed Italy, Zhang Binyue struck gold in both Oman and in France. Notably on the Standings, Zhang Binyue appears in fourth place behind colleague Huang Fanzhen who is not present in Hong Kong.
Understandably, they are the top seeds in the Junior Girls’ Team event which commences proceedings; next on the list is Hong Kong with Chau Wing Sze, Fung Wai Chu, Lee Ka Yee and Wong Chin Yau on duty. Represented by Su Pei-Ling, Tsai Yu-Chin and Wen Ruei-Ling, Chinese Taipei occupies the no.3 seeded position, ahead of Thailand’s Naja Mekamporn, Jinnipa Sawettabut, Nanapat Kola and Thapanee Phomma.
However, no member of the chasing pack can match the Chinese trio; the one member of the group to have gained a Junior Girls’ Singles podium finish this year is Jinnipa Sawettabut. She was beaten by Zhang Binyue in the Oman final.
Similarly, in the Cadet Girls’ Team event, China presents a formidable outfit with Chen Yi, Li Yuqi and Yang Yiyun comprising the squad of players. Notably this year, all three have excelled in Junior Girls’ Singles events. Chen Yi was the runner up in Italy; Yang Yiyun progressed to the semi-finals in France and quarter-finals in Thailand, the latter a round Li Yuqi also reached in China.
Equally, all have enjoyed Cadet Girls’ Singles success; Chen Yi won in the Czech Republic, Italy and Thailand, Yang Yiyun succeeded in France; Li Yuqi was the runner up in Poland.
Hong Kong ‘A’ with Phoebe Hui Wai and Ng Wing Lam on duty occupy the no.2 seeded position; Singapore represented by Janissa Cheng Yoke Ning, Cassandra Chew and Zhou Jingyi followed by the combination of Canada’s Patrina Hui and Anna Hursey of Wales complete the top four seeded outfits.
Both the Junior Girls’ Team and Cadet Girls’ Team events conclude on Thursday 2nd August.
