by Ian Marshall, Editor

A intensely contested full distance five games encounter, determined by the minimal two point margin in the deciding game was the outcome (11-4, 6-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9), the win was as status predicted; Miyuu Kihara and Yumeno Soma commenced matters in the no.5 seeded position, Guo Yuhan and Qian Tianyi, the no.14 seeds.

However, arguably Guo Yuhan and Qian Tianyi were of higher pedigree than their listing advised; they had progressed to the round of the last four pairs surrendering just one game, that being in the quarter-final round when opposing Amy Wang and Crystal Wang of the United States (8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4).

Furthermore, it was the ideal left hand and right hand combination, both attacking players, Qian Tianyi being the left hander; conversely Miyuu Kihara is a top spin player, Yumeno Soma a defender, not the ideal combination but it worked ideally!

Also added to the equation is the difference in age; both Guo Yuhan and Qian Tianyi are 18 years old; Yumeno Soma is 16 years of age, Miyuu Kihara only 14 years old. In teenage years that is a significant difference. However, there was one notable advantage in favour of the Japanese duo, the previous day at the quarter-final stage of the Girls’ Singles event, Yumeno Soma had beaten Guo Yuhan in a quite comprehensive manner (11-6, 11-4, 11-7, 12-14, 11-9). Clearly Guo Yuhan was not comfortable against the defensive art.

Success for Japan but in the counterpart Girls’ Doubles contest it was defeat; Miyu Nagasaki and Satsuki Odo, the top seeds, suffered at the hands of China’s Huang Fanzhen and Shi Xunyao, the no.3 seeds (11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-1).

The final of the Girls’ Doubles event will be played later in the day.