03/19/2011        2011 ITTF-Latin America Cup

The Dominican Republic’s 30 year old Wu Xue won the Women’s Singles title at the inaugural ITTF/Latin American Cup in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday 19th March 2011 beating Mexico’s Yadira Silva in what was a repeat of their final at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico earlier in the year in August.

On that occasion Wu Xue won in five games; in the splendid surroundings of the Maracanăzinho Indoor Arena, she succeed in an even more emphatic style recording a four straight games victory.

Wu Xue won 11-9, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9.

Maintained Record
The win maintained her record of never having lost to a Latin American female play; the victory means that Wu Xue has qualified to play in the Intercontinental Cup at the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup to be staged in Singapore from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2011.

Control
Control was the essence of victory for Wu Xue, from the backhand especially she was solid when required to block; the left hander creating angles which forced the right handed Mexican to make passive returns.

Yadira Silva, to her credit fought but the lessons learnt in China as a young player, the technique honed won the day.

Slow Down
“When we played in Puerto Rico I played too fast, today I tried to slow things down”, said Wu Xue. “Also, I just took a step back from the table to give myself more time.”

Astute Tactics
Certainly, Wu Xue had worked out the tactics.

“In addition I tried as much as possible to keep the ball short”, added Wu Xue. “Her topspins from both backhand and forehand are very strong.”

Cuban Born
Yadira Silva is a fine player, her skills honed in Cuba before marrying and moving to Mexico; however, it is Wu Xue who is en route to Singapore for the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup.

“Yes that’s true”, smiled Wu Xue. “I’m very happy!”

Delighted President
Very happy and so was Juan Vila the father of Juan Vila who played in the Men’s Singles event at the ITTF/Latin American Cup and President of the Dominican Republic Table Tennis Federation.

He gave Wu Xue a big hug; what more could any young lady desire?