by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
He beat both Maciej Kolodziejczyk (11-5, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9) and Vladimir Sidorenko (11-9, 11-7, 11-7) to set the scene for Yin Tianyue to be the hero of the hour.
After having lost to Vladimir Sidorenko in the opening match of the fixture (11-5, 11-2, 11-4) he found his form to overcome Maciej Kolodziejczyk (11-8, 11-4, 11-7) in the fifth and deciding match of the engagement to seal the win.
The one further win for Europe was recorded in the third match of the fixture; Carlo Rossi accounted for Fan Langyu (7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9).
“I didn’t think too much when our team was trailing two-one but of course, we were in a very bad situation and the every member of team felt a little bit lost. When I came to the court, I had great confidence in winning. I wanted to inspire the whole team with a win. I hope to take step by step and do my part for the team here at this tournament” Song Zhuoheng
China with Gao Shentong replacing Fan Langyu accounted for the Hopes Team trio of Mohamed Sameh, Finn Luu and Yang Len by five matches to nil, before recording a four-one win over the African trio comprising Marwan Abdelwahab, Aboubaker Bourass and Regis Kiassi.
Impressively the one winner for the African outfit was Marwan Abdelwahab; in the second match of the fixture, he overcame Yin Tianyue (11-8, 6-11, 2-11, 11-9, 11-5).
Europe with Maciej Kolodziejczyk, Carlos Rossi and Vladimir Sidorenko once again on duty overcame Africa, who replaced Regis Kiassi in their line-up with Abdelbasset Chiachi, by five matches to nil, before the same margin of victory was posted against the Hopes Team.
Andras Csaba was introduced into the European selection with Maciej Kolodziejczyk rested; for the Hopes Team Navid Shams was on duty alongside Finn Luu and Mohamed Sameh.
Meanwhile, in the corresponding group, the Asian outfit comprising Cho Daeseong, Ben Kun Ting, Yanapong Panagitgun and Yukiya Uda ruled supreme; just one individual match was surrendered. Against Latin America, Beh Kun Ting experienced defeat at the hands of Rafael Torino (11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 3-11,11-3).
The contest was to decide second place and thus a passport to the semi-finals; the decision went in favour of North America, a three-two win was recorded against Latin America.
Mainstay of the North American victory was Sharon Alguetti. He beat both Mariano Lokward (11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9) and Rafael Torino (11-8, 11-1, 11-5).
The one further win for the victors was recorded by Alexander Bu who overcame Gabriel Perez (11-9, 11-4, 11-7); for Latin America both wins were recorded in opposition to Vitor Liu. He was beaten by Rafael Torino in three games (13-11, 11-5, 11-6) and by Mariano Lockward in a full distance contest (7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 6-11, 11-4).
Thus for North America who also included Edward Ly in their squad it was runners up spot in the group, for Latin America whose one further player was Jhon Lou it was third place; fourth spot was the lot of Oceania who selected from Ronan Aubry, Vicky Wu, Zaki Zenaidee and Zhao Yanglun.
The team events conclude on Tuesday 25th October.
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Schedule of Play
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Boys’ Teams and Girls’ Teams
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Cadet Boys’ Team – First Stage Results
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Cadet Girls’ Team – First Stage Results
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Cadet Boys’ Team – Main Draw
2016 ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Cadet Girls’ Team – Main Draw