by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Likewise, in the corresponding group, Asia surrendered just one individual match en route to pole position; that was against North America when Amy Wang accounted for Huang Yingqi (11-13, 11-7, 7-11, 15-13, 11-7).
It was the only hiccup with the North Americans having more than the consolation of finishing in second place in the group and thus reserving a semi-final place.
However, it was a hard earned semi-final place; they were stretched the full five match distance by the ITTF Hopes Team.
Backbone of the North American success was Amy Wang; she beat both Hana Arapovic (11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7) and Elena Zaharia (11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7). The one further win for the victors came from Crystal Wang, in the vital fifth and deciding match of the fixture, she overcame Hana Apapovic (11-5, 11-8, 11-2).
Notably, the wins for the Hopes Team were secured by Elena Zaharia, who in the opening match of the fixture, defeated Crystal Wang (14-12, 14-12, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6) and by Zhou Yingyi who overcame Isabelle Xiong in the third duel of the engagement.
The Hopes Team, who also included Arantxa Cossio Aeves in their selection, finished in third place in the group, with the African trio comprising Manel Baklouti, Rinad Fathy and Malissa Nasri in fourth spot.
Meanwhile, in the counterpart group which witnessed every match being resolved by the five matches to nil margin; second place went to the European outfit formed by Zdena Blaskova, Anastasia Kolish, Tania Plaian and Anna Wegrzyn with Latin America in third place and Oceania fourth.
Latin America chose from Esmerlyn Castro, Leyla Gomez, Nicole Malave and Nathaly Paredes; for Oceania, the selection was made from Lorie La, Danni-Elle Townsend, Vong Hui Ling and Grace Rosi Yee.
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