by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Antonia Saavedra concluded her first stage matches by beating Macarena Montecino  in four games (9-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-6), the 14 year old competing in her first international tournament, although beaten by her colleague, had impressed.

The win secured first place in the group for Antonia Saavedra with Macarena Montecino in second place.

“I was very happy with my results, I was a bit nervous when playing on table one.” Macarena Montecino

A hard fought win, in the corresponding group, life was even more testing.

Claudia Infante beat Carolina Cardenas in five games (11-4, 14-12, 3-11, 4-11, 11-8), prior to suffering defeat at the hands of Natalie Ramos in four games (5-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-1). Success for Natalie Ramos but in her concluding group stage contest, she was beaten by Carolina Cardenas, the four games margin also being the outcome (6-11, 15-13, 14-12, 11-8).

Games ratio prevailed; it was first place for Carolina Cardenas (5:4) with Natalie Ramos being next in line (4:4) and Claudia Infante in third position (4:5).

At the quarter-final stage, in the top half of the draw Natalie Ramos meets Argentina’s Candela Molero; Antonia Saavedra plays colleague Mariam Ruiz. Meanwhile, in the lower half it is an all-Chilean affair; Valentina Rios faces Carolina Cardenas, Macarena Montecino opposes Giovanna Guessi.

The quarter-final matches in the Under 21 Women’s Singles event will be played on Friday 28th April.