by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Furthermore, the opening encounters experienced by the Brazilians in São Paulo rather mirrored their efforts in the finals in Medellin.

In the Colombian city Massao Kohatsu had recovered from a three games to nil deficit to beat Chile’s Juan Lamadrid in a full distance seven games duel (8-11, 5-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7), after Bruna Takahashi had accounted for colleague Leticia Nakada in straight games (11-9, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7).

Now at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF Challenge Brazil Open, Massao Kohatsu did not have to perform a memorable recovery in his opening contest but he was stretched to the very limit. Likewise, just as in Medellin, Bruna Takahashi opened her account without the loss of a single game.

Massao Kohatsu overcame compatriot Isaac Zauli in a tense five games duel (11-6, 4-11, 11-8, 7-11, 16-14), after rather more comfortably Bruna Takahashi has accounted for Vitoria Ucima, likewise from Brazil, in an impressive manner (11-9, 11-3, 11-9).

All Brazilian clashes and that was the theme as the day began.

In the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, Gustavo Yokota beat Vitor Santos (8-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5), Luis Anjos overcame Leonardo Fogaca (11-4, 12-10, 11-6), whilst Diogo Silva defeated Sergio Bignardi (11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4).

Likewise, Guilherme Teodoro accounted for Thiago Pradella (11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-2); Gustavo Kodama eventually overcame Rafael Rosenberg (11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 13-11).

Meanwhile, in the Under 21 Women’s Singles competition; in addition to Bruna Takahashi; Martina Kohatsu beat Guilia Takahashi (7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10), whilst Luana Katsumata overcame Brenda Amaral (11-3, 11-2, 11-8).

Additionally, Fernada Kodama emerged successful against Beatrix Kimoto (11-6, 11-8, 4-11, 11-9), as did Livia Lima in opposition to Tamyres Fukase (11-7, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9).

Play in the group qualification stage continues later in the day.