by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

He ended Brazilian hopes by overcoming qualifier Guilherme Teodoro (11-7, 11-3, 11-4) and Siddharta Almeida, the no.4 seed (11-7, 11-9, 12-10) to reserve his place in the title deciding contest where Chile’s Juan Lamadrid awaits.

The no.2 seed, Juan Lamadrid experienced a more testing route; at the quarter-final stage he was extended the full five games distance by Brazil’s spirited Luiz Anjos (11-9, 11-6, 12-14, 7-11, 11-4), before reserving his place in the final in more comfortable manner.

He accounted for Eduardo Tomoike in four games (4-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-1), the somewhat surprise quarter-final winner over colleague, Carlos Ishida, the no.4 seed (11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7).

Places in the final of the Under 21 Men’s Singles event decided; it was the same in the Under 21 Women’s Singles competition. In an all-Brazilian event, Bruna Takahashi will meet Fernanda Kodama to decide the title.

A place in the final as predicted for Bruna Takahashi but it was hard earned; after beating Daniela Yano (11-4, 11-3, 11-7), she was extended the full five games distance by 14 year old Livia Lima (11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-6).

Tense times for Bruna Takahashi, life was less fraught for Fernanda Kodama; she accounted for Martina Kohatsu (11-6, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9), prior to booking her place in the title decider courtesy of success in opposition to 15 year old Beatrix Kimoto (11-2, 11-8, 11-3).

Both the Under 21 Men’s Singles final and the Under 21 Women’s Singles final will be played on Saturday 6th May.