by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Unbeaten on the opening day of play, having accounted for compatriots Brenda Amaral (11-4, 11-1, 11-5, 11-5) and in a closely fought contest Tamyres Fukase (11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 10-12, 13-11), on the second day of action, the teenager upset the odds.
She beat Chile’s 23 year old Judith Morales in six games (17-15, 16-14, 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 19-17), the margins of victory in each game won underlining her level of focus and a strong mental approach under pressure. Undoubtedly Livia Lima responded to the challenge and underlined her undoubted potential.
On the current Women’s World Rankings, Livia Lima in the very initial months of her international career is named at no.525; Judith Morales is listed at no.329.
Success for Livia Lima, in the remaining groups, first places were secured by Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi and Martina Kohatsu in addition to Paulina Vega, like Judith Morales from Chile.
An unblemished record entering the second day of action, Bruna Takahashi beat colleague, Daniela Yano (11-7, 14-12, 11-3, 11-9); Paulina Vega accounted for Luana Katsumata, like Bruna Takahashi from Brazil (11-8, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3), whilst Martina Kohatsu overcame colleague Beatrix Kimoto (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 11-1).
Only players finishing in first places in each of the four groups advance to the main draw which commences at the quarter-final stage.
