by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Presently listed at no.45 on the Under 21 Women’s World Rankings, the 19 year old accounted for colleague, So Kuk Hwa in three straight games in their quarter-final encounter (11-3, 11-5, 11-4).

An impressive performance, it was the same in remaining last eight contests which likewise witnessed all DPR Korean affairs. Kim Jinyu beat Choe Hyon Hwa (7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5); Kim Jin Hyang accounted for Cha Su Yong (11-13, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9), whilst Ko Un Gum defeated O Jin Hui (11-5, 11-5, 11-7).

At the semi-final stage Ri Hyon Sim beat Kim Jinju; Kim Jin Hyang accounted for Ko Un Gum.

Meanwhile, at the quarter-final stage, a repeat performance was very much the highlight of the round. One year ago in Pyongyang in the Under 21 Men’s Singles event, Pang Un Chol beat Jong Ui in the both the group qualification stage and in the quarter-finals. One year later he repeated the feat but only just; he accounted for Jong Ui in a five games contest determined by the very narrowest of decisions (12-10, 10-12, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10).

A close contest, the remaining last eight engagements were more clear cut.

Kim Ok Chan beat Ri Jong Sik (11-5, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8), U Tae Ryong overcame Ji Yu Yong (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-5), whilst Choe Kyong Guk overcame Ri Kang Guk (5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7).

Last four places decided, at the semi-final stage Kim Ok Chan meets Pang Un Chol, U Tae Ryong opposes Choe Kyong Guk.

The semi-finals and finals of the Under 21 Men’s Singles and Under 21 Women’s Singles events will be played on Saturday 5th August.