by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Justifying her top seeded position in the competition; Lucia Cordero doused the ambitions of Puerto Rico by overcoming Fabiola Diaz (11-4, 13-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-8) and Kassandra Maldonado (11-4, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9).

Somewhat similarly Ishana Deb, the no.2 seed, caused El Salvador problems. She accounted for Gabriela Romero, the no.4 seed (11-9, 12-10, 11-4, 11-7), prior to overcoming Cecilia Orantes (13-11, 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4).

The reason for the earlier than anticipated clash between the second and fourth seeds, was owing to the fact that in the group stage of proceedings Gabriela Romero had finished in second position in her group. Thus she did not advance to her allotted position in the draw.

Success for Lucia Cordero and Ishana Deb, it was the same for Keren Constanza, the no.3 seed and somewhat surprise semi-finalist Monica Mendoza. Keren Constanza accounted for Costa Rica’s Brenda Vasquez (11-8, 11-5, 11-5, 11-3) and Puerto Rico’s Brianna Burgos (11-8, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8); Monica Mendoza ended the hopes of Guatemala’s Lourdes Berreondo (11-7, 11-4, 11-3, 4-11, 11-2) and Mexico’s Monica Muñoz (8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3, 17-15.

At the semi-final stage of proceedings, Lucia Cordero meets Keren Constanza; Monica Mendoza opposes Deb Ishana.

Play at the 2017 El Salvador Junior and Cadet Open concludes on Sunday 20th August.