by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Success for the United States but it was hard fought success for the trio comprising Crystal Wang, Wu Yue and Grace Yang in opposition the third seeded Puerto Rican outfit formed by Adriana Diaz, Melanie Diaz and Daniely Rios; two of the three wins recorded by the eventual winners went the full five games distance.

After Crystal Wang had experienced defeat at the hands of Adriana Diaz (11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6), Wu Yue needed the full five games to beat Melanie Diaz (12-10, 6-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7), as in the very next contest did Grace Yang when opposing Daniely Rios. She was required to recover from a two games to nil deficit to claim victory (9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10).

Narrow margins, the United States in the ascendancy; Wu Yue brought matters to a conclusion by overcoming Adriana Diaz (11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7).

Success for the United States with Wu Yue the mainstay of victory; for Brazil the backbone of the win was Bruna Takahashi. She beat both Camila Arguelles (11-3, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9) and Ana Codina (11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 4-11, 11-2)

“I’m very happy right now, but it was a hard match against Ana. It was important that I just kept things simple. I’ve played Camila many times, it’s always close; we play very similarly.” Bruna Takahashi.

Bruna Alexandre secured the one further win for Brazil, in the third match of the fixture, she beating Candela Molero (10-12, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6); for Argentina, success came in the form of Ana Codina. In the second match of the engagement, by the very narrowest of margins, she overcame Gui Lin (11-8, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11).

“Against both Gui Lin and Bruna when I could attack first I felt I could win but too often they attacked before me. It’s a long tournament, I am pleased with how I am playing; I hope I can continue. It is just so hot in the hall.” Ana Codina

The final of the Women’s Team event is scheduled for Thursday 14th September.