by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

After Sun Yingsha had beaten Miyu Kato, the young lady with a variety of innovative services (11-4, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9) and Wang Manyu had proved too safe and secure for Miyuu Kihara (11-9, 11-2, 8-11, 11-5); the quick-fire attacking skills of Miyu Nagasaki caused the one upset of the evening.

Listed at no.5 on the ITTF World Junior Circuit Standings and destined for an invitation to the Finals to be staged next February in Luxembourg but as yet without an ITTF World Junior Circuit Girls’ Singles title to her credit, she overcame Shi Xunyao (11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6).

Shi Xunyao may not hold the current sporting status of Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu who have won ITTF World Tour titles this year but let us not forget she is the reigning World Junior champion. Defeat for Shi Xunyao but in the next contest the top step of the podium was secured, Wang Manyu beat Miyu Kato (11-5, 11-7, 14-12).

“It’s my first World Junior Championships; there’s a sense of relief after winning the title. Especially since I was the first to play, I did feel a little nervous; luckily I was well prepared and quick on my feet today. I think my performance was better when compared to previous matches. I had not played against Miyu Kato before. I have only watched some of her past match footages and seen how she serves, so I was prepared, but playing against her was still different from my expectations. She plays more powerfully than I expected and with a lot of spin.” Sun Yingsha

“I think the main issue because I’m not well prepared. Nagasaki performed better today and I wasn’t moving around enough on court.” Shi Xunyao

“The title is back to its original owner; we have reclaimed the crown. Japan did gave us a lot of difficulties today’s match. After Shi Xunyao lost the third match, I had to quickly adjust myself to prepare for the next match and not be affected by her defeat. Regardless what the final score is, it feels good to have the final victory.” Wang Manyu

It is the 13th time in what is now 15 editions of the tournament that China has won the Girls’ Team title; the only times they have not succeeded were in 2010 in Bratislava and last year in Cape Town