by Ian Marshall, Editor

In the opening round she beat the host nation’s Zhang Binyue, the no.5 seed (7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 7-11, 11-1, 3-11, 11-6), the player who prior to the start of play in Taicang was unbeaten on the ITTF World Junior Circuit.

Earlier in proceedings, in Taicang, she had topped her group, previously, she had competed in Oman and in France; on both occasions, she had emerged victorious.

However, was it a result to be anticipated? The previous day in the group stage of play, Moe Nomura had come close to beating China’s Shi Xunyao, the top seed, she experienced defeat by the minimal two point margin in the deciding fifth game (11-3, 11-2, 8-11, 6-11, 11-9).

Success for Moe Nomura, there was also success against the odds for her 12 year old compatriot, Haruna Ojio; the no.8 seed, she recorded an opening round success in opposition to Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Yau, the no.3 seed (11-4, 14-12, 8-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6).

Impressive results but overall China dominated the opening round, Hong Kong experiencing more pain.

Wu Yangchen, the no.9 seed, beat Lee Ka Yee, the no.4 seed (14-12, 5-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-4); Li Yuqi, the no.13 seed, ended the hopes of Phoebe Hui Wai, the no.15 seed (6-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5).

Similarly, counterbalancing the efforts of Moe Nomura and Haruna Ojio there were defeats for Japan but not unexpected. Kuai Man, the no.11 seed, overcame Anne Uesawa (11-9, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5), Chen Yi, the no.7 seed, accounted for Miwa Harimoto (11-5, 6-11, 11-7, 8-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-8).

Last eight places booked; that was also the scenario for China’s Shi Xunyao alongside Hong Kong’s Chau Wing Sze, the no.2 seed; having secured first places in their respective groups, they received direct entries to the quarter-finals.

At the quarter-final stage Shi Xunyao meets Li Yuqi, Wu Yangchen opposes Haruna Ojio; in the opposite half of the draw, Kuai Man plays Moe Nomura, Chen Yi confronts Chau Wing Sze.

Play in Taicang draws to a close on Sunday 8th July.