by Ian Marshall, Editor
Third place, a situation that did not appear to be the end result after the second match in the fixture against Japan had concluded.
Selecting Romania’s Elena Zaharia, Russia’s Elizabet Abraamian and Sweden’s Rebecca Muskantor, a five-nil win was posted in their opening contest against Africa, who selected Algeria’s Melissa Belache, Egypt’s Hend Fathy and Tunisia’s Maram Zoghlami.
In the next engagement facing Japan, the European outfit established a two matches to nil lead. Elena Zaharia beat Yukari Sugasawi (5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 12-10), before Elizabet Abraamian doubled the advantage. She overcame Honomi Nakamori (11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9).
It was at the stage European fortunes changed. Rebecca Muskantor lost to Kaho Akae (11-4, 11-2, 11-6), Elena Zaharia was beaten by Honomi Nakamori (11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4); Elizabet Abraamian suffered at the hands of Yukari Sugasawa (6-11, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8).
The effect was that with Japan, selecting the same three players, having beaten the North American outfit of Rachel Sung and Rachel Yang from the United States, who lined up alongside Canada’s Benita Zhou by four matches to one, the contest between Europe and North America in reality determined runners up spot and progress to the semi-finals.
After three matches the decision was known; Rachel Sung beat Elizabet Abraamian (8-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3) followed by Rachel Yang who accounted for Elena Zaharia (11-6, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7). Matters concluded with Kelly Fei Zhao overcoming Lithuania’s Kornelija Riliskyte (9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-2).
First place for Japan, second place for North America; in the corresponding group, selecting from Korea Republic’s Byun Seoyong, China’s Kuai Man and Singapore’s Zhou Jingyi alongside Thailan’s Waniswa Auewiriyayothin, Asia secured first place without the loss of a single individual match.
Latin America who fielded the trio comprising Mexico’s Arantxa Cossio Aceves, Braxil’s Giulia Takahashi and Colombia’s Juliana Rodriguez finish in second position and thus advanced to the semi-finals.
The Girls’ Team event concludes on Sunday 28th October.
