by Ian Marshall, Editor
Unbeaten throughout the day, the crucial contest was in opposition to the no.3 seeds, the Czech Republic trio formed by Zdena Blaskova, Tereza Pytlikova and Gabriela Stepanova.
Notably, Zdena Blaskova beat both Isa Cok (11-8, 11-1, 11-9) and Camille Lutz (14-12, 11-6, 11-8) but it was not sufficient to stave off defeat. Matters level in the vital fifth and decisive match of the fixture, Isa Cok resisted a brave recovery by Gabriela Stepanova (11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 11-5) to secure victory and a penultimate round place.
A surprise first place, in the remaining three groups it was pole position as status advised. Top seeds, Japan’s Kaho Akae, Haruna Ojio and Sakura Yokoi duly reserved first place in their group, as did the no.2 seeds, the international combination which witnessed Romania’s Irina Rus partnering the United States duo of Amy Wang and Crystal Wang. Likewise, not to be omitted, the no.4 seeds, Germany’s Franziska Schreiner, Laura Tiefenbrunner and Yuki Tsutsui duly booked their semi-final place without experiencing defeat.
At the semi-final stage Japan faces Germany, France opposes the visitors from Romania and the United States; matters will be played to a conclusion on Saturday 13th April, the penultimate day of action at the 2019 French Junior and Cadet Open.
