Favourites Prevail in Style but Totally Upstaged by Hong Kong Twelve Year Old
Japan’s Mima Ito and Korea’s Kim Jiho stamped their authority on proceedings at the quarter-final stage of the Girls’ SINGLES EVENT at the 2014 ITTF World Cadet Challenge on the evening of Friday 31st October.
Mima Ito, the top seed, beat Russia’s Maria Taylakova, the no.7 seed (15-13, 11-5, 11-1, 11-6); Kim Jiho, the no.4 seed, overcame Daria Trigolos of Belarus, the no.8 seed (12-10, 11-6, 11-3, 13-11).
Likewise, Romania’s Adina Diaconu, the no.2 seed, justified her exalted status by beating Crystal Wang of the United States, the no.10 seed. However, they were all overshadowed by the performance of Hong Kong’s 12 year old Lee Ka Yee.
Major Upset
The no.9 seed, she caused a major upset by overcoming Belgium’s Lisa Lung, the no.5 seed.
It was a quite remarkable success for a variety of reasons.
Three days earlier, the two had met in the final of the Girls’ Team event; not only had they met in the final, they had competed in the match that decided the title, the vital fifth contest of the duel, when the overall score in the fixture was level at two matches apiece.
A pressure situation and as to be expected the decision went to 15 year old Lisa Lung in four games (5-11, 11-6, 13-11, 11-9); three years older and named at no.10 on the Under 15 Girls’ World Rankings as opposed to Lee Ka Yee who is at no.40.
Total Reversal
However, when they met again at the quarter-final stage of the Girls’ SINGLES EVENT, Lee Ka Yee totally reversed the situation; she won in four straight games (17-15, 11-5, 11-2, 11-5).
In good form in the morning, when she had beaten Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi, the no.3 seed in five games (16-14, 11-4, 11-8, 12-14, 11-9); that form was replicated and even enhanced against Lisa Lung.
Confidence Boost or Not
Surely, the WIN over Bruna Takahashi had given Lee Ka Yee a massive injection of confidence.
“No not really, not a lot”, replied the fluent English speaking Lee Ka Yee who attends a school where lessons are taught in English.
“I was not nervous at all; in the team event I had lost three-one, I was really stressed”, added Lee Ka Yee. “Today I played much more freely.”
Assumed Control
After a close first game, Lee Ka Yee assumed control; she played in a more and more assured manner as the match progressed. Self-belief drained from the brow of Lisa Lung, faster than perspiration when eating breakfast in intense heat.
“Today I think I blocked the ball much better”, continued Lee Ka Yee. “She made many variations with her service but she never served short and I was able to return her services.”
Mission Accomplished
It was a most comprehensive and efficient performance from Lee Ka Yee and to some extent, it was mission accomplished.
“I’ve reached my goal”, concluded Lee Ka Yee. “My aim was to reach the Girls’ Singles semi-finals.”
Semi-Finals
At the semi-final stage Mima Ito meets Lee Ka Yee; Kim Kiho confronts Adina Diaconu.
The matches are scheduled for 10.00am local time on Saturday 1st November, the concluding day of action at the 2014 ITTF World Cadet Challenge.
