June 24, 2010
Brazil Clinches Argentine Junior Girls’ Team Crown to Add to Medal Haul
 Caroline Kumahara unbeaten fort Brazil Photo By: Carlos Esnard |
Courtesy of ITTF Once again 14 year old Caroline Kumahara excelled; she was the star of the show. |
She remained unbeaten as the Brazilians stamped their authority on proceedings to move smoothly to the final with a brace of very impressive displays.
Alongside Katia Kawai, the duo overcame the Chile `A’ team of Judith Morales and Cristal Meneses by three matches to nil before administering the same punishment at the semi-final stage, when faced with the combination of Ecuador’s Astrid Salazar and Venezuela’s Roxy Gonzalez.
Ecuador Provides Challenge
A comfortable journey to the final but in the gold medal duel the top seeded Brazilians were tested by Ecuador, the no.3 seeds, with the talented Caroline Kumahara being the backbone of success.
She overcame Daniela Andrade in five games in the second contest of the fixture after Tania Almendariz had given Ecuador the perfect start by overcoming Katia Kawai in five games.
Caroline Kumahara Outstanding
The score in the contest level, the doubles was won in five games by the Brazilians before the very impressive Kumahara posted a straight games win over Tania Almendariz to bring matters to an end.
It was a spirited display by the Ecuadorian duo had been made to fight at every stage in the main draw to secure their place in the final.
Tough Journey
At both quarter-final and semi-final stages they were extended the full five match distance.
Against the Chile `B’ Team of Isadora Panaloza and Katherine Low, two wins for Tania Almendariz and a doubles success in harness with Daniela Andrade secured victory, while at the semi-final stage, it was the same score line against the luckless second seeds, Paraguay.
No Luck for Paraguay
Unfortunately, Sandy Gavilan after beating Daniela Andrade and teaming with Lucero Ovelar to win the doubles was unable to continue in her next singles match against Tania Almendariz.
The contest was awarded to Almendariz, who in her opening duel had overcome Lucero Ovelar, the result rested on the confrontation between the latter and Daniela Andrade; in a hard fought duel victory went to the young lady from Ecuador.
Seeking New Heights
A place in the final was gained but gold was to be denied, Caroline Kumahara was again outstanding, a player who surely can take female table tennis in Latin America to new heights in the next decade.
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