January 18, 2012
Anqi Luo Steals the Show but Lily Zhang the Leading Lady in Tense Drama
 Anqi Luo responded under pressure Photo By: Katherine Garcia |
Courtesy of ITTF Proceedings in the contest against Europe level at two matches all, Anqi Luo recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Croatia’s Lea Rakovac (11-13, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9) and secure victory for North America in arguably the most intense duel of the opening day’s play. |
Undoubtedly Anqi Luo stole the show but the architect of the victory was Lily Zhang; she remained unbeaten.
The stylish American accounted for Lea Rakovac (11-7, 11-9, 11-7) and Nicole Trosman (11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-2) to pave the way for victory.
European Wins
The two wins for Europe came from Nicole Trosman in the opening match of the proceedings against Anqi Luo (12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9) and from Krystyna Stefcova in opposition to Erica Wu in the third match of the duel (11-8, 11-7, 11-9).
Further Successes
Earlier in the proceedings, fielding the same trio, the North Americans had posted a five-nil win over Latin America (Maria-Pia Lorenzotti, Francesca Vargas, Gremlis Arvelo), before concluding matters with a four-one success against Africa (Alaa Saad, Kamilia Kessaci, Thomie Mossemba).
Canada’s Annie Coulombie replaced Anqi Luo in the line-up against Africa and enjoyed success; she beat Thomie Mossemba (11-5, 11-8, 11-4) with Lily Zhang once against totally supreme.
She accounted for Alaa Saad (11-4, 11-4, 11-2) and Kamilia Kessaci (11-2, 11-6, 11-4), with Erica Wu adding the one further success; she accounted for Kamilia Kessaci (11-5, 11-9, 11-7).
One Success
The one success for Africa was secured by Alaa Saad; she recovered from a two games to nil deficit to overcome Eric Wu in a full distance five games duel (6-11, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-7).
North America finished in first place in the group followed by Europe, who recorded five-nil wins against both Africa and Latin America. Third place in the group was secured by Latin America with Africa in fourth spot.
No Stopping Asia
Meanwhile, in the corresponding group there was no stopping Asia; three fixtures completed. The result was five-nil on each occasion.
Represented by China’s Liu Gaoyang, Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem and India’s Maria Rony, the first team to be put to sword was Puerto Rico (Melanie Diaz, Daniely Rios, Adriana Diaz).
Comprehensive
Next to suffer, with Korea’s Lee Seul replacing Maria Rony, was the World Hopes trio of Thailand’s Tamolwan Khetkuen, France’s Marie Migot and Egypt’s Salma Khaled; a comprehensive victory and the day concluded in the same manner.
No changes to the trio that accounted for the World Hopes Team, the Oceania outfit comprising Vy Bui, Sophia Dong and Tina Mii experienced the same problems as those who had gone before.
Second Place for World Hopes Team
The World Hopes Team finished in second place; selecting the same three players who had lost to Asia, they beat Puerto Rico (Melanie Diaz, Daniely Rios, Adriana Diaz) by three matches to nil, after having started the day in a similar fashion against Oceania (Vy Bui, Sophia Dong, Lai Van Lea).
Against Oceania, Peru’s Neridee Niño replaced Egypt’s Salma Khaled.
Third Place for Hosts
Puerto Rico by virtue of a three-two win over Oceania finished in third place with Daniely Rios the backbone of the victory.
She beat Sophia Dong (11-7, 11-4, 11-6) and Vy Bui (12-10, 11-9, 11-7); the one remaining win for the hosts came from Ashley Diaz against Lai Van Lea (11-4, 11-6, 11-1) with Oceania gaining success against the unfortunate Melanie Diaz.
Vy Bui succeeded against the Puerto Rican (12-10, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9); whilst Sophia Dong succeeded by a similar four game margin (11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 17-15).
Stage Two
At the semi-final stage Asia meets Europe and the World Hopes Team opposes North America; whilst in the play-off fixtures for fifth to eighth places, Puerto Rico confronts Africa and Oceania plays Latin America.
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