Hong Kong’s Lam Yee Lok continues to lead but following proceedings at the Polish Junior and Cadet Open in Wladyslawowo, the gap closes with Japan in hot pursuit.

Winner of the Junior Girls’ Singles title earlier in the year in France and a semi-finalist in Wladyslawowo on Thursday 23^rd May 2013, Ayane Morita retains her second place on the ITTF Junior Girls’ Standings but has increased her points tally to 2,400, having on the previous list owned 1,740 points.

She is now within sight of Lam Yee Lok who was not present in Poland and has 2,760 points.

Furthermore, the challenge from Japan is further emphasised in the guise of Rira Ishikawa; a quarter-finalist in Poland. She advances from eighth to third place and is alongside Soo Wai Yam, also from Hong Kong with 1,710 points.

Progress for Rira Ishikawa as a result of her efforts in Wladyslawowo; also there is progress for her compatriot, Miyu Kato, the winner of the Junior Girls’ Singles event.

She enters the race at no.8 with 1,500 points.

Similarly, India’s Manika Batra, the runner up to Miyu Kato makes her 2013 debut on the Standings.

Now, she enters at no.16 with 1,050 points.

The goal is a place in the ITTF Junior Circuit Finals to be staged in January 2014; in Wladyslawowo, three girls enhanced their chances of qualification for the annual event.

A total of 16 boys and 16 girls qualify for the Finals; the list is formed by the leading players on the Standings at the end of the 2013 schedule with the provisos that players must have competed in a minimum of two continents, a maximum of two players is eligible from any one national association.

Also, there must be a representative from each continent and a representative from the host association.

Article By: ITTF - Ian Marshall