It was a confident start for Tin-Tin Ho at the 2012 World Cadet Challenge in Guam with Europe comfortably winning their three matches in Group B on the first day of action.
After the training camp in Daejon, Korea and practice sessions in Guam, the competition finally got underway today (Tuesday) with the team events taking place.
Guam, located in the North Pacific Ocean 10 hours ahead of England, is an interesting location for a gathering of the world’s best cadet stars but one that, hopefully, will present England’s top cadet with a perfect opportunity to stamp her mark on the world stage.
The first day marked Europe’s intention to reach the final with three successive group victories over North America, the World Hopes team and the host nation Guam.
Tin-Tin, a traditionally slow-starter, picked up three wins out of four in the group stages with her defeat to Diane Jiang in the first match fuelling two good victories over Vaness Leung Tsz Ching and Adina Diaconu in the second fixture.
In truth, Europe’s real challenge comes from the Asian team that they are likely to face in the final tomorrow at 06:00 GMT. Asia have included the cadet world numbers 1 and 2 in their squad in the forms of He Zhuojia (CHN) and Mima Ito (JPN). Their team also boasts Soo Wai Yam Minnie (HKG, 10) and Tamolwan Khetkuen (THA, 16)
On Wednesday Europe will face Latin America in their semi-final while Asia, after three successive 5-0 wins, will play the World Hopes team.
2012 World Cadet Challenge Results
Cadet Girls Group B:
Europe 4-1 North America
Tin-Tin Ho bt Christina Pui 3-1 (11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 12-10)
Diane Jiang bt Tin-Tin Ho 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9)
Europe 4-1 World Hopes
Tin-Tin Ho bt Vanness Leung Tsz Ching 3-1 (9-11, 11-5, 13-11, 11-4)
Tin-Tin Ho bt Adina Diaconu 3-2 (11-6, 4-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6)
Europe 5-0 Guam
(Did not play)