The European team were unable to overcome the impressive Asian team at the 2012 World Cadet Challenge in Guam as the title once more returned to the Far East with the cadet world numbers 1 and 2 remaining unbeaten throughout the team event.
England’s Tin-Tin Ho, the first female player to be selected from the British Isles to compete in the World Cadet Challenge, was picked by Europe to play in the final after her fine performances over the previous week at the training camp and the group stages.
Firstly, playing in the semi-final against Latin America, Tin-Tin helped Europe to a 3-0 victory with her 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6) win against Leticia Nekada.
However, in the final they met the dominant Asian team who had only dropped two games out of 54 in reaching the last stage. Their form continued in the final, as world number 1 He Zhoujia (CHN) beat both Tin-Tin and Andreea Clapa 3-0 while world number 2 Mima Ito (JPN) also defeated Tin-Tin 3-1.
Natalia Bajor was able to secure one win for the Europeans over Soo Wai Yam Minnie (HKG, 10) but there was no stopping the Asian team as they emerged victorious in Mangilao, Guam.
The players will now have a rest day before starting the singles and doubles events from Friday onwards. It will be interesting to see how far the English number 1 can get against the best cadet players in the world.
2012 World Cadet Challenge Results
Cadet Girls Semi-Final
Europe 3-0 Latin America
Tin-Tin Ho bt Leticia Nakada 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6)
Cadet Girls Final
Asia 3-1 Europe
Mima Ito bt Tin-Tin Ho 3-1 (11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8)
He Zhoujia bt Tin-Tin Ho 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-7)