Ishikawa justified her number one seeding

Kasumi Ishikawa makes no mistake

World no. seven – 18 year-old Kasumi Ishikawa from Yamaguchi in Japan – the current Japanese Ladies Singles Champion started as the favourite against World no. 33 – Jeon Ji Hee (Korea) in the Under 21 Ladies Singles Final at the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals at the Excel Arena. She didn’t disappoint and utilising the experience which she has accumulated since becoming part of the Japanese National squad in 2007 she defeated Jeon Ji Hee 4-1 ( 11-6, 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4).

The rallies were at times blisteringly fast and the 4-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of Kasumi’s ability to change the direction of play with consummate ease and great effect with her backhand.

Kasumi Ishikawa deservedly won the USD 5,000.00 first prize for this event.

Steve Kerns