|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Notícia Completa |
 |
|
 [20/05/2008] Excellent Performances on ITTF World Junior Circuit Continued in São Paulo |
 Brazil’s seventeen year old Jessica Yamada has excelled on the ITTF World Junior Circuit in 2007. Currently she is in second place on the ITTF World Junior Circuit Girls’ Singles Standings having won in Venezuela and having been the runner up in Chile.
In São Paulo, at the Latin American Championships she maintained that form on Tuesday 27th March 2007 to reach the semi-final stage of the Women’s Singles event before second seed and compatriot, Ligía Silva ended progress.
Successes
Jessica Yamada beat El Salvador’s Sonia Ramirez in the opening round (11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9) and Venezuela’s Luisana Perez in round two (11-6, 11-3, 11-13, 6-11, 11-6, 11-4) before causing the biggest shock of the event at the quarter-final stage.
Against the odds she beat the number seed, Chile’s Bertha Rodrigues and she won in style. She won in straight games (14-12, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6).
First Time
“It’s the first time I’ve ever played in the Latin American Championships”, said Jessica Yamada. “First time at senior level.”
The first time and it was a very impressive debut. “Throughout the day my topspin play was good, I felt good top spinning from both backhand and forehand”, explained the teenager from the city hosting the tournament. “Against Sonia in my first match I felt I attacked consistently and played quite well.”
Adjusted
She did play well and she showed the hallmarks of a very good player, she adjusted to the situation.
“Sonia plays with short pimples on the backhand”, explained Jessica Yamada. “It was difficult when she attacked from the backhand but I was able to adjust.”
Experienced Players
A creditable opening round win and she continued her good form against two very experienced players, the first was Luisana Perez.
“I was able to block her attacks”, explained Jessica Yamada. “I did have some problems with her forehand topspins, she doesn’t play fast but she changes the amount of topspin.”
Astute
Luisana Perez is an astute table tennis player, typical of Venezuelan female table tennis. She does not play powerful strokes but she has outstanding control and her topspin play is very consistent.
In order to beat Luisana Perez a mature performance was needed; that performance was delivered.
No Pressure
Two fine wins and the third excelled expectations. “Bertha blocks very well, so I tried to change the amount of topspin on the ball and then attack hard when the chance arose”, said Jessica Yamada. “I think she was a little afraid, I was under no pressure but of course I wanted to win!”
Jessica Yamada had the desire and she assured herself of a bronze medal. The end of the road came against Ligía Silva, experience and speed the telling factors.
Topspin
“Ligia’s forehand topspin was very good”, said Jessica Yamada. “When I play her next I must try to attack first and must stop her playing forehands!”
Defeat but Jessica Yamada could be pleased with her efforts. “Yes, I’m pleased with how I played”, she said. “I didn’t expect to reach the semi-finals.”
Chances
Unexpected perhaps but when the chances arose, Jessica Yamada took those chances and that’s the mark of a fine player; it was a successful debut, one on which she will undoubtedly build.
For Jessica Yamada, the future is bright.
Fonte: By: Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
23/03/2007
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
