Notícia

KARIN FUKUSHIMA WINS CHILE JUNIOR OPEN

Por CBTM

Fifteen year old Karin Fukushima from São Paulo in Brazil won the Girls' Singles title at the Chile Junior Open in Viña del Mar on Sunday 11th March 2007.

In the semi-final she beat Chile's Natalia Castellano before accounting for compatriot, Jessica Yamada in the final.

Seeded two she overcame top seed Natalia Castellano 11-7, 11-4, 11-9, 10-12, 13-11 before defeating third seed, Jessica Yamada, 10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-6

At the semi-final stage, Jessica Yamada, who had won the Girls' Singles title at the Venezuelan Junior Open the previous week, overcame the Livia Mizobuchi, also from Brazil, in a tough seven games encounter. Jessica Yamada succeeded 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5.

Change Tactics
"Against Natalia in the semi-final, the longer the match went on the more she got used to the way I play", said Karin Fukushima. "Her forehand topspin was very strong and I had to change my tactics in order to win."

Karin Fukushima had adapted to the situation and against Jessica Yamada, her doubles partner, she maintained her form but playing someone you know so well is not easy.

Boring
"It was a really boring match", said Karin Fukushima in typical teenage vernacular. "I know her too well; we are both members of the same national team."

Nevertheless, Karin Fukushima maintained her focus and duly prevailed.

Variations
"Today, I kept trying to vary the play, I kept changing the spin on my services", continued Karin Fukushima who had caused many an adversary problems with her fast backhand attacks.

"Yes that is one of my strengths", added Karin Fukushima. "However, it was difficult playing against Jessica's backhand today; the topspin she puts on the ball caused me problems."

Played Better
It was a fine performance from Karin Fukushima but she was not totally happy with her level of play. "I think I played better in Serbia last year at the ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals", she explained. "However, this is the most important title that I've ever won; for sure, I'm really happy!"

Different Clubs
Both Karin Fukushima and Jessica Yamada are from São Paulo but they play for different clubs. Karin Fukushima plays for the São Bernado club whilst Jessica Yamada represents the Itaim Keiko club.

Successful Venture

It was for Karin Fukushima her first Girls' Singles title on the ITTF World Junior Circuit and it concluded a successful two weeks for the two teenagers.

In Venezuela Jessica Yamada won the Girls' Singles crown and with Karin Fukushima the Girls' Doubles.

Meanwhile, in Chile they combined with Livia Mizobuchi to win the Girls' Team title and, with Karin Fukushima winning the Girls' Singles event, the venture was brought to a most satisfactory conclusion.