European paddlers regain World Cadet gold

Europe regained the crown after nine years when they defeated Asia 3-2 to win the girls' team title in the final of the ITTF World Cadet Challenge here.

The Asian team comprised Lee Ka Yee, Mima Ito, Kim Jiho and Archana Kamath of India. Archana was selected after her performance in the Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships at Mumbai in September.

Lisa Lung did the star turn for Europe Tuesday as she won the crucial fifth match against Lee 5-11, 11-6, 13-11, 11-9 to secure the title for her team. Her win came in the nick of time as she had lost her first singles against Mima 8-11, 6-11, 8-11. Earlier, Mima had beaten Adina Diaconu in the fourth rubber to level the score 2-2.

"It was really important against Lee Ka Yee in the last match to win the third game. I led 10-8 but lost the next three points. I thought I could still win and I tried to relax and play my game. My forehand top spin worked to my advantage," said Lisa.

In qualification rounds, Asia had registered triumphs against Oceania, Latin America and Hopes teams and in the semi-finals beat North America 3-0.

The doubles and singles events at the Challenge begin Oct 30.