North America dominated matters in the Girls Team event at the Ecuador Junior and Cadet Open in Guayaquil on Friday 10th September 2010.
The United States of America faced northern neighbours Canada with a three matches to one success for the former being the order of the day.
There was no stopping the outfit of Ariel Hsing, Lily Zhang, Anne Deng and Erica Wu as they marched relentlessly to victory and the top step of the medal podium.
Mainstay
Ariel Hsing proved to be the mainstay of victory beating Anqi Luo and Ly Li Quan with Lily Zhang giving the Americans the perfect start by overcoming Ly Li Quan.
The one win for the Canadians came in the doubles with Ly Li Quan and Anqi Luo defeating Anne Deng and Erica Wu.
Bronze Medals for Ecuador
Success for North America but it meant sadness for the host nation.
Maria-Fernanda Barco and Joselyn Peralta who had performed heroics on the first two days of play succumbed to the speed of the Americans at the semi-final stage with their colleagues, Tania Almendariz and Daniela Andrade, the no.2 seeds experiencing defeat against Canada.
Against Ecuador `B, Erica Wu beat Joselyn Peralta and Ariel Hsing overcame Maria-Fernanda Barco before Anne Deng and Lily Zhang joined forces to defeat the two Ecuadorians.
Semi-Finals
Meanwhile, in counterpart semi-final, Tania Almendariz recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Ly Li Quan to give the host nation a splendid start but that was the sum total of Ecuadorian success.
Wins from Anqi Luo over both Tania Almendariz and Daniela Andrade plus a doubles success spelt doom for the host nation.
Worthy Achievement
Nevertheless, two bronze medals was an achievement and underlined the progress being made by the small South American country.