(by Steve Hopkins)
The 2023 Junior US National Team Trials are underway in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are 10 events – U19, U17, U15, U13, and U11 age categories for boys and girls. Four of the events have now finished – with many continuing on Monday.
In U19 Boys Singles, first place went to Nandan Naresh with Sid Naresh finishing second. Third place went to Darryl Tsao and fourth to Daniel Tran. In the Girls Event, it was Sally Moyland in 1st, Tiffany Ke in 2nd, Emily Tan in 3rd, and Sarah Jalli in 4th. In U13 Boys Kef Noorani finished first followed by Max Mouchinski, Kyler Chen, and Liren Zhang. In U13 girls Abigail Yu was first with Irene Yeoh, Tashiya Piyadasa, and Dariah Feng finishing in that order behind her.
The selection process awards the 2023 US National Champion the first position on the US National team (for the respective age band). This event in Charlotte awards points towards US National Team positions for players finishing in the Top 8. In July, points will also be awarded based upon where athletes finish at the US Nationals in Fort Worth. The Juniors Team selection is a process – and the event here in Charlotte is Part 1.
Action is continuing this evening, and more action is scheduled through the weekend.
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