(BY MATT HETHERINGTON)

A near perfect start to the US Pan American Junior Team preparation as three boys and three girls from the 8 player team occupy spots in the semifinal stage of the 2017 ITTF Argentina Junior Open. The top seed and birthday boy Kanak Jha will be hoping to seal a victory for his 17th birthday today. The Rio Olympian will come up against USA’s Sharon Alguetti, a matchup of the top 2 seeds for this year’s 2017 Supermicro US National Championships Men’s Singles.

In the bottom half of the draw Victor Liu will face off with the home side’s Francisco Sanchi, the second seed in the tournament. Here’s hoping for an all-USA final. Jack Wang had suffered a loss in the Round of 16 by the narrowest of margins, 13-11 in the deciding 7th game to Chile’s Andres Martinez.

– 2017 Argentina Junior Open Boy’s Singles Draw

On the girl’s side the final round has been reached, though 3 of the US girls reached the semifinal stages. Second seed in the event, Amy Wang, is to face off with the top seed from Brazil, Bruna Takahashi. Bruna had eliminated USA’s Grace Yang in the quarterfinal and, in a 7 set duel, her sibling Rachel Yang in the semifinal stage.

Amy Wang’s semifinal match had seen a 4-0 sweep of teammate Rachel Sung to set up the final appearance.

– 2017 Argentina Junior Open Girl’s Singles Draw

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