Hosts USA survived a tense semi-final battle (2:1) against India in the WSF Women’s World Junior Team Championship to set up a dream final with defending champions Egypt in Boston. Amanda Sobhy put the hosts into the lead with an 11-8, 11-8, 11-5 victory over Indian Anaka Alankamony. The tie was turned on its head when India’s Saumya Karki played the game of her life to beat experienced Olivia Blatchford 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 in 28 minutes. US No4 Haley Mendez won the decider against India’s Aparajitha Balamurukan 11-8, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9 which delighted the packed crowd. By comparison, favourites Egypt strolled into the final – for the 5th time in a row – after beating 6th seeds Hong Kong China 2/0. Egypt’s two world individual championships finalists Nour El Tayeb and Nour El Sherbini produced convincing displays – world champion El Tayeb beating Ho Ka Po 11-3, 11-2, 11-4 and former champion El Sherbini overcoming Ka-Yi Lee 11-5, 10-12, 12-10, 11-2.
