Chinese Taipei Lee Chia-Sheng and Japan Masataka Morizono, the respective top two seeds in the Boys  Singles event at the ITTF Global Junior Circuit Finals in Guatemala City, imposed their authority on proceedings on the opening day of action, Friday 25th January 2013.

The two left handers were each required to play two matches.

Both were in positive frames of mind, quick to attack after the service and quick to seize any opportunity should the opponent service drift long; time and again for their adversaries it was the passive role, trying to withstand the **laught.

Neither of the two leading names was seriously threatened

Li Chia-Sheng

Lee Chia-Sheng accounted for Argentina Pablo Saragovi in five games (11-7, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6) and Hong Kong Hung Ka Tak in four straight games (11-7, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6).

Same from Masataka Morizono

Two most impressive victories and it was very much the same for Masataka Morizono. 

Totally focused, at top speed he overcame the defensive skills of Korea Kang Minho on his first visit to the table in four straight games (11-9, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8), before securing victory against a fellow left hander in the guise of Singapore Clarence Chew.

Masataka Morizono secured a five games win (11-6, 8-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-7).

The Surprise Performer

Two left handers unbeaten and there was a third; very much the surprise package of the day. 

After having beaten Clarence Chew colleague, Xin Zhaoxu, the no.4 seed, in his opening encounter (10-12, 11-5, 11-5, 11-5, 11-1), Portugal Jo Geraldo concluded his day work with an impressive win over Egypt Aly Ghallab (11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6).

Canadian Succeeds

A successful day for the top two seeds and also it was a successful day for the third seed, Canada Chen Hongtao. 

However, life for the Canadian was much more testing than for Lee Chia-Sheng or for Masataksa Morizono.

No great travails in his opening contest; he beat Huang Chien-Tu in four straight games (11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 13-11) but on his second visit to the table, it was a much different scenario. He needed the full seven games to beat Brazil Eric Jouti (11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 7-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8).

Fourth Seed Concludes with Win

Meanwhile, for Xin Zhaoxu, the no.4 seed, he ended matters on a positive note and like Chen Hongtao beat a Brazilian in a hard fought contest.

He overcame Vitor Ishiy in seven games (7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 9-11, 11-8, 10-12, 11-7).

Second Stage

Players finishing in first and second places in each of the four groups progress to compete for the top eight positi**; those finishing in third and fourth places in each group play for places nine to 16.

The first stage of proceeding concludes on the morning of Saturday 26th January, being followed in the afternoon by the quarter-finals.