Suvajit, Poulomi lead Indian hopes — Asian TT

If form and reputation are any guide, then China, Japan and Korea (not necessarily in that order) should dominate the proceedings.

Korean girls, who had finished runners-up in the last edition, have a player in Kim Kyung Ha, who is ranked 38th in the World. On the boys side, Ryu Seung Min, who was here the last time, will spearhead the challenge.

Holders China have a new look team with an enviable option to choose from. The glimpse one had of the southpaw Hai Shuai in the camp was an announcement of the shape of things to come. The roles werereversed in the last edition where the Chinese girls came up trumps. With a smooth operator Dai Ningyang to lead the challenge, China should be on a roll till they take on a top notcher in the semifinals.

From the Indian point of view, the heartening aspect is that they will be fielding two teams following the withdrawal of Nepal and Bhutan.

Current junior National champion Suvajit Saha has the big chance to guide India to the quarter-finals. Saha could bank on the support of Shubham Chowdhary, Ranbir Das and Soumyadeep Roy, all proven names in the domestic events.

It is in the girls section where India will be fancying their chances to do one better than the last time, when they had finished sixth.

Poulomi Ghatak carries much of the hopes on her shoulders.