2014 World Women's Youth Championships 18 & under: Convincing starts for USA, the Netherlands

© Sandra Minten

The 2nd women's World Youth Championships were kicked off on Monday in Madrid, Spain and saw convincing wins for both USA and the Netherlands as well as South Africa who in the tournament's opening match held off Germany 7-5 to start off their campaign in positive fashion. Next up was team USA who also posted a win straight away. Against ever-dangerous Hungary the Americans prevailed to triumph 14-9. Japan didn't waste any time expressing their ambitions either as they dominated Brazil in the second half for the 4-11 final score in their favour. The top match-up between defending champions Greece and Italy ended in a 9-all draw after a back-and-forth contest. The Netherlands almost got the scoring record of the day as they walked away from China in the third and fourth period of their meeting winning 10-21. Canada played a tough match against Australia but still hung on for the important 7-6 victory. Russia followed to be amongst the teams with the win after day 1 as they topped New Zealand 9-15. Local heroes Spain closed out the day by getting that scoring record against Puerto Rico who had no chance and suffered a heavy 4-26 defeat.

Schedule and results

Monday, 25 August
South Africa vs. Germany 7-5 (0-0, 3-4, 3-1, 1-0)
USA vs. Hungary 14-9 (3-2, 6-3, 2-3, 3-1)
Brazil vs. Japan 4-11 (1-2, 1-1, 2-4, 0-4)
Greece vs. Italy 9-9 (2-3, 1-3, 4-1, 2-2)
China vs. Netherlands 10-21 (0-2, 6-6, 2-7, 2-6)
Canada vs. Australia 7-6 (3-3, 3-1, 1-1, 0-1)
New Zealand vs. Russia 9-15 (3-5, 1-1, 3-5, 2-4)
Puerto Rico vs. Spain 4-26 (1-6, 2-9, 0-6, 1-5)


Photograph: Sandra Minten.