by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Notably, Su Pei-Ling, Chen Ying-Chen and Chen Ting-Ting, the respective top three seeds, all reserved first places in their respective groups without due alarm.

Conversely for Chen Tzu-Ting life was more testing. She was beaten by Germany’s Laura Tiefenbrunner in four games (6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-4) but overcame the host nation’s Dasa Sinkarova in three straight games (11-3, 11-8, 11-6).

Success for Germany’s Laura Tiefenbrunner against Chen Ying-Chen but earlier in the day, she had been beaten by Dasa Sinkarova in three straight games (11-8, 12-10, 11-8).

Three players level, games ratio determined the outcome; thus it was first place Chen Tzu-Ting (4:3), with Dasa Sinkarova in second place (3:3). Alas for Laura Tiefenbrunner, it was third spot in the group (3:4) and thus no place in the main draw; players finishing in first and second places in each group, advanced to the second stage.

One defeat but first place in the group; for Julia Szymczak, Franziska Schreiner and Aleksandra Vovk, it was a day without blemish and success against the highest rated player in the group.

Julia Szymczak beat Croatia’s Andrea Pavlovic, the no.4 seed (11-9, 11-8, 11-7), Franziska Schreiner defeated Hungary’s Orsolya Feher, the no.10 seed (12-14, 10-12, 13-11, 11-9, 11-8); Aleksandra Vovk overcame Poland’s Katarzyna Wegrzin, the no.14 seed (6-11, 5-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-1).

Defeats for Andrea Pavlovic, Orsolja Feher and Katarzyna Wegrzyn; however, it was their only defeat, second place and thus progress to the main draw was the outcome.

Play in Senec concludes on Sunday 4th June.