by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor.

Impressively, Natalia Partyka beat Daniella Rauen (11-4, 11-1, 11-3) to conclude matters in the contest against Brazil, having in the opening match of the engagement partnered Karolina Pek to doubles success when facing Bruna Alexandre and Daniella Rauen (11-9, 11-9, 11-8).

Yang Qian

Similarly, Yang Qian joined forces with Lei Lina to set China en route to victory in opposition to the Australian partnership of Andrea McDonnell and Melissa Tapper; a four games win was recorded (11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6), before Yang Qian defeated Melissa Tapper to conclude matters (11-6, 11-5, 11-7).

“It’s quite simple, every part of her play is better than mine; she was just too strong”, reflected Melissa Tapper. “No doubt she trains more than me.”

Philosophical

Equally, the Brazilians were philosophical in defeat.

“We knew that we needed win the doubles to advance to the final but we did not succeed”, said Bruna Alexandre. “Some moments, we took the wrong decision and made easy mistakes; now, we have to focus in the bronze medal match, against Australia.”

New day, new match

Perhaps a little disappointed but Bruna Alexandre has laid the past to history.

“We have to give everything against Australia”, concluded Bruna Alexandre. “It’s other match, totally different”

Final and bronze medal

The final and bronze medal contests are scheduled for 12.00 noon on Saturday 17th September.