by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Joo Saehyuk, the no.4 seed, just one day short of his 37th birthday, proved as nimble as ever with his footwork, as he turned defence into attack to justify his high status in the competition by overcoming Slovenia’s Bojan Tokic in five games (12-10, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8).

“I had high level of concentration throughout my first match. I was defending more than usual and changed the spin on my returns to keep him in two minds. He received services well but after his own service he could not attack strongly; he could only play strongly after two or three strokes”, Joo Saehyuk after beat Bojan Tokic

Likewise, there was success as status predicted for Simon Gauzy. The no.5 seed, he accounted for the Czech Republic’s Jiri Vrablik (11-7, 10-12, 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5).

Wins as status suggested; for Denmark’s Jonathan Groth, the no.11 seed, as for Germany’s Bendikt Duda, the no.14 seed, it was defeat.

Adrien Mattenet staved off a brave recovery Jonathan Groth, to add to French success (11-6, 11-1, 11-7, 6-11, 9-11, 2-11, 11-8); whilst at the same time Bendedikt Duda ran into the Orient Express.

He was beaten by China’s Lin Guoyuan, the player whose speed had overcome Korea’s Seo Hyundeok in the final of the Under 21 Men’s Singles event at the KAL Cup 2010 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Seoul. Lin Guoyuan accounted for Benedikt Duda in four straight games (11-2, 11-7, 11-5, 12-10).

In round two Lin Gaoyuan meets Simon Gauzy, Adrien Mattenet opposes Joo Saehyuk.