by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

She recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Lucie Gauthier of France (10-12, 8-11, 11-1, 11-9, 11-6), prior to overcoming the Croatia’s Dorina Srebrnjak (10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4) to conclude her initial schedule of matches.

Presently on the Under 21 Women’s World Rankings, Dorina Srebrnjak is at no.93; Lucie Gauthier at no.114.

Impressive from Shin Yubin; it was the very same from Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Wen, a player who one month ago had not global status but on the present day Under 21 Women’s World Rankings, occupies the no.65 spot.

Making her first appearance in Europe, she justified her new status by overcoming Hanna Patseyeva of Belarus, listed at no.109 (11-2, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9) and the Czech Republic’s Kristyna Stefcova, named at no.99 (9-11, 11-4, 12-10, 11-6) to concluded her group phase contests.

“I felt stressed as European players play differently; they are stronger than the players I am used to playing. I had to adapt my game, matching their power by changing the spin and using my skills to move my opponent and create angles by playing wide to the corners. I want to play more matches so I can gain more experience and confidence.” Huang Yu-Wen

Two first places determined; in the remaining groups, the decisions have yet to be made.

However, for the leading names on first phase Under 21 Women’s Singles duty it was success.

Russia’s Maria Malanina beat Hungary’s Leonie Hartbrich (14-12, 11-4, 14-12), Serbia’s Izabela Lupulesku overcame Bulgaria’s Krasimira Yovkova (11-6, 11-3, 11-5), whilst Oceane Guisnel of France accounted Italy’s Le Thi Hong Loan (11-8, 11-2, 11-8).

Meanwhile, not to be left out, Thailand’s Jinnipa Sawettabut, proved too secure for Switzerland’s Céline Reust (13-11, 11-3, 11-5).

The group qualification stage of the Under 21 Women’s Singles event concludes on Thursday 27th April.