by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Bob Liang beat Kelsey Amor in straight games (11-5, 11-1, 11-7, 11-3), as did Wade Townsend in opposition to Chen Ziyang (11-6, 11-8, 11-4, 11-5).
However, for Trent Carter, life was more testing. He needed six games to secure victory against Dean Shu (5-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3, 9-11, 11-6).
Conversely for Heming Hu, who was on duty at the recent Liebherr 2017 World Championships in Düsseldorf, it was defeat. Listed at no.410 on the current Men’s World Rankings, he was beaten by Liu Tengteng (11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7). Currently the New Zealander has no global status but in April 2016 was named at no.271.
Success for three Australians and there were also successes for four notable names on first phase duty; the leading names in their respective groups. Chinese Taipei’s Chiang Hung-Chieh and India’s Amalraj Anthony alongside the Korean duo of Seo Hyundeok and Park Ganghyeon all enjoyed success.
All accounted for Australian adversaries. Chiang Hung-Chieh beat Stanley Chan (11-1, 11-2, 11-4, 11-3); Seo Hyundeok accounted for Benjamin Houghton (11-3, 11-6, 11-5, 11-3), whilst Amalraj Anthony overcame Huang Sida (11-6, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8). Meanwhile, not to be left in the shadows, Park Ganghyeon proved too strong for Lee Seonghun (11-3, 11-3, 11-3, 11-9).
The remaining leading names in the Men’s Singles qualification tournament, competing in groups of three players, as opposed to four, have yet to start their campaigns. They will be on duty later in the day.
