by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

At the final hurdle it was Romania that was put to the sword.

Oceane Guisnel beat Alina Zaharia (14-12, 12-14, 11-7, 11-9), before Joe Seyfried brought proceedings to a close by overcoming Alexandru Manole (11-4, 3-11, 11-7, 11-4).

Thus for the French duo it was two gold and one silver; for the Romanians it was the reverse, one gold and two silver.

Three events on offer, earlier in the week, Alexandru Manole and Alina Zaharia had won the Mixed Doubles title beating Joe Seyfried and Oceane Guisnel in the final; in the Mixed Team competition it was exactly the reverse scenario.

Throughout the tournament, the four players had proved head and shoulders above all opposition; they possessed far greater international experience. Similar to the French duo, the Romanians have been familiar faces in such events as the ITTF World Junior Circuit and European Youth Championships.

Furthermore, all four players hail from national associations that have a long standing traditions of excellence with well organised coaching programmes.

The question now posed is that in the next four years can any other countries in the Francophone group make sufficient progress to challenge for honour in 2021 when the multi-sport event will be played in Quebec, Canada?

There is time but time passes quickly.

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Mixed Doubles (Monday 24th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Mixed Team (Monday 24th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Men’s Singles Stage One (Tuesday 25th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Men’s Singles Main Draw (Thursday 27th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Women’s Singles Stage One (Tuesday 25th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Results – Women’s Singles Main Draw (Thursday 27th July)

2017 Francophone Games: Roll of Honour (Thursday 27th July)