by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Meanwhile, Lithuania with Emilija Riliskyte and Kornelija Riliskyte on duty, the no.3 seeds, duly topped their group without due alarm, as did Serbia’s Reka Bezeg and Radmila Tominjak, the no.4 seeds.

In a competition where only first place in the group meant progress to the main draw, the Chinese Taipei combination of Cai Fong-En and Chen Ci-Xuan, the no.6 seeds, duly emerged in top spot in their group without any alarm bells ringing.

However, for the partnership formed by Malamatenia Papadimitriou of Greece and Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci, the no.5 seeds, it was to be a disappointing day but against most creditable opposition.

They had to settle for third place in their group and thus it was journey’s end; no progress to the main draw. They concluded the day behind the Korea Republic ‘B’ Team duo of Lee Daeun and Kim Seongin; the Slovenia ‘A’ Team combination of Lea Paulin, Tijasa Novak and Tara Kobetic finished in second place.

Top place for Lee Daeun and Kim Seongin, they secured three-nil wins in each fixture; players with no world ranking but from a country where athleticism and technical excellence are major hallmarks, could the duo cause more surprises? Equally when play concludes could they find a place on the podium?

The Cadet Girls’ Team event will be played to a conclusion of Thursday 21st September.