by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
Chinese Taipei’s Su Pei-Ling, the no.4 seed, needed the full seven games to beat India’s Selena Selvakumar, the no.12 seed (11-7, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8).
Defeat for Selena Selvakumar but there was success for India, a result that ended in disappointment for the host association. Archana Girish Kamath, the no.7 seed, accounted for Sarah Meyer, the no.15 seed (11-5, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7).
“For me it was the first time playing in such an event. Everything was new and the first time that I had so much support from the spectators. I started very nervously but gained confidence during the match. My wish is during this week-end to play my best table tennis and present myself in the best possible way.” Sarah Meyer
Tense times for Su Pei-Ling but that was not the scenario for the Japanese duo of Maki Shiomi and Miyu Nagasaki, the respective top two seeds.
Maki Shiomi beat Amy Wang of the United States, the no.10 seed (11-6, 11-4, 11-8, 11-4), Miyu Nagasaki overcame Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Yau (11-4, 11-9, 7-11, 11-1, 11-8).
“It’s a good to start for me to gain my self-confidence but there are a lot of other talented players at the tournament. It’s my first time in Luxembourg, the weather is a catastrophe.” Maki Shiomi
“My performance was not very good today. I played calmly and that was enough to win. I must play better in Luxembourg. My goal is to win this tournament to be the champion.” Miyu Nagasaki
Success for Japan and success for Romania, it was a welcome return to a happy hunting ground for Adina Diaconu. She accounted for Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ting-Ting, the no.11 seed (11-9, 11-4, 11-8, 11-3).
“I feel very confident in Luxembourg after winning the European Team Championships here in Luxembourg in September. I am happy to be back. I know the game of Chen Ting-Ting I have a lot of respect for her. For me it is very important how I start in a match to gain confidence. I knew I had to keep the ball on the table.” Adina Diaconu
Play in the second series of matches in the group stage of the Girls’ Singles events will be completed later in the day.
