by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Winner of the Under 21 Women’s Singles event earlier this year in Qatar, Zhang Rui accounted for Japan’s Hina Hayata, the no.14 seed (11-5, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5), the success coming prior to He Zhuojia causing the host association pain; she beat Doo Hoi Kem, the no.13 seed (11-6, 11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-5).

“I couldn’t find my own pace in the first three games and couldn’t find a way to win points. However, there are lots of improvements in my skills. I would like to thank all the family and friends who came to support me. I have partnered Lee Ho Ching for a long time. I will try my best in the Women’s Doubles tomorrow.” Doo Hoi Kem

Impressive from He Zhuojia and Zhang Rui; it was the same from her colleagues. Chen Xingtong, the no.6 seed, beat Poland’s Li Qian (11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9); Liu Shiwen, the no.7 seed, overcame Korea’s Lee Zion (11-6, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6). Likewise, Sun Yingsha ended the progress of Russia’s Yulia Prokhorova (11-8, 11-8, 11-2, 11-4).

“It’s my first match here in the Hong Kong Open and I’m glad to win. My goal is to play every match well and maintain a high level performance.” Liu Shiwen

Success as status advised, it was the same for Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, as it was for Japan’s Miu Hirano and Chinese Taipei’s Chen Szu-Yu.

Miu Hirano and Chen Szu-Yu both beat Korean opposition; Miu Hirano, the no.4 seed, ousted Choi Hyojoo (11-9, 11-8, 11-8, 12-10); Chen Szu-Yu, the no.10 seed, overcame Yoo Eunchong (11-9, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9).

Meanwhile, Feng Tianwei, the no.2 seed, ended the hopes of Miyu Nagasaki, like Miu Hirano from Japan but was stretched the full seven games by the talented teenager (7-11, 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6).

The second round of the Women’s Singles event will be played to a conclusion on Friday 25th May.