by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

In the vital deciding contest, against the likewise hitherto unbeaten New Zealand combination of Vong Hui Ling and Zhou Jiayi; a three-nil win, the victory margin in all previous fixtures, was recorded.

Yang Hangguo gave China the perfect start by beating Zhou Jiayi (11-3, 11-8, 11-9), before Dai Tan accounted for Vong Hui Ling (11-6, 11-8, 11-6) and a doubles win for Dai Tian and Zhu Xueyi (11-7, 11-6, 11-2) concluded matters.

Earlier in the day, the Chinese trio had beaten the combination of Malaysia’s Alice Chang Li Sian and the Cook Islands’ Anjoninah Marsters, prior to overcoming the Australian trio comprising Parleen Kaur, Danni-Elle Townsend and Michelle Wu.

Daunting efforts from the Chinese trio; equally the New Zealanders could be pleased with their contribution. Unbeaten on the first day of play, prior to experiencing defeat at the hands of the formidable Chinese trio, they recorded a three-nil win in opposition to Fijian sisters Grace Rosi Yee and Sally Yee.

Meanwhile, in the Cadet Girls’ Team competition, also organised on an all-play-all group basis, just one fixture remained to be completed on the second day of action; that between the hitherto unbeaten teams, the verdict went in favour of the partnership formed by New Caledonia’s Laurie La and the host’s Marenga Tu.

A three-one win was recorded against the Fiji Islands’ Filomena Duncan and Loata Duncan; star of the show being Laurie La. She beat both Loata Duncan (11-3, 11-4, 11-5) and Filomena Duncan (11-6, 11-3, 11-6), whilst teaming with Marenga Tua to secure the doubles (11-5, 11-6, 11-3).

The Junior Girls’ Team and Cadet Girls’ Team events concluded; attention now turns to the individual events; play concludes on Thursday 7th June.