by Ian Marshall, Editor

Karen Yee Kin Sien, Ruqayyah Kino and Priyal Bunwaree all accounted for adversaries from the Democratic Republic of Congo; Karen Yee Kin Sien beat Gloria Dianda (11-6, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4), Ruqayyah Kino accounted for Ruth Nkunda (11-6, 11-2, 11-2, 11-8). Similarly, Priyal Bunwaree overcome Davina Luzolo (12-10, 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 15-13, 11-6).

Meanwhile, not to be upstaged, Elodie Ho Wan Kau ended the hopes of Djibouti’s Rahma Houssein (11-4, 9-11, 11-1, 11,4, 11-3), Sandra Desscan prevailed against Angola’s Jerusa Borges (11_7, 12-10, 9-11, 7-11, 9-11, 15-13, 11-6).

Five wins but of those players from Mauritius who were required to put bat to ball in the opening round of the Women’s Singles event, there were defeats; three in total.

Zaynah Sadoolah and Oumeharci Hosenally both suffered at the hands of South African adversaries; Zaynah Sadoolah was beaten Thabisile Mtshoelibe (11-6, 11-8, 11-2, 7-11, 11-9), Oumeharci Hosenally experienced defeat when facing Simeen Mookrey in what proved the closest match of the round. The outcome was decided by the minimal two point margin in the deciding seventh game (13-11, 10-12, 9-11, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9).

Defeat at the hands of South Africa, for Caroline Ramasawny, it was farewell when facing an adversary from the Democratic Republic of Congo; she was beaten by Rondro Rajaonah (11-6, 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 11-5).

Two wins for South Africa who had finished in a highly creditable fourth place two days earlier in the Women’s Team event; conversely there were two defeats. Danisha Patel suffered against Egypt’s Alaa Saad (11-6, 11-4, 11-5, 11-2); Mthabiseng Mtshoelibe lost to Nigeria’s Janet Effiom (11-4, 11-9, 11-5, 11-4).

Success for Janet Effiom and there was success for one further notable Nigerian name required to compete in the opening round of the Women’s Singles event; Esther Oribamise beat Algeria’s Isabel Albino (11-7, 11-5, 15-13, 11-8).

The leading names, the top 14 seeds, commence their quest for honours in round two; the second, third and quarter-final rounds of the Women’s Singles event will be played on Saturday 8th September.

2018 ITTF African Championships: Newsletter – Monday 3rd September

2018 ITTF African Championships: Newsletter – Tuesday 4th September

2018 ITTF African Championships: Newsletter – Wednesday 5th September

2018 ITTF African Championships: Newsletter – Friday 7th September