by Simon Daish

Showing great determination throughout Natalia Partyka quite simply outclassed her Hungarian rival, storming to an eye-catching 4-1 victory over the no.8 seed (11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 13-11).

“If I could always play relaxed like I did today. I was completely stress free and pressure free. The odds were against me, but I did not think about it. I already upset the rankings, so I do not have anything to lose and I hope I will continue in same winning pace tomorrow.” Natalia Partyka.

Placed in the lower half of the draw Natalia Partyka will need to be at her best in the semi-finals with defending champion Bernadette Szocs providing the opposition.

Over on table 2 was the closing Men’s Singles fixture of the day, featuring none other than no.5 seed Vladimir Samsonov.

The four-time champion accounted for Greek defender Panagiotis Gionis, seeded 15th, in the concluding quarter-finals battle of the day (11-7, 10-12, 11-4, 11-2, 11-7) to qualify for the penultimate stage of the competition for the second year running.

At the semi-final hurdle the Belarusian legend meets the surprise package of the Men’s Singles tournament so far in Austria’s Daniel Habesohn.

“I started well, but in the second game I played too risky. I wanted to finish the points quickly and I allowed Gionis to take control. However, I stayed calm and changed tactics; I played much safer. I played maybe once against Habesohn but it was a long time ago. Whatever was before, he improved his game and he showed here that he is in very good shape.” Vladimir Samsonov

Victories for Natalia Partyka and Vladimir Samsonov signal the close of day one in Montreux. Action at the CCB 2019 Europe Top 16 Cup resumes on Sunday 3rd February.