by Per Hällström, Press Officer Safir International

Matilda Hansson was very much a young lady in form; in the opening round she beat Egypt’s Hana Goda in straight games (11-8, 11-9, 12-10, 12-10) and was understandably very satisfied with her performance.

“Last year I lost to Hana Goda here but this time I was able to beat her. I have improved my safety play and I deliberately take things quieter. Now I do not make as many unforced mistakes.” Matilda Hansson

It was the same recipe for Jennie Edvinsson, the no.13 seed; she defeated Russia’s Anastasya Kovrigina in a likewise manner (11-4, 11-8, 13-11, 11-4).

“I stayed focused all the time; always when you play a Russian player you have to play with high intensity.” Jennie Edvinsson.

The target for both players is to qualify for the Stag 2019 European Youth Championships to be staged in Ostrava from Sunday 7th to Tuesday 16th July; the goal is ever closer after the splendid first round wins.

Success in the opening round for Matilda Hansson and Jennie Edvinsson, it was the same for Rebecca Muskantor, Alma Roose and Hanna Kjellson.

Alma Roose, the no.15 seed, emulated Matilda Hansson and Jennie Edvinsson by recording a straight games win in opposition to Poland’s Aleksandra Jarkowska (11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 16-14); in slightly more exacting contests Rebecca Muskantor beat Singapore’s Janissa Cheng Yoke Ning (11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-5); Hanna Kjellson ended the hopes of Martine Toftaker (11-4, 7-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 12-10).