by Ian Marshall

The no.17 seed, Linda Bergström caused the biggest shock. After accounting for Mexico’s Yadira Silva, the no.30 seed (11-4, 11-6, 11-4, 11-8), the 26 year old overcame Ukraine’s Margaryta Pesotska, the no.2 seed (11-7, 13-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9), a player who is no stranger to the defensive art.

She is an established member of the Ukraine national women’s team alongside Ganna Gaponova and Tetyana Bilenko. There is a theory that all defenders are different, point proven!

Similarly, Polina Mikhailova upset the order of precedence. The no.5 seed, she defeated Nadezhda Bogdanova of Belarus, the no.25 seed (11-9, 11-6, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3), before resolute defence combined with sporadic attacking play brought the downfall of Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut, the no.3 seed (11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8).

Upsets, in the remaining contests matters advanced as status advised.

Top seed, Britt Eerland justified her billing. After eventually overcoming Chile’s Paulina Vega, the no.14 seed, in a tension-packed seven games encounter (11-8, 5-11, 8-1, 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6), the precious place was reserved courtesy of success in opposition to Spain’s Galia Dvorak, the no.16 seed (11-5, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7).

Success for Britt Eerland; to conclude the day it was success for Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin. The no.4 seed, following a five games win in opposition to India’s Manika Batra, the no.9 seed (11-9, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9), a dramatic seven games score-line was the order of proceedings against Spain’s Maria Xiao, the no.13 seed (14-12, 8-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3, 9-11, 12-10). A Tokyo place reserved; the result reflected the day; one of delight and delirium combined with despondency and despair.

One position remains, the losing finalist from each of the four events now competes on a knock-out basis for the one remaining place.

The matches will be played on Tuesday 16th March.