There were only few “easy” matches at the opening of the Women’s Singles Event
In the opening match of the main draw in the Women’s Singles Event top seeded HAN Ying easily prevailed against Alex GALIC of Slovenia.
“It was a good match to warm up for singles competition. My adversary was not very strong. For me this match was a good opportunity to get back in the tournament after the team competition ” said HAN. “My knee is slightly irritated but it hopefully should not be a problem. The draw is not very important to me. I am just focused at one match at the time.”
Few seven games thrillers highlighted the opening round. Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA of Poland needed 50 minutes to beat Dora MADARASZ of Hungary (7:11 11:2 11:7 10:12 11:5 14:16 11:9).
“ I lost two games where I was leading 10:7 and 8:2. Dora played very good. At the end of the decisive game I changed my service two last points were net and edge balls…I was lucky at the end ” said GRZYBOWSKA.
Maria XIAO of Spain overcame experienced Renata STRBIKOVA of Czech Republic 4:3 (13:11 7:11 4:11 13:11 11:8 3:11 14:12).
“My service game was the key to success. I kept my service to her forehand and it proved good tactics ” said XIAO.
Barbora BALAZOVA of Slovakia had three games to nil advantage against Ganna GAPONOVA of Ukraine before her adversary recovered to level 4:3 (11:6 11:5 11:9 9:11 10:12 8:11 16:14).
“I won decisive game 16:14 and all that after I had 3:0. I made confortable lead and then everything fell apart. Even in seventh game I think she missed nothing except the last ball. I was so nervous because nothing worked ” admitted BALAZOVA.
Bernadette SZOCS of Romania overcame Yana NOSKOVA of Russia 4:1 (3:11 11:6 11:8 11:6 11:7).
“I was enough focused when the game commenced so I lost the opening game. Second one proved crucial. I made a lead 5:1 then Yana had advantage 8:5 and at the end it was 11:8 for me. After that everything was easier ” said SZOCS.
