LIEBHERR ITTF World Championships
Top seeded player in the first phase of the Women’s Singles Event Laura GASNIER of France successfully concluded Group Stage at the top of her group. After victory over Katsiaryna BARAVOK of Belarus at the opening day today she overcame Mariana SAHAKIAN of Lebanon in straight games (11-4 11-5 11-9 11-3).
“I played much better then yesterday. My service game worked well and mentally I was very strong. It was easer round then the opening one. I did not give her any points from easy mistakes. Now I just hope for a good draw ” said GASNIER.
In all group winners mind today is the same thought. Karin ADAMKOVA of Czech Republic is not exception to the rule. She recorded two victories in Group 13 against Ivana TUBIKANEC of Croatia and CHUNG Rheann of Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 (11-7 7-11 11-7 11-8 11-8).
“It was important to have a good start today so the opening game was crucial. I had no chance to play against her before so I studied her yesterday. However for me everything was easier after I managed to beat TUBIKANEC. Against Croatia’s player I won for a first time after she beat me in 5 previous occasions in junior and cadet categories ” said ADAMKOVA.
Serbia’s Izabela LUPULESKU beat WONG Xin Ru of Singapore in the opening round whilst today she succeeded against Raquel MARTINS of Portugal in five games (11-7 11-6 10-12 11-7 11-7).
“I needed only two games to progress to the main draw so I was very focused from the beginnings. I started well and after I won two games I took the opportunity to try something different from my usual game. I lost third game but at least I tried something new ” said LUPULESKU.
Maria TAILAKOVA of Russia is also safely through to the main draw after two victories. Yesterday she succeeded against Jinnipa SAWETTABUT of Thailand and today she beat Swechchha NEMBANG of Nepal.
“Thailand’s player was much stronger adversary. When I beat her it was easier for me today ” said European cadet champion from 2016.
Kristin LANG of Germany beat Reelica HANSON of Estonia in the second round (11-5 11-4 11-6 11-4) to repeat the success from previous day when she overcame Marta SANTOS of Portugal.
“Unlike the opening Round I felt much better. Finally I feel like I am at the tournament. I struggled to get used to the conditions in the venue ” said LANG.
