by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Earlier, Shahd Sameh had beaten Lebanon’s Christy Arida (11-5, 11-6, 11-5) and thus is favourite to top the group.
Each player has one match remaining; players finishing in first and second places in each group advance to the main draw.
Top spot decided
Matches remaining, the only group in which first place is settled is that involving Caroline Hajok, a group which comprises three players.
Impressively, she accounted for Egypt’s Jana Wagih (11-8, 11-9,11-5) and Tunisia’s Islam Wenaiss (11-7, 11-2, 11-5) to secure pole position.
Delight for Caroline Hajok, disappointment for Selja Fazlic; however, her hopes of progress by finishing in second place in her group are very much alive.
Main draw place denied
However, that is not the scenario for Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci, the no.5 seed; she was beaten by both colleague Manel Baklouti (7-11, 11-1,11-7, 11-7) and by Egypt’s Rowan Hamad (11-6,11-7, 14-12).
Two defeats, it means no place in the main draw. Rowan Hamed beat Lebanon’s Talia Azar (11-2, 11-6, 11-1), as did Manel Baklouti (11-9, 11-4, 11-6).
Manel Baklouti and Rowan Hamed are assured the top two places; the final order is yet to be decided.
Unbeaten performances
Problems for Fadwa Garci, there were no such difficulties for Portugal’s Raquel Andrade and India’s Diya Parag Chitale, the respective third and fourth seeds; both ended the day unbeaten.
A successful day for Diya Parag Chitale, it was the same in the Cadet Girls’ Singles event where the top names completed just one match in their group stage itineraries.
Also it was better news for Fadwa Garci, the no.2 seed, who likewise remained unbeaten as it was for Egypt’s Shahd Sameh, the no.3 seed.
Problems for fourth seed
However, for the host nation’s Islem Wenaiss, the no.4 seed, there was defeat; she was beaten by Lebanon’s Laetitia Azar (12-10, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7).
Play in both the Junior Girls’ Singles and Cadet Girls’ Singles events continues on Saturday 3rd September.
