by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Mainstay of the Serbian success was Nada Matic.

She beat Ingela Lundbäck in the crucial third and deciding contest to seal the victory (13-11, 13-11, 11-6), having in the opening match of the fixture joined forces with Borislava Peric Rankovic to clinch doubles success (11-8, 11-8, 11-8).

The one win for Sweden was recorded in the second match of the engagement when Anna-Carin Ahlquist accounted for Borislava Peric-Rankovic in hard fought full distance five games duel (4-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8).

Calm approach

“I felt calm before I played Ingela today”, said Nada Matic. “My service proved effective as did my backhand when I was able to attack after two or thus backhand push strokes; however, I think that the vital factor was that I was patient.”

Success in the concluding match of the fixture ensured victory, success in the opening contest set Serbia on the road to victory.

Practise every day

“We practise every day in Novi Sad and when practice has finished we always play doubles; so for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games we were well prepared”, explained Borislava Peric-Rankovic. “Here, we  are so determined, we have a great desire to win.”

China overcomes Korea

A semi-final win for Serbia, it was the same for China in Women’s Team Class 4-5; the duo formed by Gu Cai and Zhang Bian beat the Korean partnership of Jung Younga and Zhang Bian by three mathes to nil.

Gu Cai and Zhang Bian secured the opening doubles (7-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-3), before Zhang Bian defeated Jung Younga to conlude matters.

Final and bronze medal

The final and bronze medal contests are scheduled for 10.00 am on Saturday 17th September.