by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
On the afternoon of Friday 16th February, Liu Jing was not needed to extol her skills as a two matches to nil win was posted against the Croatian combination formed by Helena Dretar-Karic and Andela Muzinic.
Li Qian and Xue Juan beat Helena Dretar-Karic and Andela Muzinic in three straight games (11-6, 11-2, 11-4), before Li Qian concluded matters by beating Andela Muzinic in a four games contest (11-3, 11-5, 11-13, 11-5).
Doubles defeat
Gold for China; it was bronze for Korea who completed the recovery of the day.
Confronting Italy, Lee Mi-Gyu and Yeon Jiyu suffered a five games doubles defeat at the hands of Giada Rossi and Michela Brunelli (11-9, 9-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6).
One recovery after another
Immediately, Korea levelled thanks to the efforts of Yoon Jiyu; she accounted for Giada Rossi in three straight games (11-6, 11-9, 11-1).
One recovery to level matters; there was another to win the contest. Seo Suyeon recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Michela Brunelli and secure a Korean victory (7-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8).
Backhand effective
“After I lost the second game I made some changes; when I played from my backhand I pushed the ball much harder; whenever possible I tried to put more backspin on the ball”, explained Seo Suyeon. “Also when I served, I served with my backhand and with backspin.”
It is the first medal won at a Paralympic by any of the three members of the Korean outfit.