by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Play conducted on a group basis in all three Women’s events; in Class 1-5 on the conclusion of the opening day of play Sandra Mikolaschek Aleksandra Vasileva remain the unbeaten.
Sandra Mikolaschek beat Croatia’s Marija Martinovic (11-3, 11-4, 11-4) and Italy’s Carlotta Ragazzini (11-2, 11-5, 11-2). Likewise, Russia’s Aleksandra Vasileva accounted for Carlotta Ragazzini (11-5, 11-5, 11-6) and Marija Martinovic (11-3, 11-5, 11-3).
It is somewhat different in Women’s Singles Classes 6-8 where after the opening day, no player remains unbeaten.
Italy’s Elena Elli overcame Suzan Klomp of the Netherlands (11-7, 11-3, 11-7) but then experienced defeat against Germany’s Corinna Hochdorfer (8-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9). Corinna Hochdorfer beat Norway’s Nora Korneliussen (4-11, 12-10, 14-12, 12-10) but lost to Merethe Tveiten, also from Norway (8-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9).
Success for Merethe Tveiten, there was also success against Susan Klomp (7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 2-11, 11-9) but there was also a reverse. She suffered at the hands of Nora Korneliussen (7-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-8).
Corinna Hochdorfer and Merethe Tveiten ended the day with two wins apiece, one win each for Nora Korneliussen and Elena Elli with Susan Klomp awaiting her first success.
It Women’s Singles Classes 10 it is somewhat clearer. Favourites for gold are Romania’s Ioana Monica Tepelea and Marlene Reeg. Ioana Monica Tepelea overcame Russia’s Daria Saratova (11-5, 8-11, 19-17, 11-7) and Croatia’s Anja Laus(11-1, 11-2, 11-0). Similarly, Marlene Reeg accounted for Daria Saratova (11-8, 11-8, 11-7) and Anja Laus (11-1, 11-3, 11-6).
Play in the Junior Tournament concludes on Tuesday 28th February.
Photos: Dominic Vallorini
Day One: 2017 Lignano Para Junior Open: Draws and Latest Results