by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Competing in Women’s Singles Class 2-5, Merewalesi Roden secured first position in her group and thus a semi-final place by beating Australia’s Amanda Tscharke, the no.2 seed (11-6, 11-6, 11-2). Defeat for Australia but in the corresponding group it was success; Lisa Di Toro duly topped her group without experiencing defeat.

However, the player to attract the greatest attention was from Australia; the fourth listed player in a Men’s Singles Class 2-3 group organised event, Chen Junjian beat the three higher listed names.

Impressively, he overcame New Zealand’s James Goulding, the top seed (9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-3), in addition to colleague Steven Gow (11-7, 11-7, 11-13, 11-5) and Fiji’s Nafitalai Bai (11-3, 11-1, 11-4).

Similarly, in Men’s Singles Class 4-5, Tuvalu’s Esekia Vaega attracted the attention; he beat Fiji’s Jope Kikau, the no.3 seed (9-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7), prior to overcoming the Solomon Island’s Shadrack Timothy (11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7) to top the group. A surprise first place but not in the other two groups; it was pole position for Australia’s Caleb Crowden and Fiji’s Iokaba Taubakoa.

Meanwhile, in the remaining categories, it was first place for the principal names.

In Women’s Singles Class 6-8, a group organised event, Australia’s Rebecca Julian remained unbeaten, as in Men’s Singles Class 6-7 did colleagues Trevor Hirth and Jake Ballestrino.

Likewise in Men’s Singles Class 8-9, Australia’s Barak Mizrachi and Nathan Pellissier secured first places in their groups; a feat also achieved bu New Zealand’s Victor Kamizona.

Play in the individual events concludes on Friday 14th April.

2017 Oceania Para Championships: Latest results (Thursday 13th April)