by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Michaela Brunelli and Giada Rossi, on duty for Italy, made it three wins in a row; just one more fixture to play and that will be in opposition to the Croatian duo of Helena Dretar and Andela Muzinic.

On the opening day of play, the Italians had beaten Thailand’s Dararat Asayut and Pattaravadee Wararitdamrongkul by two matches to one; the one errant duel being the narrow defeat of Michela Brunelli by Dararat Asayut (12-14, 13-11, 11-9, 12-10).

However, in the second engagement a two-nil win had been recorded against Turkey’s Hatice Dulman and Nergis Altintas, the same margin of victory as was posted on the second morning of play when facing the Serbian partnership of Sonjia Mijatovic and Ana Prvulovic.

The Italians won the doubles in style (11-9, 11-0, 11-8), before Michela Brunelli overcame Sonjia Mijatovic but not without some difficulties, in the fourth game she was on the brink of defeat (11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 13-11, 11-7).

“When I was down two-one and 6-10 in the fourth game against Sanja Mijatovic, I was able to play freely as I was confident that Giada will do fine in the deciding match. I am lucky that I managed to win the match eventually.” Michela Brunelli

Success for Italy, at the same time there was success for Helena Dretar and Andela Muzinic.

Having recorded a two-nil win against Sonjia Mijatovic and Ana Prvulovic in their opening contest, they beat Dararat Asayut and Pattaravadee Wararitdamrongkul by the same margin.

They have two fixtures complete, Croatia is next and is in realistic terms the title decider.

“We are very happy with our performances so far. In the afternoon, we will play Croatia for the gold medal and we will give 100 per cent and fight.” Michela Brunelli

on the penultimate day of play Helena Dretar and Andela Muzinic will complete their schedule of fixtures by playing Hatice Dulman and Nergis Altintas.

2017 World Para Team Championships: Draw and Latest Results