by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Elena Prokofeva and Maria Galkina concluded matters in the very same style as in the contests that had gone before; they beat the Hong Kong duo of Ng Mui Wui and Wong Pui Kei by two matches to nil.

Imposingly the doubles was secured (11-2, 11-7, 11-7), before Elena Prokofeva beat Wong Pui Kei (2-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-5) to seal the title.

Hong Kong finished in second place but it was close. Earlier Ng Mui Wui and Wong Pui Kei had beaten the Japanese duo of Harumi Kimura and Yumi Ono by two matches to nil but had experienced a two-one defeat when facing the French partnership of Magali Rousset and Lea Fernery. Success for Magali Rousset and Lea Fernery but in opposition to Harumi Kimura and Yumi Ono it was a two-one defeat.

Thus second place and the silver medal was decided on match ratio between the three teams who finished level. Hong Kong (3:2) gained the decision finishing ahead of France (3:3) and Japan (2:3).

Meanwhile, in the Men’s Class 11 event, like Russia, France maintained an unbeaten record but the concluding match was a much closer affair than in the women’s competition.

A two matches to one outcome was the decision against Australia. Rory Carroll and Samuel von Einem gave Australia the advantage by securing the doubles by the very narrowest of margins (14-12, 11-6, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9), before the French mounted a recovery. Lucas Creange accounted for Samuel Von Einem (11-7, 11-4, 13-11), before Anthony Zhao defeated Rory Carroll (11-7, 13-15, 11-8, 11-8) to conclude the engagement.

“It was a difficult match because the Australians are a very strong team. They caused lots of problems for us during the match. After we lost the doubles, we had to give our all for the singles. This is our first World Champion title, and I am very happy to win. I will celebrate tomorrow.” Lucas Creange

“After winning the doubles, I thought we stood a good chance to win the match. Of course we are disappointed that we lost, but it is nice to see the French players improving. Lucas has upped his game a level since Rio, and they were just too strong for my players today.” Alois Rosario, Australian coach.

Hong Kong, who selected from Wan Wai Lok, Leung Chu Yan and Tsoi Ming Fa gained second place. Earlier they had beaten Samuel Von Einem and Rory Carrol by two matches to one but against Lucas Creange and Antoine Zhao had experienced a two-nil defeat.

2017 World Para Team Championships: Draw and Latest Results