by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

It was success as status predicted; Matilda Ekholm and Lee Ho Ching were the higher rated players; furthermore, being from Europe and Asia respectively, arguably they were more experienced in the rigours of international play as opposed to their adversaries from Oceania and Latin America.

However for both, it was their first ever success in the tournament.

Matilda Ekholm had played in 2012 when the tournament was staged in the Chinese city of Huangshi; in the group stage she had finished in fourth place, losing to Spain’s Shen Yanfei, Austria’s Liu Jia and Hong Kong’s Tie Yana. It had not been a profitable debut.

Meanwhile for Lee Ho Ching, the situation was somewhat different; her one prior appearance had been in 2014 in Linz. On that occasion she had been one of the top eight listed players and thus had received a direct entry to the main draw; she was beaten in the opening round by Hungary’s Georgina Pota.

Now in Markham, it was better news, somewhat of a milestone moment but more importantly a place in the main draw and perhaps a chance to really make a name and upset one of the sport’s very elite names.

Another challenge now awaits Matilda Ekholm and Lee Ho Ching.

Uncle Pop 2017 ITTF Women’s World Cup presented by Polar Naturals: Latest Results