by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
She accounted for Denmark’s Thea Nielsen (11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7) and Portugal’s Celia Silva (7-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7), before causing quite a stir by beating China’s Liu Xin (10-12, 11-4, 11-4, 14-12); the consistency of her attacking play being the major factor in her successes
“I was very nervous against Liu Xin and lost the first game. During the break, I received good advice from my coach, Peter Sartz. It is important to play in international events at a young age, learn and gain experience for the future.” Nomin Baasan
Good form from Nomin Baasan and the good form continued; in the opening round of the Junior Girls’ Singles event, she accounted for Norway’s Anna Kalvatn (11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5).
A place in the second round for Nomin Baasin contrary to expectations, it was the same for colleague Rebecca Muskantor. In an event where the top 16 names were not required to compete in the group phase of proceedings, the second highest rated player in the qualification stage, she lost to Singapore’s Jassy Tan Li Lin (11-9, 5-11, 4-11, 11-5. 11-9). Runners up spot and a main draw place was her lot.
Disappointment, in the opening round it was a contrasting emotion. She caused an upset of note by overcoming Camille Lutz of France, the no.14 seed (6-11, 9-11, 11.5, 14-12, 11-7).
Alas from a Swedish perspective, for colleague, Alma Roose, the leading name in the qualification stage, who likewise had finished in second place in her group it was not good news. Having lost to Daniela Grammatopoulou of Greece in the qualification phase (11-7, 11-7, 11-6), she was beaten in the opening round by Spain’s Alba Fernandez (7-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 4-11, 11-3, 11.6).
Conversely for Singapore’s Goi Rui Yan, the third highest rated on first stage duty, it was top spot in the group and a first round win; she booked her second round place courtesy of success in opposition to Germany’s Anastasia Bonderava (11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 12-10). Success for Goi Rui Yan in the opening round but not for India’s Diya Parag Chitale, the fourth highest listed in initial stage action.
Similar to Goi Ruin Yan, she remained unbeaten to top her group but experienced defeat in the opening round when confronting Japan’s Hikari Okubu (11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11.8).
Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, Russia’s Kristina Kasantseva and Germany’s Franziska Schreiner alongside Japan’s Yumeno Soma, the respective top four seeds, have yet to start their campaigns.
Play in the Junior Girls’ Singles event concludes on Thursday 22nd February.
