by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Lisa Lung accounted for Turkey’s Simay Kulaceken (8-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7, 11-9), Andreea Dragoman overcame Italy’s Jamila Laurenti (11-9, 11-8, 11-2, 11-5).

“It was not that easy match for me. It was the opening one at the tournament and I needed some time to warm up.” Lisa Lung

Success for Lisa Lung and Andreea Dragoman but not for the next name in the order of merit; Austria’s Karoline Mischek was beaten by Norway’s Rebekka Carlsen 11-5,10-12, 11-5, 11-8, 13-11).

“Throughout I maintained my focus to play one point at a time. It was very difficult match for me,” Rebecca Carlsson

An eye catching performance from Rebecca Carlsson, it was the same from the Czech Republic’s Marketa Sevcikova, Italy’s Veronica Mosconi and Sweden’s Christian Christina Källberg.

Marketa Sevcikova beat Hungary’s Leonie Harbricht (6-11, 13-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9), Veronica Mosconi accounted for Belgium’s Marie Maesen (11-5, 11-8, 11-7, 11-3), whilst Christian Christina Källberg overcame Slovenia’s Ana Tofant (11-7, 11-8, 11-6,11-7)

“It was not hard for me to win this one. I think my adversary did not show her best, so I took the upper hand.” Marketa Sevcikova

I’d say it was not tough but it was not easy either. I did not do anything special; I just focused on putting the ball to the table. My opponent was not very strong, too, maybe she was not in her best today. I am happy I have won.” Christina Källberg.

The top eight seeded players do not compete in the first stage; the receive a direct entry to stage two.