by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager (Interviews by Milica Nikolic, ETTU Press Officer)

Impressively Daria Trigolos set the standard; she overcame Sweden’s Christina Källberg (11-5, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8).

“This match was not easy but I like how Källberg plays. I played with her half a year ago, so I knew what to expect before going to the table. In the second game I lost several points in a row but then I recovered, seized the advantage and finished the match successfully.” Daria Trigolos

Good form from Daria Trigolos, it was the same from Nadezhda Bogdanova. She accounted for Estonia’s Airi Avameri (11-6, 7-11, 11-4, 14-12, 12-10).

Likewise,  impressive as play commenced was Slovakia’s Tatiana Kukulkova. She overcame Hungary’s Fanni Harasztovich (11-4, 11-4, 11-6, 11-3).

“I was confident in this match. I played with Harasztovich a month ago and I lost but today situation was different. She was nervous, while I was calm and did well.” Tatiana Kukulkova

Notable performances, it was the same from Ukraine’s Solomiya Brateyo, Poland’s Natalia Bajor and Russia’s Mariia Tailakova

Solomiya Brateyo overcame Slovenia’s Ana Tofant (11-7, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7); Natalija Bajor beat Sweden’s Filippa Bergand (14-12, 11-7, 14-12, 8-11, 11-9). Mariia Tailakova prevailed against Hungary’s Orsolya Feher (11:-3, 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 11-3).

Players finishing in first and second positions in each of the eight second stage groups advance to the main draw.