by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
However, for Nozomi Takeuchi in Class 9-10, it was a close call in a group event that witnessed all four players entering the final series of matches with one win and one defeat against their names.
In the concluding matches, Nozomi Takeuchi beat Ukraine’s Marharyta Saltanovska (11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 12-10); Germany’s Lena Kramm accounted for Iryna Shynkarova, also from Ukraine (11-5, 14-12, 11-8).
Thus Nozomi Takeuchi and Lena Kramm each finished with two wins against the respective names, In such instances the result between the two players determines the verdict. One day earlier in the opening contest, Nozomi Takeuchi had beaten Lena Kramm in straight games (11-7, 11-8, 11-3). Thus it was first place for Nozomi Takeuchi, runners up spot for Lena Kramm,
First place in a group organised event for Naomi Takeuchi. It was the same for Aida Dahlen but more clear-cut. She remained unbeaten throughout, second place finished in the hands of Lucie Hautière of France.
Success in impressive style for Aida Dahlen, it was the same in Class 6-7 for Kelly Van Zon, she beat Anne Barneoud of France at the final hurdle (12-10, 14-12, 7-11, 11-5)
“I came here to win but it’s sport and in sport anything can happen. In Lignano I have had many wins. I like to come back every year because it’s near the sea, the tournament is well organized, everything is good and everyone is very kind. In the final, the match against Anne Baneoud was difficult. In class 7 all the top players can win and everybody knows how the others play. It’s really hard. In the first and in the second game I was behind and I came back. In the third she played very well, in the fourth at the end I managed to win. After Rio I took a little break. Now I am back and I want to prepare in the best way for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.” Kelly Van Zon.
Individual events concluded, the focus now turns to the team competitions; play concludes on Saturday 17th March.
Lignano Para Masters: Draws for main events and latest results