by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Named at no.93 on the current Women’s World Rankings, Amelie, on duty for Austria, beat Canada’s Zhang Mo, listed at no.21 (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9); wearing the colours of Germany, Petrissa defeated Singapore’s Zeng Jian (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-8). Presently on the global listings, Petrissa Solja is named at no.60, Zeng Jian at no.48.

Noteworthy performances and there was one more to catch the eye as play progressed in the final Women’s Singles qualification round. Japan’s Minami Ando, ranked no.79 beat Hong Kong’s Minnie Soo Wai Yam, named at no.29 (11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-7).

Success for Minami Ando and there was more success for Japan, the one disappointment of note was the withdrawal of Sakura Mori who was due to face Singapore’s Lin Ye.final qualifying round, it was success for the principal names.

Japan to the fore, Miyu Kato beat Hong Kong’s Ng Wing Nam; meanwhile Saki Shibata and Honoka Hashimoto doused Korean hopes. Saki Shibata accounted for Jung Yumi (11-8, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4); Honoka Hashimoto beat Lee Eunhye (11-6, 11-5, 11-8, 11-6), the player the previous week in Hong Kong had caused a first round sensation by overcoming Kasumi Ishikawa, the top seed and likewise from Japan.

Defeats for Korea but there was success, Yang Haeun flew the flag. She beat China’s Liu Fei (12-10, 11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8), a feat also achieved by Austria’s Sofia Polcanova, the second highest rated player on qualification Women’s Singles duty. She ended the progress of Japan’s 15 year old Miyu Nagasaki (11-8, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8).

Play in the main draw commences on Thursday 31st May.