by Ian Marshall, Editor

Wu Yang and Wen Jia both emerged successful as did the somewhat younger Liu Gaoyang, Sun Mingyang, Wang Yidi and Zhang Rui.

Sun Mingyang and Wen Jia both beat colleagues; Sung Mingyang overcame Liu Xi (11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6), Wen Jia ended the hopes of Chen Ke (11-5, 12-10, 11-6, 11-13, 9-11, 11-13, 11-7).

Meanwhile, never in serious danger of defeat, Liu Gaoyang accounted for Japan’s Miyuu Kihara (11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-3), Wang Yidi defeated Korea Republic’s Kim Hayeong (11-3, 11-6, 11-8, 12-10). Similarly, Wu Yang proved too safe in defence when facing Maki Shiomi, like Miyuu Kihara from Japan (11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-3); whilst the fast close to the table attacking skills exerted by Zhang Rui, ended the hopes of Oceane Guisnel of France (11-1, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4).

Success for China, there was also success for Monaco’s Yang Xiaoxin, the 2016 champion; she beat Slovenia’s Alex Galic (11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-3, 11-3) to reserve her place in the main.

Progress for Monaco, there was also progress for another geographically small national association; Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz emerged successful in the all Latin American duel. She overcame Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi (11-6, 11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7) to secure her place in the main draw proper.

Alas for the host nation, for the one remaining player in the Women’s Singles qualification tournament, it was defeat. Renata Strbikova was beaten by German’s Kristin Lang (13-15, 11-5, 13-15, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5).

Play in the main event commences on Thursday 23rd August.