by Ian Marshall, Editor
Competing in Class 7, Kelly Van Zon beat Anne Barneoud of France (8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-2); Mao Jingdian overcame Japan’s Megumi Hirokane (11-4, 11-6, 11-7). Similarly, Natalia Partyka asserted her authority on proceedings; she recorded a straight games win in opposition to Turkey’s Hila Turkkan (11-7, 11-4, 11-6).
“The biggest difficulty I had was this was the first match and it is just the beginning. I prepared myself for this match as always, I knew I was better than her and I just had to play my game. I was a bit stressed but the first few points went well and it became much easier. The conditions are good so I hope I will play better and better, step by step, match by match towards my goal. I have to think about my second match tomorrow. Of course I would like to win but I know it is not going to be easy because everyone wants to beat me. I will focus on myself and not so much on my opponent but I am not thinking about the gold now, there are still many steps to go. We will see; I just want to enjoy the games and the time here. Hope the results will be great and I will be satisfied.” Natalia Partyka
Kelly Van Zon, Mao Jingdian and Kelly Van Zon are three of the most celebrated names in Para sport; name the major title, they have succeeded.
Success as expected, equally in the remaining Women’s Singles standing categories, it was success for the top seeds in their opening encounters.
In Class 6, Ukraine’s Marina Lytovchenko beat Great Britain’s Fliss Pickard (14-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4); in Class 9 China’s Xiong Guiyan accounted for Germany’s Lena Kramm (11-2, 11-2, 11-8). Meanwhile, in Class 11 for players with an intellectual disability, Russia’s Elena Prokofeva prevailed against Hong Kong’s Wong Ka Man, the London 2012 Paralympic Games gold medallists. Impressively Elena Prokofeva emerged successful in three straight games (11-5, 11-2, 11-5).
Play in the first stage of the Women’s Singles events concludes on Thursday 18th October.
2018 World Para Championships: Results and Draws
