by Ian Marshall, Editor
There was just one casualty, Leo de Nodrest was beaten in a full distance five games duel by Japan’s in form Aoto Asazu (14-12, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6).
Otherwise it was a successful venture with Lilian Bardet being the member of the successful group to experience the greatest scare; he recovered from a two games to nil deficit to beat Poland’s Jan Zandecki by the very narrowest of margins (6-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9).
“I kept calm after being two-nil down in games. I had some problems with his serve but managed to recover and win the match. The level in this tournament is very high, I am happy to qualify for the main draw. There are some very good French junior players present here. We hope to get far, especially in the Under 21 competition.” Lilian Bardet
Tense moments for Lilian Bardet, for his successful colleagues, life was less exacting; Jules Rolland beat Sweden’s Martin Friis (11-7, 11-8, 11-5); Irvin Bertrand like Lilian Bardet stifled Polish hopes, he accounted for Kacper Petas (8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-9).
Similarly, Dorian Zheng accounted Qatar’s Mohammed Adulwahhab (8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-4), Bastien Rembert ended the hopes of China’s Gao Xiangshuo (9-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-8).
The preliminary stage over, the main draw of the Under 21 Men’s Singles event will commence play on Thursday 25th October.
