by Ian Marshall, Editor,

Katsiaryna Baravok received a walk-over when due to face the Czech Republic’s Zdena Blaskova; for Marharyta Baltushite it was defeat at the hands of China’s Nian Shiyao (11-6, 10-12, 6-11, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5), who earlier in the day had beaten Russia’s Olga Kulikova 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, 14-12, 11-9) and is thus assured first place in the group.

“I was all set to win in this game. Although I’d never played against Baltushite, I made preparations before the match and knew what to expect.” Nian Shiyao

Defeat for Marharyta Baltushite; it was success for Darya Kisel but all too late. She overcame Aneta Kucerova, like Adena Blaskova from the Czech Republic and the highest rated player in the group (12-10, 2-11, 6-11, 13-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8) but in her opening match she had experienced defeat at the hands of Korea Republic’s Kim Mingyung (11-6, 11-7, 11-6, 11-2).

“Patience and skill were the keys to success in this match. I played well in defence and tried not to make mistakes when I attacked. In the final game I did my best with my defence and it worked.” Darya Kisel

Top place in the group secured for Nian Shiyao, likewise against the odds, first place was gained by colleague He Alge, as well as by Korea Republic’s Kang Gayun, Lee Yeongeun and Yu Sora. Similarly, Japan’s Miku Izumo concluded her first phase matches on top spot.

Meanwhile, for the leading names on first day duty it was success; Italy’s Chiara Colantoni, Japan’s Yumeno Soma and Russia’s Valeria Shcherbatykh all ended the day with the record of one match played, one match won; a situation that applied also to Croatia’s Sun Jiayi.

The qualification tournament concludes on Wednesday 14th November.