by Ian Marshall

The previous day in a contest when playing Caroline Tabib from neighbouring Israel, a match where no quarter was given, no quarter asked, screams from both players when succeeding, Caroline Tabib had beaten Khetam Abuawad in four games (13-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-8).

Earlier, in the opening group contest, Khetam Abuawad had recorded a straight games win in opposition to Panwas Sringam (11-9, 11-7, 11-9).

Thus on the morning of the third day of action, Khetam Abuawad needed a favour from Panwas Sringam. She duly deivered, she accounted for Caroline Tabib in straight games (11-9, 11-7, 11-9); coincidentally the score identical to her defeat at the hands of Khetam Abuawad.

One win apiece, games ratio determined the outcome. It was first place for Khetam Abuawad (4:3) ahead of Panwas Sringam (3:3) and Caroline Tabib (3:4).

Thus, Khetam Abuawad and Panwas Sringam booked main draw places.

First place as anticipated for Khetam Abuawad; that was not the situation for China’s Pan Jiamin, the no.3 seed. She had to settle for second position.

Top spot went to Korea Republic’s Jung Younga; the winner the previous day against Pan Jiamin (11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-8), she concluded her group phase matches by overcoming Chile’s Tamara Leonelli (11-2, 11-1, 11-3).

Surprises, in the remaining group, matters advanced according to plan.

Sweden’s Ingela Lundbäck beat Egypt’s Faiza Mahmoud Mahmoud (11-5, 11-6, 11-3) and thus finished in second place behind China’s Zhang Bian, gold medallist in 2012 in London and in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

The quarter-final matches in women’s singles class 5 are scheduled for the evening session of play.