by Simon Daish

Brimming with confidence off the back of a trouble-free group experience, Griesel outshone her first knock-out stage opponent as she dispatched Croatia’s Bruna Borovec 3-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-4). Another formidable challenge arrived in the form of Russia’s Maria Panfilova. Still, no one was going to prevent an inspired Griesel from securing her place in the quarter-final line-up (11-8, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9). Fresh from her recent title success at WTT Youth Contender Varazdin 2021, Romania’s Elena Zaharia provides the next challenge for Griesel.

“I am very happy as I played very well. I was able to play many balls which I wouldn’t normally be able to do, so I have a good feeling. I feel pretty good at this tournament, and I hope to continue with another good match tomorrow to be able to be in the hunt for medals,” said Griesel

Griesel’s compatriot Naomi Pranjkovic suffered a shock round of 32 exit. Romania’s Bianca Mei Rosu proved too strong for the second-highest ranked player in the draw (11-7, 11-4, 12-10). Ioana Singeorzan, ranked third for the event, was the biggest name to fall in the last 16 following the Romanian’s stunning 3-1 defeat to India’s Yashaswini Deepak Ghorpade (11-3, 7-11, 11-7, 13-11).

“The tournament is great; I love it! I am hoping for the best tomorrow and to be in a strong position to be able to win the next match,” said Ghorpade

Indian representation is also set to feature in the Under 13 Girls’ Singles quarter-finals, thanks to Hansini Mathan Rajan. Dropping just one game at the group hurdle, Mathan Rajan followed up with an impressive straight games victory over Romania’s Bianca Andreea Jifcu (11-9, 12-10, 12-10).

“Today, I played well. It is a very good tournament to gain new experience at. Hopefully, tomorrow I can continue my run with another good game,” said Mathan Rajan

Mathan Rajan meets Lorena Morsch in the last eight after the German player successfully topped her group. Czech Republic’s Veronika Polakova recovered from 0-2 to defeat Russia’s Aleksandra Bokova 3-2 (7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6) in the opposite half of the draw.