Consistent as usual

Known for her excellent defensive displays and an exceptionally high level of consistency, in round one Korea Republic’s Suh Hyowon eased to a convincing 4-0 win at the expense of Colombia’s Paula Medina (11-7, 11-2, 11-1, 11-5). In round two Suh Hyowon will meet another Latin American in the form of Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi.

Czech qualifier stuns Spanish seed

Required to compete in qualification action but Czech competitor Karin Adamkova has successfully booked her spot in round two of the women’s singles draw following a fantastic 4-1 victory over the no.59 seeded player from Spain, Galia Dvorak (11-4, 9-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-9).

What TV shows do the stars like to watch?

Have you ever wondered what TV shows are watched by some of the world’s finest table tennis players? Now it’s time to find out:

Needing to believe

Win a close game and confidence blossoms, lose a close game and confidence drains; the latter applied to Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem, the no.11 seed. She lost a dramatic sixth game against Korea Republic’s Yoo Eunchong, before in the seventh leading 9-6, then finding herself level at 9-all, before securing the next two points (7-11, 11-6, 12-14, 11-7, 11-7, 14-16, 11-9).

“After I list the sixth game I thought I was going to lose the match; then in the seventh game I became too passive, I didn’t stay close to the table. Yoo Euchong was good at changing the speed of the play, sometimes slow, sometimes fast.” Doo Hoi Kem

No time to relax

Romania’s Elizabeta Samara, the no.17 seed, appeared in control of proceedings against Italy’s Chiara Colantoni, she established a three games to one lead before her most worthy adversary responded to force decider. Totally focused, Elizabeta Samara dominated the seventh game (4-11, 11-4, 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 7-11, 11-2).

“I think I just relaxed after the fourth game, she played well, she put the ball on the table, she took some risks; I’m really too sure.” Elizabeta Samara

Host nation success

The host nation’s Szandra Pergel and Dora Madarasz were very much in form as play commenced; second round places were booked in style.

Szandra Pergel, the no.47 seed, beat Pauline Chasselin of France (12-10, 11-6, 11-8, 14-12); Dora Madarasz accounted for Alkaterini Toliu of Greece (11-4, 11-1, 11-9, 11-6).

Imposing starts

The respective top two seeds, China’s Ding Ning and Chen Meng both made imposing starts to their campaigns; ultra efficient performances were on view.

Ding Ning beat Egypt’s Yousra Helmy (11-2, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6): Chen Meng accounted for Singapore’s Wong Xin Ru (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5).

Dina Meshref recovers

Trailing three games to nil, Egypt’s Dina Meshref performed the most notable recovery of the tournament to date. The no.34 seed, eventually, she overcame India’s Archana Girish Kamath (8-11, 8-11, 17-19, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4); she now meets Canada’s Zhang Mo, the no.21 seed. In her opening round contest she beat India’s Archana Girish Kamath (11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7).

“I think I knew I had to change my tactics after losing the first three games and when I did that things started to change. From the fourth game l led all through to win the match. It was a very tactical match for me. I am so excited advancing to the next stage and I hope I can even go further because I can say that I had a good draw unlike in the past when you will be facing the Chinese or Japanese early in the competition. I hope I can do better in the next match against Canada’s Zhang Mo.” Dina Meshref

Feng Tianwei eventually finds answers

Singapore’s Feng Tianwei, the no.9 seed, accounted for Amy Wang of the United States (12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 11-13, 11-6), a contest in which, the 17 year old had caused a host of problems. After recovering to level matters at two games apiece, in the fifth, on two occasions Feng Tianwei had to save game points.

“First match in the tournament it was difficult to find a rhythm to my play; winning the fifth game was a major boost to my confidence.” Feng Tianwei

Day Three commences

It’s time for the players to take to the table for Day Three of the Liebherr 2019 World Championships – for detailed information take a look at the fixture schedule below:

Preview Day Three

Take a look at what’s coming your way on Day Three with our quick preview article:

Preview Day Three: Potential upsets on the horizon?

Lily Zhang x TATA Trickshot

Be sure to watch USA’s Lily Zhang take on the TATA Trickshot Challenge – can she beat Ma Long’s target?