Fates Conspire, Belarus Fights but Not Best of Fortunes in Panagyurishte
2015 ITTF World Tour Asarel Bulgaria Open
Courtesy of ITTF

Belarus fought, especially in the guise of Daria Trigolos and Alina Nikitchanka but quite simply, as matters concluded on the evening of the first day of play, Wednesday August 19th, in the qualification stage of the Women’s Singles event at the GAC Group 2015 ITTF World Tour Asarel Bulgaria Open, the fates of sport conspired against the eastern European country.

Both suffered defeats at the hands of higher rated opponents.

Daria Trigolos was beaten by Japan’s Saki Tashiro in seven games (10-12, 11-6, 8-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8); while Alina Nikitchanka mounted a brave recovery against Spain’s Sara Ramirez, before experiencing a six games reverse (11-7, 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 9-11, 11-8).

Fast Exchanges
Defeat for Daria Trigolos but it was a performance of great credit from the 16 year old, against a player who had been a member of the Japanese squad at the ZEN-HOH 2014 World Team Championships in Tokyo.

The young lady from Belarus matched her Japanese adversary in fast counter topspin rallies; the marginal extra consistency and perhaps the slightly earlier time of the ball, eventually swaying matters in favor of Saki Tashiro.

Testing Opponent
Fast attacking rallies, for Sara Ramirez against Alina Nikitchanka, the scenario for the Spaniard was to overcome the backspin skills of her18 year old adversary.

Sara Ramirez succeeded but she acknowledged she had been tested.

“I was ahead three games to nil; I lost my concentration”, said Sara Ramirez. “I really don’t know what happened.”

Heavy Backspin
A lapse in concentration but Sara Ramirez was focused at the crucial stages and thus emerged successful.

“On the forehand, she imparts a great deal of backspin on the ball; also she can attack from the forehand, her backhand is similar to many other defenders, quite safe”, added Sara Ramirez. “I must give her credit, she fights; she is mentally very strong.”

World Rankings
Notably Saki Toshiro is at no.112 on the current Women’s World Rankings, Daria Trigolos is at no.241; similarly, Sara Ramirez is at no.116, Alina Nikitchanka is at no.228.

More Disappointment
Defeats Daria Trigolos and Alina Nikitchanka, there were also defeats for the remaining four players from Belarus who are on duty in the group phase of the Women’s Singles event.

Katsiaryna Baravok, likewise suffered defeat at Japanese hands; she was beaten by Misaki Morizono, at no.28, the highest World ranked on duty in the first stage of the Women’s Singles event (11-9, 11-8, 11-3, 11-7).

Meanwhile, Mariya Kuchuk suffered defeat against Korea’s Choi Hyojoo (11-4, 11-3, 11-5, 11-8, Hana Patseyeva experienced defeat against Britt Eerland (11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11- 5 8-11, 13-11) while Alina Arlouskaya was beaten by Japan’s Haruna Sakai (9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-5, 11-5).

Notable Upset
No surprises but there was one upset of note as play came to a conclusion on the first day of play.

Prachi Jha of the United Sates accounted for Korea’s Kim Byeolnim (10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8).

Presently, Kim Byeolnim is named at no.184 on the Women’s World Rankings, Prachi Jha is at no.248.

First Stage Concludes
Play in the first stage of proceedings concludes on Thursday August 20th.

Player’s List, Schedule & more information is available at ITTF.com.