Denise Payet picked up two wins as she made her Commonwealth Games debut in Australia today, and there were also victories for three English para athletes.
Payet, who was part of the England team which won bronze but did not feature in any of the matches, made a confident start in the group stage of the Women’s Singles, beating Ruqayyah Kinoo of Mauritius 4-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2).
Her second game was closer but she overcame Ishara Madurangi of Sri Lanka 4-1 (11-6, 14-12, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6).
The para events also got under way in Gold Coast and there was a clean sweep for the three English athletes, with Fliss Pickard particularly impressive in defeating Vero Nime from Papua New Guinea for the loss of only two points.
Ross Wilson won in three straight against Australia’s Barak Mizrachi, but it was a lot tougher for Kim Daybell, who had to face GB colleague Josh Stacey, representing Wales.
It went the distance as Stacey won the first and fourth games but in the end Daybell prevailed 11-6 in the decider.
Daybell said: “It’s hard, I was actually playing with Josh (Stacey) about three weeks ago in Italy where we won. In para, you often don’t have to play against your own team because you play in different classes. It’s rare and really hard to do on a big stage.
“I thought he went out there and played really well. He’s one of the young and up and coming stars – one to look out for definitely.”
The other Home Nations athletes had a decent day. In the men’s groups, Ashley Robinson, Owen Cathcart and Paul McCreery of Ireland all won both their matches, as did Craig Howieson of Scotland. However, his compatriot Colin Dalgleish, having beaten an opponent from Belize, was then defeat by Javen Choong of Malaysia.
In the women’s groups, Chloe Thomas of Wales also won her two matches, but there was a defeat for Anna Hursey, who went down 4-0 to Malaysia’s Li Sian Alice Chang, having earlier won against a Ugandan opponent.
Tomorrow’s programme starts at 12.30am UK time with the Mixed Doubles round of 64. Payet & Sam Walker will be up against Gary Nuopula & Lalmah Sifi of the Solomon Islands. Liam Pitchford & Tin-Tin Ho, and David McBeath & Kelly Sibley, start in the last 32 later tomorrow.
In the Men’s Doubles last 32, Walker & McBeath face Terry Su & Devesh Hukmani of Belize, while Paul Drinkhall & Pitchford play Derek Abrefa & Felix Lartey of Ghana.
The para competitions also continue and Pickard has a tough match against Australia’s Melissa Tapper, who featured in the team bronze medal match against England.
The day concludes with the Women’s Singles round of 32 and the Men’s Singles round of 64.
Results
Women’s Singles
Qualifying Group 7
Denise Payet bt Ruqayyah Kinoo (MRI) 4-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2)
Payet bt Ishara Madurangi (SRI) 4-1 (11-6, 14-12, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6)
Men’s TT6-10 Singles
Group 1
Kim Daybell bt Josh Stacey (WAL) 3-2 (7-11, 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-6)
Group 2
Ross Wilson bt Barak Mizrachi (AUS) 3-0 (11-4, 11-8, 11-5)
Women’s TT6-10 Singles
Group 1
Felicity Pickard bt Vero Nime (PNG) 3-0 (11-0, 11-2, 11-2)