by Ian Marshall
In women’s team class 4-5, China showed no hint of charity as they faced Great Britain.
Zhang Bian and Zhou Ying combined to win the doubles against Sue Bailey and Megan Shackleton (1-5, 11-8, 11-4), before Zhang Bian accounted for Megan Shackleton to end matters (11-4, 11-5, 11-4).
The Chinese pair proved a step head, especially for Megan Shackleton, playing in her first ever Paralympic Games, defeat but good experience.
Success for China, in the corresponding semi-final, it was success for Sweden in opposition to Serbia.
Ana-Carin Ahlquist proved the backbone of the Swedish win; she partnered Ingela Lundbäck to doubles success against Borislava Peric Rankovic and Nada Matic (11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7). Soon after, she overcame Borislava Peric Rankovic (11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to seal the victory.
Comprehensive wins, it was the same in women’s team class 9-10.
Natalia Partyka steered Poland to a 2-0 win against Brazil. She partnered Karolina Pek to doubles success against Bruna Alexandre and Danielle Rauen (11-7, 12-14, 11-9, 11-7); then immediately following, she accounted for Jennyfer Parinos (11-o, 11-4, 11-6).
In the final, Australia awaits.
At the semi-final stage the duo formed by Lei Li Na and Yang Qian proved irrepressible against China. They combined to overcome Xiong Guiyan and Zhao Xiaojing (11-7, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8), prior to Yang Qian returning to action to face Zhao Xiaojing. She prevailed in straight games (11-3, 14-12, 11-4).
Both finals will be conducted on Sunday 3rd August, the class 4-5 event is scheduled to be held sat 11.30, the class 9-10 contest at 10.00 am.