It was disappointment for Hong Kong, the fourth seeds, on the opening day of play, Thursday 8^th January at the 2015 World Team Cup in Dubai.

After the trio of Lee Ho Ching, Doo Hoi Kem and Tie Yana had beaten the Egyptian outfit formed by Nadeen El-Dawlatly, Dina Meshref and Yousra Helmy by three matches to nil, defeat was experienced against DPR Korea,

A three matches to one defeat was the end result with Ri Myong Sun being very much the architect of the victory.

She accounted for both Lee Ho Ching (11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7) and Jiang Huajun (11-6, 11-9, 11-9).

The one further success for the victors came in the doubles with Kim Hye Song partnering Ri Mi Gyong to victory over Doo Hoi Kem and Jiang Huajun (10-12, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8). The one success for Hong Kong was recorded in the first match of the fixture. Doo Hoi Kem overcame Kim Hye Song in five games (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 4-11, 11-4).

Defeat but one bright note for Hong Kong was the return of Tie Yana to international duty; not selected for the duel against DPR Korea, she had featured in the opening contest against Egypt.

“After giving birth to my child last year, I’m still slowly recovering and getting back in form”, said Tie Yana who had partnered Doo Hoi Kem to doubles success against Nadeen El-Dawlatly and Youra Helmy (11-7, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10) to bring matters to a close.

Earlier Lee Ho Ching had beaten Nadeen El-Dawlatly (12-10, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7) and Doo Hoi Kem had defeated Dina Meshref (13-15, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8).

“I am currently training about four hours each day for five times a week to help me improve in terms of my stamina and techniques, to at least get to the form that I was in before my pregnancy”, added Tie Yana. “I think my performance earlier against the Egyptian team was just as per normal, I wasn’t underperforming, but it wasn't superb as well.”

A satisfactory start and Tie Yana has clear a clear goal.

“Moving on, I hope to participate in more international competitions to improve my current world rankings, to participate in the Suzhou World Championships, and hopefully in Rio2016 as well!” stressed Tie Yana.

Should Tie Yana play in Rio de Janeiro, it would be her fourth consecutive appearance in an Olympic Games.

Article by: ITTF - Ian Marshall

Photo by: ITTF