#moverley

[2] Fiona Moverley (Eng) 3-1 [8] Tinne Gilis (Bel) 11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 11-8 (35m)

For two games it looked as though defending champion Fiona Moverley would have an easy passage into the semifinals, such was her dominance over Belgium’s Tinne Gilis.

Some advice from big sister Nele between games may have helped, as Tinne turned the tables to dominate the third, picking off Moverley’s shots and forcing the Englishwoman into errors. She led 6-2 in the fourth too, but Moverley fought back well to regain control and keep her title defence very much alive.

“I was looking to attack and stay in front of her and then I don’t really know what happened in the third. I knew being 2-0 down her only option was to come back at me and she did.

“In the end I managed to turn it around and use my experience to get my basics back on track. I had to be patient, find my length and it turned itself around. I think she got a bit edgy and a few errors came in the end. I just stayed positive and pushed through.”

[2] Fiona Moverley (Eng) 3-0 Milnay Louw (Rsa)      11-4, 11-8, 11-5 (23m)

A comfortable start to Fiona Moverley’s title defence as ash despatched Milnay Leow in quick time.

“I always had it in my head that I was going to come back to defend my title.

“I planned the season to start here and how could you not with this lovely venue! It’s nice to be back and slightly different to be indoors this year, it’s very warm in here but the crowd were amazing and produced a great atmosphere.

“I’ve been pushing that top 20 and I really want to break that – that’s my aim and I’m only a few spots away – but the girls up there are really strong so hopefully I can start my season well with this tournament and we will see how I go.”