Metz appeared without Jiahong Chen. At the opening, Debruyères faced Llorca. From the start, the Tourangeau took the lead. Untenable, Debruyères regularly pushed his opponent to fault. Angry, the Messin could not find solutions on the services of the Tourangeau. To win the match, Debruyères suddenly lost its splendor. At 10-10, surprised by a “hammer” serve, he let go twice (2-1). Llorca hung on and gained confidence (9-8). The Tourangeau came back (10-10 then 12-12) and finally pass in front on a last cross attack (1-0.)
For the second match, Bardet challenged Bourrassaud. In the first set, Tourangeau managed to contain the powerful attacks of Messin. In the next round, Bardet in turn released his crossed forehands (8-4). Bourrasaud was still holding on (9-8) by improving his services (9-9). It took a last successful serve from Bardet to snatch the set. It was the turning point of the match. Bardet, boss, started again strong (6-0) and without trembling, left no chance to his opponent.
Tight duel
The duel between Gorak and Dorr was going to be the tightest of the evening. Facing the left-hander Metz, the Tourangeau returned blow for blow. Without trembling, he snatched the last two points to afford the first set. Subsequently, Dorr imposed his forehand (9-4). Again in the match, Gorak took 6 successive points and equalized (10-10). However, he could not conclude (1-1). Le Messin continued its momentum (2-6). Gorak signed, this time, a 9-0 to regain control (2-1). Nothing was over, however. Dorr equalized (2-2). The last exchanges were very beautiful. A new crossover was established (6-3 then 8-8). At 10-10, the tension was at its height. Each one in turn saves several match points. Finally, it was Dorr who cracked first.
C. Debruyères (n ° 125) – D. Llorca (n ° 147): 3-1 (8-11, 5-11,10-12, 12-14) L. Bardet (n ° 79) – F. Bourrassaud (n ° 95): 3-0 (11-7,11-9, 11-1) D. Gorak (n ° 39) – E. Dorr (n ° 67): 3-2 (11-9, 10-12, 11-6, 7-11, 14-12)
