It was a brave effort by Adam Robertson and he underlined the fact that he is a contender for honours in the individual events at the Commonwealth Championships in Glasgow but it was to be defeat for Wales on the morning of Thursday 21st May 2009.

In their opening match in the second stage of proceedings in the Men’s Team event, Robertson was beaten in a thrilling five games encounter by Yang Zi in the fixture against top seeds, Singapore.

The young man from Wrexham rose to the occasion; thrilled his supporters but it was not to be and it was not to be for Wales.

Singapore won by three matches to nil with Gao Ning proving too strong for Stephen Gertsen and Cai Xiao Li overpowering Steven Jenkins.

Second Stage Groups
In stage two of the Men’s Team event, Singapore, Canada, Wales and South Africa all compete against each other as do India, England, Australia and Scotland.

The teams finishing in first place in each group compete for the gold medal, the second place teams each receive bronze with the third and fourth placed teams competing for places five to eight. The two third placed teams dispute places five and six with the fourth placed teams battling for seventh and eighth place.

Medal Hopes Alive
Success for Singapore and also for Canada; they beat South Africa by three matches to one to make a successful start to their programme, to keep their medal hopes alive.

Success for Singapore and Canada whilst in the corresponding group there were wins for England and India; both teams succeeded by the margin of three matches to nil with England denting home medal hopes.

England defeated Scotland by three matches to nil whilst India handed out the same punishment to Australia.

Singapore and India Unbeaten
Meanwhile, the Women’s Team event both Singapore and India remain unbeaten, recording respective wins over Wales and Canada whilst in the corresponding group, only Malaysia possesses a clean sheet.

They defeated New Zealand by three matches to nil on the morning of the second day of play.

Second Spot for Australia and England
Australia and England occupy joint second place with one win each. Australia lost to Malaysia on the second day of play but then overcame England on the third day whilst it was the reverse for England, beating New Zealand on the second day of action.

Image by Ayoade Ademakinwa