There was a distinct possibility that reigning A1 Major Vienna presented by Swatch champions could have been eliminated on day one of the main draw.
Czech stars Marketa Sluková and Barbora Hermannová lost their opening match of the 2019 event this morning to Canada’s Heather Bansley and Brandie Wilkerson in straight sets.
And that meant that nothing but a victory over Germans Victoria Bieneck and Isabel Schneider would mean an early exit from the tournament which they were crowned champions 12 months ago.
In the end there was no need to worry as Marketa and Barbora cruised past their opponents to register a 21-16, 21-11 win to secure their passage to the first elimination phase which kicks off on Saturday.
In the same pool, Carol Solberg and Maria Antonelli got the better of Brandie/Bansley to secure an immediate path to the second elimination phase.
However, the story of the day saw Spain qualifiers Maria Carro and Paula Soria book a spot in the knockout round with a straight sets victory over Martha Menegatti and Viktoria Orsi Toth of Italy.
The women’s main draw action continues with the remaining pool play before Thursday’s elimination matches.
