Canberra and Kew made their way through the streets of the Japanese quarter to catch the 8.30 buses for the 45 minute ride to the Gateball Stadium of Sao Paulo City, while Redcliffe made their own way by taxi.

All were anxious to try out the clay courts. As players practised their shots and sparks, it soon became clear that overnight rain had made the courts sticky.This prompted a later trip to the local cheap shop for some cloths. We decided that Bruce McAllister would have been well kitted up, had he been here with his dangling towel!

One conclusion about the ball’s course was that the last 10 to 15 cm could be somewhat random.

It was great to catch up with players we had met in previous competitions, both within Australia and overseas. Players  sported all the colours of the rainbow, although the Korean outfit of red and blue checked pants and bright yellow shirts stole the show.

Players returned to town by bus for about 1pm. Team reps then headed off for their meeting about tournament arrangements, while other met up with John, who had just emerged from the morning’s WGU meeting and lunch.

Dancers at the opening dinner