With the competition arena filled with most of the World’s leading players representing their countries, the standard of play was, as expected, very high. First to the table was 16-year-old Cathcart, from the Ormeau Club in Belfast, in a group of three players. Unfortunately, his first scheduled opponent, AL-MOHANNADI(QAT), was unable to play and this left Cathcart, who now plays full time in Sweden, with his first and only group match versus the strong Romanian, SZOCS. Owen showed good quality play leading the first set 10-8 before losing 10-12. Cathcart lost the second easily 5-11. In the third set Cathcart went off to a good lead but again lost out 10-12. In the fourth set Szocs stepped up the pace, Cathcart losing out 7-11, and 0-4 on sets.
Maguire, of the UCD Club in Dublin, had two classy players from Belarus and Egypt in his group. His first match was against YARASHENKA(BLR) and despite a close fought four sets, Maguire lost out 0-4 (-9,-10,-9,-8). The second match for Maguire was versus the experienced EL-BEIALI(EGY), which, despite some controversy over the Egyptian service action, also went 0-4 against Maguire.
In the Mens Doubles, Cathcart paired up with his regular partner on the Junior Circuit, Borgar Haug(NOR), with whom he has enjoyed many past successes. Cathcart/Haug began by defeating a Madagascar pair 3-0. Maguire, paired with Norway player Adrian Wetzel, also took a win in their first match, 3-0 over a Jordanian pair. Cathcart/Haug then lined out to play a very strong USA pairing, JHA/LIU, recording a 0-3 loss, despite a close 2nd set, and exiting the Championships. Maguire/Wetzel also faced a tough challenge against the ASSAR brothers from Egypt, who took out the Irish/ Norway pairing 3/0, finishing the Irish interest at the Championships.