Medallists in Tokyo, following the conclusion of play on Saturday 25th May at the ITTF Paralympic World Singles Qualification Tournament in Pattaya, possibilities of repeat success in Paris remained very much alive for more than one notable name.
A tournament in which only first place secured qualification for the prestigious quadrennial gathering, there was no margin for error, second place counted for nought.
In the women’s singles, Elena Prokofeva alongside colleagues Maliak Alieva and Victoriya Safanova, all competing as independent athletes and in the same classes as in the Japanese capital city, kept hopes alive.
Gold medallist, Elena Prokofeva won class 11, silver medallists, Maliak Alieva and Victoriya Safonova prevailed in class 6 and class 7 respectively.
Also, in the men’s singles there was success for Thailand’s Thirayu Chueawong in class 3 and Germany’s Bjoern Schnake in class 7; just over three years ago in Tokyo, both were men’s team event bronze medallists, Thirayu Chueawong in class 3, Bjoern Schnake in class 6-7.
Success at the Paralympic Games, one more name may be added, Hou Chunxia, bronze medallist in 2008 in Beijing, emerged the women’s singles class 10 winner.
Furthermore, there was no shortage of players reserving Paris places who had enjoyed World Para Championships success but have yet to achieve a Paralympic Games medal.
On duty in the same class as at the Andalucia 2022 World Para Championships in Grenada; in Pattaya Italy’s Andrea Borgato emerged the men’s singles class 1 winner. Likewise, in the women’s singles Argentina’s Maria Garrone prevailed in class 1-2, Thailand’s Wijittra Jaion in class 4, colleague, Panwas Sringam in class 5.
Plying their skills in Grenada, it had been gold for Wijittra Jaion, for Panwas Sringam silver, for Andrea Borgato and Maria Garrone, bronze.
Additionally, the name of Jennyfer Parinos, the women’s singles class 9 winner, may be added to the list. She was a member of Brazil’s gold medal class 9-10 winning team at the 2017 World Team Para Championships in Bratislava.
Players of pedigree, in a similar vein, those who have enjoyed success at major multi-sport events displayed the fact they are more than capable of challenging for honours in Paris.
Notably, in the men’s singles there was success for Chile’s Matias Pino in class 6 and Japan’s Takeshi Takamori in class 11; similarly, in the women’s singles it was the top prize for Thailand’s Patamawadee Intanon in class 3.
Matias Pino won gold at the 2023 Para Pan American Games, Patamawadee Intanon the same colour in the same year in class 1-3 at the World Ability Games. One step lower, Takeshi Takamori claimed silver at the 2022 Asian Games.
Formidable opponents in Paris but could the most formidable be those who have claimed titles at international tournaments this year?
Winner of women’s singles class 8 in Kazakhstan, Elena Litvinenko, an independent athlete, enjoyed the same success in Pattaya, a situation that applied to Frenchman Sylvain Noel, he won men’s singles class 3.
Not to be overlooked, Ivan Karpov, like Elena Litvinenko an independent athlete, a bronze medallist in Kazakhstan, won men’s singles class 10.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles, bronze medallists earlier this year on the Costa Brava, topped the list in Pattaya; Japan’s Genki Saito won class 4, Serbia’s Mitar Palikuca, class 5.
Following suit, respective silver and bronze medallists earlier this year in Poland, claimed gold on Thai soil. China’s Liu Chaodong won men’s singles class 9, Borna Zohil men’s singles class 8.
Paris places booked; now it is preparation for the greatest show on earth, the four-day 2024 ITTF Taipei City Para Open commences on Wednesday 29th May.
- ITTF Paralympic World Singles Qualification: Podium Places
- TTF Paralympic World Singles Qualification: Results
Hopes of Repeating Earlier Achievements Alive Following Wins in Pattaya International Table Tennis Federation.
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