Leading Names on Duty in Ostrava Aiming to Repeat Tokyo Success in Paris
Written by I Dig SportsMedals secured in Tokyo, aiming to achieve the very same later this year at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, such is the quest for the principal names on duty at the 2024 Czech Para Open.
A factor 20 tournament for World ranking points, the three-day tournament commences in Ostrava on Thursday 20th June.
In the mens singles, gold medallists in the Japanese capital city, Korea Republics Joo Youngdae (class 1), Turkeys Abdullah Ozturk (class 4) and Hungary Peter Palos (class 11) all compete.
Earlier this year Joo Youngdae won in both Italy and Montenegro; Abdullah Ozturk prevailed in Poland but had to settle for silver in Italy and Slovenia, on each occasion losing to Thailands Wanchai Chaiwut. The good news for Abdullah Ozturk is that Wanchai Chaiwut does not compete in Ostrava.
Rather different for Peter Palos, also a gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, he was a semi-finalist in Egypt and Spain, the runner up in Chinese Taipe.
Silver medallist in Tokyo, Korea Republics Kim Younggun (class 4) competes in Ostrava, as do his bronze medal winning colleagues Cha Sooyong (class 2) and Park Jincheol (class 2).
Also, a Tokyo bronze medallist, the name of Belgiums Florian van Acker (class 11), the winner in Rio de Janeiro will be in action, a situation that applies to Great Britains Paul Karabardak (class 6).
Additionally, looking forward to Paris, Norways Tommy Urhaug (class 5) and Jan Riapos (class 2) will be present in the Czech Republic, a situation that applies to Great Britains Rob Davies (class 1). All gold medallists, Tommy Urhaug won in London, Jan Riapos in Athens and London. Rob Davies in Rio de Janeiro.
Similarly, in the womens singles events, the names of players who enjoyed success in Tokyo and will compete in Paris, appear on the entry list.
Seo Suyeon (class 2), the runner up in Tokyo plies her skills, as does bronze medallist, Brazils Catia Oliveira (class 2).
Also, a silver medallist, Slovakia Alena Kanova (class 3) will present as will bronze medallists Korea Republics Yoon Jiyu (class 3), Hungarys Alexa Szvitacs (class 9) and Hong Kongs Wong Ting-Ting (class 11).
Worthy competitors, furthermore, note the names of reigning World champions; in the womens singles, additional to Alexa Szvitacs, Korea Republics Yoon Jiyu (class 3) and Alexandra Saint-Pierre from France (class 5) compete as in the mens singles does Kim Jungil (class 4), alongside Korea Republic colleague Kim Gitae (class 11).
A total of 147 men and 61 women are named on the Ostrava entry list; play commences with the individual events.