Leg one of what promises to be a memorable Lasko double-header of Para Table Tennis had all the excitement anticipated, as the Challenger series made its way to Slovenia. The event brought together champions and rising stars from all corners, particularly showcasing the best in the sport.
Highlighting the Champions
The entry list included current champions from the Paris 2024 Games, as well as many who could be future icons of Para Table Tennis. Over the course of five action-packed days, athletes like Andela Muzinic Vincetic and Sandra Mikolaschek delivered outstanding performances that solidified their status in the sport.
Returning Greats at the Top of Their Game
Among the standout performers was Sandra Mikolaschek. Her comeback to the ITTF Para series has been nothing short of remarkable. Competing in the C4 category, Mikolaschek dominated the competition in Lasko, only dropping a single game over an impressive five matches throughout the week. Her final match against India’s Bhavina Patel highlighted her skill, as she clinched victory with a well-earned win. Additionally, Mikolaschek’s partnership with fellow German Thomas Bruechle in the doubles event further showcased her versatility and competitive edge.
Andela Muzinic Vincetic continued her incredible run from a recent event in Podgorica. Fresh off a hat-trick of victories, the Croatian athlete added another title to her impressive repertoire by defeating Brazil’s Joyce de Oliveira in the C3 final after an exhilarating five-game showdown. Muzinic Vincetic also celebrated success in the WD10 event alongside her partner, Helena Dretar Karic.
Great Britain’s Dominance
The competition saw an outstanding performance from Great Britain, with the team securing a remarkable six gold medals across various categories. Athletes Jack Hunter Spivey (M4-5), Martin Perry (M6), Bly Twomey (W6-7), Will Bayley (M7), Aaron McKibbin (M8), and Joshua Stacey (M9) all delivered exceptional performances on Thursday, adding significantly to Team GB’s medal tally.
Beyond Great Britain’s successes, notable wins were recorded by athletes from different nations. Sang Gu Jeong (M1), Jana Spegel (W1-2), Fabien Lamirault (M2), Jenson van Emburgh (M3), Tru Kamkasomphou (W8), Filip Radovic (M10), Samuel von Einem (M11), and Miya Yamaguchi (W11) all showcased their talent and determination throughout the competition.
Excitement in Doubles Action
As the weekend approached, the atmosphere intensified with the doubles events taking center stage. The Paralympic champions, Jan Riapos and Peter Lavos, displayed their prowess in the MD4 category, triumphing over the French duo of Lamirault and Julien Michaud. Meanwhile, the Slovakian pair of Mitar Palikuca and Mladen Ciric edged out their French opponents in the MD8 finals, demonstrating a strong finish with a 3-1 victory.
Despite some fierce competition, France found success in the MD14 category with Clement Berthier and Esteban Herrault securing the gold. Spain’s Ander Cepas and Juan Batista Perez also celebrated victory in the MD18 event. The WD14-20 mixed nationality duo of Grace Williams and Thea Amalie Nielsen performed admirably, reflecting the diverse talent present at the event.
Rounding Off Mixed Doubles Action
The mixed doubles competitions further highlighted the skill and strategy involved in Para Table Tennis. Among the winners, Brazilian pair Guilherme Marcio da Costa and Catia Olivieira claimed the gold in XD4. Similarly, Abdullah Ozturk and Nergiz Altintas from Turkiye triumphed in XD7, showing that the competition was vibrant across all categories. Brazil continued to shine with Carlos Eduardo Freire de Moraes and Joyce de Oliveira winning in XD10, while Will Bayley and Bly Twomey captured gold in XD14. The pairing of Makysym Nikolenko from Ukraine and Alexa Szvitacs from Hungary rounded out the podium in XD17-20.
Looking Ahead: The Elite Series
As the Challenger series takes a brief pause after an exhilarating set of competitions, excitement builds for what is next: the Elite series is set to debut soon. Touted as the pinnacle event in Para Table Tennis, the Elite series will once again take place in Lasko, proudly presented by I LOVE SLOVENIA 2025. This upcoming series will spotlight the top talents in the sport, igniting passion among fans and competitors alike.
Viewers around the globe can expect to follow all the action as it happens through the designated platforms, as anticipation continues to build. Fans are encouraged to stay connected via various social media channels for daily updates and insights into what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of Para Table Tennis talent.
Para Table Tennis
https://www.ittf.com/2025/05/12/great-britain-shine-in-laskos-challenger-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=great-britain-shine-in-laskos-challenger-event
