Exciting Lasko Double-Header of Para Table Tennis
The much-anticipated first leg of the Legendary Lasko double-header of Para Table Tennis lived up to all expectations as the Challenger series made its way to Slovenia. Competitors included both current and future champions, promising an exhilarating five days of action. The event showcased incredible talent, with notable victories from stars like Andela Muzinic Vincetic and Sandra Mikolaschek.
Returning Greats at the Top of Their Game
Among the highlights was Sandra Mikolaschek, whose comeback to the ITTF Para series has proven nothing short of sensational. The Paris 2024 champion in the C4 category was a dominant presence at the event, losing only one game throughout five matches. She claimed victory against India’s Bhavina Patel in the finals and continued her success in doubles alongside fellow German player Thomas Bruechle.
Andela Muzinic Vincetic also shined, arriving in Lasko after an impressive week in Podgorica where she secured three titles. The Croatian seized yet another championship in the C3 final, triumphing over Brazil’s Joyce de Oliveira in a thrilling five-game match. Her success did not stop there, as she partnered with Helena Dretar Karic to secure the WD10 title.
Great Britain Dominates the Medal Tally
The standout performers in the individual events were undoubtedly the players from Great Britain, who amassed an impressive six gold medals during their time in Lasko. Jack Hunter Spivey (M4-5), Martin Perry (M6), Bly Twomey (W6-7), Will Bayley (M7), Aaron McKibbin (M8), and Joshua Stacey (M9) all delivered outstanding performances, contributing to GB’s remarkable medal haul.
Other notable victories included 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), showcasing the event’s diverse talent pool and competitive spirit.
Shining in Doubles Action
As the weekend progressed, the doubles matches captivated the audience with thrilling contests. Paralympic champions Jan Riapos and Peter Lavos emerged victorious against France’s Lamirault and Julien Michaud in the MD4 event. In another exciting final, the Slovakian duo of Mitar Palikuca and Mladen Ciric triumphed over France’s Yorick Adjal and Florian Merrien with a score of 3-1 in the MD8 final.
France found success on the men’s doubles side when Clement Berthier and Esteban Herrault clinched gold in the MD14 category. Meanwhile, Spain’s Ander Cepas and Juan Batista Perez continued the winning streak, taking top honors in the MD18 event. The mixed-nationality pair of Grace Williams and Thea Amalie Nielsen also emerged triumphant in the WD14-20 category, highlighting the event’s international flavor.
Mixed Doubles Highlights
In the mixed doubles category, the excitement continued with various teams showcasing their skills. Brazil’s Guilherme Marcio da Costa and Catia Olivieira reigned supreme in XD4, while Abdullah Ozturk and Nergiz Altintas from Turkiye topped XD7. Brazil’s Carlos Eduardo Freire de Moraes and Joyce de Oliveira stood out in XD10, with Will Bayley and Bly Twomey achieving gold in XD14. The mixed nationality duo of Makysym Nikolenko from Ukraine and Alexa Szvitacs from Hungary rounded off the podiums in XD17-20.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Para Table Tennis
As the Challenger series takes a brief pause following consecutive events, an exciting phase is on the horizon: the Elite series. Displaying the pinnacle of talent in Para Table Tennis, this series is set to commence shortly in Lasko, presented by I LOVE SLOVENIA 2025. Fans can look forward to exclusive coverage through the event’s YouTube channel, with daily updates and highlights shared across various social media platforms.
A Thrilling Season Ahead
The Lasko Challenger not only showcased outstanding performances from established stars but also highlighted the emergence of new talent within the Para Table Tennis community. With the Elite series approaching, the excitement continues to build as athletes gear up for more competitive play. As the world watches, these athletes will continue to push the boundaries of the sport, engaging fans and inspiring future generations to embrace the game.
Para Table Tennis
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