by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

In Rio de Janeiro, Borislava Peric-Rankovic enjoyed outstanding success alongside her colleague, Nada Matic, who is also present in Cluj-Napoca.

Additional to the gold medal clinched in Women’s Singles Class 4, in the same category Nada Matic was the bronze medallist, whilst together in Women’s Team Class 4-5, they secured silver.

Two medals in the most prestigious tournament of all; it was the same for Fabien Lamirault, the only difference being that the colour was gold in both instances. He won Men’s Singles Class 2, prior to partnering compatriot, Stéphane Molliens to Men’s Team Class 1-2 success.

Likewise, Peter Rosenmeier emerged successful in Men’s Singles Class 6 in Rio de Janeiro to add to his success eight years earlier in Beijing.

Notable names and there are others on duty in Cluj Napoja who enjoyed success in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Italy’s Mohamed Amine Kalem, bronze medallist in Men’s Singles Class 9, appears on the entry list, as does that of Serbia’s Mitar Palikuca; likewise, he gained a medal of the same colour in Men’s Singles Class 5.

Bronze medallist in Rio de Janeiro but earlier this month at the Lignano Masters Para Open, competing in the same category, he was the winner. Undoubtedly in good form and in Cluj-Napoca he may well face another player in similar good form. Frenchman Nicolas Savant-Aira is also on duty; last week he won Men’s Singles Class 4-5 in Hungary.

Prominent names in the Women’s Singles events, in addition to Borislava Peric-Rankovic and Nada Matic; Norway’s Aida Dahlen, the winner of Class 8 at the 2015 European Para Championships, competes as do Italy’s in-form Michela Brunelli and Romania’s Gabriela Constantin.

Both were bronze medallists earlier this month at the Lignano Masters Open; Michela Brunelli in Class 3, Gabriela Constantin in Class 7.

Three days of action; matters conclude on Saturday 25th March.

Romania International Para Open: Draws and Latest Results