by Ian Marshal, ITTF Publications Editor

In Class 6-7, Yan Shuo, Liao Keli and Wang Yu secured first place in their group, as in Class 8 did Zhao Shuai, Ye Chao Qun and Peng Weinan; events organised in two stages, a group phase followed by knock-out.

Notably, in each competition, the host nation occupied the second seeded position; furthermore, it was first place in the group. Rungroj Thainiyon and Chalermpong Punpoo emerged successful in Class 6-7, Phisit Wangphonphatnanasiri and Lertsak Ngeonkrachang in Class 8.

Outcomes as anticipated but in the one further group in the latter category, there was a surprise; Australia’s Barak Mizrachi and Nathan Pellissier beat the third seeded Japanese pairing of Hideo Tamai and Yoshihisa Takeda by two matches to one to reserve top spot. Hideo Tamai and Yoshihisa Takeda duly finished in runners up spot and thus advanced to the main draw.

Similarly, in the remaining Men’s Team Standing categories, played on a group basis, the top seeded Chinese outfits enjoyed success.

Zhou Yi Qing and Han Yijie remained unbeaten in Class 9 as did the Japanese combination of Nobuyuki Suzuki and Takoya Nakajima. Likewise, in Class 10, Lian Hao, Mao Shubo and Kong Wijie alongside the partnership formed by the Czech Republic’s Ivan Karabec and Russia’s Pavel Lukyanov also ended the day without defeat.

Meanwhile, in Class 11, the category for those with a learning disability, it was a fruitful experience for Japan; Ryo Miyauchi and Takashi Takeda ended the day as the one unbeaten team.

Play in Suphan Buri concludes on Saturday 21st October.

2017 Thailand Para Open: Latest Results and Forthcoming Matches