by Ian Marshall, Editor

Local eyes very much focused on the Class 10 final as Kim Daybell, the top seed, faced the host nation’s Ivan Karabec, the no.2 seed; the decision went in favour of the visitor in four games (11-8, 11-5, 3-11, 17-15).

“It was a tough match today. We have played each other so many times over the years. He is always a difficult opponent and I was pleased to come through. It bodes well for me coming into the World Championships next month and I feel that I am in good form. The early rounds were comfortable so to suddenly have to play at the top level was a challenge. Overall there is still plenty to work on but I was pleased with my performance.” Kim Daybell

Defeat for Ivan Karabec but he was realistic, most certainly he had proved a most worthy opponent.

“I know Kim very well. Sometimes I win, sometimes he wins.” Ivan Karabec

Success for Kim Daybell as status advised; for Josh Stacey, the success was somewhat contrary to expectations. The no.2 seed at the final hurdle he overcame colleague and top seed, Ashley Facey Thompson; a straight games success was the order of proceedings.

“I think I played well, especially in the final, I handled my nerves well. Playing Ash was a strange feeling because we had been warming up together at the tournament. It’s a good feeling to win my first singles gold and now I’m looking forward to the team event.” Josh Stacey

Fine performances from the British pair, there was also a most notable effort from Croatia’s Pavao Jozic. He emerged the somewhat surprise Class 7 winner. The no.3 seed, at the final hurdle he beat Sweden’s Jonas Hansson (13-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6), the player who in the penultimate round had beaten in form colleague, Nicklas Westerberg (11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 11-5), the quarter-final winner in opposition to the host nation’s Daniel Horhut, the top seed (11-9, 11-2, 9-11, 11-8).

Otherwise, in the standing categories it was success as status advised. Romania’s Bobi Simon won Class 6; Hungary’s Andras Csonka secured the Class 8 title.

Meanwhile in Class 11, in the final between the two most recent Paralympic Games gold medallists, the Rio 2016 winner prevailed against the London 2012 champion; Belgium’s Florian Van Acker beat Hungary’s Peter Palos by the narrowest of five game margins (11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 3-11, 12-10).

Attention now turns to the Men’s Team events, play concludes on Saturday 22nd September.

2018 Czech Para Open: Draws and Results