by Ian Marshall, Editor
The award was very much a result of his success in class 7 at the 2018 World Para Championships in Lasko, when after accounting for Egypt’s Ahmed Sayed Moahmed (11-9, 12-10, 11-2), he beat Jean-Paul Montanus of the Netherlands (11-4, 16-14, 11-4) to secure the title.
In Girona, Jean-Paul Montanus is not on duty; however Ahmed Sayed Moahmed is present. They could well renew acquaintances.
Success in Lasko, Jordi Morales is one of four players competing in the men’s singles events in Girona who were anointed world champions in the Slovenian city. Gold medallist in class 2, the name of Frenchman Fabien Lamirault appears on the entry list, as does that of colleague Stéphane Molliens, bronze medallist in the same category in Lasko.
Likewise, in class 6, Denmark’s Peter Rosenmeier will be in action; at the 2018 World Para Championships he beat erstwhile rival Alvaro Valera in the final. They could well meet again; Alvaro Valera competes on home soil.
Three current world champions on duty, the fourth name is that of Belgium’s Laurens Devos, the class 9 winner; in the same event in Lasko, Spain’s Juan Bautista Perez Gonzalez secured the third step of the podium. He competes in Girona.
Bronze for the Spaniard, it was the same colour medal in class 11 for Frenchman Lucas Creange. Similarly he is in search of more success; he will play in Girona.
Intense competition awaits in a tournament that has attracted a most impressive entry; overall 159 players have enrolled in the men’s singles event.
2019 Para Costa Brava Open: Draws and Results