by Ian Marshall, Editor

Competing in class 8, Thu Kampkasomphu has a host of major titles to her credit; most notably being crowned World champion in 2010 in Gwangju, as well as securing gold at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Earlier at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games she had emerged successful in Class 9.

Experienced, Thu Kampkasomphu is one of several notable players in action on the women’s singles events in Girona. Also present is Kelly van Zon of the Netherlands, named Female Para Athlete of the Year at the 2018 ITTF Star Awards evening last December in Incheon. Gold medallists at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, she has a particular liking for Spain; last year in June in Sant Cugat del Valles, she won the class 7 title.

Similarly, silver medallist at last year’s World Para Championships in Lasko, Denmark’s Sophie Walloe is on duty in class 10; in addition to her efforts last year, in 2015 and in 2017 she was also the runner up at the European Para Championships, on all three occasions being beaten at the final hurdle by Poland’s redoubtable Natalia Partyka.

A strong challenge for honours in the women’s singles events from Europe; it is very similar from Asia. Korea Republic’s Seo Suyeon, who won class 1-2 at the 2018 World Para Championships, having gained silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, will be on duty in Girona. Likewise, her colleague, Kim Seongok will be in action. Competing in class 7, last year Kim Seongok was a bronze medallist at the World Para Championships, a gold medallists at the Asian Para Championships in Jakarta.

Adding to the list, Hong Kong’s Ng Mui Wui is among the entries; competing in class 11, she won gold in Jakarta, having been a bronze medallist at the World Para Championships.

Overall, a total of 41 players compete in the women’s singles events in Girona.

2019 Para Costa Brava Open: Draws and Results