by Ian Marshall, Editor

In Lignano he reached the semi-final stage of the men’s singles event losing to Romania’s Bobi Simion, the top seed and champion elect (11-9, 11-6, 11-9), the player earlier in the competition he had beaten in the group stage (11-9, 11-9, 11-7) to cause one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Later joining forces with David Wetherill and Paul Karabardak, the trio won the men’s title; bronze followed by gold was the end result.

Next stop the Costa Brava; in the men’s singles event it was again bronze, beaten at the semi-final stage by former world champion, Spain’s Alvaro Valera (11-3, 11-13, 12-10, 11-5). The following day partnering Ian Seidenfeld of the United States, it was silver. In a group organized event the duo finished next in line to the combination of Italy’s Matteo Parenzan and Korea Republic’s Lee Seho.

A most pleased Scotsman, Martin Perry hails from Paisley and is supported by UK Sport (United Kingdom Sport) and BPTT (British Para Table Tennis) spoke to Francesca Bullock, the Great Britain Para Team Press Officer.

“It’s great to get four medals from two competitions. Ian is a highly ranked player for a reason and I think it showed especially in doubles, he played some great shots.

I feel like I’ve had a very mature head these past two weeks. I’ve tried to be as disciplined as possible with my game plans and I feel it has really paid off. I’ve had some really good wins and some improved performances from Italy; my match with Valera was incredibly tight. He’s such a clever and experienced player who I have nothing but respect for and I think my coaching team and I approached the match with the correct tactics; it just wasn’t to be today.

I’m really happy to have won singles bronze medals in Spain and Italy and I just want to thank everyone – UK Sport, BPTT and individual sponsors – for their support. It’s great to start the season so well and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.” Martin Perry

Also impressive for Great Britain in the Costa Brava was Jack Stockdale from Romford in England; he reached the semi-final in men’s singles class 10, losing to the host nation’s Jorge Cardona (11-9, 12-10, 11-9).

Likewise, he spoke to Francesca Bullock.

“I’m very happy to have got to the semi-finals, especially getting out of a group with two higher ranked players. I had several chances against Cardona that I didn’t take, so there are improvements to be made but it is a nice feeling to get a medal. Overall I’m very happy with the progress I’ve made and how I played.” Jack Stockdale

2019 Para Lignano Open / Para Costa Brava Open: Complete Results