The early stages in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events formed the schedule on Wednesday 20th July at the ITTF Thailand Para Open 2022 in Pattaya.
Group: Mixed Doubles Class 7
Kim Younggun / Catia Oliveira (KOR/BRA) beat Trivendra Singh / Malak Ali (IND/KUW) 11-4, 11-3, 11-8
Kim Yonggun is 37 years old ranked no.2 in the world (Men Class 4), Catia Oliveira, 30 years old ranked no.4 (Women Class 2).
Q: How do you feel about this match?
Kim Younggun: I feel so good to win this match because yesterday I lost to Wanchai. I’m very pleased now and the match was quick.
Q: What do you feel about this performance?
Catia Oliveira: I am so happy because in the first game I was a little tense, then I felt well in the middle of the match; now I will prepare for the next match.
Q: What do you feel about Km Younggun as a mixed doubles partner?
Catia Oliveira: Of course, it is pleasure for me to be his partner and an honour because his rank is no. 2 in the world, and his level is very good. He is so good. I expect to win because my partner is really strong.
Group: Mixed Doubles Class 14
Rungroj Thainiyom / Kanlaya Chaiwut-Kriabklang (THA) beat Raimondo Alecci and Lucie Hautière (ITA/FRA) 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 11-6
Q: How do you feel about Rungroj being your teammate?
Kanlaya Chaiwut-Kriabklang: I feel at ease playing with him even though my class is higher. He’s very good; when I have a chance to play with him it makes me feel more confident. He always lets me know how the ball is coming, fast or slow; that makes it easier for me.
Q: How do you feel and what is your strategy in the match?
Rungroj Thainiyom: I’m glad. The tactic was to take advantage of their difficulty to move. We tried to hit the ball through the gaps. If Raimondo was in the forehand side of the table, we would try to play to the backhand. It would open a gap. Sometimes we won points on our service.
Quarter-Final: Men’s Doubles Class 18
Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri / Bunpot Sillapakong (THA) beat Cheung Ping Kwai Samuel / Tong Chi Yung (HKG) 11-9, 11-8, 11-9
Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri is 35 years old, Bunpot Sillapakong 26 years of age.
Q: How do you feel about this match ?
Bunpot Sillapakong: I had pressure, but I was focused. I tried to do the best.
Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri: I was quite excited. I needed to motivate myself to play better than in the first game.
Q: How did you prepare for this match?
Bunpot Sillapakong: We practised a lot; we form a good pair.
Q: How long have you been playing together ?
Bunpot Sillapakong: This is our first tournament playing together, It was fun.
Q: How will you prepare for the next match?
Bunpot Sillapakong: We now meet strong players ,we will try to do the best. Thank you to the federation for a great tournament; thank you to the coaches ,staff, friends and everyone who support us.
