The stage is set for captivating clashes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with several decorated players returning to reclaim their Paralympic glory in Para table tennis.
Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating a potential rematch between Poland’s legendary Natalia Partyka and Australia’s rising star Yang Qian in the women’s singles class 10. Partyka, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2016), saw her reign interrupted by Yang Qian in the Tokyo 2020 semifinals. Yang Qian further solidified her dominance by defeating Partyka again in the 2022 World Para Championships final. This captivating rivalry goes deeper, with Partyka previously holding the upper hand against Yang Qian when she represented China (Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016).
Another compelling women’s singles contest could unfold in class 9. Yang Qian’s Australian teammate, Lei Li Na, might renew her rivalry with Hungary’s Alexa Szvitacs. Lei Li Na emerged victorious in their Tokyo 2020 semifinal, but Szvitacs turned the tables in the 2022 World Para Championships, securing the gold medal.
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Similarly, in class 7, the potential clash between Turkey’s Kubra Korkut and the Netherlands’ Kelly van Zon promises fireworks. Van Zon has historically dominated this matchup, claiming victories in the Rio 2016 final, Tokyo 2020 semifinal, and the 2018 World Championships final. However, Korkut finally dethroned Van Zon in the 2022 World Championships final and repeated the feat at the 2023 European Para Championships.
Meanwhile, local fans will have their eyes glued to Fabien Lamirault in men’s singles class 2. A potential meeting with Poland’s Rafal Czuper could be a defining moment. Lamirault has consistently bested Czuper in major finals, including Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and the 2022 World Para Championships. However, Czuper’s narrow victory over Lamirault at the 2023 European Para Championships suggests their next encounter could be a nail-biter.
The battle for medals in men’s singles class 11 also promises a fierce competition between four familiar names: Hungary’s Peter Palos (London 2012 gold medalist), Belgium’s Florian van Acker, Australia’s Samuel von Einem, and France’s Lucas Creange. Recent seasons have seen these players push each other to new heights. Van Acker dethroned Palos in the Rio 2016 semifinals before defeating Von Einem in the final. Palos reclaimed his title in Tokyo by overcoming Von Einem in the final after edging past Creange in the semis.
These battles continued in 2022, with Van Acker defeating Palos in the World Championships final, while Creange and Von Einem finished as semifinalists. However, recent results suggest Palos might not be at his peak, losing semifinals in Egypt, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Van Acker, Creange, and Poland’s Maciej Makajew have claimed titles. Von Einem, however, secured victory in Slovenia, defeating Korea Republic’s Kim Gitae (reigning World Champion) in the semifinals and overcoming Creange in the final.
As we approach the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a crucial question remains: will these established players dominate the podium once again, or could other rising stars disrupt their plans? One thing is for certain – captivating contests await in Paris, and the battle for Paralympic glory in Para table tennis promises to be as thrilling as ever.
