Reigning Paralympic Champions Headline 2024 ITTF Czech Para Open
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the 2024 ITTF Czech Para Open, as a star-studded lineup of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic medalists and reigning world champions converge on Ostrava from June 20-22. The factor 20 tournament promises to deliver high-stakes competition as athletes vie for crucial ranking points ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
In the men’s singles events, gold medalists from Tokyo 2020 will take center stage. Korea Republic’s Joo Youngdae (class 1), Turkey’s Abdullah Ozturk (class 4), and Hungary’s Peter Palos (class 11) will all be in action, each seeking to build momentum towards their Paralympic title defenses. Joo Youngdae has enjoyed a strong start to the year, clinching victories in both Italy and Montenegro, while Ozturk’s path to Ostrava included a gold medal in Poland and a silver medal in Italy and Slovenia.
The men’s singles field is further bolstered by the presence of other Tokyo 2020 medalists, including Korea Republic’s Kim Younggun (class 4), Cha Sooyong (class 2), and Park Jincheol (class 2), as well as Belgium’s Florian van Acker (class 11) and Great Britain’s Paul Karabardak (class 6).
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, several past champions will also be in attendance, including Norway’s Tommy Urhaug (class 5) and Jan Riapos (class 2), as well as Great Britain’s Rob Davies (class 1).
In the women’s singles events, the spotlight will shine on Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Seo Suyeon (class 2) of Korea Republic, alongside bronze medalists Catia Oliveira (class 2) of Brazil, Alena Kanova (class 3) of Slovakia, Yoon Jiyu (class 3) of Korea Republic, Alexa Szvitacs (class 9) of Hungary, and Wong Ting-Ting (class 11) of Hong Kong.
The tournament will also feature several reigning world champions, including Yoon Jiyu (class 3), Alexandra Saint-Pierre of France (class 5), and Korea Republic’s Kim Jungil (class 4) and Kim Gitae (class 11).
With a total of 147 men and 61 women competing, the 2024 ITTF Czech Para Open promises to be a thrilling showcase of table tennis excellence, as athletes strive to secure the necessary ranking points and build momentum towards the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
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