Stacey, Pickard, and Twomey Shine at ITTF Czech Para Open
With the Paralympic Games just around the corner, a group of talented para table tennis players showcased their skills at the ITTF Czech Para Open in Ostrava. Joshua Stacey, Fliss Pickard, and 14-year-old Bly Twomey all clinched gold medals in their respective singles events, highlighting the depth of talent in the sport.
In the men’s class 9, Stacey impressed with a dominant display, losing only nine points in his 3-0 victory against Vladimer Janelidze from Georgia. He then secured his place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Czech teenager Jan Muska. Stacey faced a tough challenge in the final against teammate Ashley Facey, the reigning US Open champion, but the Welshman emerged victorious with a 3-1 triumph.
The women’s class 6 final saw a thrilling encounter between top seed Fliss Pickard and Poland’s Barbara Jablonka. Pickard had to dig deep, recovering from 2-2 to clinch the gold with an 11-9 victory in the fifth set. She then overcame another close match against Sweden’s Cajsa Stadler in the semi-finals before defeating world No. 5 Katarzyna Marszal in the final.
In the women’s class 7, Bly Twomey continued her impressive form, winning all her matches without dropping a set. The 14-year-old defeated Nora Korneliussen from Norway in the final to secure her second ITTF Czech Para Open title.
Other notable performances included silver medals for Martin Perry (men’s class 6), Ashley Facey (men’s class 9), Megan Shackleton (women’s class 4), and Grace Williams (women’s class 8). Aaron McKibbin and Billy Shilton also claimed bronze medals in the men’s class 8 event.
“The tournament provided valuable preparation for the upcoming Paralympic Games, with the athletes showcasing their talent and determination in front of a passionate crowd in Ostrava. As the countdown to Paris continues, these results will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the players as they aim to make their mark on the world stage.”
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