Seasoned Table Tennis Star Bayley in Squad for ITTF Czech Para Open Ahead of Paralympic Games
World and European champion Will Bayley has been included in a 13-athlete squad set to compete at the upcoming ITTF Czech Para Open in Ostrava from June 20-22. This tournament will serve as the final outing for the British Para Table Tennis team before the highly anticipated Paralympic Games later this summer.
The team destined for the Paris Paralympics will be officially announced by ParalympicsGB next month, and the Czech Open will provide a crucial opportunity for athletes to enhance their world rankings and seeding positions for the singles events, as well as gain valuable match practice for the all-important doubles pairings.
Bayley, the world No. 1 in the men’s class 7 category, is already assured of the top seeding in that event in Paris. He will compete in the men’s class 14 doubles in Ostrava, partnering with World and European medallist Martin Perry.
“What we want to get out of the competition is valuable match experience now this is the last opportunity before the Paralympic Games, both in the singles and also with the doubles to see that the combinations that we have for Paris are working well and will be fully prepared for the Games,” – Shaun Marples, BPTT Programme Manager.
The squad also features a wealth of experienced talent, including:
- World medallists Aaron McKibbin and Joshua Stacey
- Rio 2016 Paralympic champion Rob Davies
- European medallists Fliss Pickard and Bly Twomey
- World doubles champions Paul Karabardak and Billy Shilton
- Tokyo team medallist Megan Shackleton
Rounding out the team are:
- European silver medallist Grace Williams
- Two-time European team medallist Ashley Facey
- Confirmation athlete Theo Bishop
With doubles being equally crucial in Paris, the Czech Open will serve as a crucial platform for the British Para Table Tennis team to fine-tune their partnerships and ensure they are fully prepared for the Paralympic challenge.
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