by Ian Marshall, Editor

Likewise in the Men’s events, competing in Class 3, the same category in which he had enjoyed individual success, Colin Judge partnered Jenson Van Emburgh of the United States gold. It was a feat also achieved by Tomislav Spalj, the Class 4 champion, he joined forces with Belgium’s Bert Brands to secure the top prize in Team Class 5.

At the final hurdle, Yoon Jiyu, Jung Younga and Li Migyu recorded a two-one win in opposition to Croatia’s Helena Dretar and Andela Muzinic to seal the title.

“Although we won two-one, we were expecting the match to be tougher. The Croatians were better in doubles but we managed to win the crucial two points from singles.” Yoon Jiyu

Rather more assured, Colin Judge and Jenson Van Emburgh accounted for the partnership formed by Romania’s Dacin Makszin and Belgium Benjam Marotte to secure the title; a two-nil success was the margin of victory.

“I am glad that I could play with my friend Colin. It was important that we won the doubles and then the first singles match. Colin Judge beat Dacian Makszin. We decided that Colin would play first. It was the right decision. After all it was he who won the singles in the individual event.” Jenson Van Emburgh

“It’s only my second tournament in Class 3, before that I played in Class 2. Therefore, it was more difficult for me this time. I’m happy that I won both singles and doubles. We’re good friends Jenson and myself; so it was an honour that we could be on the same team.” Colin Judge

Meanwhile, for Tomislav Spalj and Bart Brands, at the final hurdle it was a two-one success in opposition to the Argentine pairing of Mauro Depergola and Elias Romero.

“We’ve faced Argentina before in the main draw and won. They were worthy opponents. We took turns as the number one player in our team for singles so that it was fair; my partner Bart was the one who opened the final.” Tomislav Spalj

Success for Tomislav Spalj and Bart Brands; notably there was also success for Slovakia’s Andrej Meszaros and Boris Travni 4cek in Class, the latter duo recording a two-one win against the Czech Republic’s Jiri Zak and Vratislav Holk in the final.

“Our opponents started strong and won the doubles match. We weren’t too upset, and we still believed in ourselves. Singles showed that we are more experienced and that led us to victory.“ Boris Travnicek

In the one remaining event in the Men’s Team wheelchair categories, it was success for Poland’s Rafal Czuper and Tomislav Jakimczuk in Men’s Team Class 1-2; at the final hurdle they beat the Czech Republic’s Jiri Suchanek and Martin Zvolanek by two matches to nil.

2018 Czech Para Open: Draws and Results