by Ian Marshall, Editor

Defeats for the top seeds, it meant mixed fortunes for the host nation, in men’s team class 6, the partnership of Rungroj Thainiyom and Chalermpong Punpooo, experienced a 2-0 defeat in the final when facing DPR Korea’s Kim Yong Rok, Jon Ju Hyun and Lee Se Ho.

The DPR Korea team was not listed amongst the seeded outfits, a status they belied, the previous day Jon Ju Hyon had won men’s singles class 6 accounting for Rungroj Thainiyom in the final (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6).

Conversely, Phisit Wangphonphathanasiri and Suki Samee, the no.2 seeds, recorded a 2-1 win in opposition to Germany’s Jochen Wollmert and Tonnie Heijnen of the Netherlands to secure the top prize in men’s team class 8-9. Likewise, in men’s team class 10, the second seeds prevailed. The combination formed by Russia’s Ivan Karpov alongside the Czech Republic’s Ivan Karabec and Kristian Jelinek, claimed a 2-0 win against the host nation’s Bunpot Sillapakong and Phitak Kankingkam to claim gold.

Notably at the semi-final stage Bunpot Sillapakong and Phitak Kankingkam had secured a 2-1 success against, the top seeds, Great Britain’s Kim Daybell, Billy Shilton and Jack Stockdale.

“It was a poor performance from me in the team overall.” Kim Daybell

“I’m pleased to get a medal in the team event and happy with how Kim and I played together in the doubles.” Billy Shilton

“Even though my individual performance could have been a lot better over the tournament it was still a nice feeling to get a medal with two great team mates. It has been a massive learning curve for me for future tournaments.” Jack Stockdale

Success for the second seeded outfits in the men’s team events; there was one more. Great Britain’s Jack Hunter-Spivey and Japan’s Kentaro Doi combined to clinch the class 4-5 title; a contest that was a repeat success. In the group stage of play, they had recorded a 2-1 win in opposition to Korea Republic’s Lee Kyeonghun, Kim Jinsung and Joo Youndae; in the final they met again, only this time they spared no charity. A 2-0 win was gained against an outfit very much in form; at the semi-final stage the Korea Republic team had secured a 2-1 victory in opposition to Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Ming-Chih and Lin Yen-Hung, the top seeds.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing the team event here. On the whole I’m a little disappointed with my form in the singles matches but I’m really happy to get the gold.” Jack Hunter-Spivey

Four surprise men’s team winners; in the two remaining categories it was success as expected, the top seeds prevailed. Thailand’s Anurak Laowong, Wittaya Wichaiwattana and Busree Wawaeni secured gold in class 1-3; in class 11 Japan’s Ryo Miyauchi and Yuki Kinoshita emerged the winners.

Gold for Japan in accordance with expectations; in the counterpart women’s team class 11 event, it was the reverse scenario. Nanako Hazeyama and Ayumi Kawasaki secured a 2-0 win against Turkey’s Ebru Acer and Sumeyra Turk to reserve first place in a group administered event.

Victory for the second seeds, it was the same in women’s team class 4-5; also in a group organised event, India’s Bhavina Patel and Sonalben Patel posted a 2-1 win in opposition to Chinese Taipei’s top seeded outfit comprising Lu Pi-Chun, Hsiao Sh-Chin and Lee Ya-Chu to secure first place.

Otherwise in the women’s team competitions it was success for the top seeds. The combination of Korea Republic’s Yoo Jiyu and Japan’s Yukimi Chada emerged the class 2-3 winners; Indonesia’s Suwarti Suwarti and Hamida Hamida alongside Siti Fadhilah secured gold in class 6-8, Chinese Taipei’s Tian Shiau-Wen and Lin Tzu-Yu ended the day the class 9-10 champions.

Play concluded in Bangkok, the next para tournament on the horizon is the 2019 Para Pan American Games; play commences in the Peruvian capital city of Lima on Thursday 22nd August.

2019 Para Bangkok Open: Draws and Latest Results