Gold and silver medals conclude Slovenian tournaments ahead of ITTF World Para Elite Taipei City

Sam Von Einem and Qian Yang concluded two successful tournaments for our National Para Squad in Slovenia, winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the ITTF World Para Elite Lasko.

Von Einem, Yang,Lucas Milsom,Nathan Pellissier,Jodi Elkington Jones andDanni Di Toro competed in both the ITTF World Para Challenger, along with the ITTF World Para Elite Lasko, and the team secured six medals in total, comprising of three gold medals, one silver and two bronze.

In the Men's Singles Class 11 at the Elite tournament, Von Einem produced several phenomenal displays, beating reigning Paralympic Champion Gi Tae Kim, not once, but twice, including in the final where Sam displayed some incredible table tennis, winning the gold medal in four sets (11-4, 9-11, 11-2, 11-6).

Yang, who won gold in the singles at Challenger tournament, along with a mixed doubles bronze alongside Lucas Milsom, fought valiantly in the final of the Women's Class 10 tournament, but fell just short, as long term rival Natalia Partyka secured the gold medal in four sets (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 12-10).

Sue Stevenson, General Manager of TTA's National Paralympic Program, shared her pride in the National Para Squad, stating: "What an incredible 2 weeks it has been for our AUS Para Team at the Slovenia Challenger and Elite events. They are coming home with six medals including three Gold Medals and lots of learnings. I can’t be more proud of all the athletes on their efforts and results. A special mention must go to our State Para Hub Coaches Mateo Dvorani (QLD) and Jenny Langridge (VIC), Jacob Monk our Team Physio, and Nick Ferrier our Team Psychologist, and who also doubled as our Team Manager for these events. They all did an amazing job supporting and taking care of all our athletes."

Following the event, Von Einem, Di Toro, Pellissier and Milsom will now travel to Taipei to join up with other members of the National Para squad compete in the ITTF World Para Elite Taipei City event from 17 – 21 May. Information on the tournament can be found here.

Athletes and staff for ITTF World Para Elite Taipei City:

Sam von Einem - TT11

Lin Ma - TT9

Lucas Milsom - TT9

Ian Kim - TT9

Nathan Pellissier - TT8 

Lenny Properjohn - TT6

Yaser Hussaini - TT6

Jimmy Huo - TT5

Chris Addis - TT4

Danni Di Toro - TT4

Jessy Chen - TT3

John Savinov - TT1

State Para Hub Team Coaches (Tien Quach, An Phan & Jacqui Budiarto)

Performance Analyst (Sam Wells)

Team Physio (Maddie Thompson)