The Para-Badminton world makes Dubai the focus this week, hosting its first ever International competition.
It will be a week of firsts in Dubai in fact; not only the first event to be held in the United Arab Emirates, this 2018 International Open sees a team from the Ukraine make an appearance in para-badminton also. 4 players from the eastern European country will represent the Ukraine in the SU5 and SL3 events.
Mazur, back from injury
Lucas Mazur (FRA), the SL4 men’s singles World Champion makes his first 2018 appearance after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him side-lined in Spain last month. He had this to say about his preparations for Dubai:
“I feel ready to get back on court next week in Dubai, and I’m looking forward to it. As always there is a lot of expectation about my result in singles but I’m also playing up in SU5 men’s doubles for the first time. Different opponents, different style but the same goal later this year - European SU5 men’s doubles gold. It’s a good chance to prepare for that and also mixed doubles with Faustine Noel as we start preparing for the World Championships in 2019 and of course the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020”.
Read: China Masters - Last preparations before the European Championships
Shephard reaches the top
Jack Shephard (ENG) makes his International debut as world number 1 this week, after winning his last 3 international titles including the World Championships now 5 months ago:
“I’m looking forward to Dubai, the first time they’re hosting a tournament. Personally, I’m looking forward to the competition, there is a strong draw of players entered and a good chance for me to use this as a springboard to push on this year in view of the Europeans in November.”
We are all wishing the many Europeans competing this week all the very best of luck!
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