GG2023 Medalists Set for Rematch in Singles at Annecy 2024

While the world’s attention was drawn to the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, another prestigious event quietly unfolded in the scenic city of Annecy – the 2024 Virtus World Championship, which kicked off on the 8th of September. This annual event gathered fifty-three athletes from eleven countries: Australia, Belgium, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Great Britain, Kazakhstan (competing for the first time), Poland, the USA, and Sweden. The competition has been fierce, with exciting action taking place on the courts over the past few days.

The unpredictable rainy weather in Annecy affected the matches quite a lot but could not beat the resilience and sporting spirit of the players.

Singles

In the II1 category, thirty-six athletes competed, while the II2 and II3 categories saw twelve and four participants, respectively. With the quarterfinals behind them, the athletes now set their sights on the semifinals, eager to claim victory in this highly competitive tournament.

In the II1 Men’s Singles Quarterfinals, Archie Graham (AUS) defeated his fellow countryman Mitchel James (AUS) 6-2, 6-2, while Dominic Iannotti (GBR) comfortably beat Damian Philips (AUS) 6-1, 6-1. Oliver Beadle (GBR) emerged victorious over Benjamin Coulier (FRA) with a score of 7-6, 6-3, and Arthur Etchebarne (FRA) won a close match against Fabrice Higgins (GBR), 1-6, 6-4, 10-7.

The 2023 Virtus Global Games champion, Archie will take on the GG202e Bronze medallist, Dominic while Oliver will compete against Arthur in the semifinals tomorrow.

In the Women’s II1 Quarterfinals, Anna McBride (GBR) triumphed over Anais Thorel (FRA) 6-0, 6-1, while Kelly Wren (AUS) beat her compatriot Brenna Tunny (AUS) 6-0, 6-3. Hanne Lavreysen (BEL) won against Andriana Petrakis (AUS) 6-1, 6-2, and Eva Blarc (FRA) advanced by defeating Dorota Kotska (POL) 6-2, 3-0.

The GG2023 gold medallist, Anna will face Kelly while the GG2023 silver medallist, Hanne will compete against the GG2023 silver medallist, Eva in the semifinals to find a place in the finals tomorrow.

In the Men’s II2 Quarterfinals, Bezzi Emmanuele (ITA) overcame Morgagni Federico (ITA) 6-1, 6-0, while Robbie Hampshaw (GBR) won against Faivre Jean Philippe (FRA) 6-3, 6-3. Timothy Gould (AUS) dominated Elkholy Ibrahim (EGY) 6-0, 6-1, and Beckmann Hugo (FRA) beat Vietti Gabriele (ITA) 6-4, 6-2.

In the Men’s II3 Finals, Ballard Hayden (AUS) will face Hayden (AUS) while Doring Jonathan (USA) competed against Pellis Umberto (ITA) for the Gold and Bronze medal matches respectively.

More live results can be accessed from here.