by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor (Interview by Jasna Rather)

Present earlier in the year in Romania when he secured silver in Men’s Singles Class 6 in the junior tournament and later bronze in the same category in the senior competition, the host nation’s Ian Seidenfeld was very much the player to attract the attention on the first day of play, Wednesday 14th December, at the United States Para Open Championships in Las Vegas.

Competing once again in Men’s Singles Class 6, the lowest rated player in his first stage group, he concluded the day in first position and thus booked his place in the semi-finals.

Currently listed at no.35 on the Men’s Class 6 World Rankings, he finished ahead of Chile’s Matias Pino, Sweden’s Michael Azulay and compatriot Michael Brown.

Presently Michael Azulay is listed at no.21 in the global order, Michael Brown at no.31 but it is the win over Matias Pino, named at no.20 (14-12, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9) that is the most noteworthy.

“It is great that we have tournament here in Las Vegas for couple of reasons, it is always fun destination and a great opportunity for US athletes to participate in ITTF sanctioned event. We have over 40 athletes from the US in this tournament. By having more US athletes playing in events like the Para US Open, our team is getting stronger which helps me to get better. I have played different tournaments at this venue. I feel more comfortable playing here in my country.  ”, Ian Seidenfeld

The Chilean is the man in form. At the recent Copa Tango, he departed with a full house of three gold medals, succeeding in both junior and senior competitions; the result was that he received the Allianz Athlete of the Month of November organised by the International Paralympic Committee.

“It was quick. I feel as though I improved a lot in one year and I am confident playing higher rated players”, Ian Seidenfeld after beating Michael Brown.

Ian Seidenfeld is the son of Mitchell Seidenfeld, a player with a host of titles including gold in Men’s Singles Class 8 at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games; undoubtedly son aims to follow father. The teenager has his eyes set on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

“I will try to make Tokyo; my goal is to not only be a participant but to be someone with a chance for a medal. My personality is very competitive; I think that gives me drive to get better”, Ian Seidenfeld.

At the semi-final stage in Las Vegas Ian Seidenfeld faces Israel’s Danny Bobrov.

2016 United States Para Open: Draw and Latest Results