“That meant a lot,” said American Miles Krajewski after his 21-17 15-21 21-9 win over England’s Krysten Coombs in SH6 men’s singles at the Thailand Para Badminton International 2023 in Pattaya.

Krajewski has been playing badminton since 2013 but took a year off from the sport after he failed to qualify for Tokyo 2020. His time away seems to have made him not only physically stronger but more mature as well.

“Krysten is a smart player. I guess that’s what I’ve taken from watching him the last few years. I’m smarter too now,” he added.

Having topped Group D, Krajewski gets a bye into the quarterfinals while Coombs plays Indonesia’s Subhan Subhan tomorrow.

Coombs said: “Just wasn’t my day. I struggled and tried not to get stuck on the points.

“Miles is playing well. I remember him training with us in England a few years ago when he was just starting out. He’s come a long way since.

“He’s young but I shouldn’t let age affect my game. I’ve had a great start to the year, picked up some good results and to qualify for another Paralympics would be amazing. I just need to keep the end in sight and remind myself of Tokyo.”

The inclusion of SL3-SU5 mixed doubles at Paris 2024 has led to the emergence of new players and pairings.

“Many are new and unseeded because some of the older players have new partners. I’m looking forward to playing them all at some point,” said Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara after the 21-10 21-8 win over Anubhav Sagar Tewatia (India) and Rosa Efomo De Marco (Italy).

“My partner (Akiko Sugino) is the stronger personality but I don’t always understand the female mind, so as long as we know what we want to do on court, that’s good. No negative thoughts and we take one match at a time.”

Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan and Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko topped their SL3-SU5 mixed doubles group after defeating Yuki Roberto Rodrigues/Adriane Spinetti Avila 21-14 21-6.

“It’s hard work because we all play three matches a day. I have aches and pains but we get the job done and sleep it off, then wake up and do it all again,” said Setiawan.

Sadiyah added: “Our one respite is food. Everywhere we go we look for good food. Most of all durian and here in Thailand you get some of the best. It keeps us happy.”

New French pair Meril Loquette and Coraline Bergeron lost to India’s Kumar Nitesh/Thulasimathi Murugesan 14-21 19-21.

“We are in a tough group with Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani and this pair from India but this is a good partnership,” said Loquette.

Being the SL3 half of the team, Bergeron explained how they work: “We are friends off court so that helps. He shares his experience and tactics, and I do my part.”

“I’m able to cover the whole court because in my mind I’m playing like in singles but she has a strong arm and is very encouraging,” Loquette added.

“Few years ago, I only wanted to focus on singles but with the mixed doubles now in the Paralympics, Coraline and I make a good team. To qualify for Paris 2024, we have to get pass Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel and that’s not going to be easy.”

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of play (Day 4)