IBAD - World Champs decisive stage ahead

The World Badminton Championships for disabled athletes is underway in Seoul, Korea, in the Olympic Fencing Gymnasium, with the usual string of nations ready to scoop the medals with the quarter-final stage about to begin for most events.

Raphael Sachetat. Photos (live): David Toupé, Pascal Barrillon It is always striking to see disabled people play badminton, and once again, the World Championships, which are underway in Korea's capital of Seoul, proved the amazing capabilities of these amazing athletes, who have gathered once again for the highest competition. The event is not yet part of the Paralympics.

All 10 courts of the Olympic stadium in the heart of the city are filled with players with different disabilities, 5 are reserved for standing and 5 for shuttlers in wheel chairs, with different cartegories for each, depending on the depth of the handicap.

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As usual, the powerhouses of IBAD, such as India, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, are there to compete for the medals while other nations have sent a few players, most of them without coaches, doctors or even partners, leading to a lot of mixed pairs, some of which being decided at the last minute, before the draw of the tournament. Amongst those players, David Toupé and Pascal Barrillon are there from France and hope to shine as did their compatriot Pi Hongyan, who clinched a bronze medal in Hyderabad last month. Toupé, who used to be amongst the French national squad before a dramatic ski accident, is still in competition in both singles and doubles wheelchair and a win over his next opponent would secure him a bronze medal before even meeting the top seed and home favourite from Korea, Lee Sam Seop.

"It's difficult to keep track and we're very busy as we have to play many rounds per day. But it's an incredible atmosphere and we are all very happy to meet again," said Toupé.

Thursday and Friday will be crucial as the latest stage take place before finals day on Saturday.

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