Ian Seidenfeld Sweeps Alvaro Valera to Reach Semifinals at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Paris, France – In the quarterfinals of the Men's Singles Class 6 competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Ian Seidenfeld of the USA faced off against Alvaro Valera of Spain. Seidenfeld swept Valera in straight games with a 3-0 victory (11-5, 12-10, 11-9).

Seidenfeld, the defending Paralympic champion, started strong, using his aggressive play style to put pressure on Valera early in the match. His quick reflexes and strategic shot placement allowed him to take the first game, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

“I think sometimes we can get stuck in the game plan, and I definitely did in the first couple games trying to hit one side of the table. I tried to open up the table a little bit more, later in the second game and in the third game,” said Seidenfeld after the match.

The second game was the most pivotal of the match. Valera, an experienced Paralympian and former world champion, responded by adjusting his tactics to neutralize Seidenfeld's aggressive approach with well-timed counters. Seidenfeld found himself down 8-1 in the pivotal second game. However, he fought back point by point. Down 10-5, he delivered flawless shot placement and a herculean effort to close out the game.

 “There’s always ups and downs and you have to ride them out. And I ultimately came out with the last point of the game,” Seidenfeld commented.

Although Seidenfeld and Valera traded points throughout the final game, Seidenfeld proved to be too strong. He strategically challenged Valera with precise, lateral attacks aimed at the corners of the table, consistently putting his opponent on the defensive. As the match progressed, Seidenfeld’s ability to capitalize on Valera’s unforced errors became increasingly evident, sealing his victory.

Seidenfeld advances to the semifinals, where he will face Matteo Parenzan of Italy, the current Class 6 World Rank #2, at 8:00 a.m. EDT (2:00 p.m. GMT+2) in the South Paris Arena.