Fightback Falls Short Earning Aussie A Bronze Medal 

Australia’s Samuel Von Einem has been defeated by Gi Tae Kim (Republic of Korea) in the semi-final of the para-table tennis men’s singles (MS11) to win a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics.  

Von Einem – who currently sits top of his classification in the world para-table tennis rankings – showed his fighting qualities throughout the match, overcoming a slow start to draw level 1-1. 

He then put up strong resistance as his opponent closed in on the win, but it wasn’t enough as Kim went on to avenge his loss to the Australian at the International Table Tennis Federation Slovenia Para Open earlier this year. 

“He was switched on. He played very well. I felt like he was very well prepared. He took on my serve quite well,” Von Einem said post-match. 

Kim will play for the gold medal against Po Yen Chen from Chinese Taipei, who defeated Hungarian Peter Palos 3-0 in the second semi-final. 

Von Einem and Palos have both won bronze medals. 

RESULT 

Men’s Singles (MS11) SF: KOR KIM Gi Tae def AUS VON EINEM Samuel 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 15-13. 

By: Laurie Lawira, Paralympics Australia

Published: 5 September 2024