An epic battle between two of Europe’s best SU5s was the highlight of the day in Dublin, as the men’s singles heats up with the conclusion of the group stages.

Meril Loquette has been on a roll. Silver at the Canada International last month was perhaps the highlight of his career to date. Semi-final and quarter-final in Uganda and Dubai helped get the Frenchman to number 3 in the rankings for the Tokyo Paralympics.

Today saw another result to add to the rising star’s list of achievements. Japan’s Taiyo Imai had already topped Group F, the world number 5 guaranteed himself a spot in tomorrow’s last 16 by going unbeaten. Loquette had to achieve the impossible, he must beat Ilker Tuzcu the 4 time European Champion to proceed to the knockout stages.

The stage was set for a thriller and the two men did not disappoint. The Turk took the first game 15-21 as Loquette struggled to find his rhythm. The momentum shifted in the second end and the Frenchman took control of the match with a 21-14, 21-14 victory to take second spot in the group and set up a round 16 match tomorrow against Ukranian Volodymyr Syniahovskyi.

Read: Who will perform in mixed doubles?

“I’m not stressed or scared anymore”

Meril Loquette had this to say after the match today against Ilker Tuzcu

“I struggled at the start, but then my legs came back! I don’t know what happened but suddenly I felt in charge of the game, I felt early to everything and I took control. I took the attack.”

“The biggest difference this year has been the training. Personal coaching with the Head Coach, and the high levels of intensity every day mean that I’m not worried when I enter the court. My legs feel strong, my training is paying off as we are working so hard. I don’t feel the stress anymore, I’m not scared of these guys.”

I’d like to avoid Dheva (Anrimusthi, INA) and Cheah (Liek Hou, MAL), but anyone else in the draw at the moment… I can win! I would like a repeat of the Canada performance”

The Irish Para-Badminton International 2019 continues this week. Look out for updates and results each day on tournament software here.