Bartlomiej Mroz laid to rest the ghosts of Dubai, by defeating China’s He Zhirui in straight games in Sao Paulo.

Poland’s world number four Bartlomiej Mroz beat China’s He Zhirui 22-20, 21-13 in tricky conditions to claim top spot in SU5 men’s singles group C. 

Mroz lost in straight games the last time they met in Dubai, he is now strong favourite to top the group tonight and hopes for a good draw into the knockout stages.

Among the top seeds also through to the next round are Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi and Suryo Nugroho, and Malaysia’s Cheah Liek Hou who will all be searching for another victory this week.

Read: EMWTC ‘We pretty much have to win’

We caught up with the European Champion this afternoon, he had this to say:

- It’s my first win against He Zhirui. The conditions are very difficult! The drift is so strong and the shuttles are so fast, it’s really incredible to battle these as well as the opponents.

- The rallies are short, and soft, as everyone is scared to hit the shuttle out. So the games are sensitive and you have to be really focused, he added

- And so this week has been challenging for many reasons, the change of venue and the weather which delayed the event, but it is the same for everybody and I have to give my best, said Mroz

- Just three tournaments left to make qualification, it is a very stressful year and I am very tired, but I’m looking forward to fighting on to the very end, he said

Look out for updates from the Brazil Para badminton International 2020, see tournament software here for draws and results.