The 8th edition of the BSC Prague Showdown Cup 2024, held in Nymburk, Czechia, captivated audiences with three days of intense competition and remarkable performances from showdown athletes representing 13 countries.

With 53 men and 24 women vying for victory, the tournament showcased the best of the sport on an international stage. One of the standout moments of the tournament was Mai-Li De Raeymaeker’s sensational bronze medal win in the women’s competition. Defying the odds, De Raeymaeker secured third place by defeating Piera Folino, ranked 6th in the world, in a thrilling match.

De Raeymaeker’s remarkable rise from 11th place last year to clinching bronze this year highlighted her incredible talent and determination. In a display of consistency and skill, Hanna Vilmi from Finland claimed the women’s title for the third consecutive year. Vilmi faced a challenge in the final against Dominika Czuj from Poland, ultimately emerging victorious with a 3-1 victory (7-12, 11-2, 11-4, 11-0), showcasing her dominance on the court.

The men’s competition witnessed its own share of exhilarating matches and dramatic moments. First of all, Jong Kyeong Lee from South Korea managed to get into the ¼ finals and take 8th place. A thrilling battle for third place unfolded between two Italians, Andrea Lazzarini and Marco Carrai, with Lazzarini ultimately emerging victorious in a hard-fought 3-2 victory (4-11, 3-11, 12-9, 11-6, 11-9), showcasing his resilience and determination.

In the men’s final, a showdown between two Polish players, Krystian Kisiel and Adrian Sloninka, captivated spectators. While Kisiel emerged victorious in a closely contested first set (11-9), the subsequent sets saw Kisiel dominate with scores of 11-2 and 11-1.

However, it was revealed post-match that Sloninka had been battling medical issues that significantly impacted his performance in the final.

As the BSC Prague Showdown Cup 2024 came to a close, anticipation mounted for the next international showdown spectacle. Showdown enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the upcoming tournament set to take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from May 30th to June 2nd.

As the showdown community eagerly awaits another round of exhilarating matches and memorable moments, the stage is set for athletes to once again showcase their skills and compete on the global stage. Stay tuned for more excitement and drama as the showdown journey continues in Vilnius.

Photo credit: Jiří Karásek/IBSA