After 25 years at the top, there aren’t many things that decorated Paralympian Karabardak hasn’t seen or done in an illustrious, trophy-laden career.
However, after a series of near misses in matches and falling down the singles rankings, Karabardak questioned his motivation for playing at the highest level before pairing up with ex-Wales national Table Tennis coach Steve Jenkins in a bid to change his fortunes.
The 40-year-old has been surprised by the effects the change has had on his game and admits he has improved with a new lease of life in his game.
“Training is going well, and I have a new coach in Steve,” said Karabardak ahead of the Championships.
“He has come on board, and it has really helped progress me and give me a new lease of life.
“It’s difficult after 25 years to find that motivation to keep going. I always enjoy it, but sometimes you stagnate, can’t catch a break and you feel you are not improving while the rest of the World are playing really well.
“To get then a new coach, with fresh ideas, a great training level has really helped me.
“Steve is really positive and has played himself at a high level. To have him come on board has been good and has been really fresh for me.
“I have struggled the last two years, even though I have done quite well. My singles ranking had dropped to 14th.
“The last few months I have done well and I’m back to seventh, which is a testament to him, and the hard work that has been put in around to put me back in the picture.
“I won in Montenegro in May, was British Champion in April and I have had a good competition where I won single’s bronze in Spokane in Washington.
“I’m pleased with my form at the moment, I’m playing well and looking forward to the European’s, where I hope to do well.
“I feel this is just the beginning – hopefully, I can get back into the top five where I believe I belong and can win medals anywhere.”
After taking bronze in his fifth Paralympics in Paris last summer, Karabardak and doubles partner Billy Shilton are partnered once again in a bid to take home the titles won by the Waunarlwydd prodigy in 2017 & 2019.
The 2022 World Champions are paired in the doubles category, whilst Karabardak will also have his focus firmly on the C6 class singles competition, but knows that competition, as always, will be fierce from his rivals.
“In the doubles, I’m happy to be back with my main team partner Billy who I won the World Championships with and a Bronze last year in Paris,” continued Karabardak.
“I think we have a good chance to do well in the team event if we gel well, stick together, and play our best.
“I have won two [European Championships] in team events, so it would be nice to get another one.
“I’ve played in Sweden twice; I won the men’s Swedish Open singles in 2007 and then in the European Championships in 2017.
“I had got to the quarter-finals of the singles, and then we won the team event. So, I have good memories of Sweden.
“The main competition is from a Danish player [Peter Rosenmeier] who is the all-time best in my class, he has one the lot – Paralympic Champion twice, World Champion a few times, and European Champion.
“There is also an Italian [Matteo Parenzan] who holds the three of them currently and a good Romanian, who has had a good year. I am then the fourth seed for the singles.
“There are always lots of young up-and-coming players who will be difficult, so I will have to play my best to hopefully get into the medals again.”
To read more about Paul’s story, click here
[Lead image Paul Karabardak]
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