A good start to 2024 has set Rosa Efomo De Marco up nicely for a productive year.

The Italian picked up her first ever title at the Egypt Para Badminton International, along with two silver medals, in January. And at her third Para Badminton World Championships, De Marco smashed another barrier by clearing the group stage.

“This is my moment to shine,” an animated De Marco said after her 21-6 21-6 SU5 women’s singles win over Diana Rojas Golac to finish Group E runner-up behind fifth seed Mamiko Toyoda. “I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’m overwhelmed with emotions. I’ve been working hard for this moment. I haven’t been able to get out of the group at previous editions. Finally, I did it.”

De Marco, who did not make the knockouts at Tokyo 2022 and Basel 2019, also consolidated her position on the Race to Paris rankings.

“My coach spoke with me this morning about how important it was to win. It wasn’t only about making the next round, but also adding qualification points.”

De Marco only took up Para badminton in 2019 after discovering it the previous year at school.

“I was amazed by it and immediately wanted to play. The COVID-19 pandemic gave me the opportunity to play more as I could train the whole time,” she shared.

“Recently I changed my style. My shoulders were tense, making it easier for my opponent to read what I was doing. Now, I’ve opened up my shoulders to vary my strokes.”

Rogerio Junior Xavier De Oliveira is also through to the SL4 men’s singles last 16 after topping Group H following three attempts. The Brazilian won his final group match against Dilan Jacobsson 21-16 19-21 21-10.

“It’s all about trying to get a medal and collecting as many points as I can for Paris 2024,” he said.

“I’m improving all the time. When I beat Hikmat Ramdani in the second match, I was so happy. He’s one of the best players in the world. I’ll celebrate tonight by eating something delicious. My favourite is chicken, beans and rice.”

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of play (Day 4)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I’m really happy to come through the group stage and be second. That’s an incredible feeling. I’m really excited to be playing my first World Championships.” – Ibrahim Aliyev (SU5) of Azerbaijan

“It’s been really fun playing here. Cheng Hefang is my idol. I admire how quickly she can change her strokeplay. I love to watch her and it’s even better to play against her. I’m turning 18 in a few days and I’ll be here in Thailand. I don’t mind not celebrating at home, but I will video call my family.” – Tugce Celik (SL4)

“I didn’t sleep at all last night. The more I thought about the match, the more I worried. Adrenaline got me through.” – Mariam Eniola Bolaji after defeating SL3 women’s singles top seed Syakuroh Qonitah Ikhtiar 21-18 21-16

“I’ve loved playing at my first World Championships. There are so many countries competing. I’ve learnt so many new things and techniques. I hope more Caribbean countries will start playing badminton.” – Talibah Davis (SL4)