Athens Paralympic champion Natalia Partyka of Poland is to challenge the world No. 4 ranked Chinese Guo Yue in the women's singles first round of the world table tennis championships on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Partyka, who clinched two qualifying games to make it to the main draw, is the only athlete with a disability in the Zagreb worlds.

"I know Guo Yue is a very good player and now I hope I can go farther in the doubles than singles," said Partyka, who had her left forearm amputated.

Partyka, who has swept numerous titles in tournaments for players with disabilities, picked a mixed doubles gold and a singles silver in the Polish national championships early this year.

Chinese coaches have told Guo to respect her first round rival, said the team's spokeswoman Xia Wa.

"Respect means you don't see your rival as a handicapped player," said Xia. "Guo will play her best in the game against Partyka."
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2007)