TODMORDEN table tennis player Megan Shackleton is part of a 14 strong squad for the Slovenia Open which starts tomorrow - the first of three factor 40 tournaments for the GB Para Table Tennis Team in May.

The 16-year-old, who is hoping to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games, started the season with two medals in Hungary including gold in the women’s class 4-5 singles and also impressed with some good performances in the first factor 40 tournament of the year in Italy.

“I feel like I had a really good start to the season,” said Shackleton. “I was feeling quite confident after last season and everything I’ve been working on in training has paid off.

“I had a few tough losses in Italy but they were really good matches. I lost 11-9 in the fifth to world number four Nada Matic from Serbia and that was a huge learning curve for me as I’ve never really taken a set off one of the top players in my class and to do that gave me confidence.

“So I feel I’ve learnt a lot and I’m hoping in Slovenia I can use it to my advantage .

“I feel there is a lot more respect for me as a player and I think they see me as a contender now. I was a bit hesitant earlier in the season to make sure I got a good start and could feel positive about the rest of the year but after Hungary and Italy I’m feeling really excited about Slovenia and hopefully I can do well.”