Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities
ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALS FOR THE TABLE TENNIS DAVIES DUO
Paul Davies from Bridgend and Rob Davies from Brecon teamed up for the first time last week (11th-14th March) at the Italian Masters Tournament in Lignano. The Davies Duo reached the semi final in the team event where they fought hard against Champions France and took home silver with the French rivals stealing the gold medal in this intense fixture. As a result of their efforts the boys claimed victory as the first British team to win a medal in a class one fixture for 20 years.
Rob gave his take on how the pair came away with the silver medal,
“We knew the french would be our toughest match and this time we didn’t have enough in the tank and were defeated 3 – 0. We then faced Italy 2 to decide our fate of either Silver or Gold. It was a tough match, having had our confidence knocked earlier, we eventually came out victors to win 3 – 2 overall and to claim the Silver in our first class 1 team together!
In the singles Rob came out top of his group having won two out of his three games. Rob went onto the quarter finals where he took on Swizz Silvio Keller where he went on to win 3-1. Reaching the semi finals comfortably Rob then had a tough task against world number 2, Holgar Nikelis of Germany. Despite losing to the German pro, Rob kept focused and directed all his energy into the play off with Italian Mauro Rossi. After pushing into the fifth set the session came to an end with Rob losing gracefully with a score of 11 – 9.
Paul reached the quarter finals in the singles event, but also suffered at the hands of the Italian Rossi.
The pair now place 11th and 12th in the world class ranking with all the look forward for at the World Championships in Korea later in the year.
Paul particularly wanted to express his thanks to ex-Paralympian and coach Neil Robinson and Performance Director at British Table Tennis Gorazd. Neil’s commitment to coaching Paul has facilitated his success in Crewe last Saturday where he won gold in class one and two and as a result places as the current British Number 1.
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