Valente Eager to Prove World Cup Victory Was No Fluke

Abilio Valente © • NPC Portugal

After claiming a surprise gold at August’s Boccia World Cup in Northern Ireland, Portugal’s Abilio Valente is determined to show it was no fluke by winning this month’s Europa Cup.

Going into the late summer’s World Cup unranked, 30-year-old Valente caused a massive shock by coming out of nowhere to defeat Great Britain’s world No. 1, Nigel Murray, 4-2, in the BC2 final.

Between 27 October and 1 November, Valente, who is now ranked seventh in the world, will be competing in the Europa Cup in Hamar, Norway – the final London 2012 Boccia qualifying event.

Speaking to paralympic.org, the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) website, Valente said he is keen to repeat his summer success:

“It was amazing to beat Murray, especially knowing he is the No. 1.

“The objective in Hamar is to do the same and reach first place again.”

Born in Oliveira de Azemeis, a city in northern Portugal, Valente trains five hours a day for the Europa Cup. His ambition is to make his Paralympic Games debut at London 2012 and he knows a victory in Norway will do nothing to harm his chances.

Should he fulfill his dream of making the Portuguese team for London 2012, he knows it is likely he will face Murray again, but this time at the world No. 1’s home.

“I believe everything can happen in London. But, of course, Murray will be under pressure and the other players can take advantage of that,” said Valente, who believes his teammate Fernando Ferreira, ranked 12th in the world and a former team Paralympic champion, should start as one of the favourites for gold next year.