Nine Medals Go to Nine Nations at Boccia World Cup

There was fierce competition from a broad playing field in the team events at the Boccia World Cup at the University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland with all nine medals going to nine different countries.

The Team BC1/BC2 event was dominated by Asian countries with Korea and Japan winning gold and silver respectively (8-1) and Great Britain taking bronze, after narrowly beating Thailand in a tiebreaker following a 4-4 draw.

Great Britain’s David Smith said that the Asian teams tend to play a very different game.

“They have a more open, aggressive style, taking the jack much higher up the court,” Smith said.

His teammate, Nigel Murray also commented on the Asian different style of play.

“They play quite aggressive. They’re always looking to attack, knock balls out and knock things open,” he said.

The Pairs BC3 event was dominated by European teams, however, with Greece beating Belgium 6-0 in the final. Portugal won the match against Canada for third place 4-3 to take bronze.

Brazil was supreme in the Pairs BC4 finals beating Thailand 5-3 to take gold. The bronze medal went the Czech Republic after they beat Canada 8-1 in the game for third place.

Over the next three days, individual players will compete in pools, with the knock out round taking place on Friday 26 August.

Over 200 wheelchair athletes from 33 countries are taking part this week for the competition which is a qualifying event for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.