Thailand shine at Singapore Boccia Open

Paralympic medallist leads clean sweep of individual golds 07 Jun 2018
Imagen
a male boccia player throws a ball

Saengampa Worawut claimed a thrilling victory at the Singapore Boccia Open

ⒸAlfie/SDSC
By IPC and SDSC

Saengampa Worawut’s thrilling tiebreak victory in the BC2 capped a Thai-dominated podium at the Singapore Boccia Open.

The competition, which finished on 2 June, was the first international boccia event in Singapore after 10 years thanks to a USD 70,000 donation from homegrown multi-national brand, Tiger Balm.

Thailand flexed their strength in the Asian region, with all three individual finals featuring all-Thai matchups.

No. 3 world ranked Saengampa, who is also the Rio 2016 silver medallist, and his compatriot Pachdee Boontep cruised into the BC2 gold medal match. After a 4-4 tie, Saengampa hit the winning point for his first gold of the year and a solid result ahead of the 2018 World Championships in August in Liverpool, Great Britain. Malaysia’s Teri Dale Adelric edged South Korea’s Shin Wooseob 3-2 for the bronze medal.

Huadpradit Witsanu had no trouble beating compatriot Deemak Nattawu 5-0 for the top prize in the BC1. South Korea’s Kim Dohyun collected the bronze after a 8-2 win over Malaysia’s Mustafa Mohd Shahrul Rafiq Maula.

The BC3 finals pitted Kla-han Ladamanee versus teammate Poolket Pongsathorn, with Kla-han securing the 4-1 win. Kim Deubora was in complete control in the bronze medal game. The South Korean shut down Singapore’s Aloysius Gan Kai Hong 8-0 for the country’s third individual bronze in the competition.

South Korea did leave with a gold, as Kim Deubora partnered with Woo Jeongmin to win the pair BC3 event. The duo spoiled a victory for the host nation’s Toh Sze Ning and Aloysius Gan. Initially down by a score of 0-2, Toh and Gan clawed their way back to seize a 3-2 advantage but eventually lost 4-3. Singapore also secured the bronze thanks to the pairing of Gareth Ho and Desmond Lam.

But the pair BC4 and team BC1/2 were once again led by Thailand.

Larpyen Pornchok and Suksrithong Paweena strengthened Thailand’s No. 3 world ranking after defeating Singapore’s Chan Siew Gek and Aaryll Ryan Das.

Saengampa was the only athlete returning from the 2016 Paralympics gold medal winning squad, as he helped Thailand win the team BC1/2 category.

Along with Huadpradit and Deemak, Thailand topped Malaysia (comprised of Teri and Mustafa) for the victory. Bronze went to South Korea’s team of Kim Dohyun, Lee Jaewon and Shin Wooseob.

Complete results are available on Singapore Disability Sports Council’s (SDSC) website.