Martin says he is out – but not down
He’ll learn from Slovenia
Paisley para- table tennis star Martin Perry insists he will learn from the experience of crashing out the Slovenia Open.
Perry was knocked out of the competition after drawing world champion and world number one, Spaniard Alvaro Valera, in the first round.
After taking the first set against Valera, Perry struggled to match the experience of his opponent who managed to take the match 3-1.
Next up for Perry was the Israeli Danny Bobrov, a tough opponent, and another 3- 1 loss meant Perry’s tournament ended prematurely.
Perry admitted he was gutted not to have come away with a win under his belt, but says it should stand him in good stead for future competitions.
Perry said: “It is a learning curve for me at the moment.
“It was a very tough group but to take sets off both players was a good experience and I know that I can do it.
“It was frustrating to not perform at my best but they are two very strong opponents who have a lot more experience than me, especially at these big competitions.”
The competition was Perry’s first international tournament since his promotion to the British Para Table Tennis performance squad.
The 22- year- old, who enjoyed a winning start to the season, having bagged the Class 6 gold at the BPTT National Championships earlier in the month, continues to impress, having excelled
AFC will welcome Eddlewood.
St Peter’s will take on Linlithgow Rose in Paisley, and Glenburn face a relatively short trip to take on Possil YM.
First round draw: Bishopton AFC v Holytown Colts, Carfin AFC v Newton Mearns, Coatbridge Villa v Ferguslie Star, CVR Vets v Valley Vets, Duncanrig AFC v Park Sports Project, Eastfield AFC v Northside AFC, Easthall Star v Eastercraigs AFC, Fallin AFC v Carfin Hibernian, Hillwood AFC v Riverside AFC, Lanarkshire Cosmos v Southside AFC, Mill United v Old Penicuik Athletic, Moorpark Thistle v Pollok in the sport since joining the British Pathway Squad in 2013.
He now trains down south at the governing body’s Sheffield base, having made the switch 18 months ago.
He won the US Open in December last year and also took the bronze in the Italian Open last month.
Perry added: “I thought they both played very well but I still pushed them, so I can take positives from that although I was obviously disappointed not to get out of my group.” AFC, Possil YM v Glenburn MW, Renfrew AFC v Eddlewood AFC, Rhu AFC v Glasgow Bar, Shortlees AFC v Blochairn Star, St Peter’s Paisley v Linlithgow Rose, Stenhousemuir AFC v Falkirk AFC, The Old Vale v Cadzow Hamilton, Viewfield Rovers AFC v Motherwell Community Trust, Wishaw HSFPs v Cambuslang Thistle.
Byes: Hamilton FPs, Carmondean Rovers, EKYM, Gartcairn AFC, Carluke AFC, Springhall Spartans, Kilbowie AFC, Corkerhill AFC, Southside Star, Carbrain, Cambuslang FA.
All ties are scheduled for on or before Sunday, May 28.