Bronze joy for Martin

Paisley para- table tennis ace Martin Perry was back in the thick of the medal action after securing bronze at the Spanish Open.

Perry, competing in the team event on the final day of action, teamed up with Israeli team partner Asaf Gofer as they powered to success.

After a 2-0 loss to Poland in their opening match, Perry and Gofer defeated Sweden 2-1 – with Perry clinching the tie with a 3-0 win against Peter Molander.

The 24- year- old Buddie then won his singles match- up against David Cucaita Vargas 3- 0, to win the tie against Colombia/ Kazakhstan for his team 2-0 and take them into a semifinal against Matias Pino Lorca from Chile and Esteban Herrault from France.

After losing the doubles 3- 1, Perry put up a great performance to come back from 2-1 down to beat World number 11 Pino Lorca 3-2, but a 3-1 win for Herrault over Gofer in the deciding singles meant that the British/Israeli partnership had to be content with bronze.

“I was quite disappointed with my performance in the singles event,” said Perry.

“I knew it would be a tough match against Seoane in the quarter-finals – I had chances to take the first two sets but I didn’t capitalise on those moments although I was happy with my application.

“In the team event I prepared very well for the match with Pino Lorca.

“It was a close match from the start and I’m really happy with the energy and ability I showed.

“He’s been to the Paralympics and the World Championships so it was great to get the win over such an experienced player.”