Bayley keeps his repeat bid on course
Reigning Paralympic champion Will Bayley booted an advertising board with joy after progressing to the gold medal match of the class seven table tennis with a nail-biting win.
Kent-born Bailey was forced to save a match point as he survived a stunning comeback from China’s Liao Keli in an enthralling semifinal, where the momentum shifted throughout.
He was in a commanding position at 2-0 and eventually prevailed 3-2, edging the deciding game 12-10 before deliriously kicking his way out of the arena, for which he indifferently accepted a yellow card.
The 33-year-old, who worked his way back from a serious knee injury suffered on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 to be at the Games, is hoping for a repeat of his triumph in Rio.
“It was pure relief and surprise as well because there were thoughts going through my mind at some points in that match that I had thrown it away,” Bayley said of his animated response to victory.
“I showed some real guts at the end and I played some really big points because Keli didn’t stop.”
Elsewhere in Japan yesterday, Bayley’s team-mates Paul Karabardak and Jack Hunter-spivey, and powerlifter Micky Yule each won bronze, while GB’S wheelchair rugby team are guaranteed a first Paralympic medal after reaching the final.
In the rugby at Yoyogi National Stadium, Jim Roberts scored 20 tries and Aaron Phipps 17 as Britain defeated hosts Japan 55-49 to reach Sunday’s gold medal showdown with the United States.
GB thrashed Australia 75-38 in women’s wheelchair basketball to reach the quarter-finals, while the men’s team recorded a thrilling 64-63 win over defending champions the United States ahead of completing the pool stage against Iran today.
Defending champion Gordon Reid and beaten Rio finalist Alfie Hewett progressed in the men’s singles tennis, while there were also safe passages for Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley in the women’s draw.