Three of the defending champions remain unbeaten following the second day of boccia individual preliminary-round play on Sunday at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre.
Watcharaphon VONGSA (THA) score a lopsided 14-0 win over Natali DE FARIA (BRA) in their BC2 match to improve to 2-0 in the competition. VONGSA took the first end 6-0 and never looked back.
“I feel good, but I have to keep competing if I want to get first place in the pool,” VONGSA he said. “When I am playing, I think only of myself (not my opponent) and what I can do.”
JEONG Howon (KOR) prevailed in a tense BC3 contest with KAWAMOTO Keisuke (JPN) that went to a tiebreak. JEONG trailed 5-2 heading into the final end, but levelled with three points, then claimed victory with three more points in the tiebreak to also move to 2-0.
“It is ordinary. Nothing special,” JEONG said with a smile after the triumph. “It was a difficult game, but I never gave up.”
LEUNG Yuk Wing (HKG), the BC4 champion in Rio, trounced Marcelo DOS SANTOS (BRA) 14-0 in their match to improve his record to 2-0.
David SMITH (GBR) beat Mauricio IBARBURE (ARG) 4-3 in a tight BC1 contest in his first match of the day, but lost 7-5 to Eduardo SANCHEZ REYES (MEX) in his second.
His 2-1 record means his progression to the knockout stage is not yet guaranteed. “If I win the next game I’m top of the pool, so I’m not too worried,” said the world and Paralympic champion, who plays again on Sunday when the pool stage concludes.
For full boccia schedule and results click here
