BANGALORE, India — Tokyo 2020 was the most successful Paralympic Games that India has had, managing five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals. Now that the athletes have returned home they have been provided life-changing opportunities as the country begins to become familiar with para-sport.
Last weekend the Indian team was welcomed home in a ceremony with the medal winners all spending time with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing their experiences and introducing him to the Paralympics.
This was more than a ceremony that is held in every country, it was an opportunity to take advantage of the buzz that the medalists have got for the Paralympic movement and lobby Modi for more funding.
All of the medalists received financial rewards from their states, all getting at least 10 million rupees (136,000 US Dollars) for their performances. The most pleasing financial result may have been for Sumit Antil who was unemployed before the Games started but has now received several offers. He received 60 million rupees from Haryana state. The money will help Antil push to his goal of representing India in the Paralympic and Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
One of the more interesting rewards came to Avania Lekhara who will receive a historic car. Mahindra Group will provide Lekhara with its first Sports Utility Vehicle designed for people with disabilities.
It was a historic moment for the Indian Paralympic Committee and that was not lost on President Deepa Malik “This success will go a long way. It is like India has arrived on the big stage. The boost that Para sport and Para athletes will now receive will be phenomenal.”
For the first time, Paralympians are the buzz of the Indian sporting discussion and now the IPC needs to take advantage and build to Paris.
TOKYO — Saturday was the second last day of events at Tokyo 2020 which saw history made in badminton and more team champions crowned.
Indonesian badminton pair makes history
Photo: BWF
History was made on the badminton courts as the Indonesian pair of Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu added Paralympic gold to their Olympic gold won earlier this year. They made light work of the Chinese pair winning 21-18, 21-12 to claim the women’s doubles SL3-SU5. That win made the pair the first people to claim Paralympic and Olympic gold at the same Games.
The honor of being the first Paralympic badminton champion went to Cheah Liek Hou (MAS) as he managed a clinical performance in the men’s SU5.
Home hopes were dashed in the women’s SU5 as Yang Qiu Xia (CHN) defeated Ayako Suzuki convincingly 21-17, 21-9. Japan did manage a gold medal later in the day as the women’s WH1 was won by Sarina Satomi who came back from a game down to beat Sujirat Pookkaham (THA).
Pramod Bhagat (IND) confidently predicted that he would win gold in Tokyo and delivered it by winning the men’s SL3. He claimed the win in two games, claiming a 21-14, 21-17 win, coming back from 4-11 down in the second game.
China claimed two more gold medals to lead the way in the sport, the first came through Qu Zi Mo whose opponent retired while down in the second game in the men’s WH1. An all-Chinese final in the women’s WH2 was claimed by Liu Yu Tong who won both games 21-15.
India claimed gold and silver in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 as the country continued its most successful Paralympic Games ever. The medals took India to 17 medals, four of them gold, coming into these Games India had only won 12 medals in 11 appearances, improving from the previous best of Rio 2016 when four medals were won.
Manish Narwal, at just 19 years old, showed nerves of steel to claim gold, shooting a Paralympic record of 218.2. His teammate, Singhraj Adana, 20 years his senior, claimed his second medal of these Games finishing on 216.7. Adana thanked his wife after claiming silver, her lucky hat doing the trick.
It was a dramatic comeback from the Indian pair who were sitting fourth and fifth at the beginning of the elimination stages but calmed down to get the top two medals.
Azerbaijan athletics success continues
Photo: Lintao Zhang
Azerbaijan continued its best Games with two gold medals in athletics at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Lamiya Valieva claimed gold in the women’s 400m T13, setting a new Paralympic record time of 55.00, Azerbaijan’s first track gold ever. Orkhan Aslanov backed up his teammate claiming gold in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.36m. After his win, he credited the energy to make the big jump to Valieva’s win energizing him and spurring him on.
There was history for Jordan which claimed its first athletics Paralympic gold medal when Ahmad Hindi won the men’s shot put F34 with a world record throw of 12.15m. By comparison, Hannah Cockroft (GBR) won her seventh gold medal, keeping her perfection intact. Cockroft cruised to the win in the women’s 800m T34, winning by over 10 seconds.
After switching from CP Football when it was removed from the Paralympic program Nick Mayhugh (USA) became a star of athletics and claimed a new world record in the men’s 100m T37. Mayhugh scorched the track running a time of 21.91 finishing over one second clear, vindicating his decision to switch.
Brazil remains perfect
Photo courtesy IBSA Football
There was never a doubt, Brazil continued its Paralympic blind football undefeated record claiming gold against rivals Argentina at Aomi Urban Sports Park with a 1-0 win.
The goal would have been a deserved winner in any football match coming in the 13th minute of the second half. Nonato made a phenomenal run through the Argentine defense weaving between two defenders, powering it with his left foot past the keeper to win gold. Brazil’s defense held firm keeping a clean sheet meaning the side didn’t concede a goal in the tournament.
History was made in the bronze medal match as Morocco wrapped up its stunning tournament with a medal, winning bronze. Continuing to persist with three deep defenders and a lone striker it paid off as the side claimed a 4-0 win.
It only took three minutes for Morocco to open the scoring as Zouhair Snisla ran through the Chinese defense to score. He’d double up two minutes before the break to put his side well and truly in control. He scored two more in the second half to wrap up the win, creating joyous scenes after the match.
Alcott and Kunieda claim fourth gold medals
Photo: Paralympics Australia
Dylan Alcott (AUS) edged closer to completing his quest of being the first quad player to win the wheelchair tennis golden slam as he claimed gold in the quad singles on Saturday. Alcott was forced to fight for the first set, winning it in a tiebreak but he used that momentum to power away in the second set and win 6-1 to defend his title and win his fourth Paralympic gold medal after a double in 2016 and wheelchair basketball gold in 2008.
Shingo Kunieda (JPN) sealed gold for the hosts in the men’s singles completing his comeback from a disappointing result in Rio five years ago. Kunieda was much too strong for Tom Egberink (NED) winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.
While it was a rare down day for the Netherlands the country couldn’t go a day without winning a wheelchair tennis gold as the Dutch swept the women’s medals. Diede de Groot backed up from winning the singles a day earlier to claim doubles gold with her partner Aniek van Koot, winning the second set tiebreak to win 6-2, 7-6.
Dutch avenge group stage loss to claim gold
Photo: Adam Pretty
Netherlands’ success continued at the Ariake Arena as the Dutch claimed their first women’s wheelchair basketball gold medal. The side only lost one game, to China, which they faced again in the gold medal match.
It was a dominant performance from the winners especially on the defensive side as they restricted China to cruise to a 50-31 win. Bo Kramer was the star for the gold medalists falling just short of a double-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
The USA claimed the bronze medal match completing a disappointing tournament for Germany, winning 64-51. Rose Hollerman starred with a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists while Lindsey Zurbrugg led the scoring with 22 points.
Tiebreak wraps up archery competition
Photo: World Archery
RPC managed a dramatic comeback to claim the final archery gold medal of Tokyo 2020 as they claimed the mixed team recurve title. The RPC came from behind to beat Italy in a tiebreak that took two arrows to wrap up.
Italy led 4-2 but from there RPC came back and won the next set with a 10 to take it away from the Italians and force a tiebreak. The first tiebreak saw both archers hit nine but in the second Elisabetta Mijno faltered hitting an eight allowing Kirll Smirnov to come through and win with a nine.
Thailand wins third straight boccia gold
Photo: World Boccia
Watcharaphon Vongsa was the star for Thailand again as he led his side to a third straight gold medal in the boccia BC 1-2 team event. After trailing China 2-0 in the first end the Thais came back and scored eight straight points to win 8-2.
Another all-Asian final was claimed by the Korea Republic in the BC3 team event winning a tiebreak after a 4-4 tie. The tiebreaker was just as close with the Koreans ending up just closer than the Japanese ball to claim a one-point win.
The final title was claimed by Slovakia which won the BC4 team gold with a 3-2 win over China.
Great Britain tops canoe medal tally
Photo: ICF
British paddlers claimed two more gold medals on Saturday to help the country top the spot in the canoe medal tally.
Charlotte Henshaw won the first British gold vindicating her switch from swimming as she managed a dominant win in the women’s KL2 final. Another British paddler who switched from another sport claimed the other gold. Laura Sugar swapped from athletics in 2018 and won the gold in the women’s KL3.
Curtis McGrath (AUS) completed the double as he added the VL3 to his earlier KL3 becoming the first athlete to win two canoeing gold medals in the same Games. Edina Mueller (GER) pulled off a shock in the women’s KL1, backing up her strong heat performance.
After missing out on his home Games five years ago Rufino de Paulo (BRL) was back and won the gold he missed out on in Rio. De Paulo charged home in the men’s VL2 to win an emotional gold medal.
Iran wins seventh volleyball gold
Photo: World Para Volley
Iran defended the men’s sitting volleyball gold medal with a four-set win over RPC on Saturday, claiming the gold 25-21, 25-14, 19-25, 25-17. Morteza Mehrzadeslakjani was the star for the champions scoring 28 points through 25 spikes, two blocks, and an ace.
The scoring was led by an RPC player, Viktor Milenin managing 30 points through 22 attacks, five aces, and three blocks. It was a tight fight from RPC but losing the third set woke up the Iranians who cruised to the win in the fourth.
Top seeds claim gold on the final day of Taekwondo
Photo: World Taekwondo
People looking for upsets were left disappointed as the best the unfancied athletes could do was the semi-finals in taekwondo at the Nippon Budokan on Saturday. The two finals were both closely fought encounters with the gold medalists only claiming the win by tight margins.
Guljonoy Naimova (UZB) shot out to a four-point lead in the first round and never looked back, wrapping up the win with a body kick with one minute to play to win the women’s K44 +59kg. Asghar Aziziaghdam (IRI) left it late to win the men’s K44 +75kg. It was a back-and-forward match as Ivan Mimulic (CRO) shot out to a 6-1 lead in the first round before Aziziaghdam came back with a 9-1 second. Mimulic claimed three points early in the final round to tie things up only for Azizaghdam to win with a body kick with 19 seconds on the clock.
TOKYO — A long day out at the Fuji Speedway saw cycling move outdoors as the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics rolled into its second week on Tuesday.
Australians clean up in time trials
Photo: Paralympics Australia
Cycling moved outside on Tuesday and the first event of the day saw an incredible performance from Australian Darren Hicks in the men’s C2 time trial. Producing more and more power as the race went on Hicks set a time that proved far too much for any others, winning by 92 seconds. Alexandre Leaute (FRA) was the only hope but a late mechanical issue forced him to settle for bronze after dropping his chain.
Samantha Storey (GBR) successfully defended her women’s C5 title finishing even further in front winning her second gold of these Games finishing five minutes clear of the rest of the field, prompting a squeal of celebration as she crossed the finish line.
The women’s C4 was much closer as Shawn Morelli (USA) came through to edge out Australian pair Emily Petricola and Meg Lemon who finished just nine seconds down. The men’s C1 was even closer as Mikhail Astashov (RPC) won by just two seconds.
There was another medal for Australia in the women’s C1-3 time trial as Paige Greco picked up bronze. She finished 40 seconds behind winner Keiko Sugura bringing some joy for the hosts and 20 behind Anna Beck (SWE).
The top three finished well clear in the men’s H5 with Mitch Valize (NED) the clear winner finishing over a minute clear. Jetze Plat (NED) completed a triathlon-cycling double as he won the gold in the men’s H4 by a similar margin.
Less than ten seconds separated the top four in the men’s H3 as Walter Ablinger (AUT) beat out Vico Merklein (GER), Luis Miguel Garcia Marquina (ESP), and Ruslan Kuznetsov (RPC). Oksana Masters (USA) won her first summer Paralympics gold medal to go with her two winter medals, winning the women’s H4-5, making it the third sport she’d medaled in overall.
It was a blowout in the men’s H1 as Nicholas Pieter du Preez (RSA) claimed gold by almost two minutes. The women’s H1-3 was won by Annika Zeyen (GER) finishing almost one minute ahead of the rest of the field.
It was close in the men’s B with Alexandre Lloeras (FRA) beating Vincent ter Schure (NED) by just under seven seconds. Another Australian medal came in the men’s C5 with Allistair Donohoe claiming the bronze, Daniel Abraham Gebru (NED) claimed gold in 42:46.45 32 seconds ahead of Yehor Dementyev (UKR).
Slovakia did a 1-2 in the men’s C4 with Patrik Kuril finishing just under 18 seconds ahead of Jozef Metelka. In the C3 Benjamin Watson (GBR) led the German duo of Steffen Warias and Matthias Schindler.
The women’s B was easily won by Katie-George Dunlevy (IRL) who finished almost a minute ahead of the rest of the field. The men’s T1-2 was easily won by T1 athlete Jianxin Chen (CHN) finishing almost three minutes clear. Australia’s final medal was a silver in the women’s T1-2 with Carol Cooke finishing 32 seconds back on winner Jana Majnke (GER).
Pascoe finally gets her Tokyo gold
Photo: IPC
After winning the two other medals New Zealandswimming legend Sophie Pascoe finally got the gold that had been just out of her grasp. For the 10th time, Pascoe claimed a Paralympic gold, winning the women’s 100m freestyle S9.
Javarnmardi retains her crown
Photo: IPC
After disappointing results at the 2019 world championship, Sareh Javanmardi (IRI) was determined to bounce back. She showed she still is the pistol sharpshooter that her 2016 results say she is as she led the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 dominating the whole field.
In the other target sport, archery, China continued to dominate as He Zihao was well out in front in the men’s individual compound open. It was his second gold medal after winning the mixed team event.
Cuba wins at the national stadium
Photo: Adam Pretty
It was a perfect day for Cuba in athletics as the nation won its first two gold medals of these Games. The first was expected, speed queen Omara Durand powering through the women’s 400m T12 to win the title for the third straight Games.
The other Cuban gold medal was something of a shock as Paralympic debutant Robiel Yankiel claimed gold in the men’s long jump T47. He finished just three centimeters ahead of the defending champion, Roderick Townsend (USA) with a Paralympic record of 7.46m.
Morocco makes football history
Photo: IBSA Blind Football
For the first time, an African team will be competing in the semi-finals of blind football as Morocco stunned Spain to advance. Morocco pressed early and opened the scoring through a penalty converted by Zouhair Snisla. Spain came back and got an equalizer through Antonio Martin Gaitan but it wasn’t enough as the Africans held on for the draw to advance at the expense of Spain.
Brazil will await Morocco in the semi-final as the defending champions remained undefeated in Paralympic history. Brazil beat France 4-0 with a brace from Raimundo Nonato taking him to the lead in the golden boot race.
The all-Asian match for a semi-final place saw the hosts disappointed as China used two first-half goals to advance 2-0. Argentina was the other team to book a place in the semi-finals as they beat Thailand 3-0.
Men’s goalball quarterfinals completed
Photo: IBSA Goalball
The USA was made to work for it but will be back in the goalball medal rounds for the third straight Paralympic Games as they beat Ukraine in an overtime thriller. Ukraine was up 4-1 in the second half and seemingly through but the Americans powered back forcing overtime. Matt Simpson scored early in the overtime period and then saved a penalty, the third missed by Ukraine in the match, to seal a memorable 5-4 win.
China managed to disappoint the hosts in a second blind sport of the day when they eliminated Japan 7-4. A strong first-half and six goals from Mingyuan Yang got China moving in the right direction and it was too much for Japan to overcome.
Despite disappointing in the group stages Lithuania turned it on now that the tournament has reached the business end. Lithuania was much too strong for the previously defensively solid Belgians winning 6-2.
Brazil is the final semi-finalist after they won a high-scoring match against Turkey 9-4. Coming into the match in phenomenal form Brazil powered away early and never looked troubled.
RPC and Iran stay unbeaten in sitting volleyball
Photo: World Para Volley
Two straight-sets victories kept RPC and Iran undefeated in the men’s sitting volleyball tournament as the group stage wrapped up. The pair will be joined by Brazil and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
RPC started the match against Egypt strongly and never looked troubled from there cruising to a 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 win. At times it seemed like the winners weren’t even getting out of first gear as they let off the gas late.
With both teams needing to win to advance Brazil’s 3-1 win over Germany was a real thriller. After a narrow 25-23 win in the first Brazil slipped in the second dropping it 22-25. From there Germany couldn’t keep up and the Brazilians won the last two sets 25-19 and 25-18.
Despite two difficult opening sets Iran managed to get past China in straight sets 25-21, 25-22, 25-14. China just ran out of gas in the third as Iran built a big lead and never looked back.
Knowing they were already through to the semi-final Bosnia and Herzegovina didn’t let that stop them and managed a comfortable win over Japan winning 25-13, 25-15, 25-13.
First teams seal passage in table tennis semi-finals
Photo: Remy Gros/ITTF
India’s stunning run in table tennis came to an end on Tuesday as China eliminated India 2-0 in the women’s class 4-5 quarter-final. Serbia also managed a sweep in the quarter-final to seal a medal beating RPC 2-0.
Great Britain had to fight hard to get through Jordan in its semi-final, after dropping the doubles, the odds were against the British. The two fought back and got the singles wins to send GB through.
One-sided quarter-finals set up medal rounds in women’s wheelchair basketball
There was little excitement in the women’s wheelchair basketball quarter-finals as all four games were one-sided as the final four were set up.
The USA won the all North American battle easily accounting for Canada 63-48. Germany made light work of Spain going through 57-33. The closest match came as China got past Great Britain 47-33 while the Netherlands stamped their credentials with an 82-24 win over Japan.
Men’s doubles tennis final set
Photo: ITF
Great Britain and France will meet up in a hotly anticipated men’s doubles final as the two pairs managed easy straight-sets victories in their semi-finals. Great Britain made light work of Japan 6-2, 6-1 before France closed the day with a 6-2, 6-4 win over the Netherlands.
The other final set on Tuesday was the quad singles final with Sam Schroder (NED) set to face hot favourite Dylan Alcott (AUS). Schroder continued his incredible form this tournament managing a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win over Koji Sugeno (JPN). Alcott found it harder, recovering from dropping the second set to come through 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
It was a rough day for the hosts but they did have something to cheer as Yui Kamiji advanced to the women’s singles semi-final with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Zhenzhen Zhu (CHN)
TOKYO — There were significant moments for Sri Lankan, Chilean, Indian, and Costa Rican Paralympians in athletics and shooting events as they achieved historic medals at Tokyo 2020 on Monday.
Sri Lanka achieves first Paralympic gold medal
Photo: OIS
History was made for Sri Lanka in the men’s javelin F46 as Dinesh Priyantha Herath Mudiyanselage claimed his country’s first Paralympic gold medal. He didn’t just sneak into a gold medal but he did so in convincing fashion, claiming the gold medal by smashing the World Record by almost four meters with a throw of 67.79m.
Later in the day, Francisca Mardones Sepulveda became the first Chilean woman to win a Paralympic medal. She broke her own world record with a throw of 8.33m in the women’s shot put F54.
The history continued in shooting when Indian Avani Lekara, just a teenager, stunned the field in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1. In a completely unexpected result, Lekara won gold to get India’s first Paralympic shooting medal.
Outside of gold medals, there was history for Costa Rica which picked up its first Paralympic medal of any colour. That medal came in the most hotly anticipated event of the day, the men’s 100m T64 as Sherman Guity won silver just 0.02 seconds behind the winner. That winner was German Felix Streng with both men having an anxious wait for the scoreboard to confirm the result. It was a dramatic finish with a tie for third between Johannes Floors (GER) and Jonnie Peacock (GBR).
Nigeria keeps rolling in powerlifting
Photo: Hiroki Nishioka/WPPO
On the final day of powerlifting, Nigerian lifters continued to dominate the sport with Folashade Oluwafemiayo highlighting the day. In a stunning performance in the women’s 86kg breaking the world record twice. Oluwafemiayo added 1kg in her final lift just to extend the world record further finishing with a final lift of 152kg.
It was an emotional event in the men’s +107kg category as athletes remembered the legendary Iranian lifter Rahman who passed away in 2020. Another middle eastern athlete claimed the gold to take Rahman’s mantle as Jamil Elshebli (JOR) claimed gold with 241kg.
Champions defend titles in table tennis
Photo: Paralympics Australia
Two defending champions retained their Paralympic champion throne in table tennis. Kelly van Zon (NED) defended her women’s class 7 gold medal and Abdullah Ozturk (TUR) claimed the men’s class 4.
Australia had a stunning day on the tables winning two gold medals, their first gold medals in the sport in 37 years. Yang Qian continued her stunning tournament winning the women’s class 10 in a huge shock. That came moments after Australia finally broke through as Lei Na’s long career was capped with a women’s class 10 gold.
Dramatic finishes in archery and equestrian
Photo: Alex Pantling
There were two one-point wins in the archery, the first coming in the men’s individual W1 as David Drahoninsky (CZE) defeated Nihat Turkmeoglu (TUR) in the final 142-141. A dramatic last arrow wrapped up the women’s compound gold for Phoebe Pine (GBR) needing an eight to win on the final arrow Pine managed to hit exactly that and win gold.
Roxanne Trunnell (USA) managed a world record in the equestrian grade I freestyle winning with a score of 86.927, more than two points clear. Sanne Voets (NED) won grade IV, Michele George (BEL) claimed grade V and Lee Pearson (GBR) won grade II.
Australians stun in swimming relay
Photo: Paralympics Australia
In the final swimming event of the day, the men’s 4x100m relay 34 points, there was one of the biggest shocks of the sport so far. Italy came in as favourites for the event but was off the pace as Australia swam a world record time of 3:44.31 to finish more than a second ahead of the Italians.
It’s almost an afterthought at this point but Ihar Boki (BLR) continued to be perfect, winning his sixth gold medal in the men’s 200m IM S13, although there were signs that his final event, the breaststroke may be a weakness that can be exploited. China starred in the pool winning nine gold medals, including a trifecta in the men’s 50m backstroke S5.
Champions advance in boccia
Photo: World Boccia
Five champions sealed their passage to the knockout rounds on the boccia courts with few shocks on offer. The only real struggle for a defending champion was in the BC4 when Yuk Wing Leung (HKG) fell to Eliseu Dos Santos (BRA) but it didn’t matter as he qualified for the final.
Needing a win to advance to the BC1 quarter-final David Smith (GBR) got the vital win 11-1 to seal his passage through. It will be a tougher road through the quarter-finals than Smith hoped but the passage through continues his defense.
By comparison, Watcharaphon Vongsa (THA) continued to be dominant in the BC2 claiming a 10-0 win to bring his points difference to 33-0, a worrying sign for the rest of the field. Jeong Howon (KOR) found things tougher only winning 3-1 but advanced to the BC3 quarter-finals comfortably.
South Americans control football
Photo courtesy IBSA Football
Death, taxes, and Brazil winning blind football are the only certainties in life and that last one continued on Monday in Tokyo. Boosted by a historic win against France, Japan came into its match against Brazil hopeful, and had a smart tactical setup, taking a defensive posture. But that didn’t matter, Brazil put the hosts to the sword, winning 4-0 thanks to a Ricardinho brace.
China managed its first win of the tournament getting past France 1-0 to recover from its own Brazilian loss. The goal came from an impressive free-kick set-piece which allowed Zhu Ruming to score late in the first half. That result sets up a virtual quarter-final between the two Asian sides to close out the group stage.
Argentina joined Brazil as the first teams through to the semi-finals thanks to a 2-0 win over Spain. It was a hard-fought contest with Maximiliano Espinllo continuing his good form, scoring a brace with the winner coming right at the death.
Morocco made history in its match against Thailand, getting the first Paralympics win in team history thanks to Zouhair Snisla’s brace for the 2-0 win.
Dramatic day sees European champions eliminated from goalball competition
Photo courtesy IBSA Goalball
In what was perhaps the most dramatic day in goalball history all five teams in men’s group B finished tied on two wins and two losses. When the dust settled Germany, the European champions and world silver medalists, found themselves out of the competition.
That elimination came at the hands of China, stunning the Germans with an 8-3 win with all the goals coming in a frantic second half. That will see China taking on Japan in a rematch of the 2019 Asia-Pacific final looking to avenge their own 8-3 loss.
Turkey’s match against Ukraine was a defensive effort, with both countries managing strong defense. Tuncay Karakaya scored the only goal of the match to complete a stunning comeback from Turkey to bounce back after losing its first two matches of the group stages. Despite the loss by only dropping one goal, Ukraine advanced to the quarter-final thanks to the strength of China’s win.
Needing to win to advance the defending champions Lithuania sent a strong message to the rest of the field mercy-ruling the United States 13-3. Nerjus Montvydas scored five first-half goals to lead Lithuania to the quarter-finals.
On the women’s side, Brazil set up a clash with China after winning its must-win match against Egypt by mercy ruling 11-1. That was set up by China’s 4-2 win over Canada which saw them top the group and eliminate the Canadians.
The USA came from behind to beat Turkey 4-3 thanks to Amanda Dennis’ brace getting revenge for a 2016 semi-final defeat. Despite that loss, Turkey still topped the group and will play Australia in the semi-final.
China dominated the USA to upset the defending champions and send a strong message to the rest of the women’s sitting volleyball competition. Backed by 18 attacks from Xu Yixiao China managed a straight-sets win 25-17, 25-22, 26-24.
The same was not the case for the men’s defending champions as Iran managed a straight-sets win over Brazil in something of a shock. Despite the score, it was a good start for Brazil but Iran powered past to win the match 25-19, 25-23, 25-21.
RPC managed its first win of the women’s tournament getting past the struggling Rwanda side 25-9, 25-9, 25-12. China dropped the second set but came through in four thrilling sets winning 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23.
Close games wrap up men’s wheelchair basketball group stages
The final day of play in the men’s wheelchair basketball saw some thrilling results as the quarter-final lineup was completed. Just one goal was in it between Australia and Great Britain and only one score was the difference between Germany and Iran.
Great Britain clinched the top spot in the group with a dramatic 70-69 win over Australia, both sides advancing despite the result. They will be joined by the USA which clinically defeated Algeria 86-25 and Germany which won the other close match, beating Iran 56-53.
Things in Group A weren’t as close with Canada clinching its spot in the quarter-finals with a 63-52 win over Colombia. Japan clinched second place in the group with a 67-55 win over already secured Turkey.
Gerard stunned in wheelchair tennis
Lintao Zhang
The first genuine shock in wheelchair tennis came in the men’s third round as No. 13 seed Daniel Caverzaschi (ESP) eliminated the No. 3 seed Joachim Gerard (BEL). It was a straight-sets victory for Caverzaschi to book his place in the quarter-final with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
That win set up a match-up with the No. 8 seed Tom Egberink (NED) who beat Stefan Olsson (SWE) in three, coming back from a poor first set. After losing the first 1-6 he claimed the second in a tie break in four before rounding out the match 6-3.
Shingo Kunieda (JPN) continued to roll on, beating Ji Zhenxu (CHN) 6-0, 6-2. He’ll take on Stephane Houdet (FRA) who took out Martin De La Puente (ESP) winning 12 straight games in the 6-3, 6-0 win.
There was nearly a second shock this time for the No. 2 seed Alfie Hewett (GBR) who dropped the second set to Ruben Spaargaren (NED) but claimed the match 6-1, 2-6, 6-3. He will take on Nicolas Peifer (FRA) who had a much easier 6-2, 6-3 win. The other Brit in the tournament, Gordon Reid cruised into the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 6-1 win the same margin his upcoming opponent, Gustavo Fernandez (ARG) won by.
Diede De Groot (NED) cruised into the women’s singles quarter-final dropping just two games on her way through. She’ll face Momoko Ohtani (JPN) in the quarter-final who won in straight sets after a tight first, 7-5, 6-1.
Aniek van Koot (NED) trailed early but after that was never troubled in her 6-3, 6-0 win setting up a quarter-final with Wang Ziying (CHN). Ziying stunned the South African No. 6 seed Kgothatso Montjane 6-2, 6-3 to book her place in the quarter-final. The easiest work of the day came for Yui Kamiji who swept her way into the quarter-finals without dropping a game.
Dutch quad duo Niels Vink and Sam Schroder continued their stunning performances, not content with reaching the quad doubles final the pair managed shocks to advance to the quad singles semi-finals. Vink got stronger as he beat No. 3 seed Andy Lapthorne (GBR) while Schroder got past Heath Davidson (AUS) 6-2, 6-1.
Vink has a big reward for making the semi-final taking on Dylan Alcott (AUS) who cruised into the match with a 6-0, 6-1 win. There was another upset in the other quad singles semi-final as Koji Sugeno (JPN) made it so David Wagner (USA) would miss the podium for the first time in his career winning 6-4, 6-2.
TOKYO — Sunday started with a stunning finish in the triathlon and the excitement continued all day on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, a phenomenal day for Great Britain.
Sprint finish for gold in triathlon
Kendall Gretsch (USA) is now a summer and winter Paralympic Games gold medalist after she won a thrilling finish in the women’s PTWC triathlon for her third gold medal in either season.
Coming into the finish straight Gretsch trailed Lauren Parker (AUS) and seemingly didn’t have enough course to get the win but she powered past Parker, both in their first summer Paralympic Games to claim a thrilling gold medal.
Lauren Steadman (GBR) upgraded her silver medal from Rio in the women’s PTS5 powering away from Grace Norman (USA) just enough on the run leg to claim the gold that alluded her five years ago. The men’s event saw several lead changes but Martin Schulz (GER) did just enough to win, claiming gold by 45 seconds.
The other event in the last day or triathlon competition was won by the undefeated Jetze Plat (NED) claiming the PTWC again. He trailed coming off the bike and it seemed like his record may have been under threat but he came back in the run to claim gold and keep his undefeated record intact.
Dominant performances see rowing medals awarded
Several favourites showed why they were so heavily fancied in the rowing regatta as they dominated to claim gold medals in the medals day at the Sea Forest Waterway.
Brigit Skarstein (NOR) started things off with a perfect row in the women’s single sculls PR1 pulling away from the very start to win the first time the Paralympic Games extended the distance to 2000m. Having come close to the podium in both summer and winter Paralympics before the emotion came out for the Norwegian who finally got the medal she had been seeking. The men’s race was claimed by Roman Polianskyi (UKR).
British rowers won two gold medals the first coming in the mixed double sculls PR2 as Laurence Whiteley and Lauren Rowles defended their title. The mixed coxed four PR3 crew then won gold, as expected, but not without being made to work for it, trailing at 1500m but overcame the American crew to claim the gold medal.
Great Britain wins first wheelchair rugby gold
Photo: Naomi Baker
Having never won a medal in wheelchair rugby it would have been easy for people to think that making the final was a big enough achievement for Great Britain. But that wasn’t the case for the team, having spoken about coming to Tokyo to win the gold they did it, beating the USA convincingly 54-49.
Team GB got off to a perfect start, stealing on the first possession to open the scoring and taking out a 15-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. But the USA was determined to come back and a crucial Chuck Aoki steal in the second closed the gap and gave the Brits nightmares of the group stages when they failed to hold on to the lead.
In the fourth quarter, Britain took it well and truly away from the Americans scoring 17 times and clinching a first gold medal and a first win against the United States at any event.
In a replay of the 2018 world championships final Japan again managed to defeat the Australians, winning the bronze medal in the day’s other match, delighting the crowd of school children in attendance.
Australia never looked in the match, Japan taking control of things early and getting a lead they would never relinquish. Japan would power out to the win 60-52 as the lead just kept stretching out giving the hosts something to cherish.
Despite the result, both teams seemed disappointed afterward, as the world champions many had the hosts down as the gold medal winners before the tournament started and for Australia, it was its first tournament without a medal since 2004. With just one win it was the worst tournament the Australians had in the history of it being a competitive sport in the Paralympic Games, only 1996’s exhibition tournament proving worse.
Despite being unfancied Great Britain claimed gold in the team test to music with their inexperienced horses proving good enough to get the job done. Britain finished with a combined score of 229.905 finishing less than a point ahead of the Netherlands on 229.249 for silver.
A stunning 80% score from the Americans in the grade I team test had things wide open at the end of the first day but the Brits came out for day two in the higher classes and got the job done for a memorable gold medal.
Hannah Cockroft continued Britain’s phenomenal day with a phenomenal performance of her own, smashing her world record to win gold in the women’s 100m T34. She overpowered the field pushing down the track in a time of 16.39 to lead a British double with teammate are Adenegan coming in second.
A day of close finishes continued in the women’s F44 discus with Yao Juan (CHN) winning by one centimeter. She broke her world record with the throw finishing just ahead of teammate Yue Yang. China won another gold in the women’s 200m T36 with Yiting Shi equaling the world record in a time of 28.21
Another world record fell in the men’s shot put F40 when Denis Gnezdilov (RPC) also won by one centimeter throwing 11.16m to just beat Garrah Tnaisah (IRQ). The day’s other record came in the men’s shot put F53 when Elvin Astanov threw 8.33m for a new Paralympic record.
It had been five years of battles between Valentin Baus (GER) and Cao Ningning (CHN) since Ningning’s win in the men’s individual class 5 gold medal match in Rio and it seemed inevitable that the pair would meet up again in Tokyo. Baus lost in straight games in Rio and was determined to do better five years later. Not only did he do better he avenged that loss beating Ningning in a five-game thriller. Forced to win the final two games he did so coming back to win 11-4, 7-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-7.
The dream run of Bhavinaben Patel (IND) couldn’t end in a fairytale gold medal, but it was still historic as Patel won India’s first table tennis medal with silver in the women’s individual class 4. Facing off against Zhou Ying (CHN) for the second time in the tournament she couldn’t reverse the result from the group stage with Ying claiming an 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 straight games win.
There was more joy for China in the men’s individual class 7 as Yan Shuo came from a game down to beat Will Bayley (GBR) 4-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.
Maldonado overcomes Rio disappointment for Judogold
Photo courtesy IBSA
After missing out on gold in her home games Alana Maldonado (BRA) worked hard for five years to make sure that disappointment didn’t’ happen again. She used that disappointment as fuel and dominated the final rarely looking troubled in the final against Ina Kaldani (IRN). Despite recording an early waza-ari she continued to attack looking for an ippon but somehow couldn’t score more but it didn’t matter as she claimed her long-awaited gold.
Iran won two gold medals, the country’s first in the sport. The first came from Vahid Nouri in the men’s 90kg with an impressive leg sweep ippon on Elliot Stewart (GBR). Moments later Mohammed Kherollahzadeh overcame Revaz Chikoidze (GEO) to claim the men’s +100kg gold.
Great Britain got its first gold since 1996 in the men’s -100kg after Chris Skelley rode an early score to overcome Benjamin Goodrich (USA).
Chinese team dominance continues in archery
Photo: Bruna Prado
Chinese archers made it two from two in the team events as they claimed gold in the team compound event, beating Turkey 153-152, defending the title won in Rio five years ago with a completely different team.
Needing to hit a 10 to win the gold medal Lin Yueshan held her nerve calmly hitting a near-perfect shot to claim the gold medal, adding to her individual silver from Rio.
Boki remains perfect
Photo: Buda Mendes
Coming into the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games seeking six gold medals Ihar Boki’s (BLR) quest remained on track as he won his fourth on Sunday. He won his 15th career gold medal by winning the men’s 50m freestyle S13 in a time of 23.21.
Italian Simone Barlaam lived up to the hype in the men’s freestyle S9 to win his first Paralympic gold medal with a 24.71 swim. Having been nervous during the games Baralaam overcame the jitters to win well.
China sealed two more gold medals on Sunday with the women’s 50m freestyle S11 re-swim going the same way as the original. With two swimmers colliding (S11 is a vision-impaired classification) in Saturday’s swim, the organizers called for a re-swim but it didn’t matter to Ma Jia who claimed gold in a world record time of 29.20 leading home teammate Ma Jia. Liankang Zou won the other Chinese medal-winning the men’s 50m backstroke S3 in 45.25.
Brazil also claimed two gold medals, first through Maria Carolina Santiago in the women’s 50m freestyle S13 in 26.82 before Gabriel Araujo won the men’s 200m freestyle S2 in 4:06.52
Three more world records fell in the pool on Sunday with Michelle Alonso Morales (ESP) setting new ground in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB14 with a 1:12.02 swim. The hosts saw a record fall in the men’s equivalent as Yamaguchi Naohide swam 1:03.77. The final world record fell in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 as Mar Malyar (ISR) won his second gold of the Games swimming a time of 4:31.06.
McKenzie Coan (USA) defended her title in the women’s 400m freestyle S7 just edging out Giulia Terzi in 5:05.84.
The day finished with a shock in the women’s 4x100m freestyle 34 points. After finishing first the USA was disqualified elevating Italy to the gold and Australia to silver which in turn pushed Canada up to bronze following Great Britain’s disqualification. The Americans protest meant that the medal presentation had to be delayed
D’Andrea makes history in powerlifting
Photo: Koki Nagahama
Mariana D’Andrea became the first Brazilian to win a powerlifting gold medal as she stunned the competition in the women’s 73kg. She nailed her final lift of 137kg to claim the gold upsetting Xu Lili (CHN) who only managed 134kg.
Abdelkareem Mohammad Khattab (JOR) never looked like losing the men’s 88kg gold medal managing a Paralympic record with his third lift of 231kg continuing his stunning form.
Bose Omolayo (NGR) defended her title in the women’s 79kg lifting 141kg to do so, unable to break the world record with her final lift.
China won its sixth powerlifting gold in Tokyo 2020 as Yan Panpan won the men’s 97kg on debut lifting 227kg in his second lift. In third place, Fabio Torres made history by winning the first powerlifting medal for Colombia.
China sweeps team foil events
Photo: Carmen Mandato
It was a record-breaking day for Chinese fencing as the team claimed its 20th medal of Tokyo 2020 thanks to winning both foil events at Makhari Messe Hall B.
The women’s team overcame Italy 45-41, with Beatrice Vio almost single-handedly carrying Italy scoring all but one of the points. By comparison, it was a strong team performance from the Chinese that led to the win.
It was then over to the men who dominated their match against Great Britain claiming a 45-38 win controlling the bout from beginning to end.
Japan wins first Paralympic football match
Photo courtesy IBSA
History was made from the very start in the football tournament at the Aomi Urban Sports Park as Japan dominated France to win its first football 5-a-side match at a Paralympic Games. Braces from Ryo Kawaura and Tomonari Kuroda gave Japan a memorable 4-0 victory over France. The match was really over at halftime as the hosts ran out to a three-goal lead in the first half and never looked troubled.
Brazil extended its unbeaten run to 23 matches with a 3-0 win over China to send a message to the competition. The highlight was a stunning free-kick from Raimundo Nonato who continues to be a specialist of the skill.
Argentina was forced to work for a 2-1 win over Morocco. Taking the lead through Maximiliano Espinillo an equalizer from Zouhair Snisla forced it level before the break. Argentina came out from halftime determined with Espinillo managing a brace to seal the match.
The final match of the day was a thriller and it took a penalty for Spain to overcome a determined Thailand side 1-0.
Australian goalball revival continues
Photo courtesy IBSA
After a difficult start to the competition, the Australian women’s goalball team could be marching into the quarterfinals managing a stunning 4-1 win over the RPC. A clean sheet in the first half boosted the Belles who have gone from scoring one goal in the first two games to now nine in the tournament. Should China beat Canada on Monday Australia will qualify for its first quarter-final.
Japan only needed one half to beat the Egyptian women and seal passage to the quarter-finals with a 10-0 demolition of the Africans. The hosts’ men’s side wasn’t so lucky suffering their first loss of the Games falling to Brazil 8-3. Brazil’s win came on the back of a hattrick from Josemarcio Souza.
China can take confidence into their final match as they overcame Israel 4-1, in a surprise turnaround for an in-form Israeli side.
The USA men overcame their loss to Japan from a day ago demolishing Algeria 13-5 thanks to a big eight-goal second half. Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals despite a 4-2 loss to Ukraine which also secured Ukraine’s passage.
TOKYO — The busiest day of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games saw Triathlon join with an early morning start, the longest day of these Games with more records falling all over the city on Saturday.
Hanquinquant wins on debut
At 35 years old Frenchman Alexis Hanquinquant had a phenomenal debut winning the first triathlon event of Tokyo 2020. It was an impressive performance as he came over the top of more fancied opponents in Uda Hideki (JPN) and Alejandro Palomero (ESP) to claim the PTS4 gold.
The USA’s domination of the women’s PTS2 as Allysa Seely and Hailey Danz finished well in front of the rest of the field. Danz led after the swim and bike but her teammate reeled her in on the run to take gold. The good day for the Americans would continue in the men’s PTVI as Brad Snyder claimed his third Paralympic gold, proving he could get it done out of the pool winning his first triathlon gold medal.
Spain got its first triathlon gold at the Paralympics with Susana Rodriguez powering away from the field to claim a strong gold medal. Anna Barbaro (ITA) came third but there was a sprint finish for third with Alison Peasgood (GBR) closing down on Annouck Curzillat (FRA) but there wasn’t enough course and Curzillat finished with a bronze medal that she was very delighted with.
Team Fachie breaks world records
The unquestionable power-couple of para-cycling, Britain’s Neil and Lara Fachie claimed double gold breaking world records in their events at the Izu Velodrome.
Neil (and pilot Matthew Rotherham) claimed gold in the men’s B 1000m time trial, breaking his own world record with a time of 58.038. The win saw him recover from his disappointment in Rio coming back from the silver medal won five years ago.
It was then Lara’s turn as she came up (with pilot Corrine Hall) to win the women’s B 3000m individual pursuit. She came through in a time of 3:19.483 to set a new world record.
It’s been 17 years of Poland’s Natalia Partyka winning gold medals in the women’s singles class 10 but that will come to an end in Tokyo as she found herself on the wrong end of a surprise result.
Australian Qian Yang was the woman who ended Partyka’s reign, winning an absorbing contest in five games 11-7, 4-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-9. Having to come back and win the final two games would have been enough excitement but Yang even came back from being down in the fifth. At 5-2 down Yang took some quick points to come back, getting it to 9-7 and that would be enough, she would hold on to that lead to claim the match and get to the final.
She will be playing Bruna Alexandre (BRA) who also had to come from behind in her semi-final, winning in four 12-14, 11-6, 12-10, 11-7.
The men’s class 7 also saw a five-game thriller. Will Bailey (GBR) saved match point in the fifth to come back and beat Keli Liao (CHN) 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-8. He will meet Yan Shuo (CHN) who continued his strong performance with a 3-0 win.
Bhavinaben Patel made history as she became the first Indian to make a table tennis final as her incredible run continued. She overcame Miao Zhang (CHN) in five, winning 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8.
Japanese dreams shattered in wheelchair rugby
Coming in as the world champions Japan was the favourites to win the wheelchair rugby competition at home but those hopes were dashed on Saturday as they fell to Great Britain 55-49.
It was close in the first half but in the third quarter, a flagrant foul from Daisuke Ikezaki pushed Japan into a difficult situation. Coming back from the penalty behind, Ikezaki committed another defensive foul which saw Britain push out to a 35-29 lead, much too high for the hosts to come back. Jim Roberts was the star for the winners scoring 30 to push his side to the win.
The United States will be waiting for Britain in the final after getting some revenge over the Australian team that had eliminated them on the way to gold in the last two Paralympic Games, winning 49-42.
The first quarter was tight but Australia gave up the ball late allowing the Americans to score and take a two-goal lead and get possession to start the second. In the second the USA really got away from the Steelers, taking advantage of a high amount of turnovers from the Australians to take a seven-try lead. From there Australia could never recover, falling to the defeat and ending their three-peat dreams. It highlighted what had been a poor tournament from Australia, again just failing to pressure opponents into the mistakes with some poor defense making it too easy for the USA to score.
Azerbaijani judo success continues
Photo courtesy IBSA
Azerbaijan claimed three gold medals on the judo mat at the Nippon Budokan on Saturday with an especially impressive performance from Sevda Valiyeva headlining the night.
Up against the more fancied Parvina Samandarova (UZB), Valiyeva managed a waza-ari in the early stages of the bout. She then fought hard to run out the clock and get the win in her debut Paralympics, vindicating her decision to move up to the women’s 57kg weight class.
There was another first Paralympic gold for another Azerbaijani judoka as Khanim Huseynova won the women’s 63kg gold. The other Azerbaijani gold came in the men’s 81kg as Huseyn Rahimli won the final.
The legend that is Tatyana McFadden (USA) continued on Saturday as she claimed bronze in the women’s 5000m T54 for her 18th medal, completing her comeback from a life-threatening blood clot. The winner was her teammate Susanna Scaroni who attacked early and held off the field to win in a time of 10:52.57. The silver went to another legend of the sport, Manuela Schaer (SUI) who came in eight seconds behind Scaroni.
There were seven other athletics finals at the National Stadium with especially stunning performances in the women’s long jump T64. Fleur Jong (NED) claimed gold with a leap of 6.16m with the silver medalist, Marie-Amelie Le Fur (FRA) also going past six meters just five centimeters back.
Spain won two gold medals with Kim Lopez defending his title with a new world record in the men’s shot put F12 throwing it 17.04m. The other was a shock as Yassine El Ataby ran 14:34.13 to win the men’s 5000m T13 ahead of the world champion Jaryd Clifford (AUS).
Uzbekistan also claimed a double with Nozimakon Kayumova throwing 42.59m to win the women’s javelin F13. The field events proved successful for Uzbekistan with Mokhigul Khamdamova claiming the other gold, the women’s discus F57 thanks to a 31.46m throw.
The other two gold medals on the day were won by Cuiqing Liu (CHN) in the women’s 400m T11 in a time of 56.25 and Aleksandr Iaremchuk (RPC) in the men’s 1500m T46 in 3:52.08.
Korea Republic shocked in team archery
As the individual events in archery continued to progress the first medals were awarded in the mixed team W1 event. That saw Korea shocked twice, losing the semifinal to the Czech Republic before compounding that disappointment and falling to RPC in the bronze medal match 132-127.
The gold medal in the event was one by China, crushing the Czech dreams of gold with a 138-132 win. After trailing in the first end, China came back hitting 35 in every other end to claim the win, taking it away from the Czech pair.
Australia seals first goalball win
Photo courtesy IBSA
A stunning performance from Meica Horsburg, scoring four has driven Australia to a 4-3 win over Canada to keep the Belles quarter-final hopes alive. Canada came back late in the match but it wasn’t enough as they could only manage two of the three goals needed.
Japan also managed its first win of the women’s tournament as they stunned the defending bronze medalist USA side 3-2. It was a clinical performance, boosted by Japan not giving away a single penalty all match.
Turkey remained perfect in the women’s group stage easily beating Brazil 8-4 to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Going into halftime with a 5-2 lead it was just easy to hold off Brazil in the second half and take the win with Fatma Gul Guler scoring six goals to stay on top of the top scorer charts.
By contrast, the RPC couldn’t remain undefeated as Israel shocked them winning 8-3, boosting their own chances.
It was a double of shocks for the hosts as the men not only stunned the defending champions, Lithuania but did so convincingly. Japan won 10-2 to put Lithuania on the verge of not advancing to the quarter-final, facing a must-win match against the USA.
Turkey won its first match on the men’s side with a 6-3 win over China, it was on the back of two hattricks with Tuncay Karakaya and Ebubkir Siddik Kara netting three. Germany managed the first shutout on the men’s side as they beat Belgium 2-0 with a heavily changed side.
The women’s 61kg weight class lived up to expectations with a thrilling contest claimed by three-time defending champion Amalia Perez (MEX). She managed to complete her final 131kg attempt to clinch gold under pressure. After Perez’s lift Lucy Ejike (NGR) came out to attempt a 135kg lift but couldn’t do so forcing her to settle for bronze behind Ruza Kuzieva (UZB).
Bonnie Gustin (MAS) proved his win at the 2019 world championships was not a fluke as he claimed gold in the men’s 72kg. He took the lead in his very first lift and never looked back, claiming gold with a Paralympic record of 228kg, he attempted to break his world record with a 231kg lift on his fourth attempt but failed to do so.
Tan Yujiao (CHN) won her second straight gold in the women’s 67kg with a lift of 133kg. Roohallah Rostami (IRN) led in the men’s 80kg from the first lift and pushed out to win with a lift of 234kg just missing the world record as he couldn’t complete his 242kg lift.
Defending champions get off to winning starts in sitting volleyball
Photo: World Para Volley
Iran and the USA managed comfortable 3-0 wins to start their campaigns in the men’s and women’s sitting volleyball. Germany kept things close with Iran in the first set but from there the Iran men pushed away winning both of the other two sets by 10. The USA women made light work of Rwanda in their opener with Rwanda getting no closer than 11 points.
The other two matches of the day were tighter. Brazil’s men traded two 28-26 sets with China before getting stronger and winning the last two sets 25-19 and 25-13. The Chinese women had more luck, after being pushed in the first set 25-20, they got stronger as the match went on to win 25-16 and 25-14.
After her stint in a commercial during the Olympic Games gave Beatrice Vio (ITA) more notoriety her big summer continued as she defended her women’s foil category B title. It was a tight bout with Jingjing Zhou (CHN) who put up a good defense. Zho kept it tight but at 4-2 received a red card and fell away from there to claim the gold 15-9. The bronze medal was claimed by Ludmila Vasileva (RPC) who won a tight bout 15-12.
By comparison the A category saw a brand new podium with three new medal winners. Hiyan Gu (CHN) came from behind, after conceding the first two points to Natalia Morkvych (UKR) to go 4-2 up and never looked back. Jing Rong (CHN) claimed the bronze medal-winning a thriller that went to a deciding point for a 15-14 win.
Gang Sun continued the good performances for China as he upgraded his bronze from Rio into a gold in the men’s foil category A. Gang scored the first six points in the final bout against Richard Osvath (HUN) allowing for a big 15-7 win. Nikita Nagaev (RPC) managed an identical start in the bronze medal bout before winning 15-11.
The category B title was defended by Yanke Feng (CHN) who beat his compatriot Daoing Hu in a final point 15-14. Dimitri Coutya (RPC) recovered from his semifinal disappointment to win 15-2 in the bronze medal bout.
Seeded players all advance in wheelchair tennis
Photo: ITF
There were no upsets on offer at the Ariake Tennis park as every seeded player advanced to the next round.
Joachim Gerard (FRA) has come to Tokyo in form and the number three seed used all of that form to ease past Casey Ratzlaff (USA) 6-1, 6-1. It was a similar story for the other men, barely dropping a game as Shingo Kunieda (JPN), Gordon Reid (GBR), and Alfie Hewett (GBR) all advanced barely breaking a sweat.
On the women’s side the top two seeds, Diede De Groot (NED) and Yui Kamiji (JPN) both dropped only one game each in convincing wins. A rivalry of 18 years had another chapter as Aniek Van Koot (NED) defeated Katharina Kruger (GER) 6-3, 6-1.
Dylan Alcott (AUS) continued his quest for a golden slam in the quad singles event as he managed a straight sets 6-0, 6-2 win over Mitsuteru Moroishi (JPN). The number two seed, Sam Schroder (NED) came through 6-1, 6-2 while the other seeded player Andy Lapthorne (GBR) won 6-3, 6-3. David Wagner (USA) came back from a set down to beat Ymanitu Silva (BRA) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2
USA loses two one-point games in wheelchair basketball
Two thrillers came in wheelchair basketball on Saturday, first, in the morning China held on to manage a one-point win over the USA 42-41. After China built up a strong lead the Americans fired back, draining several three-pointers but left themselves too much to do as China held on to win the women’s group B match.
There was another one-point win in the men’s group B and yet again the USA was on the wrong side of the result. Great Britain pushed out to a big 20-15 lead at the end of the first quarter and that left far too much for the Americans to do, despite clawing back six points in the fourth there just wasn’t enough time.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pain continued for the Algeria women falling to a 72-point defeat to Spain 80-8. The men also fell losing 81-47 to Iran in a somewhat closer game while the Spanish men managed a win as well, falling just short of the men’s score beating Turkey 79-61.
Great Britain managed double wins with their women finding it easier to beat Australia 75-38. The Australian men managed to win, however, remaining perfect with a 64-53 win over Germany. Germany’s women did manage to win, getting past Canada 59-57, which completed a tough day for Canada with the men also losing, falling to Japan 62-56.
The other game of the day saw Korea Republic manage a 66-54 win over Colombia.
TOKYO —Athletics, and Judo joined the party on day three in Tokyo on Friday with seven sports handing out medals on a hot day and evening which saw some domination from Azerbaijan and a shock in the powerlifting.
Athletes live up to expectations
Tunisian Raoua Tlili continued her domination in the women’s shot put F41 winning her fourth straight gold medal in the event. With her second throw, she broke her own world record launching it 10.55m, and never looked troubled.
Petrucio Ferreira (BRA) was also able to defend a Paralympic title, winning the men’s 100m T47 in 10.53 for a new Paralympic record. Japan also saw expectations met, finally winning its first gold at the National Stadium with Sato Tomoki winning the men’s 400m T52.
Azerbaijan dominates judo
The women’s 52kg saw a thrilling final with Azerbaijani judoka Shahana Hajiyeva claiming the gold over Sandrine Martinet (FRA). Both fighters went hard at the bout trying to find an ippon but none came, forcing the bout to golden point. It was then that Jajiyeva finally got Martinet to ground to claim a memorable, and emotional win.
Azerbaijan’s other gold of the day came in the men’s 60kg contest when Vugar Shrinli managed an Ippon to get gold. Algerian Cherine Abdellaoui claimed gold in the women’s 52kg while a Waza-Ari was enough for Uchkun Kuranbev (UZB) to claim the men’s 66kg.
Legend shocked in powerlifting
Photo: Herbert Aceituno
For 13 years one name has dominated the men’s 59kg powerlifting category, Egyptian Sherif Osman. He came into these Paralympic Games looking for his fourth straight gold, but it wasn’t to be. Pushed all the way to 187kg by Chinese lifter Qi Yongkai he couldn’t get a heavier lift in giving Yongkai the gold for having a lower body weight.
There was further history in the same weight class when El Salvador secured its first medal in a Paralympic or Olympic Games when Herbert Aceituno claimed the bronze medal.
It was a strong day for China managing to win three of the four categories on offer on the day. Hu Dandan claimed the women’s 50kg and Liu Lei won the men’s 65kg.
The only other category, the women’s 55kg saw China had to settle for silver as Xiao Cuiuan finished just one kilogram behind Mariana Shevchuk (UKR).
Records continue to fall in the velodrome
Photo: IPC
Kadeena Cox (GBR) defended her title in the women’s C4-5 500m time trial with a world record of 34.433 seconds. That allows Cox to shift her focus to the athletics track where she’ll look to defend her 400m T38 title.
In the C1-3 of the same event, Australian Amanda Reid continued her team’s stunning performance on the track, breaking the world record with a time of 35.581 to keep herself as the preeminent competitor in the classification.
China’s good day extended to the velodrome as Li Zhangyu claimed the men’s C1-3 1000m time trial gold. It was an event where all three medalists broke their classification’s world record, Li getting the C1 mark with a time of 1:08.347, smashing his own mark. Alexandre Leaute (FRA) finished second and set a new C2 world record with 1:09.211 and Jaco van Gass (GBR) set a new C3 mark of 1:05.596, finishing third due to the factoring of the heavier impaired classifications.
Jozef Metelka (SVK) was dominant in the men’s C4 4000m individual pursuit qualifying fastest and winning the final by overlapping his opponent. Dorian Foulon (FRA) also managed a strong win in the men’s C5 4000m individual pursuit as he pulled away in the last lap for the win.
Trunnell’s dominance pays off
Photo: Alex Pantling
Roxanne Trunnell (USA) finished her equestrian individual test Grade I with the highest score yet in the dressage ring managing an 81.464 to get past Rihards Snikus (LAT) and Sara Morganti (ITA).
The other equestrian event came in Grade III with Tobias Thorning Jorgensen (DEN) claiming gold on the back of a strong performance finishing ahead of Natasha Baker (GBR) and Rixt van der Horst (NED).
Boki stays on track
Belarusian legend Ikhar Boki remained perfect in his quest for six gold medals, now halfway there as he won the men’s 400m freestyle S13, the only swimmer under four minutes with a 3:58.18 swim.
Azerbaijan also found success in the pool, winning a third gold medal of the day when Raman Salei claimed the men’s 100m backstroke S12. Great Britain also had a successful night in the pool, winning two gold medals. Hannah Russell defended her title in the women’s 100m backstroke S12 and Reece Dunn broke the world record in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 with a time of 1:52.40, his second gold of these Games.
Records continued to fall in the pool with another coming in the men’s 100m backstroke S8 when Robert Griswold (USA) swam 1:02.55. Mark Malyar (ISR) also set a new mark in the men’s 200m individual medley SM7 becoming the first man to go under 2:30 with a time of 2:29.01, the silver medalist Andrii Trusov (UKR) would also go under that bar with a 2:29.99.
There was also a stunning result in the men’s 50m butterfly S5 where China managed a sweep. The Chinese trio of Zheng Tao, Wang Lichao, and Yuan Weiyi claimed all three medals finishing over three seconds ahead of the rest of the field.
Danish hopes dashed in wheelchair rugby
Denmark’s dreams of a wheelchair rugby medal on debut came to an end on Friday following a 52-50 loss to France. To compound things, the result saw Denmark finish bottom of the group so they will play on Saturday to avoid last place.
The win for France wasn’t enough to aid them in their passage, with the tiebreaker being goal difference in matches against the three teams tied, Australia’s +1 compared to France’s 0 meant that Australia had snuck into the semi-finals before their match against Japan. That was just as well for the Steelers who were outplayed by the world champions falling to a 57-53 loss.
The United States managed an incredible comeback to finish on top of Group B defeating Great Britain 50-48. Trailing 8-13 at the end of the first quarter the match already seemed all but over only for the Americans to come back. The gap was closed to two at half-time and then to one going into the final quarter, the diversity in the middle classifications helping the USA share more time around between their middle and lower point players which helped to get to the win.
In the other match of the day, Canada defeated New Zealand 51-36. With these results New Zealand will face Denmark in the last-place playoff, France and Canada will play off for fifth meaning Canada misses the semi-finals for the first time in Paralympic Games history. The semi-finals will see a replay of the 2016 final between the United States and Australia while the hosts will meet Great Britain who will be in its first semi-final since 2008.
Japan men’s goalball keeps marching
Photo: IBSA
Japan claimed the first mercy-rule win in the men’s goalball competition cruising to a dominant win over the United States. Yuto Sano starred scoring six goals in the 11-1 win as the USA was mercy-ruled for the first time since Beijing.
Belgium followed Japan to be the only other men’s side to start two-for-two managing an impressive 6-4 win over Turkey. The Vanhove Brothers scored four goals between them with a late goal clinching the win.
Brazil came from behind to deny Algeria what would have been a memorable victory. Trailing 4-1 Brazil scored eight unanswered goals, half coming from Josemarcio Souza to clinch the win.
After a tight first half that saw China only lead 1-0, they came out from the break determined and overpowered Ukraine for a 7-3 win. Three goals came in the final 30 seconds to get China its first win in the competition.
After yesterday’s draw in the men’s competition, Brazil came back from 3-0 down at half-time to force Japan to settle for a point in the women’s match between the two sides. Australia’s debut continues to be tough, but the improvement was there as the side avoided a mercy rule loss falling to a 6-0 defeat to China, but the country has a young side, having won the Under 19 World Championship.
Things haven’t been as good for Egypt which lost its second straight mercy-rule match as the USA overpowered Egypt 10-0. The Americans scored nine goals in the first half so it didn’t take long in the second for the win to come with Amanda Dennis scoring four.
Volleyball starts with blowouts
The sitting volleyball got underway on day three with all but one of the matches being won in straight sets. On the women’s side, Italy beat Japan 3-0 while both men’s matches had the same score, Japan falling again to RPC and perennial favourites Bosnia and Herzegovina downing Egypt.
It was a close one in the other women’s match as extra points were needed for Brazil to beat Canada 3-2. After dropping the first set Brazil came back to win the next two, missing out after having match points opportunities in the fourth. Canada held on but it only prolonged Brazil’s wait, claiming a 17-15 win in the decider.
Table Tennis sees another upset
Photo: Remy Gros/ITTF
Another defending champion has suffered a loss in table tennis, this time in the women’s singles class 4 as Bhavnaben Patel (IND) defeated Borislava Peric Rankovic (SRB). It wasn’t just that Patel won but it was how she did it, she didn’t look too bothered in the win, claiming straight games 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 win to stamp her credentials as a real contender.
It got worse for Serbia as Nada Matic would fall in the same classification. Zhou Yu (CHN) claimed the win, needing four games to win 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9. That ended the hopes of both Serbians of repeating a double podium in Tokyo.
Other defending gold medalists found things smoother. Fabian Lamirault (FRA) won in straight games in the men’s class 2 as did Cao Ningning (CHN) in the men’s class 5 to march on to the semi-finals.
The Netherlands send a strong message in wheelchair basketball
Photo: IWBF
After being shocked by China one day ago the Dutch women’s wheelchair basketball team came to take on Algeria and showed no mercy winning by 91 points in a 109-18 blowout to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Tokyo.
Germany’s men were determined to bounce back from a disappointing loss and did so with a shock result, taking down the World Champions. Thomas Bohme was the star with a double-double as Germany beat Great Britain 71-59.
Algeria’s suffering extended to the men’s side of the draw as Australia won its second straight match by more than 40 points to lead the group. The Rollers claimed the win 83-37 taking the opportunity to give more time to more players in the squad.
Most matches today weren’t close but the best was saved for last. Japan saw Reo Fujimoto top score with 21 points to push the hosts to a 59-52 win that all but seals his team’s place in the quarter-finals.
China get two team fencing medals
Photo: Naomi Baker
It was a good day for China on the piste with the team claiming the women’s epee making light work of Ukraine in the final to win 40-17. That was a perfect response for the team after watching the men fall to a 45-39 defeat in the final to RPC.
Weather doesn’t stop hosts from perfect day on the tennis court
It was another hot day in Tokyo which led to six hours of play being delayed but that didn’t do much to stop the hosts from having a successful day. That started with Takashi Sanada who claimed a 6-1, 6-1 win over Carlos Anker (NED).
There were dominant wins for Ji Zhenxu (CHN) and Ezequiel Cascao (ARG) who only dropped one game between them. Niels Vink and Sam Schroder (NED) won in straight sets against American pair David Wagner and Bryan Barten in the quad doubles.
Daniel Bethell (ENG) celebrates his win (Photo: BWF)
TOKYO – Englishman Daniel Bethell upset the apple cart at the Tokyo Para-Badminton open as he stunned the Indian World Champion Pramod Bhagat in straight games to win the men’s standing (SL3) singles title 21-16, 21-19 on Sunday.
Chan Ho Yuen celebrates his dramatic victory (Photo: Luis Veniegra/IPC)
GEELONG, Vic., Australia – The Australian Para Badminton International saw one of the biggest upsets in para badminton history as Hong Kong’s Chan Ho Yuen handed Korean Kim Jungjun the first defeat of his career.
TOKYO – Just five top seeds managed wins in the Japan Para Badminton International which was completed on Saturday. Even more extraordinarily, four of the events were won by non-seeded players and teams in what was a thrilling tournament with less than two years to go before the sport makes its debut at the Paralympic Games in the same city this tournament was held.
Japanese players made up four of the five No. 1 seeds to claim victory in their event with the other top seed being Frenchman Lucas Mazur who claimed the Men’s Singles SL4 over the No. 2 seeded Indian Sukant Kadam 21-10, 21-17.
Four Japanese top seeds won at their home tournament with Toshiaki Suenaga and Akiko Sugino winning the Mixed Doubles SL 3-SU 5. Taiyo Imai won the Men’s Singles SU 5 title, taking down the No. 2 seed Polish player Bartloiej Mroz. Ayako Suzuki avoided an upset in the Women’s Singles SL4-SU5. The final Japanese No. 1 seed that got the win was Yuma Yamakazi who won the Women’s Singles WH 2 in an all Japan final beating Yuma Yamakazi.
Four events were won by non-seeded players or pairings, springing some surprises in entertaining tournaments through the week. English pair Krysten Coombs and Jack Shephard claimed the Men’s Doubles SS 6 in an all-non seeded final. The pair would then back up and face each other in the singles final which was claimed by Shephard, who held the No. 1 seed.
Thai pairing Pricha Somsiri and Chok-Uthaikul Watcharaphon claimed the Men’s Doubles SU 5 after being non-seeded. Korean Sun Chul Kim stunned the No. 1 seeded Englishman Martin Rooke in the Men’s Singles WH 2 final. The other non-seeded winners were pleasing for the hosts as Japanese pair Ayako Suzuki and Asami Yamada claimed the Women’s Doubles SL3-SU5 crown while Sarina Satomi claimed the win in the Women’s Singles WH 1 shocking the Swiss No. 1 seed Karin Suter-Erath.
Two of those three winners would end up with double gold in Tokyo with Satomi pairing with compatriot Yuma Yamazaki to claim the Women’s Doubles WH1-2. That was followed by Suzuki backing up from her doubles triumph to claim the singles title in the SL4-SU5 classification.
There was a slight upset in the Men’s Singles SL3 as Englishman Daniel Bethell defeated the No. 1 seed Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara to close the gap on his chase for the top ranking. An all Korean final saw a stunning upset as No. 5 Jae Gun Jeong beat his team mate and No. 1 seed Sam Seop Lee.
Home fans wanted to see some a big upset in the Women’s Singles SL 3 final with unseeded Japanese player Noriko Ito taking on Indian Manasi Girishchandra Joshi. After losing the first set 21-16, Ito came back to force a third winning 18-21 in the second but that was as good as it got as Joshi claimed the final set 21-3.
Three teams of mixed nationalities won the three remaining events with Korean/Japanese pair Sam Seop Lee and Yuma Yamazaki claiming the Mixed Doubles WH1-2. In the Men’s Doubles SL3-4 home fans were happy as their man Daisuke Fujihara partnered with Thai player Siripong Teamarrom. Another men’s doubles classification was claimed by two different nations with Korean Sung Hun Kim partnering with Frenchman David Toupe to claim the WH1-2 title.
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