First three boccia gold medals awarded in Rio
12.09.2016
Slovakia, Brazil and Thailand claimed the three first boccia Paralympic titles at Rio 2016.
Slovakia sealed the first boccia Paralympic gold of the Games on Monday (12 September) after defeating Brazil 4-2 in the mixed pairs BC4 gold-medal game, with Thailand collecting bronze.
The Rio 2016 hosts took quick revenge in the mixed pairs BC3, claiming gold following a 5-2 win over overwhelming favourites South Korea.
Brazil took a 3-0 lead, but South Korea closed the gap and tried to force a tie-break. The hosts extended the lead to 5-2 and sealed a much-celebrated victory. Greece, who beat Singapore 8-1, won bronze.
The last gold medal of the day was won by Thailand in the mixed team BC1-2. The Asians beat Japan 9-4 in a thrilling final.
Thailand had scored over 10 points in all of their games going in to the final. Japan took an early 1-0 lead but Thailand bounced back and were 6-1 up at the half way point.
Thailand extended their lead to 9-1 going in to the final end. Even though Japan won the last end, the winner was already decided. Portugal ended third.
More information can be found on Rio 2016’s website.