First three boccia gold medals awarded in Rio
12.09.2016Slovakia, Brazil and Thailand claimed the three first boccia Paralympic titles at Rio 2016.
Twenty-two competitors – from Brazil, Great Britain, Russia, Israel and Portugal – took part in the Aquece Rio International Boccia Tournament in Riocentro Pavilion 4 in Barra.
© • Alex Ferro / 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.
