Boccia champion Stephen McGuire says he was on top form as he took two medals from the World Open in Hong Kong.
The 34-year-old from Hamilton won BC4 bronze in pairs and gold in singles at the event, which saw him come up against the world’s elite in the disability sport, which is a precision ball sport similar to bowls or petanque.
Stephen’s double medals win is certainly a lift as he attempts to qualify for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Stephen said: “Taking two medals in Hong Kong was a confidence booster. I went through the group as a points qualifier, which meant I had to play the World No.1 from Colombia, Euclides Grisales, in the last eight, as well as home favourite Leung Yuk Wing in the final.
“I was delighted with the level of performance I managed to reach in the knock-out rounds.
“To reach the final stages of these events is proving more difficult year-on- year, as the depth of quality increases, but I think experience helped me.
“I came away having played some of the best boccia individually and in pairs that I ever have done.”
Stephen added: “Hong Kong was one of the toughest competitions I have participated in.
“The current world champion Yusansen Zheng from China was there, as well as Grisales and Paralympic champion Leung from Hong Kong. This field of athletes meant that to medal you had to demonstrate a high level of consistency over six matches.
“This was the start of the season for myself, in this qualification year for Tokyo 2020, which is my priority this season.
“I would love to lead the BC4 pair to my third Paralympic Games.
“Tokyo will be incredible, we had a group of athletes go out there for a test event already and returned with only positives.
“Fingers crossed we can get over the qualification line as soon as possible, and then start to plan.
“This year we only have four competitions to gain enough ranking points but as a result of my individual gold it has taken me back up the rankings to World No.2 at the moment, and the bronze medal in pairs helps set up our season nicely.
“If we can perform to the level we achieved in Hong Kong I see us achieving this milestone.
“From here we travel to Seville for the European Championships, where there are automatic Tokyo slots for the winners.”
