Other Events | 16 Sep 2016
Rio 2016 Paralympics: Ukraine clinched gold in the Men`s Team Classes 6-8
Photo: Courtesy ITTF
Viktor DIDUKH, Mykhaylo POPOV and Maxym NIKOLENKO lost in the opening round at the London 2012 Paralympics, but this time they beat Sweden 2:0 in the final clash
Ukraine`s Viktor DIDUKH, Mykhaylo POPOV and Maxym NIKOLENKO have surpassed all expectations, winning gold of the Men`s Team Classes 6-8 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Four years ago they were beaten by Poland 3:0 in the opening round of London 2012 Paralympics, but this time overcame Sweden`s Linus KARLSSON and Emil ANDERSSON in the final clash 2:0. Great Britain finished on the third spot, beating China 2:1. This is the second consecutive bronze for William John BAYLEY, Ross WILSON and Aaron MCKIBBIN.
Men`s Team Class 3
As four years ago the winner of the Men`s Team Class 3 will be decided between the 2012 London Paralympics runner-up, Germany`s Thomas BRUCHLE and Thomas SCHMIDBERGER, and defending champion ZHAO Ping, FENG Panfeng and ZHAI Xiang from China. Both national teams won their semi-finals in straight games, Germany against Brazil, while China was better than Thailand. When they met in London`s battle for gold, China won 3:2.
Men`s Team Classes 4-5
Republic of Korea is new champion of Men`s Team Classes 4-5, as they beat Thailand 2:1. KIM Jung-Gil, CHOI Ilsang and KIM Young Gun were runners-up four years ago, but now fully deserved the title, beating in the semi-final defending champion China who now finished fourth. Bronze medal goes to Turkey, thanks to Nesim TURAN, Ali OZTURK and Abdullah OZTURK who upset China 2:1
Men`s Team Classes 9-10
Spain`s Juan PEREZ GONZALEZ, Jose RUIZ REYES and Jorge CARDONA MARQUEZ prevented the same final as in 2012 London Paralympics, beating Poland 2:1. Four years ago China beat Poland in the gold medal contest, but now reigning champion will face Spaniards who won bronze at the London`s ExCel Exhibitions Centre. France and Poland are going to play for bronze.
Women`s Team Classes 1-3
Defending champion China overcame Croatia 2:0 to clinch new gold. This is the significant achievement for Croatia`s Andela MUZINIC and Helena DRETAR KARIC who were eliminated by Korea in the quarter-final of London 2012 Paralympics.
