Costa Brava, Spain – Tom Matthews secured a hard-fought gold medal in men’s class 1 singles at the ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava tournament on Friday, capping a remarkable comeback and demonstrating the resilience that has defined his decorated career. The Welsh Paralympian, a former world and Paralympic medallist, overcame a 2-1 deficit against top seed Dmitrii Lavrov, a Russian athlete competing as a neutral, in a thrilling final that showcased both tactical brilliance and unwavering determination. The victory marks a significant milestone for Matthews, signaling a return to peak form as he looks ahead to future competitions.
The tournament in Spain wasn’t solely Matthews’ triumph. British Para table tennis enjoyed a successful showing with Bailey Page (men’s class 7), Ryan Henry (men’s class 8) and 18-year-vintage Lowri Hurd, a student at Grantham College, all claiming bronze medals. These results underscore the growing depth and promise within the British Para table tennis program, and the potential for continued success on the international stage.
A Final Tested by Strategy and Spirit
Matthews’ path to gold wasn’t without its challenges. After a dominant start to the tournament, navigating his group with wins against GB teammate Nathan Drayner, Hungary’s Adam Urlauber – last year’s silver medallist and world No. 16 – and Italy’s Luca Chiarini, the final against Lavrov proved to be a true test. Lavrov, ranked No. 7 in the world, initially gained the upper hand, taking the third set 11-8 to lead 2-1. But, Matthews, drawing on the guidance of his coaches, Igor Zavadysky and Stephen Jenkins, adjusted his tactics and regained control.
“At 2-1 down I changed some tactics and worked with Igor in my corner which was amazing,” Matthews said after the match. “I’ve been working a lot on my mentality with Stephen back home and I managed to stay calm and composed and with the right shot selection I came away with the gold.” The shift in strategy proved decisive, as Matthews won the fourth set and then dominated the deciding set 11-5, securing the championship.
Rising Stars and Promising Debuts
Although Matthews’ victory grabbed headlines, the performance of younger athletes at the tournament offered a glimpse into the future of British Para table tennis. Bailey Page, 19, from Plymouth, showcased his fighting spirit throughout the competition, reaching the semi-finals in men’s class 7 before securing a bronze medal. Page’s journey included a hard-fought quarter-final win against Filip Prchlik of the Czech Republic, a European Paralympic Youth Games bronze medallist. Despite a narrow defeat in the semi-final against Argentina’s Aleksy Kaniuka, Page expressed optimism about his progress. “A bronze medal is good, but I will function hard in the training hall,” he stated.
Ryan Henry also impressed in men’s class 8, reaching the semi-finals before falling to Israel’s Yehonatan Levi. The 22-year-old Henry demonstrated consistent form throughout the group stage, securing his place as group winner with victories over Portugal’s Eurico Andre Silva, Argentina’s Fausto Barrientos, and France’s Edgar Empis.
Hurd Makes a Splash in International Debut
Perhaps the most inspiring story of the tournament was the debut of Lowri Hurd, the 18-year-old Grantham College student. Hurd exceeded expectations, securing a bronze medal in women’s class 9-10 despite facing tough competition. She navigated her early matches successfully, defeating Maria Migueles of Spain and Nela Kemlinkova of the Czech Republic, before ultimately falling to world and European champion Alexa Szvitacs of Hungary in the semi-finals. “My first international has been an incredible experience,” Hurd said. “To win a medal is just amazing.”
The ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava tournament continues with the doubles events on Sunday, offering further opportunities for British athletes to showcase their talent. The results from this event provide a positive outlook for British Para table tennis, demonstrating a blend of experienced leadership and emerging potential. The International Table Tennis Federation provides ongoing coverage and results from the tournament.
The success in Spain underscores the importance of continued investment in Para table tennis programs and the dedication of athletes, coaches, and support staff. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, these athletes serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.
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