Bhavina Patel reaches historic Paralympics Table Tennis final

GANDHIDHAM, Aug. 28: Gujarat’s Bhavina Patel continued her dream run at the Tokyo Paralympics as the Ahmedabad-based paddler became the first player to reach the final of the sport at the Games.

Bhavina who had already beaten World No. 8, World No. 9 and World No.2 on her way to the Women’s Singles Class 4 final continued with her impressive run in the tournament as the 34-year-old came from a game down to edge out World No. 3 Miao Zhang of China 3-2 to seal the final berth.

In an exciting match, Bhavina suffered a 7-11 loss in the opening game. But the southpaw simply refused to budge as she won the next two games 11-7, 11-4 to take the lead.

Thirty-year-old Zhang levelled the tie by winning the fourth game 11-9 but Bhavina once again came out with a gritty display to seal the historic final berth by winning the decider 11-8.

“I am just giving my 100%. I am mentally ready for the final,” the Mehsana-born former World No. 2 said after her semi-final win.

Interestingly, Bhavina will have to bury the ghost of the past as she faces World No. 1 Ying Zhou of China in the final. Zhou is the only player who had managed to beat Bhavina at the Games – during their opening group match – and Bhavina would be looking to change the result in the crucial match.

“A big congratulation to Bhavina on her historic win,” GSTTA president Vipul Mittra, IAS, said. “She not only made us proud but also showed tremendous grit and determination with her display. GSTTA wishes her all the best for the final and I am sure she will be at her best for the title match,” Mr Mittra added.