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Dan Michel and ramp assistant Ash McClure will play for bronze tomorrow after going down in his BC3 Boccia Individuals semi final match tonight at Ariake Gymnasium.
Michel came up against Czech Adam Peska who was on a roll after defeating the world No. 7 in the quarter finals. Peska posted a 3-0 first end to assert his domination on the match, however Michel came back at him 1-0 in the second end and then posted a 2-0 win in the third end to level it up, albeit amid some controversy with Michel and McClure incurring a penalty for equipment on the line. Peska was unable to convert the penalty to points and the pair went into the 4th end all tied up.
A tight battle ensued with Peska coming up with the winning play, posting a one point win and going through to the gold medal play off, leaving Michel to consider what could have been and reflecting on his tournament form.
“It was a bit of a crazy game that one. I’ve had a bit of a patchy tournament so it’s been up and down. I’m stoked I get a chance to play for bronze tomorrow, really excited about that but yeah, just unfortunately not my day today.
“I just think I didn’t really understand the court well, I thought I had a really good knowledge of this court having played on it before but just found it difficult to find the line on some of my drawing balls. I just really struggled the entire game and had to scrap my way to three all going into the final end.”
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Earlier in the day Michel and McClure progressed through to the semi final after a convincing win in the quarter final, posting an 8-0 score against Korean Hansoo Kim.
Michel absorbed the pressure in the opening end of the match, taking a 3-0 lead before consolidating with another point in the second end. Another three points at the third end gave him an unassailable lead before closing the match out 8-0.
Michel was incredibly relieved to post such a strong win in the quarter finals.
“Immense, it’s huge, obviously. After yesterday’s game it was a tough one to swallow. So, I fought the demons last night and this morning, and just so proud I was able to put together a really good performance, the one I was looking for.
“I’ve had three games where I haven’t put a clean one in, so I am super super stoked to do that in the quarterfinals, against a quality opponent, former world champion, former number one ranked player. So, to do it in that high fashion is huge and I can’t believe I’m playing for a medal in a Paralympic Games it’s too much really.”
Michel and McClure will play Scott McCowan from Great Britain for the Bronze Medal tomorrow (Wednesday 1 September) at 1140 (AEST). Catch the action on Seven and 7 Plus.
By: Jodie Hawkins, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 31 August 2021
