Bronze Medal in Table Tennis at the Paralympic Games

Table tennis player Endre Major won the bronze medal in the MS1 category at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Wednesday. The para-athlete won the third medal for the Hungarian team in Paris, the first bronze after swimmers Zsófia Konkoly’s gold and Fanni Illés’ silver medal.

The 55-year-old European champion – fourth in Rio and fifth in Tokyo – secured his podium finish by winning his quarter-final on Tuesday, as bronze matches are not played in this sport. On Wednesday, the wheelchair-bound table tennis player faced Robert Davies of Great Britain in the last four, whom he beat in the final of last year’s European Championships in Sheffield, to earn a place in the Paralympic Games.

The Hungarian para-athlete did not start well in Wednesday’s match, scoring his first point after 0-6.

Although Major caught up nicely, the British opponent won in a tense and exciting match. Davies thus qualified for Friday’s final, while Major won the bronze medal in the French capital.

“It was a very good match, finally there was some excitement, I really enjoyed it,” said Endre Major after the match. “Two styles met. He is stronger, spins bigger, and I am completely forced to defend. If I give him the ball back, he kills it. […] He puts huge twists in it, so I could not do anything with his serves in the first two sets, then I started to get the hang of it, but it was too little, too late. I could feel that he was very prepared against me. He was better, congratulations to him!” he added.

As for the atmosphere and the huge cheering, the new Paralympic bronze medalist said that he had never experienced anything like it.

The atmosphere created by the Paris community was like nothing I have ever experienced.

Of course, it was unusual, but I also appreciate it that they came out and cheered us on. I am very happy with this bronze medal. In every way, this Paralympic Games is the best in my career, I have a medal, and the atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the locals is unforgettable,” Endre Major admitted.

Another Paralympic Medal Secured in Swimming