BT PWC 2012: Boccia team off to dream start in 2012

By Paul Eddison in Manchester, Sportsbeat

GREAT Britain's boccia team didn't get the chance to take on Brazil at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester after they pulled out of the event  but they more than made up for it by getting the better of the Czech Republic.

BOCCIA BROTHERS: Peter and Stephen McGuire combined to beat the Czech Republic at the BT Paralympic World Cup

Currently number two in the world, Britain were hoping to take on the world's best side at the City of Manchester Arena, but instead started their season in style against the third-ranked Czechs.

Brothers Peter and Stephen McGuire, along with Jamie McCowan, were in impressive form in their first major event of the season as they recorded a 2-0 win overall.

And Peter McGuire, the elder of the two siblings, revealed that he already has his eye on a building on that form heading into London 2012.

He said: "We're number two in the world and the Czechs were joint third so it was a good test for us.

"Brazil are the best at the moment but we've beaten them before, we've beaten everyone, and we will do again."

McGuire senior began the match with a comfortable 7-1 victory over Leos Lacina to set Britain on their way before his brother drew with former European champion Radek Prochazka.

But despite a slow start to the pairs match, the brothers and McCowan ran away with it, winning 7-1 to secure the overall win.

Stephen McGuire added: "The Czechs were bronze medallists in Beijing so we knew it would be tough, but going on that performance we are pretty pleased.

"If we keep up our consistency and play like that over the next 100 days there is no reason why we can't get a medal in London."

The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 22-26 May with elite international athletes competing in Athletics, Football 7-aside and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for tickets and more information.

©Sportsbeat 2012