PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012: Whiley and Shuker claim battling wheelchair tennis bronze
By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012
JORDANNE Whiley and Lucy Shuker became Great Britain's first-ever Paralympic wheelchair tennis medallists after edging a tense battle for bronze.
The British pair beat Thailand’s Sakhorn Khanthasit and Ratana Techamaneewat 7-6, 6–7, 3-6 in a match spanning more than three hours.
Trailing a set and 3-0 down in the second, after a string of unforced errors, the frustrated pair looked to be heading for fourth place.
But somehow Shuker and Whiley found the inspiration to fight back, producing some stunning shots that combined power and precision, making life increasingly difficult for the Thais.
“I'm speechless. We were so bad in the first set so now I feel disbelief that we got back into it and won," said Shuker.
“I tried to calm myself when we were 3-0 down in the second and it worked. When we were 5-3 up I though yes, we can do this now.
“Eton Manor is the best venue I've ever played at and the crowds have been out of this world. We want to thank everyone who has supported us.”
Shuker and Whiley are the second British tennis medallists of the Games after Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne won silver in the quad doubles.
“I was so scared when we were facing those match points," said Whiley.
"It was my toughest time on court and we were out there so long.
“The Thai pair are so solid and just keep getting the ball back. I wanted a medal at London 2012 so much and now I've got one. I hope our success will inspire other girls to give tennis a go, whatever their ability.”
© Sportsbeat 2012
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