GB make their mark on Boccia world rankings
on 09-10-2014 14:53
GB Boccia have seen a continued run of strong performances reflected in the new world rankings, released this week by BISFed (the Boccia International Sports Federation).
As international competition becomes increasingly competitive, GB currently lead three out of the seven events on the programme.
The continued development and progress of the GB athletes is clear, with both the BC1/BC2 Team and BC3 Pairs topping the world rankings. Meanwhile, David Smith retains the top sport in the BC1 Individual category and Jacob Thomas climbs to 4th in the BC3 Individual competition.
In the Team and Pairs events, the BC3 Pairs have impressed in international competition to rise through the rankings and secure the coveted top spot, boosted by their silver medal at the recent 2014 BISFed World Championships in Beijing. This performance by Patrick Wilson, Scott McCowan and Jacob Thomas, combines with other recent strong displays from GB to push them just ahead of their Korean rivals, who claimed gold at the World Championships.
There was further recognition for GB as the BC1/BC2 Team topped the world rankings. The Team now stand two places ahead of London 2012 gold medallists Thailand and a couple of points clear of Brazil, who will be challenging their dominance in the category as they prepare to compete in front of a home crowd at Rio 2016. GB, the reigning European Champions in the Team event, also performed well at the 2014 World Championships to claim bronze.
Completing the run of good news for GB, the BC4 Pairs also claimed 2nd place in their category. They are now ranked second only to Brazil, the reigning Paralympic Champions.
Individually, GB athletes are also well represented in the rankings, with London 2012 silver medallist David Smith confirming his place at the top of the standings after claiming BC1 Individual gold at the World Championships.
Jacob Thomas, who made his Paralympic debut in London, also claimed success at the World Championships and his bronze medal win has helped to push him up to 4th place.
Elsewhere, Nigel Murray (BC2), Scott McCowan (BC3) and Stephen McGuire (BC4) also feature in the top 10 of their categories.
Full results can be viewed here: http://www.bisfed.com/world-ranking-2/
GB will be looking to continue their good form ahead of the European Team and Pairs Championships, set to take place in Guildford in July 2015. The competition will provide GB with the opportunity to maintain their place in the rankings and the winners will qualify directly for Rio 2016.
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