Tokyo Paralympics: Leung Yuk-wing to fight for boccia bronze after shock loss to Thailand’s Pornchok Larpyen in semi-final

The 2016 Rio Games gold medallist lost 6-3 after skewing game-defining throw – ‘my arm felt a bit tight’

World No 5 Leung will face world No 4 Zheng Yuansen of China for bronze medal – ‘I will approach it in a relaxed manner’

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Hong Kong's Leung Yuk-wing throws in a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games boccia mixed individual pool preliminary game at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Japan in August. Photos: Hong Kong Paralympic Committee

Published: 7:27pm, 31 Aug 2021Updated: 10:24pm, 31 Aug 2021

Hong Kong bowler Leung Yuk-wing is still in with a chance of a Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games bronze medal despite an agonising loss in the mixed individual BC4 semi-final on Tuesday.

2016 Rio Games gold medallist Leung, 36, was outplayed by Pornchok Larpyen of Thailand 3-6 in what was a world-class tactical duel that could have gone either way at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre.

World No 5 Leung, in top form after dumping out Slovakian opponent Michaela Balcova 8-0 in the quarter-final, started bright to secure three points in the first round.

But the momentum turned from the second end onwards, as world No 7 Larpyen – who shared the podium with Leung after winning bronze in Rio five years ago – dominated the jack with four points.

Hong Kong's Leung Yuk-wing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games men's mixed BC4 individual quarter-final at the Tokyo Gymnastics Centre.

The 27-year-old Larpyen saved his best bowling for the third and fourth, where he capitalised despite very fine margins. Leung was forced to take risks with his remaining two balls, but to no avail, letting the Thai extend his lead by one.

In one of the most dramatic ends of the category so far, Larpyen took the clear advantage but left Leung with an opportunity to score three and regain the lead with his final bowl. Upon Leung miscuing the deciding shot, Larpyen screamed in celebration knowing he beat the reigning champion and a two-time gold medallist for a place in the final.