Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 21st 2016 –Portugal pulled off a dramatic upset to deny China a dynamic double on the second day of the Fazza World Open Boccia Competition – Dubai 2016 here at Al Nasr Sports Club.
With the Chinese having just beaten Hong Kong 4-2 in the BC4 Pairs final, they could have secured a twin triumph with a subsequent success in the climactic BC1/2 Teams showdown.
However, Portugal sprung a real surprise with a 7-5 victory to spark scenes of jubilant celebration among those clad in red, green and yellow.
“That win is very good for them as it validates the fact that they are very good players,” commented Portugal’s veteran coach Helena Bastos.
“Asian players are developing a lot and it’s very difficult to beat them, so – as we won today – our players are understandably very happy.
“Our final opponents China have conditions that we don’t. They’re a very big country, with many people, so they can choose players, whereas we’re a small nation with less people and it is significantly harder to find them.”
Portugal’s team manager Luis Ferreira added: “I’m really happy because a lot of hard work has gone into this victory over a long period of time.”
China did at least emerge as one of the three victors on the from the pairs and teams contests courtesy of that prior result over HK.
“We often compete against Hong Kong, so we already know each other really well indeed; it’s very normal for us by now,” said China coach Tan Weilin.
“Bringing happiness to the players and giving them enjoyment is really very important to us as coaches. That’s our main job. They encourage each other and spur each other on, which is why there’s often a lot of cheering whenever they play.”
Russia also attained the gold and glory in the BC3 Pairs by edging out South Korea in the tie-break after their clash ended in a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong (BC1/2 Teams), Belgium (BC3 Pairs) and Japan (BC4 Pairs) all came away with bronze medals with results against Russia (8-1), Australia (5-2) and Slovakia (3-2) respectively.
There was also some late cheer for the regional representatives after the UAE chalked up a narrow 3-2 scoreline against Germany in their third and final pool-phase game in the BC4 Pairs.
“I just feel happy and proud to represent my country and give something back,” stated Raisa Al Falasi.
“This tournament gives us the gilt-edged opportunity to gain even greater experience and develop our skills against continental champions from all around the world.”
This tournament is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), organised and supervised by the Dubai Club for the Disabled with the support of strategic partners the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) and in collaboration with the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed), the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW), the DSC and the UAE Paralympic Committee.

Results:BC1/2 Teams:Group A:China 11-1 Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei 2-12 Slovakia, China 14-3 Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong 7-3 Slovakia, Chinese Taipei 2-16 Hong Kong, China 6-5 Slovakia. Group B: Japan 1-9 Russia, Bahrain 1-18 Portugal, Bahrain 4-4 Japan (Japan won the tie-break), Portugal 8-0 Russia, Bahrain 2-9 Russia, Portugal 8-3 Japan.Semi-Finals: China 7-2 Russia, Hong Kong 4-5 Portugal. Third/Fourth Place Play-Off: Hong Kong 8-1 Russia. Final: China 5-7 Portugal.

BC3 Pairs:Group A: Hong Kong 3-4 South Korea, Hong Kong 3-3 Russia (Russia won the tie-break), South Korea 4-3 Russia. Group B:Australia 4-2 Japan, Belgium 14-0 USA, Japan 6-3 USA, Belgium 4-1 Australia, Australia 8-3 USA, Belgium 4-2 Japan.Semi-Finals:Australia 1-4 South Korea, Belgium 1-5 Russia. Third/Fourth Place Play-Off: Australia 2-5 Belgium. Final: Russia 2-2 South Korea (Russia won the tie-break).

BC4 Pairs:Group A: Hong Kong 18-0 Kuwait, Japan 3-2 Russia, Kuwait 0-20 Russia, Hong Kong 8-1 Japan, Japan 12-0 Kuwait, Hong Kong 7-2 Russia. Group B:China 10-0 UAE, Germany 0-9 Slovakia, China 14-0 Germany, Slovakia 11-0 UAE, Germany 2-3 UAE, China 6-3 Slovakia.Semi-Finals: China 8-0 Japan, Hong Kong 7-1 Slovakia. Third/Fourth Place Play-Off:  Japanvs Slovakia. Final: China vs Hong Kong.Third/Fourth Place Play-Off:  Japan 3-2 Slovakia. Final: China 4-2 Hong Kong.