Colin Judge showed plenty of character in his table tennis Class 3 men's singles qualifying event first-round match at the the Tokyo Paralympics, but was unable to overcome Zhao Ping.
Paired up against the world number six, it was always going to be difficult for Judge and it was a nervous start for the Dubliner who was making his first ever Paralympic appearance, and he lost that first set 11-6.
Judge got to grips with his opponent in the second set, taking Zhao to 9-9, but the Chinese star scored two quick consecutive points to leave Judge needing to win the remaining three sets.
The third set was Judge’s best as he once again drew level with Zhao at 9-9 and then 10-10 but Judge wasn’t going to be denied this time and took the set 12-10.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Judge as Zhao found another gear, clinching the fourth set and the match 11-6.
Judge will now hope that Zhao wins his second match this evening and that he can beat his Brazilian opponent tomorrow in order to retain a chance of advancing to the next round.
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