National Para Table Tennis champion, Gibran Sarfaraz has bowed out gracefully after his third straight defeat in the ParaPan American Games recently in Lima, Peru.
The Rose Hall Town native, who participated in the men’s singles class 10 was prevented from making his Paralympic dream in Tokyo next year a reality after losing to Columbia’s Alvaro Puerto 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 in his opening encounter.
The International Table Tennis Federation-certified level two coach showed his grit in the second match but suffered the same fate going down three sets to one against Puerto Rico’s Kevin Rivera with the score reading: 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, and 11-5.
In his final Group D encounter, Sarfaraz was defeated by eventual bronze medalist, Manuel Echaveguren of Chile 11-6, 11-4, 11-2. Cuba’s Eric Manso was the other semi finalist.
After his participation, Sarfaraz took to his social media account where he thanked the country for providing him with the opportunity to play at this level, one he reckons is the highest he has played in his career.
He said that he tried his best but opined that he has the talent but not the exposure but nevertheless harnessed valuable experience to improve his game.
The competition was won by Brazil’s Carlos Cobinatti with Claudio Moura, also of Brazil taking second.
Guyana’s other Para athlete, Walter-Grant Stuart will look to medal in cycling as he enters the Time Trial and Road Race on Friday and Sunday respectively.
Grant-Stuart has been in Peru since last week and has been training extensively in the colder conditions. The former fireman showcased his ability and determination with victories on the local circuit as well as two gold medals in the Defi Sportif Altergo Contre-La-Montre Cycling Road Race held in Canada. He has also participated in similar races in Belgium and Italy.
