09/02/2012 Paralympic Games

Gold medallist in the Women’s Singles event at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008, Thu Kamkasomphou of France had to settle for the silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

In the final of the Women’s Singles Class 8 event, she was beaten in the final by China’s Mao Jingdian, the winner of the Women’s Singles Class 7-8 title at Asian and Oceania Championships in Hong Kong in 2011.

Seeded no.2 and making her debut in the Paralympic Games, Mao Jingdian beat Thu Kamkasomphou, the no.1 seed, in four games to clinch the title.

She won 11-2, 11-4, 12-14, 11-5.

Success for Mao Jingdian in the gold medal match; in the bronze medal contest it was victory for Sweden’s Josefin Abrahamsson.

Philippines Opponent
She accounted for Josephine Medina of the Philippines (11-9, 12-10, 13-11) to secure the third prize.

Made Mistake
It was an impressive performance by Mao Jingdian who surrendered just the one game in the final

"I made a mistake but my coach said keep calm, play normally, there's no need to rush, concentrate and that's why I came back”, said Mao Jingdian with regards to the close third game that she lost.

Superstitition
However, she soon recovered and it would seem she is somewhat superstitious.

"I have my wristband I from the temples for good luck and on my palm it says deep breath”, added Mao Jiangdian; the deep breath was taken and she succeeded.

Accepted Destiny
It was a fine effort by Mao Jingdian and Thu Kamkasomphou,accepted her fate.

"I wanted to get the gold but she played better than me today”, said Thu Kamkasomphou. “She is better than me."

Satisfied Swede
A pleased Mao Jingdian and a pleased Josefin Abrahamsson

"I just focused on putting the ball on different places on the table”, she said.
"With my coach we talked a lot about the serve, you get a good chance to get a point with the right serve, also, where to attack, to focus and think about the next ball; be a warrior."

Won the Battle
In true Nordic spirit she went to war; furthermore, she won the battle.