by Simon Daish

Beginning his Team World Cup campaign with a sensational display against Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, Englishman Liam Pitchford went on to achieve back-to-back victories over Mohamed El-Beali and Hugo Calderano as England went on to reach the last four of the Men’s Team tournament.

Liam Pitchford also impressed against World No.2 Fan Zhendong in England’s semi-finals encounter with eventual champions China. Included in England’s squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Pitchford is hoping for another successful display on his visit to the Gold Coast.

“It’s a busy period, but I am playing well and feeling full of confidence. I think I have good chances in all the events.” Liam Pitchford

Silver medals in both the Mixed Doubles and Men’s Team events at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, but it was the bronze medal in the Men’s Singles competition which arguably carried the most significance as Pitchford became the first English player to win a medal in the category.

Now with the 2018 Commonwealth Games just over a month away, Pitchford is once again hoping for more success with a Men’s Singles gold medal at the top of his wish list.

“My bronze at Glasgow was quite a landmark because it was the first singles medal won by an England player. I will be happy with another medal this time, but my aim is to win, and anything less will be a disappointment.” Liam Pitchford

Source: Derbyshire Times