Tunbridge Wells’ Will Bayley extends unbeaten run with victory over Theo Bishop at Astana Para Open in Kazakhstan

Fresh from being crowned ITTF Male Para Player-of-the-Year, Tunbridge Wells’ Will Bayley capped a fine week with gold at the Astana Para Open in Kazakhstan.

Bayley, unbeaten in class 7 events since Tokyo 2021, won an all-GB Final beating Theo Bishop 3-0 in an ideal start to his Paralympic year.

He lost only two points in an opening 3-0 win against Kazakhstan’s Mukhadiya Kuangereyev and followed that with a 3-0 success against another home player, Daniyar Muratov.

As winner of group one and No.1 seed, Bayley received a bye into the Semi-Finals where he beat European bronze medallist Kevin Dourbecker from France 3-0 before the same scoreline against Bishop.

“I’m very happy to win another gold and keep my winning run going,” said Bayley.

“I thought this was one of my best tournaments in terms of professionalism - I was very focused and didn’t give away many points.

“Kevin and Theo are both awkward and effective players, so I was happy to win both those matches comfortably, although I haven’t really slept in three days so I’m grateful and quite surprised to be playing so well.”

Hopes of a second gold were dashed, though, when Bayley and doubles partner Martin Perry lost to Artem Iakovlev and Alexander Esaulov. Competing as neutrals, the Russian duo were beaten 3-0 when the players met in a group clash, but Bayley and Perry failed to follow up that result second time around, losing 3-1 in the gold-medal match.

“We just didn’t get going in the Final,” Bayley said. “I didn’t feel 100% but no excuses - they played better on the day and deserved to win.”