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Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

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2018 Commonwealth Games

Turning silver and bronze to gold, the target for Liam Pitchford in Gold Coast

30 Mar 2018

A debut at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, for England’s Liam Pitchford, it was a successful first appearance; he lined up alongside Andrew Baggaley, Paul Drinkhall and Danny Reed in the Men’s Team event, the outfit winning silver, additionally, he partnered Andrew Baggaley to Men’s Doubles bronze.

Four years later in Glasgow; again he won medals. Joining forces with the same players as in New Delhi but with Sam Walker added to the list, once more he won Men’s Team silver, prior to securing Mixed Doubles silver in harness with Tin-Tin Ho and Men’s Singles bronze.

Do the fingers on the left hand of Liam Pitchford indicate the number of gold medals he intends to win in Gold Coast? (Photo: Rémy Gros)

by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF-Africa Press Officer

Now on his third appearance; at the 2018 Commonwealth Games which start in Gold Coast, Australia on Wednesday 4th April, the aim is turn silver and bronze to gold.

“The target is to bring as many medals back with us as possible. Especially the team because that is the first event and we really want the gold medal after two silver medals in a row. Also in the singles, I want to improve on my bronze from Glasgow.” Liam Pitchford

Gold, the top step of the podium is a realistic goal for the Englishman; he was key to England’s bronze medal at the recent 2018 ITTF World Team Cup in London.

“It is a great honour and I’m very proud to represent my country in such a big event. Delhi 2010 provided me with an opportunity to prove myself on the table tennis scene and win medals and that’s what I did. I am in good shape at the moment, still some small preparations to go before the start of the tournament but we will be ready to give our all.” Liam Pitchford

The destination is the Gold Coast, sandy beaches, surfing and home the theme parks such as Dreamworld; if time permits, there is plenty to see but the playing hall is the first focus.

“I’m looking forward to good matches and some high quality table tennis. I’m also looking forward to seeing Australia as I have never been there before so that should be nice.” Liam Pitchford

A challenge lies ahead; that is the nature of sport.

“I think we have quite a few players who could win the singles event, the Indian players are strong, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna will be the top seed probably, my teammates also and of course Gao Ning. So it should be a very close and exciting tournament.” Liam Pitchford

The England Men’s Team is Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford, Sam Walker and David McBeath.

2018 Commonwealth Games Liam Pitchford

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Day 11 - 2018 Commonwealth Games