Italian
Gabriele Zendron takes the second step of the podium in the individual BC3 event at the World Boccia Intercontinental Challenger
PAJULAHTI (FINLAND) – Almost flawless performance for Gabriele Zendron at the World Boccia Intercontinental Challenger in Pajulahti, Finland, and a splendid silver medal won. In the individual BC3 event, the Italian did well to reach the podium in one of the most important international events of the circuit, which is valid for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The world number 16 has been impeccable since the group stage, finishing unbeaten thanks to victories against the Croatian Pavao Ruzic (5-0) and the Slovenian Klemen Kramzar (4-1). In the quarter-finals, the Italian then defeated the Saudi Abdullah Alsamkari with a score of 4-2, before dominating the semi-final against the Faroese Áki Joensen, winning with a clear 5-0.
Zendron then loses in the final to the Turkish Öner Bozbiyik (ranked number 22) by 4-2 after a very hard-fought and balanced match. The first end saw the Italian take the lead 1-0 before conceding the equalizer to make it 1-1 in the second. The decisive moment was the third end in which the Turkish player closed 2-0, and then won again 1-0 in the final end.
The tournament now continues with team and pair competitions. In BC1, Italy, composed of Vincenzo Russo, Riccardo Zanella, and Claudia Targa, will face France in the elimination round. In BC3, on the other hand, Michela Favini and Gabriele Zendron will challenge Saudi Arabia in the pairs event.
The statements
These are the words of the federal president Roberto Favre:
“Congratulations to Gabriele Zendron for the splendid journey. The silver medal represents a result of great international value and confirms the constant growth of the Italian Paralympic boccia movement. Gabriele competed at a very high level, demonstrating technical skills, concentration, and great determination, as evidenced by the clear victories achieved in the final stages of the tournament. The final against the Turkish Öner Bozbiyik was fiercely contested and played with great intensity. He receives the Federation’s congratulations for once again bringing the Italian colors to the international podium, along with thanks to the technical staff and those who support our athletes’ journey every day. A result that makes us proud and represents an important motivation for the entire movement”.
Photo Credits: comitatoparalimpico.it
