Latest update from Irish team at Wheelchair World Team Cup

In a repeat of their first match at the World Team Cup Qualification event in Antalya Turkey, Ireland played the host nation in the 7th/8th Play off. The first match saw Gerry Milligan play Anto Cakmak in blustery conditions. Gerry controlled the first set, using the elements better than his opponent and won it 6-4 more comfortably than the scoreline suggested. However after winning a long first game in the 2nd set the Turkish player tore a muscle in his shoulder and was forced to retire, giving Ireland a 1-0 lead in the tie.

In the second match, Ireland’s Ivor Jess took on Ismail Canturk for the 2nd time in the competition. The Turk had been a comfortable winner on Day 2 of the event but Ivor was determined to do better this time. The first set was close until 3-3 when the Turk managed to win a game against the wind and then won the next two with it to take the first set 6-3 . Ivor came out of the block well in the 2nd set taking a 2-1 lead and maintained this edge until 4-3. At 4-3 he had 3 break points narrowly missing a forehand pass by a whisker. At 4-4 Ivor once again had 2 more game points which he couldn’t convert and then found himself 5-4 40-0 down. However Ivor fought back saved 4 match points but finally couldn’t save the 5th and lost 6-3 6-4.

In the deciding doubles the Turks were able to bring a fresh player and this proved decisive as the Irish pair fought valiantly but ran out of steam losing 6-3 6-2 and finishing the qualifying event 8th.