Whiley shows grit as GB win Paralympic bronze (From Halesowen News)

Whiley shows grit as GB win Paralympic bronze

5:28pm Friday 7th September 2012 in Local Sport

HALESOWEN'S Jordanne Whiley won her first Paralympic medal in the wheelchair tennis bronze decider this afternoon.

The 20-year-old and partner Lucy Shuker came from a set down to beat Thai duo Sakhorn Khanthasit and Ratana Techamaneewat 6-7 7-6 6-3.

In doing so, they became the first British women to win a medal in the sport but they had to battle for a marathon three hours to win.

They lost the first set on a tie break and then found themselves 3-0 down in the second.

Despite fighting back, the British pair still had to save two match points at 6-5 down but upped their game by levelling the scores and then taking the tie-break.

Whiley was broken in the third set but the British duo replied immediately and broke the Thai duo once more, before Shuker serves out to seal victory and the medal.

Speaking afterward, a delighted Whiley said: "I was so scared when we were facing those match points. It was my toughest time on court and we were out there so long!

"The Thai pair are so solid and just keep getting the ball back. I wanted a medal at London 2012 so much and now I've got one!"