A Bronze Medal for Hungary in Paris
Endre Major, a veteran Hungarian table tennis player, brought home a bronze medal from the Paralympic Games in Paris on Wednesday. This victory marked the third medal for the Hungarian team in the Games, following swimmer Zsófia Konkoly's gold and Fanni Illés' silver.
The 55-year-old European champion, who had previously placed fourth in Rio and fifth in Tokyo, secured his spot on the podium by winning his quarterfinal on Tuesday. The absence of bronze medal matches in this sport meant that his quarterfinal win secured him the bronze.
A Tight Match Against Davies
On Wednesday, Major faced off against Robert Davies of Great Britain in the semifinals. Davies, whom Major had defeated in the final of last year's European Championships in Sheffield, proved to be a formidable opponent.
The match did not start well for the Hungarian para-athlete. He scored his first point after falling behind 0-6. Despite catching up, Davies held a set advantage. Davies' control in the second set allowed him to easily collect points, and Major, plagued by errors, soon fell behind by two points.
The third set saw Major take the lead, prompting the Hungarian team captain Zsolt Vigh to call for a timeout at 8-7. In the end, Major managed to improve in a tight fourth set, bringing the match to a thrilling conclusion.
The British player regained control, leading 7-2, but Major refused to give up and eventually equalized. While saving three match points, he had several opportunities to tie the game. However, at 15-14, Davies capitalized on his fourth match point, securing his place in the final on Friday. Major's performance in the French capital concluded with a bronze medal.
A Thrilling Match and an Unforgettable Experience
Major expressed his enjoyment of the match, stating, "It was a very good match, finally there was some excitement, I really enjoyed it." He also acknowledged the difference in playing styles between him and Davies. "He is stronger, spins bigger ones, and I am completely forced to defend myself. If I give him the ball back, he kills it. I can't hit as hard as him, so I tried to solve the ball movements with drop-ins. However, he puts in huge twists, so in the first two sets I didn't even know what to do with his balls, after that I started to get the hang of it, but it was too little and too late. It could be felt that he was very prepared against me. It was better, I congratulate him!"
He also spoke about the electric atmosphere in the arena, saying, "The Parisian community created an atmosphere that I have never experienced before. Obviously, it was unusual, but I also consider this very positive, that they came out and supported us. I am very happy with this bronze medal. In all aspects, this Paralympics is in the first place in my career, I won a medal, and the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the locals is unforgettable."
A Future Uncertain, But a Career Filled With Success
This marked Major's third Paralympic Games, and he admitted that he has not yet made a decision about his future in the sport. "As long as I feel that I have motivation, I will do it." His career, however, is already a testament to his dedication and skill, with this bronze medal adding another chapter to his story.
Major's bronze medal solidified Hungary's success at the Paralympic Games in Paris. His victory, along with the gold and silver earned by Konkoly and Illés, stands as a testament to the determination and talent of Hungarian para-athletes on the world stage.
