Swansea Star Smith Crowned World Boccia Champion

David Smith has taken individual BC1 gold at the World Boccia Championships at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre.

The 29-year-old who is based in Swansea beat China’s Kai Sun 7-2 in the final.

Holland’s Daniel Perez beat Thailand’s Witsanu Huadpradit – who Smith had beaten in the semi-finals – to take the bronze medal.

It means everything to win, the crowd have been awesome and I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Smith.

“We’ve loved it and it’s been superb, the hotel and the venue are both great and the courts are quite cool as well.

“I’ve been in top form which helps, I’ve had a few shaky moments along the way which helped me for the final.

“It was just a nice game to be in and now I’m very happy – now it’s onwards to Tokyo.”

Smith is Britain’s most-decorated boccia player having won Paralympic team gold at Beijing 2008 and individual silver and team bronze at London 2012.

He then claimed individual gold at Rio two years ago when he sported a lurid blue mohawk hairstyle and will aim to defend the title in two years time.

Smith had survived a scare in the quarter-finals when he needed a tie-break to beat Japan’s Takumi Nakamura after a 3-3 draw.