Paralympian Lucas Sithole Takes Third in England

South African number 1 wheelchair tennis quad ace, Lucas Sithole, claimed third spot behind world No 2 – Britain’s Andy Lapthorne – at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters at Loughborough University in England, on Saturday.

In his opening match, Sithole faced a tough challenge from American world No1 David Wagner. The American, who clinched his tenth NEC Masters title on Sunday when the season-ending elite tournament reached a stunning climax in England defeated Sithole 6-4 6-1.

The South African then went head-to-head against Ymanitu Silva from Brazil in Friday’s pool final which saw Sithole secure a semi-final spot following an incredible 6-4 6-4 victory.

In the semi-final battle, the 27-year-old Andy Lapthorne defeated Sithole in a hard-fought battle that saw the Brit eventually take a 7-5 7-5 triumph against the world No4.

The Kwazulu-Natal player made quick work of demolishing Australian world No5 Heath Davidson in straight sets 6-3 6-2 to secure the third position.

‘These weren’t the results I had hoped for, but I played my best and hope for a better finish in 2018. Both David and Andy are good players and it’s never an easy battle against them,’ said Sithole.

‘I learnt a lot again this year, gained more experience and will return home to continue working hard,’ added Sithole.

Sithole finished in second place in 2015 after losing to defending champion David Wagner in the finals in London.

Sithole lost his legs and right arm in a train accident in 1998. The 31-year-old told City Press that he accepted his situation and adopted a “positive attitude to life”. In 2005 he fell in love with tennis… and he hasn’t looked back since!

Source: TeamSA.co.za