DeSilva-Andrade Wins First Paralympic Match
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Yushae DeSilva-Andrade achieved a milestone in her boccia career after winning her first-ever match at the Paralympic Games today [August 29].
DeSilva-Andrade, who lost both her matches at her debut Paralympics in Rio in 2016, made a winning start to her Paris 2024 campaign after defeating Kinga Koza, of Poland, 4-1 in the women’s BC1 preliminary round at the South Paris Arena.
The 30-year-old returns to action in pool C against Hiromi Endo, of Japan, on Saturday at 7.50 am [BDA time].
“Winning a match at the Paralympics was one of my small goals,” DeSilva-Andrade told Bernews. “I’m so happy to have achieved this small goal.
“I thought I played really well. I sprayed a few balls around but brought it back.
“I felt the most peaceful I’ve ever felt during a game. I didn’t panic at all.”
Looking ahead to her match against Endo, DeSilva-Andrade added: “I need to work on my short game, middle game, and long game.
“I don’t know what she will bring. We’ve played each other twice before – I’ve won one and she’s won one. It’s going to be an interesting game!”
Troy Farnsworth, the Bermuda boccia coach, stressed the importance of making a winning start to the pool phase.
“To get that first game out of the way and to win is crucial,” he said. “Yushae’s got off to a great start, which takes the pressure off a little bit.
“It’s always tough to play on a big stage and she made the big shots when she had to.”
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Go Yushae DeSilva-Andrade!
Great job and all the best in your next game Yushae. Proud of you