Sussex table tennis player Will Bayley is hoping to continue his world beating form, after being selected for the 10-strong squad to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics.
The call-up comes after a phenomenally successful year for the 24-year-old Paralympian, who was confirmed as the World No.1 in his classification (Class 7) in January.
Bayley, who lives in Groombridge, was born with arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder that affects all four of his limbs. At the age of 12 he joined Byng Hall Table Tennis Club in Tunbridge Wells before moving on to represent Kent men's team of able-bodied players. After turning pro, Will has subsequently converted his early promise into success at senior level.
In October 2011 he returned from The European Championships in Split, Croatia, with a brace of medals – gold in the singles and silver in the team event. He finished the year by being voted the European Players Player of the Year 2011 and was subsequently announced as the World No.1 in January 2012.
The player, who competed at Beijing aged 20, must now be favourite to take gold at London 2012.
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