Paralympics: Final arrow heartbeak for Bradford's Bottomley (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Paralympics: Final arrow heartbeak for Bradford's Bottomley

5:20pm Saturday 1st September 2012 in Sport

Bradford archer Phil Bottomley refused to be downbeat despite a round of 16 exit in the individual competition of his first Paralympic Games.

Bottomley was beaten 6-4 by Turkey’s Oguzhan Polat at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London.

A poor final arrow cost the 53-year-old. From that last arrow he needed to score six points to go through, but he could manage only one to seal his early departure from the individual recurve event.

Bottomley, however, remained full of pride at his debut Paralympic appearance, and remained in a positive mood despite the defeat.

"I'm not disappointed, it's my first Paralympic Games," he said.

"Representing Great Britain is an honour and a pleasure. I'd like to thank UK Sport for their sponsorship to get me where I am now.

"Everything was fine. Honestly, I wasn't under any pressure for the final arrow.

"All I had to do was seven or higher. I was just off-timing and it can cost you."

Polat admitted the home crowd had affected his own performance, and he was left thankful for Bottomley's misfortune.

"I needed him to get five for me to win but I felt bad for him when he shot a one," he said.

"Bottomley helped me get through so it's thanks to him.

"I felt pressure shooting against him and against a home crowd."

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