Powys’ Rob Davies picks up silver medal Paris Paralympics

The former Paralympic gold medallist made a brave bid to regain his men’s class 1 singles title at the SPA4 Arena in Paris this afternoon (September 6) but was denied by Yunier Fernandez, the two-time Para PanAmerican Games champion.

Despite two superb wins to reach the final Davies said he did not feel back to his best.

However, the first set was very tight, with Davies saving two set points at 10-8 down and then having a couple of set points of his own before Fernandez clinched it 14-12 with a clever angled serve that Davies could only push long.

Rob in his match against gold medallist Yunier Fernandez (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

From that point the Cuban grew in confidence and using his powerful forehand to good effect he took the second set 11-7. Although Davies kept battling, Fernandez secured the third set 11-4 and the match 3-0.

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“I’m an athlete and you always want to win,” said Davies, “but I’m really proud just to get there. It’s been such an awesome Games experience so to get to the final makes it that bit more special. I didn’t get the result I wanted but in a few weeks’ time I’m sure I’ll be really happy.

"Overall, Paris has been one hell of an experience, and I’ve really enjoyed myself.

“I’ve got loads of people to thank - my PA team has been incredible these last few years and my wife has been amazing supporting me and she’s come out here as well.

Rob with his silver medal at this year's Paralympics (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

“Before the tournament I was just hoping she could get there to watch me and I was afraid I’d be going out in the first round.

“Luckily, I managed to hang in there and keep battling and got to the final, so she’s obviously watched a few matches now, so I’m really chuffed. This being my second Paralympics to medal at is pretty special.”

Rob won a memorable gold medal in Rio 2016 but was unable to defend his title in Tokyo due to injury.

It has been a long road back for the Welshman and although he took bronze in the World Championships in 2022 and was narrowly denied a fifth consecutive European title last year he came into the tournament struggling to regain his form and fitness.

Rob in the final against Yunier Fernandez (Image: ParalympicsGB/imagecomms)

However Rob has said he is aiming to still be going by the next games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“I definitely intend to go to LA, but I’ve got a lot of conditioning I want to do to hopefully get back to my normal standard,” said Rob. “I’ll be looking forward to the Europeans next year and I can’t wait to get back on it now. Have a few weeks rest then get back to it.”

The former rugby player was delighted to receive good luck messages from Welsh rugby legends Shane Williams and Alun Wyn Jones.

“It was amazing to have those videos,” he said. “The Sport Wales guys have been amazing for us - they put a video together with all my friends and family before we came out here and that was pretty special as well.

“I’ve got the Welsh boys behind me, and I can’t thank the guys enough.”