Norfolk and Lapthorne win silver
5th September 2012Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne added to ParalympicsGB ever growing medal haul with silver in the Quad Doubles at Eton Manor.
The British duo had marched serenely into the doubles final but came up short against America’s David Wagner and Nick Taylor, losing 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.
Heading into the final set the match was on a knife edge after Lapthorne and Norfolk had come from behind in the second. But just as it appeared gold beckoned for the Brits their arch-rivals went up a gear and proved too strong in the end.
Norfolk, Britain’s most successful wheelchair tennis player ever, wouldn’t be drawn on whether this was his last competitive match.
“It may be my last match but I won't make that decision yet,” said Norfolk. “London has been astronomically better than anything else and it will be hard to top.
“I'm going to spend some time with my family and take stock as I've spent a long time on court. But maybe I'll head out to Australia and win our third Grand Slam in January.
“Andy for sure can go to Rio and I'm very grateful he helped me win a medal here. I tried everything but couldn't quite get there in the end.”
Lapthorne, Norfolk’s heir apparent, paid tribute to his legendary partner.
“I'm not sure if Pete will play again but it's been a pleasure and we've had a lot of success,” said Lapthorne.
“I'm gutted we couldn't win gold but proud I got a silver. I just want to say thanks to everyone who has supported me, my friends and family, the Tennis Foundation and my West Ham and Brentford family!”
Meanwhile, Gordon Reid’s hopes of winning his maiden Paralympic medal were ended by Holland’s Maikel Scheffers at the quarter-final stage.
Reid was unable to continue his winning run losing 6-3, 6-3.
He said: “My serve let me down a little bit but I was still in there with a chance even at the end.
“I probably haven't played my best tennis at this tournament but I'm happy I gave it a good go and these are the top players in the world.
“I hope these Games will inspire more young people to get involved in tennis and just enjoy themselves.”
Reid was later knocked out of the doubles competition alongside his partner Marc McCarroll.
The British pair couldn’t overcome France’s Frederic Cattaneo and Nicolas Peifer in the quarter-final, losing 7-6, 6-4.