In the men's team event bronze medal match yesterday in Birmingham, England defeated Nigeria 3-0 while India successfully retained their championship with a 3-1 victory against Singapore.
The English squad defeated their African opponents with ease because they were more committed than Nigeria. When Paul Drinkhall and Tom Jarvis teamed up to defeat Bode Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 3-0 in the doubles, they got off to a strong start (11-6, 11-7, 11-7).
When Quadri Aruna faced Liam Pitchford in the first singles match, Pitchford won thanks to a number of unforced errors committed by Aruna. Pitchford understood that his victory over the greatest player in the competition had given him and his team a chance to win the bronze medal.
Fans applauded Aruna and Pitchford for their strong starts, but it was the Englishman who prevailed 3-1 (11-9, 9-11, 12-10, 11-6) to give England a 2-0 lead.
Omotayo played Drinkhall in the second singles match, and the far more seasoned Drinkhall won the match decisively to end the tie at 3-0. (11-4, 11-2, 11-4).
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