Phil Pratt Returns to Boost GB’s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships Bid, Robyn Love Retires
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TogglePhil Pratt returns to Great Britain men’s squad for Wheelchair Basketball World Championships
Great Britain is all set to participate in the upcoming Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, which are scheduled from 9-20 June in Dubai. The defending champions will be represented by their men and women teams.
The latest news reveals that Phil Pratt has returned to the Great Britain’s men team after opting out of consideration for Tokyo Paralympics last year. He had played a pivotal role in helping GB win bronze at Rio Paralympics back in 2016, so his return is expected to enhance GB’s chances of retaining their crown this year.
The absence of Robyn Love will be felt, especially after she announced her retirement from international sports recently. She helped Britain clinch silver medals at the 2018 World Championships and European Championships as well as captaining the side at the last tournament held in Europe.
GB Men Team Squad:
- Simon Brown
- Kyle Marsh
- Terry Bywater
- Harry Brown
- Martin Edwards
- Gaz Choudhry (not part of the squad pursuing an acting career)
- Jamie MacSorley
The Women’s Team:
Brazil, Canada, China,
“Growing up with a disability I never knew I could play sport at the highest level. When I saw it during London 2012 Paralympics, I knew that was what I was meant to do. Four years later, I was doing it.”
Love will continue playing domestically for Loughborough Lightning and developing her coaching skills.
The Qualification Process:
- The World Championships are part of the qualification process for next year’s Paralympics
- If a European country is among the top four in Dubai, then winners of August’s European Championships in Rotterdam would qualify automatically for Paris 2024.
- Conversely if GB women or men make it into the final four automatically they can help their region – either Europe or Asia Oceania – earn an extra slot at the Games
The Future:
We hope this tournament ends well with our teams bringing glory to Great Britain and we wish them all success. Let’s gear up for some amazing performances from our wheelchair basketball players!