COCK-A-HOOP

Terry's all gold after 28-year wait

- TOM HARLE

GREAT BRITAIN'S wheelchair basketballers ended 28 long years of hurt by beating Germany to reach the gold medal game in Paris.

After six successive semi-final defeats stretching back to the Sydney 2000 Games, Britain won 71-43 and made their first final since 1996.

Teessider Terry Bywater, who carried the ParalympicsGB flag at the Opening Ceremony, finally tasted victory having been part of all six semi-final losses.

"This is something I've dreamt of since Sydney," said the 41-year-old. "I got emotional after the final whistle because this is why I play basketball.