BRONZE IS 'TOUGH' FOR FAVOURITE MA

Still, he can be proud of turning brutal encounter with bear into glorious career

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As a kid, Ma Lin of China had wanted to become a renowned pianist, but his dream unfortunately ended in agony when he had to have his right arm amputated as a result of a brown bear biting him.

However, with his gritty resolve, he has become a force to be reckoned with in para table tennis.

The 34-year-old accrued four Paralympic gold medals - three team and one singles - besides a singles silver for China dating back to Beijing in 2008 before moving to Australia in 2017.

Having switched allegiance, he won two silvers at the Tokyo Games three years ago and on Sept 7 at the Paris Paralympics he made it a full house of medals.

Ma had to be content with bronze after losing a gripping fivegame match to France's Lucas Didier at a packed South Paris Arena.