Britain’s successful World Boccia Championships continued as the BC1/BC2 team conspired to shock world number three side Brazil.

World No.1 David Smith, fresh from being crowned BC1 world champion, teamed up with Claire Taggart and Will Hipwell for the first two pool stage games.

And despite losing 9-2 to Argentina early on, the world number 12 outfit regrouped and rediscovered their best form to push past the Brazilians.

Taggart felt the home support at the Exhibition Centre, Liverpool helped overcome their initial defeat and keep qualification in the balance.

“The support this week has been a bit nuts,” said Taggart, from Larne in Northern Ireland.

“I was actually really nervous about the crowd being so close in a team event as I am out in the wing box.

“But it was one of the best experiences I’ve had especially with close friends and family so nearby.”

World No.1 David Smith, fresh from being crowned BC1 world champion, teamed up with Claire Taggart and Will Hipwell for the first two pool stage games

Smith spoke of his satisfaction of best laid plans coming off in their win over the South American side.

“It was a great win – with their ranking we knew it would be a tough match,” explained the 29-year-old.

“We had a game plan for them and it worked, thankfully.

“We go into tomorrow with a really good chance of getting through.”

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It was one of the best experiences I’ve had especially with close friends and family so nearby

Stephen McGuire suffered contrasting fortunes to Smith in his individual BC4 bout – falling at the last 16 stage – but was back in action in the team event.

Indeed after a 5-1 romp against Japan in the opener, McGuire was pitted against Germany’s Boris Nicolai - who he’d been beaten by less than 24 hours earlier.

Alongside Evie Edwards and Louis Saunders, the Scot couldn’t quite turn the tables and a 3-2 defeat means Britain must beat Portugal tomorrow to progress.

Elsewhere the BC3 pairs went two from two in their opening contests, securing a thumping 9-1 win over Colombia and then edging out Singapore 5-4.

This was enough to seal qualification for Britain, represented by Jamie McCowan, Patrick Wilson and Jess Hunter.

Helen Nicholls, Boccia UK’s Performance Director, said: “We played really well and it was a tense and tight match with great Boccia played on both sides.

“We now move on and focus on executing our best performance tomorrow.”

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