After London 2012 disappointment Davies rises to become world number one

By Gary Anderson

October 21 - Welshman Rob Davies has put the disappointment of missing out on a medal at London 2012 behind him by becoming world number one in the men's class one Para-table tennis world rankings.

The 29-year-old former rugby player has risen to the top of the pile in the latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings list after his performances at the recent European Championships in Lignano, which saw him take individual and team gold.

Davies lost out to France's world number three Jean-Francois Ducay in the group stages at London 2012, ending his dream of securing a medal at his home Games, but the man from Brecon gained his revenge by overcoming the Frenchman on his way to the final in Lignano.

Having seen off the challenge of Germany's Paralympic and world champion Holger Nikelisin the semi-final, Davies defeated his teammate and mentor Paul Davies in the final to claim the European title, one better than his silver medal at the 2011 Championships in Split.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," said Davies, who replaces Nikelis as world number one.

"At the start of the year I wanted to improve my world ranking and medal at the European Championships and to do what I have done is more than I could have dreamed of so I'm just very happy."

Rob Davies came into the European Championships in Lignano as world number five and left as world number one

Having taken the individual class one crown, Rob teamed up with Paul, who took individual bronze at London 2012, to dominate the team event and secure a second European gold inside a week, to complete a memorable year for the man who had gone into Championships in Lignano ranked world number five.

Earlier in the year, the Welsh duo took top honours in the team event at the Slovenian Open in May, before Rob took individual silver and team gold with partner Silvio Keller of Switzerland at the Bayreuth Open at the beginning of June.