By David Gold

nigel murray_14-05-12May 14 - Slovakian boccia player Robert Mezik has his sights firmly set on BC2 rival and reigning world number one, Britain's Nigel Murray, at this summer's Paralympic Games in London.

Mezik is a relative newcomer to the sport, competing since 2006 after finishing his education in Bratislava.

Having finished third at the 2011 Europa Cup in Hamar, Norway, he has booked his place at London 2012 and is setting his sights high.

"I have been training for 12 hours per week," the world number 20 told Paralympic.org.

"I will start in many national and international competitions before the Paralympics."

Mezik still has plenty of preparation time though, and is set to compete in the Czech Championships later this month, before taking part in Portugal's Boccia Masters and the Cheshire International in June.

Murray (pictured above), a double Paralympic gold medal winner, will be a strong favourite on home soil this summer though.

"Nigel Murray is the best player in BC2," Mezik said.

"I admire his equanimity in the match.

"Unfortunately, I have never played with him.

"Every player can be vanquished.

"I believe I can beat him in London.

"Every player is waiting for his time.

"I hope my time will come in London.

"Nigel plays like me, in this style of game you have to be perfect because every rival punishes your hesitation.

"He is very good at this, he can play all six balls perfectly.

"If I can play without any mistakes, I have a chance."

As well as Murray, Mezik is wary of the South Korean contingent, who finished top at last year's World Cup in Belfast.

So Yeong Jeong and Jeong Min Sohn will be their main threats in the BC2 class, as well as reigning world champion Abílio Valente of Portugal and Brazil's Santos Maciel.

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