SEPTEMBER 9 - SAM INGRAM (pictured) won a bronze medal in judo's under-90kg category at the Paralympics in Beijing today, saving Britain's medal hopes after under-100kg favourite Ian Rose went out in the first round.

 

The 23-year-old Ingram beat Algeria's Messaoud Nine by an Ippon decision to add Paralympic bronze on his Games debut to his 2007 world silver medal.

 

Ingram, who is originally from Coventry but now based in Edinburgh, said: "It feels good.

 

"This morning I wanted to go for gold but I couldn't beat the Frenchman.

 

"Bronze is still bronze."

 

In a controversial opening match Ingram had an Ippon decision overturned.

 

With just 28 seconds of his first match to go, Ingram appeared to throw France's Olivier de Cugnon de Sevricourt cleanly, a manoeuvre that results in automatic victory.

 

He punched the air to celebrate and 1,000 points were duly awarded to the young British judoka.

 

But after the technical official intervened Ingram's points were removed and the bout resumed with Ingram 20 points behind.

 

The eventual score was 21-11 to the Frenchman.

 

Luckily Ingram qualified for the repechage where he dispatched Japan's Yusuke Hatsuse with a win by Ippon.

 

He went on to beat German judoka Sebastian Junk on points in the repechage final to qualify for the bronze medal match.

 

Rose was less fortunate, losing his opening match to Haruka Hirose from Japan 1-2.

 

In accordance with judo's rules, Hirose's subsequent loss then sent Rose home.

 

Rose was hoping to add a gold to his 2004 over-100kg silver and 1996 under-86kg bronze medals.

 

He said: "I've been here before and I'll be back.

 

"London 2012 is definitely the goal.”