Murray maintains his focus on London 2012

The Leamington Paralympian did not lose an end on his way to winning the competition at the Peak Centre in Stirling, Scotland, beating Great Britain teammate Dan Bentley 6-0 in the final.

However, with the 2012 Paralympics in London on the horizon, Murray says he cannot afford to let his standards slip if he is to guarantee his place in the GB squad.

“The aim is to get selected for 2012 and I know I’ve got to perform year-in, year-out to make sure of that,” said Murray.

“I still pride myself on winning whatever competition I’m in. I’ve got my rivals at British level, people who I will be competing with for a place in the team, and it’s important to show I’m better than them.”

The gold medal caps a successful year for Murray, who returned to number one in the world rankings for the first time since 2004 on the back of a silver at the World Championships in Portugal in June.

He also clinched the English title and says his return to the pinnacle of the sport can be traced back to the behind-the-scenes support he has received from the GB camp.

“I’m playing better now than I’ve ever done and the consistency is there.

“In 2005 I got my confidence back. In addition to having a physio for soft-tissue massages we have a psychologist who worked with me and helped me enjoy it again without the pressure.

“My aim is to qualify for London and win a gold in the team or the individual - if someone offered me one gold now I’d take it.”

The 46-year-old local government worker says London 2012 will be his final competition as he brings the curtain down on a career which has seen him clinch gold at European, World and Paralympic level in both the individual and team events.

He admits, though, that the massive commitment to boccia, which sees him competing and training every other weekend, will leave a huge void in his life when he 
eventually calls it a day. It is a gap 
he is hoping to fill with Saturday afternoon trips to the New Windmill.

“I try not to think beyond 2012, but if I don’t go into coaching at least it will enable me to see more of Leamington than I currently do.”