TABLE tennis star Jack Hunter-Spivey is edging ever closer to his Rio dream of competing in this year’s Paralympics after winning two more medals.

The 20-year-old Widnes player helped the GB team scoop five medals on the last day of the Lignano Master Open in Italy to add to the six single medals won earlier in the week.

Wheelchair player Jack, who has cerebral palsy, achieved silver in the team event and bronze in the singles.

In the group stages of the singles, he started with a 3-2 win over the Paralympic champion and world number one from Norway, Tommy Urhaug.

It was the first time he has beaten this illustrious player.

Former SS Peter and Paul Catholic College student, Jack, from Stewards Avene, said: “Tommy is one of my role models in the sport.

“It’s a massive achievement to beat him especially in the Paralympic year.

“I feel that if I can beat him I can beat anyone so it’s given me a lot of confidence.

“It’s been a good tournament for me. Now I don’t have to worry about qualification for Rio I can play with a bit more freedom and play my own game.”

In the team event, Jack competed with Tommy. They reached the final but lost 2-0 after a series of victories.

GB Para Table Tennis Team performance director Gorazd Vecko said: “Jack beating the number one for the first time and taking the bronze medal in the singles was a great result and he is progressing in the way we want.”

Jack was born blind and deaf. He defied doctors’ fears when he suddenly started to see and hear nine months later.

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 17-months-old.

Jack trained at Halton Table Tennis Centre.

After competing in countless tournaments with the GB squad all over the globe, he has now become the world number nine Paralympic player in class five.

The Rio team for September will be announced in the coming weeks.