WIDNES' table-tennis star Jack Hunter-Spivey (men’s class 3-5) is through to the finals of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Hunter-Spivey took on the 36-year-old class 4 World number 11 from Nigerian Isau Ogunkunle and he took the first set comfortably enough 11-4.

But he was made to work hard by the African Championship silver medallist, who had three points to win the second set before Hunter-Spivey edged it 13-11, and the 27-year-old from Liverpool then secured his place in the final 11-9 in the third.

“It feels amazing to be in the final,” he said. “Rushy (coach Andrew Rushton) has known me since I was a kid and if he had told me this would happen when I was younger I would never have believed it.

"I just feel lucky to play in front of a home crowd and be playing very well. It was a tough match and I’ve been in situations before when I’ve been 2-0 up and lost the match by focusing on the wrong things so it shows the experience I’ve got now and the belief in myself after Tokyo.

"It’s taken a long time to get here – I’m 27 – but I’m here now and even if I’m down I’m going to fight as hard as I can.”

Hunter-Spivey will play another Nigerian in the final tomorrow, Nasiru Sule, who won their group match encounter 3-2.

“It was close in the group and he beat me but I’ll get revenge,” said Hunter-Spivey. “I think on the first day I felt the pressure of the tournament and that loss was a weight off my shoulders a little bit.

"I’ve made a conscious effort to enjoy it and focus on the right things so if I can get that win in front of a home crowd and get my revenge that will be even better.

"When you visualise in table tennis you think of big crowds and big moments and this is what I’ve been dreaming of since I was a young kid. I’ve just got to keep it going now and bring home the gold medal.

"mikmikI’ve got my friends and family coming tomorrow and I can’t wait for the opportunity.”