by Alex Hoad at the ExCeL Arena

Table tennis star Ross Wilson admitted it was 'difficult' for him to come straight into the cauldron of Paralympic action for his Games debut.

The 17-year-old admitted he had 'never seen anything like it' after making his first appearance at London 2012 in a Class 8 quarter-final against Marcin Skrzynecki of Poland, having received a bye through the opening round.

Wilson's game began at the same time as the dramatic closing stages of two final set deciders involving GB players on two neighbouring tables.

It seemed to have a positive impact however as Wilson raced to the opening set, winning it 11-2.

The Minster, Isle of Sheppey, ace said: "I got a good start. That was the best thing about it.

"It was amazing start. I didn’t know what was going on. Everything was so loud – there was another GB match on the next table. It was unbelievable."

The Pole - who had played two previous games in the noisy hall at the ExCeL - rallied to take the second set 11-8 but Wilson composed himself to take the last two 11-7, 11-8.

Wilson - who plays for Medway-based Howard TTC - said: "I went 5-3 up in the second but he upped his game a little bit and maybe I lost concentration a bit and he got back into it.

"My coach told me to calm down and I did. I went for it and the crowd got behind me and I won."

He however added: "It was difficult to come straight in. The guy had played two matches before but it was quite hard to adapt."

The raucous fans chanted Wilson's name through the third set and he said the experience should stand him in good stead for this evening's semi-finals (7pm).

He said: "This evening should be amazing. I can't wait."