Table tennis player Will Bayley bids to win his third consecutive singles tournament this season in the Finland Para Open.

The three-day competition starts today (Friday) and sees Bayley, 34, head a squad of 12 British athletes.

“I’m really happy with what I’ve done so far this season,” said the Tunbridge Wells Paralympian.

“I think my confidence more than anything has picked up with the results that I’ve had and I’m close to achieving one of my goals, which is to get back to world No.1.

“I’m really focused on that at the moment and it is motivating me to practise and make sure I keep improving."

Bayley has already won the Slovenia Open and Czech Para Open this season and says a tough field this week can be to his advantage.

“It will be a strong tournament in Finland and I want the competition," he said.

“It is good to play different styles before the World Championships and it will be a good test for me to see where I am at and what I need to work on.

“I really want to do well because world No.1 does mean a lot to me and I’m in touching distance, so I want to try and get over the line and win these matches if I can.”