The Canadian men’s wheelchair basketball team won their first game at the World Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On Sunday, the day after their 65-52 loss to Germany, the Canadian team got the better of Thailand by a score of 83-55.

Nikola Goncin and Patrick Anderson shone on the Canadian attack side as they scored 29 and 21 points respectively.

“It’s a big win after our loss yesterday [Sunday],” said Jonathan Vermette of Sherbrooke, one of two Quebecers on the team along with Vincent Dallaire of Quebec City.

“There are several things that have unlocked in attack and defense as well. The team chemistry was better. It’s just the beginning of the tournament and we have to keep improving a few things in our game,” added the 32-year-old.

It was the Thais who led 21-18 after the first quarter. The Canadians then took a 24-23 lead midway through the second quarter to extend their lead to 40-31 at halftime.

The second half of the match was clearly to the advantage of the Canadians who did not look back thereafter. Two of the keys to the success of the Canadians in this game was that they were able to register 24 points following turnovers compared to 11 for the Thais in addition to making 57% of their shots from 2 points.

Canada will face Egypt on Wednesday in their final Group B game.

“After that, the competition is going to get more and more serious,” Vermette concluded.

As for the Canadian women’s team, it will play its second match of the tournament on Monday against the Spaniards.