| 3 Mar 2016

England withstood the spirited comeback from Poland

Perfect 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships

 

Seeded at the position no. 18. England reached the quarterfinal of the Men’s Event at the Perfect 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Kuala Lumpur. In a five matches thriller they withstood the spirited comeback from Poland to book the place that could lead them to the medal rostrum.

 

"We started badly, two defeats but we are all playing better and better; we have a great spirit in the team", said Paul DRINKHALL. "Now we are through to the quarter-finals and we all really believe we can beat France."

 

DRINKHALL beat both his adversaries today.

 

"First match today against WANG Zengyi was very difficult; pen-holder fast attacks, it is not a style you meet these days", added Paul DRINKHALL. "Against Jakub I felt in control I was ahead in the first game and lost, in the fourth I was down 4-9 and won; I came through, we won; make no mistake he is a very good player, really tough match."

 

 

Liam PITCHFORD also accounted for DYJAS.

 

"It was really tough again DYJAS; I think I won the match four times!", said Liam PITCHFORD. "He just kept getting the ball back, time and time again but I won; yes I lost to WANG Zengyi but Paul won two and we won the match, just really great."

 

There is new found confidence in the team and great credit must go to Alan Cooke; he is a calming influence and if there is anyone in the world who can instil the notion that every opponent is a player whether it be the local youth club champion or the world champion, it is Alan COOKE.