European Championships | 16 Sep 2017

Germany secured the re-run of 2014 final against Portugal

Germany will meet Portugal, tomorrow in the final of the Men’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships. It will be their second encounter in the final of the Continental Championships. Previously, in 2014 they lost their title in Lisbon. In the semi final Germany succeeded against the team who cased the bigest upset by reaching the medal rostrum – Slovenia 3:2.

 

The match commenced with surprising defeat of Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. The player who created the upset was young Darko JORGIC (11:13, 6:11, 11:6, 8:11).

 

“Dima had some problems with his stomach. He was not feeling well,” explained Timo BOLL.

 

BOLL, on the other side, was at the top of his game. He was lethally accurate and he showed no mercy against Bojan TOKIC (11:5, 11:7, 11:4).

 

“I am very satisfied with my game. I was confident and I moved very well. I am fit and when I am in shape like this it is really hard for anyone to beat me,” reflected BOLL.

 

Patrick FRANZISKA was next in line against Jan ZIBRAT. He prevailed instraight matches (11:3, 11:6, 11:8).

 

“ZIBRAT and I played at the European Youth Championship few years ago together. He was my doubles partner. I was very focused and prepared for this duel,” said Patrick.

 

Despite enormous task, experienced TOKIC showed great spirit. At 2:1 for Germany, he pushed for decider. TOKIC kept his patience to overcame defensive skills of Ruwen FILUS (11:8, 13:15, 10:12, 8:11).

 

“I was not happy with the prospect of fifth match, but I was ready. You cannot deny the great game that Slovenia showed at this Championships. “

 

In 2014 German team was shattered with injuries when they played final against Portugal.

 

“Now we are complete. Nevertheless, Portugal’s team is very dangerous. It is hard to play against them, because they are very motivated. They are in fire. It is the only team beside China who beat us in this system of play,” concluded BOLL.