Europe Top-16 Cup | 4 Feb 2018
Bernedette SZOCS and LI JIe in the final
Photo: Rémy Gros ITTF
China Construction Bank 2018 ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup
Li Jie the winner of the 2017 edition in Juan-Les-Pins, Antibes and Bernedette SZOCS of Romania will play in the final of the Women’s event at the China Construction Bank 2018 ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup. In the battle for the third position Matilda EKHOLM of Sweden will meet Elizabeta SAMARA of Sweden. The Top 3 women qualify for the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup in Chengdu (China), 28-30 September
Bernadette SZOCS started furiously her semi final duel against Matilda EKHOLM of Sweden. She gave no opportunity to Swede to settle into the rhythm before she close the first game. In second she felt the pain the hip at 5:5 but kept on fighting until the fantastic 4:0 win (11:7, 11:9, 11:9, 11:9).
“I told everyone yesterday, I am not going to stop only with semi final. I study Matilda’s game and more of all the previous two wins over her gave me confidence. Like against POTA, I have never beaten them until last two times. That gave me extra bust and positive attitude,” said SZOCS.
LI Jie denied Romania of all-Romania’s final. Dutch player halted Elizabeta Samara on her way to the ultimate stage. In dramatic match defending champion was under pressure, but eventually prevailed (13:11, 7:11, 11:9, 11:6, 13:11).
“I lost against SAMARA three or four time before, so I knew it is going to be very hard. I did not use the passive approach, I had to attack her. I could not let SAMARA attack me first, because she is so good in that,” said LI.
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