European Championships | 8 Oct 2013

Germany did it six time in the row

Sixth time in the row, Germany is at the top of the Old Continent. Men’s Team has not been defeated since 2007. On their way to the highest step at the medal rostrum Germany, overcame spirited team of Greece. After all the drama of the Women’s final, the

Sixth time in the row, Germany is at the top of the Old Continent. Men’s Team has not been defeated since 2007. On their way to the highest step at the medal rostrum Germany, overcame spirited team of Greece.

After all the drama of the Women’s final, the Men’s ultimate stage duel was a comparatively quiet affair at the begging. Germany took an early lead with Dimitrij OVTCHAROV victory over experienced Kalinikos KREANGA. He dominated matters from start to finish.

However, Panagiotis GIONIS set the different course of the match. He had a hard task to stop two times singles runner-up at the Europeans, Patrick BAUM. After two close games, which he lost, GIONIS took third set; he recovered to level the match. The only unbeaten player in Greek team before the final at the Championships Konstantinos PAPAGIORGIU, took only one game from Patrick FRANZISKA. Man on fire, PANAGIOTIS put Dimitrij OVTCHAROV under severe pressure, but OVTCHAROV justified his rankings and brought matters to a conclusion.

“Congratulation to the team of Greece. They made us go to the next level,” stated coach Jorg ROSSKOPF after the final. ”For us it is important to wins finals and major titles. We set our goals high and one of the things is to stay on winning tracks.”

OVTCHAROV praised the game of GIONIS. “He beat SAMSONOV who is known as a best player for the opponents with the defensive style. I know what to expect and I am happy that I was able to help the team,” said OVTCHAROV.

Germany – Greece 3:1

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Kalinikos KREANGA 3:0 (11:3, 13:11, 11:6)
Patrick BAUM – Panagiotis GIONIS 2:3 (11:9, 12:10, 7:11, 3:11, 3:11)
Patrick FRANZISKA – Konstantinos PAPAGIORGIU 3:1 (11:7, 8:11, 11:7, 11:3)
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Panagiotis GIONIS 3:1 (8:11, 12:10, 12:10, 11:6)