European Championships | 13 Oct 2013

OVTCHAROV at the top of Europe

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV finally did it. German star, World’s no. 6 clinched the crown in Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships in Schwechat. In the final he overcame Belarus Vladimir SAMSONOV. Long and hard tournament made greater impact on Vladimir SAMSONOV comparing to Dimitrij OVTCHAROV’S performance. In effective way, OVTCHAROV made a better start, by leaving only four points to SAMSONOV in opening game.

SAMSONOV managed to regain some of control in the match, but World’s no. 6 was ruthless. Three times European champion, and two times runner up, failed to stop fantastic attacks from OVTCHAROV who never reached semi final stage of the European Championships in singles before. “I was ready for SAMSONOV since he always played very well against me. However, I think today he was little bit tired after the semi final. It has been long tournament for both of us. I played much more aggressive and it proved as good tactics,” said OVTCHAROV.

SAMSONOV said: ”OVTCHAROV was so aggressive. I cannot remember when he had played like that before. The rotation of the ball was strange. I can not made control…It really showed how good he was prepared.” In the semi final Vladimir SAMSONOV justified his reputation as one of the best players against defenders and he also confirmed something that he announced day earlier: ”I hope I learned something from my defeat in the Team’s Event against GIONIS.” In the duel against top spin artist from Greece, Belarus was at the top of his game. However it was thrilling match. After 2:1 for SAMSONOV, coach Konstantinos VATSAKLIS called for time out, the course of the game changed. GIONIS forced SAMSONOV into 13 errors and won fourth game. He had 7:0 in next but no more power for victory.

“I do not know what happened. It was very strange match,” admitted SAMSONOV.

After shaky start Dimitrij OVTCHAROV overcame Bastian STEGER in another fantastic semi final duel. He lost opening game, won next three in close game, before we witnessed the drama in fifth set. It was 5:3 for OVTCHAROV, when STEGER called for a break. Then in express way STEGER reached set ball at 5:10. OVTCHAROV saved two, but could not saved third. However, OVTCHAROV recovered to sealed the match in the next set.

“As we expected it was close match. Tactics was not a big issue here, because they know each other very well. If two or three points ended differently, STEGER, perhaps could win this game,” stated coach Jorg ROSSKOPF.

Men’s Singles Final

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany) – Vladimir SAMSONOV (Belarus) 4:0 (11:4, 11:7, 12:10, 11:8), Semi finals: Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany) – Bastian STEGER (Germany) 4:2 (7:11, 11:9, 11:8, 11:7, 7:11, 11:8), Panagiotis GIONIS (Greece) – Vladimir SAMSONOV

Milica NIKOLIC, EWT, Milica NIKOLIC, EWT