European Championships | 9 Oct 2013

This Romania’s generation never so close

Third time in the row Romania was denied of the title in the final of the European Championships. After two years of Dutch dominance, Romania lost against Germany in the final of the Team’s Event. However, this generation never has been so close. National

Third time in the row Romania was denied of the title in the final of the European Championships. After two years of Dutch dominance, Romania lost against Germany in the final of the Team’s Event. However, this generation never has been so close. National coach Viorel FILIMON explained that the whole team was aware of the enormity of the task that was in front of them.

“The whole team, coaching stuff and the player were afraid of the whole situation. We analyzed everything, went from situation to situation…We were aware of the risk that the victory might just slip through fingers. We were close, almost there and then we lost,” explained FILIMON.

In the final in a split second everything changed. In the opening match Daniela DODEAN beat Kristin SILBEREISEN and Elizabeta SAMARA had 2:1 and 10:9 against Han YING.

“On match ball one pint changed everything. The chance has gone. Also, Bernadette SZOCS against SHAN Xiaona had the lead…Daniela DODEAN had few mistakes, some of the balls she had to put on the table.”

Germany eventually denied Romania of fourth title in Women’s Team’s Event. “I cannot say Germany was lucky. They deserved this victory. This is the reality; they were better team in the final. They were mentally stronger.”

There is some good point of this game. “Internet is very powerful tool. I received the feedback, congratulations, and comments from all over the world. A lot of former players, friends and fans watched the match on Internet. Everybody agreed on one thing, it was spectacular match. It is good for promotion of our table tennis. I have messages from USA, from all over Europe.”

Same coach was at the bench when BADESCU, STEFF , ZAMFIR in Aarhus won the last title for Romania. “Young SAMARA was also in that team. At that time they faced only one Chinese player. Now, each team has two of them. I am speaking about Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Croatia…I do not like what I see. It is not good for the future of the table tennis. We have great problem here at the Continent. When our youngsters mature to play in senior competition, there is no place for them in the teams. They are leaving table tennis, if they stay they can not improve their game nor play at all.”

After the match DODEAN was exhausted. “I am so disappointed. Third time that we lost in the final…It is not easy to accept. We fight until the last point. We gave everything for this match and for the Team’s Event. Now I am not sure how we are going to play in the singles. I feel so empty now,” admitted DODEAN.

 

 





Milica NIKOLIC, EWT, Milica NIKOLIC, EWT

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