Other Events | 18 May 2013

Three Germans in Men’s Round of 16

Most successful European nation in the Men’s Singles event at the LIEBHERR World Championships is Germany with three representatives in last 16. The leading name at the Old Continent Timo BOLL, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and Patrick BAUM, all booked their places

Most successful European nation in the Men’s Singles event at the LIEBHERR World Championships is Germany with three representatives in last 16.

The leading name at the Old Continent Timo BOLL, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and Patrick BAUM, all booked their places for the next round.
Germany already secured quarterfinalist since one of the duels will be between Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and Patrick BAUM. OVTCHAROV was first in line of duty today and he beat TAG Peng of Hong Kong. He showed great game, leaving no chances to his adversary. However he was not fully satisfied with his game.

“I was playing very well, but at some points in crucial moments in first and third game I was nervous. I made few mistakes. I didn’t play aggressive nor clever. If this happens against players in the next rounds it’s over. Therefore, it was probably good that I didn’t win 4-0. I’ll pay much better attention on that now. When you were 1-2 behind and took yourself out of this situation this will help you during the next rounds. I’ve learnt from this,” explained OVTCHAROV.

Patrick BAUM eliminated the last French representative in Men’s Singles – Emmanuel LEBESSON. “It was very tough match,” said BAUM who reached his best career result at Worlds, but stayed calm. ”Whether it is the Round of 32 or last 16 it makes no diffence to me. The special feelings begin only with the medal.”

About the sudden stop of the electronic score board in the fifth game in the middle of the set, he said: “It was actually 6:6, but when I was ready to serve, I’ve seen in the corner of my eye on the score board it was still 5:5. I wanted to have that correct and actually thought that I would keep calm in this situation. After all it did disturb my concentration, I lost the complete game. Otherwise I might have won 4-1. All in all it was a very tough, hard match.”

In the late match BOLL beat Jens LUNDQVIST of Sweden. Jens proved as worthy opponent. “I have played pretty much at the highest level and still it was 2:2. It is hard when you see that you are playing well, but still not winning ,” said BOLL.

But European champion kept on playing, remained focused and eventually won. “For many it was probably an unexpectedly close victory. LUNDQVIST was very, very good. For both of us, it was good game. I’ve played pretty much at my limit, but still it was 2-2. Then it went better and better. I have taken difficult balls, and moved well. It is difficult, if you play well, but still never take a real lead. I didn’t become desperate though, and always continued fighting. That was very good.”

Now he will play against his former teammates from Dusseldorf Seiya KISHIKAWA who beat Alexey SMIRNOV of Russia. “Kishi and I know each other well. I’ve already lost against him. He is a very safe player and always tries and get into an open rally. Our matches are always exhausting for me. “

Marcos FREITAS of Portugal beat Kazuhiro CHAN of Japan in five games , but tomorrow he will play against XU Xin of Chine, who already beat Tiago APOLONIA today. Vladimir SAMSONOV accounted at Andrej GACINA of Croatia and Robert GARDOS beat Omar ASSAR of Egypt.