European Championships | 22 Sep 2014

Right time for Europeans in Portugal

Tiago APOLONIA was unable to be with his teammates on the final preparations for the forthcoming TMS European Team Championships in Lisbon, due his yesterdays’ Bundesliga match Borussia Düsseldorf vs. FC Saarbrücken. FC Saarbrücken eventually suffered the

Tiago APOLONIA was unable to be with his teammates on the final preparations for the forthcoming TMS European Team Championships in Lisbon, due his yesterdays’ Bundesliga match Borussia Düsseldorf vs. FC Saarbrücken. FC Saarbrücken eventually suffered the defeat, but APOLONIA was not in line up.

Today he was on his way to Lisbon, to join his team. “I could not have the preparation together with my team because I had a Bundesliga game,” stated APOLONIA. “I am in a good shape. So far it has been a really good start of the season for me.”

Portugal is in the group with the title holders Germany, Austria and Hungary. “Our group is really strong. In my opinion the strongest group in the European Championships. Having Germany in same Group is tough challenge. Austria and Hungary, both are really good teams. It will not be easy.”

But Portugal has one advantage this time – they will play at home soil. “To play at home is good. It will be very nice to share good moments with all, our families, friends and fans! Table tennis in Portugal is getting bigger and bigger and will be good to see lot of people supporting us.”

The real beauty will be the duel against Germany. “It is going to be good match, but our first game is against Hungary, therefore my focus is at the moment just on that game. It is important to start good the tournament.”

In the team will be APOLONIA, Marcos FREITAS, Joao GERALDO and Diogo CHEN. FREITAS and APLONIA are currently listed at positions no. 4 and no. 7 in Europe and both are among top 20 at the World Rankings. It seams like perfect timing to have European championships in Portugal. “Yes! And also because, as I said before, the table tennis in Portugal is getting bigger and bigger. I am sure we will have huge support in the hall. A lot of people is following and supporting us.”

APOLONIA is happy with his current shape. “The Bundesliga started long time ago and I am already in good form. It is the strongest, most professional and competitive league in Europe.”