Other Events | 24 Oct 2014
Tiago APOLONIA secured place in main draw
Successful in his opening contest against Brazil’s Cazuo, Portugal’s Tiago APOLONIA became the first player to secure his place in the second stage of the LIEBHERR 2014 Men’s World Cup in Düsseldorf. The no.9 seed beat India’s Sharath Kamal ACHANTA, the n
Successful in his opening contest against Brazil’s Cazuo, Portugal’s Tiago APOLONIA became the first player to secure his place in the second stage of the LIEBHERR 2014 Men’s World Cup in Düsseldorf.
The no.9 seed beat India’s Sharath Kamal ACHANTA, the no.15 seed, in four straight games, to reserve his position in the knock-out phase of proceedings.“It was my very first match at the World Cup and therefore something special for me. I have played four times against him; it was a tough, tight match, of course. The victory is good for me, “ said APOLONIA after his match against MATSUMOTO.
Two players from each of the four groups advance to the second stage and Panagiotis GIONIS endangered that position. GIONIS of Greece, the no.10 seed; successful in his opening contest against Australia’s William HENZELL; the 34 year-old defender was beaten by Adrien MATTENET of France, the no.16 seed. Against the odds, the 27 year old Frenchman won in four straight games. France’s Adrien MATTENET (WR: 58), is usually anything but a killer against defense.
“Well, I had a bad day today, he played well and my attacks did not hit. I simply could not find a rhythm and could not concentrate. The plastic ball gives me even more problems. But I hope I will still qualify for tomorrow and then I will give my very best”, said GIONIS from Borussia Düsseldorf.
The defensive strategist is a trained dentist, but had not practiced for two years.
MATTENET had lost on five previous occasions. “It was unbelievable for me winning today because I had played him five times and he had beaten be every time”, said Adrien MATTENET. “Today, I reflected on the defeats I suffered against him and I used a different tactic to play him.”
China’s CHEN Chien-An, the 23 year old left hander, the no.11 seed recovered from a three games to nil deficit to beat Romania’s Adrian CRISAN, the no.13 seed and thus having overcome Kanak Jha of the United States, the no.20 seed, in his opening contest, like Tiago APOLONIA, is assured of first place in the group and a main draw berth.
Adrian CRISAN could not take advantage of a 3:0 lead against Chen Chien-An. “I was suddenly unfocused and did a little mistake, was not aggressive enough and could not use the match points,” analyzed a frustrated CRISAN.
