European Championships | 20 Oct 2016

Top German players in full power

LEBEHERR 2016 ITTF European Championships

 

After Olympic Games in Rio, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV took some time to rest. In the first game at the 2016 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships he looked fresh and ready for the action. In the Round of 64, the top seed beat Marc DURAN of Spain in straight games.

 

“I enjoyed my game here in Budapest. I had a hard period before and during the Olympic Games, so I needed a little break. Now I am back and I am highly motivated and ready for the challenge,” said Dimitrij.

 

His next adversary will be Jakub DYJAS of Poland who beat Mikhail PAYKOV of Russia.

 

Unexpectedly, Panagiotis GIONIS of Greece needed full seven games to overcame inspired Darko JORGIC of Slovenia. KOU Lei of Ukraine succeeded in straight games against Samuel WALKER of England, whilst Swede Anton KALLBERG needed two more against Adrian CRISAN of Romania. Andrej GACINA of Croatia beat Mihai BOBOCICA of Italy in five games. Hunor SZOCS created un upset by beating Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal.

 

Timo BOLL of Germany overcame Daniel HABESOHN of Austria in straight games.

 

‘It was good for me to have match like that at the very beginning of the Championships. Short matches are something I need to get back into the game. I know the level of matches will improve and I know I can expect much harder challenges in next few days but for a start this was good. I made a break, I did not practice to much; there is still big uncertainty about the level of my fitness. I do not know how far I can get. For sure I am motivated, but we are still to see how my body will react. I look at this stage like one step in my come back,” said BOLL.

Marcos FREITAS of Portugal beat Adam SZUDI of Portugal to join Timo BOLL in second round. Tomorrow he will meet Benedikt DUDA of Germany.

 

“I am not afraid of that match. FREITAS is a favorite, but I will not make his life any easier tomorrow, “ promised Benedikt.

 

Benedek OLAH of Finland also succeeded to the next round.

 

“I beat David SERDAROGLU of Austria, but I am still very disappointment with my performance in the Mixed Doubles Event. I played with Georgina POTA for medal today. It is always when you are so close and you lose,” said OLAH and added.” However, now when I reach the second round my goal is fulfilled. I did not want to lose against weaker player and now I am safe.”