European Championships | 20 Oct 2016

POTA succeeded in the thrilling duel against Tin Tin HO

LEBEHERR 2016 ITTF European Championships

 

The opening day of the play in the Main Draw of the Women’s Singles Event at the LEBEHERR 2016 ITTF European Championships was successful for the no. one seed HAN Ying of Germany. She needed only four games to overcame ZHANG Xuan of Spain.

 

“This was my first match after the Olympic Games and it was much harder than I expected,” said HAN.”I am here for gold, as many players, but to have any medal in the treasury by the end of the week, it would be nice.”

 

Georgina POTA went through agonizing seven games duel against Tin Tin HO of England.

 

“I always have difficulties in the opening matches. I could have been finish earlier, but in the third game I lost the set after I had 10:8. It would be completely different game. Thanks to spectators, they gave me extra strength to return into the match,” said POTA.

 

LI Jie of Netherlands overcame Manca FAJMUT of Slovenia in another straight games duel.

 

“Slovenian girl played very well, but she kept struggling with changing the pace of the my game. It is good, I had easier match at the start of the competition. I needed it because I had only one month to rest after the Olympics and my legs are still very heavy. I need few matches to get into the game,” said LI.

 

She will meet Szandra PERGEL of Hungary in the next round. PERGEL beat Natalia PARTYKA in five games today.

 

“It was not that easy as the result predicts. We know each other very well and it is very hard to play against her,” said Szandra.”Now I do not feel the pressure since I recorded the win in the main draw. I will give my best against LI.”

 

Daria TRIGOLOS of Belarus managed to take only one game from experienced LIU Jia of Austria.
“She is still very young, but already has a good feeling for the game. I am sure she will improve her rankings very soon,” said LIU Jia.

 

Galia DVORAK of Spain beat Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA-FRANC of Poland.

 

“Last time I suffered defeat by her hands three years ago in the very close match. Now it was straight games victory for me. I am sure she was not on the top of her game today.”

 

Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania had a rough time in the match against Aneta MAKSUTI of Serbia. She was 3:1 down before she recovered to win.