MAZE overlook from European top: "My shots are lethal"

21/09/2009 - Michael MAZE is at the top of the Europe after the 2009 LIEBHERR European Championships. Dane took the title in Singles Event and played fantastic role in Denmark’s journey to the silver in Team’s Event.
In 2004 MAZE won the bronze at the Olympic Games in Athens in doubles, he has bronze from the World Championships 2005 and European Championships in 2007. With Denmark, he clinched gold in Aarhus 2005 at the European Championships. “This was the championships of my career. I played best table tennis in my life in Stuttgart. This is the best MAZE ever” said European champion.

Between the glory moments, Michael had tough times, having problems with back injury. “When I am fully fit and injury free there is no limit for me. I play as much good as my body lets me. However I managed to have past 16 or 17 months of good training not interrupted by the injuries and the result is here. I played good this year, as I was good in Shangai 2005.”

In the semi final of the 2009 LIEBHERR European Championships MAZE beat Timo BOLL and prevent him from clinching third title in the row. Michael just confirmed his dominance that already was seen in the Team’s Event in Stuttgart. “That is why I am here. That is what makes me want to get up of bed and practice every day – the joy of playing in the finals, winning big matches. I enjoy my game. When I was younger I wanted to enter the top 10 in the world rankings, but now for me the big Events are most important. I do not care about the rankings, I enjoy playing finals. ”

Nevertheless, the past was not so enjoyable. The problems with MAZE’s back started in 2006. “I was more or less injured after that time. I could play, but I suffered pain, could not practice on high level, had problems travelling…”
Since Timo started to suffer from same problems too, MAZE offers him some advice. ”He had to listen to his body. He plays so many matches, for so long time. It is hard to keep up with all this. I succeeded but I have to thank to whole team that stands by me in past years.”

In the Porsche Arena MAZE beat BOLL but he received strong support in the final from the crowd. “I played in Bundesliga, so I earned few fans here,”said Dane with the smile.” The audience in Stuttgart is very fair.”

Asked about his goals for future MAZE said: ” I want to improve my game. I want to be much faster. When I play fast as I did against Timo it has shown how lethal my balls are. So far, I improve my backhand a lot. I knew I had to do it. Last time when I played against BOLL I was sure that I have to work on my backhand if I wants ever to beat him. Last couple of months I worked every day on that segment of my game.”

MAZE withdraw from the Double’s Event in Stuttgart. “I did not play doubles on the highest level for couple years now. When I saw schedule in Stuttgart I definitely decided it would be best to withdraw. It will be too much to play both Events. Beside the tight schedule for matches, there is a lot of time that goes to worming up, massage, press conferences… It is just to much. We need a day off between the two Events to gain some power back.”

However MAZE spoke about his opinion about the current proposal for splitting championships and playing every second year. “I welcomed the decision that the Championships should played every year and I still think the same. It should be given opportunity to players to win the titles every year. Also there is a side effects of that decision, but I am in favor so far.”

MAZE plays for Roskilde Bordtennis Btk 61. “I played in Champions League, and I had to play four matches in Danish League. It left me a lot of space to practice and to focus on big event. That is why I do not want to come back in Bundesliga. It is much demanding. However, you should never say never . If some coach come up with good contract. Who knows?”

Dane started to play table tennis when he was 6 years old. “It was my second choice at first. I played football. Soon after I started the medals follows, and that was something that worked for my ego. Also with my personality table tennis was better choice.”

(by Milica NIKOLIC, EWT)

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Photo: Michael MAZE, the new European king (Photo Roscher)

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