Igor RUBTSOV begs leave to the European superstars

05/11/2008 - This is the second time that Russian Igor RUBTSOV will compete at the Liebherr Super Cup (11th-12th November) that is a tournament where Russian representative will play among seven best European players for prestigious 150.000 euros in prize money.

RUBTSOV is more mature than last year. “I have much more confidence before the start of the event in Moscow that I had last time in Kazan. A year in sport makes a big difference. I gained a lot of experiences in matches against best European players. I had more than ten encounters with leading players this season. As a result I haven’t got a fear to play against BOLL or SAMSONOV any more”.

At the Super Cup’s premiere RUBTSOV didn’t managed to reach semifinal. “In Kazan I won only two sets. To be honest, I don’t expect much, but I can promise I’ll do better than that in Moscow". At the Super Cup RUBTSOV will meet German Timo Boll, Belarusian Vladimir SAMSONOV, Austrian Werner SCHLAGER, German Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Swede Jorgen PERSSON, Dane Michael MAZE, Romanian Adrian CRISAN.

A lot of players have problems adjusting to new regulations regarding glue. "New equipment brought disadvantage to some players, but Timo is definitely not among them. He also played in great form in past two months. BOLL won the European title in St Petersburg and Pro Tour in Austria last week. With SAMSONOV, he leads the European elite, and I think SCHLAGER is close to them. It is quite opposite situation with OVTCHAROV and CRISAN in recent time".

In Kazan 2007. BOLL was better than SAMSONOV in final, and RUBTSOV predicted the same outcome in Moscow. Also, Igor gave us his opinion about who is in best form now. "The BOLL vs. SAMSONOV is most predictable final on Europeans tournaments in last six or seven years. I think this time will be the same, and I think BOLL is the favorite for the title again".

RUBTSOV beat SAMSONOV at the pro tour in Chile, and had couple of good games in Singapore. "Undoubtedly season 2007/08 was most successful in my entire career. I beat SAMSONOV in South America, and LI CHING in Singapore, also I reached the highest rank at number 61. I am only sorry that ban of glue slower my progress. As a lot of players I had great problems adjusting to new equipment”.

(by Milica NIKOLIC, EWT)

Photo: Igor RUBTSOV (by courtesy of the ITTF)

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