LIEBHERR 2016 ITTF European Championships
On the penultimate day of the play in the Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2016 ITTF European Championships Jakub DYJAS of Poland crowned his great run in Budapest with the medal. Tomorrow he will meet Emmanuel LEBESSON in the semi final. France already secured two medals. Simon GAUZY will play against Timo BOLL.
After great success and victory over Dimitrij OVTCHAROV yesterday Jakub DYJAS beat Joao MONTEIRO of Portugal (11-8 11-7 11-5 9-11 11-5) and KOU Lei of Slovakia (6-11 11-4 11-9 11-6 11-7) today to reach the medal rostrum.
“I enjoy my game here. Even against MONTEIRO I could win 4:0 ” said DYJAS.” Against KOU I was little bit worried because of my service. It was too low but it worked fine.”
In Round of 16 KOU Lei accounted for Swede Anton KALLBERG (10-12 11-8 11-6 11-9 5-11 11-9).
Emmanuel LEBESSON of France overcame Stefan FEGERL of Austria (6-11 11-8 10-12 10-12 12-10 9-11) before he secured the medal in the duel against Marcos FREITAS of Portugal (8-11 11-9 11-13 11-6 11-7 11-9).
“ I could finish the match in the fifth game but FEGERL never gives up ” said LEBESSON for his first today’s encounter. “It was crazy game against FREITAS especially the last set. I cannot say it was good game both of us made a lot of errors but at the end it is important I won”.
For the duel against DYJAS French player added: ”He beat OVTCHAROV here he will be very dangerous.”
In morning session Marcos FREITAS overcame Swede Kristian KARLSSON (11-6 6-11 4-11 3-11 7-11).
“I started with one tactic then I lost opening game. I changed and started with the longer rallies. It proved as a good decision said FREITAS.
Simon GAUZY prevailed against Robert GARDOS of Austria in the quarterfinal (5-11 11-8 11-8 6-11 11-8 11-5).
“Robi is known as a one of the strongest players and big fighter. I managed to push him back from the table with my forehand; that put me in good position to control the game” said GAUZY.
Timo BOLL of Germany recovered from the two games to null in reverse to beat Benedek OLAH of Finland. Once he settled in the rhythm it was almost impossible to stop him (6-11 8-11 11-8 11-3 11-5 11:8).
In the Round of 16 Jonathan GROTH of Denmark put Timo BOLL on severe test but after seven games battle record holder prevailed (7-11 13-11 1-11 11-4 8-11 11-8 11-1).
“I am struggling with my shape. After the Olympics I had a break and this is my first tournament. In addition GROTH did not made my life any easier. He was very good today ” said BOLL.
Benedek OLAH was the first Finish player to secure his place in the Olympic Games. To day he reached the quarterfinal of the European Championships for a first time. He beat Daniel GORAK of Poland (3-11 11-5 11-6 11-9 8-11 11-6).
“I did not start well but I managed to find my game in time. GORAK is a dangerous player. I was cautious. I am also struggling with the pains in my foot ” said OLAH.
