2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   Petrissa SOLJA defended her title in Women’s Event at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux. In the final duel between two 25-years old players she beat 17 days older Britt EERLAND of Netherlands 2:4 (11:8 11:6 9:11 5:11 8:11 7:11)   After a shaky start and problems with service SOLJA found herself 4:10 down before she came close to 8:10 but the gap was to wide and Britt sealed the opening game. EERLAND kept the level of the game high in the second set. She controlled the game completely with the good service.   The pendulum swung in the third game. Britt had an advantage but SOLJA got the better grip on the service. With 4:1 on SOLJA’s record at the beginning of the fourth game ERRLAND called for time out. It did not stop Petrissa she was in the winning pace. The game moved from fast service-receive style into the longer rallies and SOLJA leveled the match.   In the nervous wrecking fifth game SOLJA went up 6:1 then she was 6:8 in reverse before finally win the set at 11:8. She was in the driving seat after that and sealed her second final with another gold.   “It started like the last year. I was in reverse 0:2 and I hoped the history will not repeat with me being 0:3 down like last year. It was all about the service game at the beginning. I needed time to adjust to her spins. I did not expect such heavy spins so I missed a lot of balls. She put me under pressure with good fast back forehand and large spin ” said SOLJA.   On her way to the throne SOLJA overcame Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania and Natalia PARTYKA of Poland.   “Those three matches were not difficult as the final. I did not miss any easy ball I was very happy with my game ” said SOLJA.   Recently EERLAND overcame SOLJA in Bundesliga. “I think that it did not affect my game. She was on the pressure. For me this time it was easier than in the last year’s final. Now I was more relaxed; I already have one title and I enjoyed the game much more ” explained SOLJA.   In the match for third position Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine had a dream start against Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria but no. One seeded player in Montreux managed to recover to level the match at 2:2 and eventually to win it (8:11 9:11 11:7 11:6 11:8 11:5).   “Week ago I was not sure I am going to play here because I was injured but now I am very happy ” said POLCANOVA.   5-8 position Barbora BALAZOVA Slovakia NI Xia Lian Luxembourg HAN Ying Germany Elizabeta SAMARA Romania 9-16 position Natalya PARTYKA Poland Yana NOSKOVA Russia Hana MATELOVA Czech Republic Matilda EKHOLM Sweden Rachel MORET Switzerland Dora MADARSZ Hungary Bernadette SZOCS Romania Polina MIKHAILOVA Russia

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   On his quest for the seventh title Timo BOLL of Germany successfully overcame a penultimate hurdle and reached the final of the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux. He will meet Darko Jorgic of Slovenia who is playing his first ever Top 16 Cup.   In the semifinal Robert GARDOS of Austria could not halted Timo BOLL 1:4 (10:12 8:11 11:7 6:11 5:11). Austrian put Timo under severe pressure winning a lot of points but at the end it was BOLL who was winning the games.   “That is the secret of table tennis winning the small and easy points. That is my style to be precise. GARDOS put me under pressure usually I do not feel good by playing those “fishing” points but today I did not have much problem ” said BOLL.       Darko JORGIC beat Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR in five games (4:11 11:1 13:11 15:13 11:8). Players know each other very well but still there was a surprise in the closet for JORGIC at the beginning.   “I did not expect he will play that way. He surprised me with his tactics; Tomislav changed his game. I did not manage to respond instantly so I made a lot of mistakes in the opening game and lost it. Then I adjusted my game and start winning. I forced PUCAR into mistakes and kept my head cold in crucial moments. The third and fourth game were very important. I was afraid to let him prolong the match ” said JORGIC.    

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   In the final of the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux Petrissa SOLJA of Germany will face Britt EERLAND of Netherlands. Reigning champion will meet Britt who created the big upset by reaching the ultimate stage – just like Solja year earlier.   In the second semifinal Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine lost to last year’s winner Perissa SOLJA 1:4 (3:11 12:10 6:11 14:16 7:11). Second and third game were very close and SOLJA need a lot of power to overcame PESOTSKA’s aggressive play.   “I had to slow her down in order to take control. I could not rush. On the other hand I cannot play slow for long because it opened the opportunity to her to attack stronger. I had to change the rhythm all the time. We never played against each other before but I thought I can use some knowledge from my matches against Georgina POTA and it proved right ” said SOLJA.     In the first semifinal of the second day Britt EERLAND overcame Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria 4:1 (6:11 7:11 11:6 8:11 9:11). Britt entered the match in full speed. She continued to serve well as it was the case day earlier she was playing on right spot whilst POLCANOVA needed time to get into the game. Sofia was not moving well at the beginning but as the match progressed she improved.   “At the beginning my service game was enough but in the middle Sofia started to receive better. I had to trust my game more. I had to go with longer rallies and I did exactly that ” said EERLAND.    

    During the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux ETTU the organisers of the Europe 2020 Top 16 Cup and sponsors showed their solidarity to the people in China and to support them in their fight with the coronavirus outbreak.   During the presentation in the presence of highest representatives of ETTU ITTF City of Montreux Ambassador and China Construction Bank Zürich Branch the check of 30.000 CHF were donated to the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Switzerland.   President of the European Table Tennis Union Ronald KRAMER President of the International Table Tennis Federation Thomas WEIKERT Mayor of Montreux and Member of the Swiss Parliament Laurent WEHRLI His Excellency GANG Wen Bing Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Switzerland GONG Weiyun CEO of China Construction Bank Zürich Branch and Mr Nicholas IMHOF President of the Organising Committee attended the presentation.

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   In the semifinal of the Men’s Event at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux Darko JORGIC of Slovenia will meet Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia whilst Timo BOLL will play against Robert GARDOS. In Women’s Event on opposite sides of the table will be Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine vs. Petrissa SOLJA of Germany and Britt EERLAND of Netherlands vs. Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria.     Darko JORGIC beat WANG Yang of Slovakia in thrilling finish (7:11 8:11 10:12 11:6 20:22). He needed 11 match balls before he manage to seal the victory and passage to the penultimate stage.   “I beat him three times before but today was very difficult at the end. The match started good but then he found the right distance that gave him better possibility to attack and to defend ” said JORGIC.”I was too passive on my match balls band it complicated my position.”   Liam PITCHFORD of England failed to put pressure on Timo BOLL 0:4 (4:11 7:11 8:11 7:11). Germany’s player was in the lead from the beginning.   “I am in the good run against Liam from Austrian Open. I beat him there in the same way. It seems like it took it’s toll on his play. I felt his service game and he could not adjust to my service and there was the key. However I did not feel safe any minute. You cannot lose focus when you are playing against him ” said BOLL.   Mattias FALCK of Sweden lost to Robert GARDOS in six games (8:11 11:9 11:6 9:11 5:11 8:11).   “I suffered twice recently against him and he is World’s vice champion so I cannot be happier after this victory. He is the player with such huge backhand so I cannot beat him by his weapon. I had to improve my service game to keep it on the high level and to took good care of timing and technique ” said GARDOS.   Marcos FREITAS of Portugal lost to Tomislav PUCAR (11:4 9:11 11:7 6:11 14:16 12:14).   “I did not play first match at the tournament because OVTCHAROV withdrew so I needed a little time to adapt to the venue. In lost in previous two occasions against FREITAS and I knew how dangerous he was. Even tonight I was in advantage in the fifth and sixth game and he caught me but in the end I was little bit lucky ” said PUCAR.   Margaryta PESOTSKA beat HAN Ying of Germany 3:4 (18:16 9:11 9:11 8:11 11:6 13:11 8:11) in a match full of turn-overs.   “I think we both excursed each other in three opening games and after that we could only await from the other side to make mistake. In the seventh game I was 7:2 in reverse but I kept on fighting. I fought for each ball. I put more spin and played spin on spin. I was more patient ” explained Margaryta PESOTSKA.   Luxembourg’s NI Xia Lian could not halt the progress of Britt EERLAND 2:4 (11:13 11:6 5:11 11:5 7:11 5:11).   “I am familiar with her style of play and usually I play very well against her. However this time she adapted very quickly. NI changed her rhythm and I was paying a way too much attention on my technique. I was not moving well in the middle of the match. Then I start to move better and the quality of my game improved ” said Britt.   Sofia POLCANOVA overcame Barbora BALAZOVA of Slovakia in straight games (11:5 11:9 15:13 13:11).   “I was more confident than this morning. I played again against lefthander so I was already “prepared”. In addition I studied her game. I know I have to go for a powerful first ball quick points…She cannot adjust her game and to find the right answer to that ” said POLCANOVA.   Petrissa SOLJA overcame Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania (9:11 6:11 11:13 11:9 11:9 9:11). In sixth game she was 7:0 down but she recovered to win the game and the match.   “At the beginning of the sixth game she played very aggressive especially with her backhand. I had to change something I had to play riskier. I wanted to avoid the seventh game at all costs ” said SOLJA.    

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9    As the opening day at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux progressed the upsets and thrilling matches continued to keep the spectators at the edge of their seats. In the afternoon matches of the Round of 16 major upset was caused by Barbora BALAZOVA who overcame Matilda EKHOLM. Unfortunately Dimitrij OVTCHAROV was forced to withdrew due the medical reasons.     Slovakia’s Barbora BALAZOVA no 12 seed overcame Swede Matilda EKHOLM seeded at the position no 6 in six games (11:8 13:11 11:9 6:11 9:11 11:6). Matilda had her chances after third game but eventually BALAZOVA regained the control.     “I did not play against Matilda few years back but the last time I did she beat me. Also we always played close matches ” said BALAZOVA.” I started good; managed to win three opening games but at that point EKHOLM started to play more relaxed. Matilda is always dangerous. She has ups and downs and you can never underestimate her. The key thing was to stay focused until the end.”    Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania overcame Yana NOSKOVA of Russia 4:1 (17:15 11:7 7:11 11:3 11:5) to justify her status.    “It takes time to adjust to new conditions boll spectators…and each match here is difficult you do not have room for mistake. There are no easy adversaries. I did not start well but I came to my game. When I saw how the things went I used my head. I was patient and waited for opportunities. Last time I had 3:0 and 6:2 and I lost. Now I was more careful ” said Elizabeta SAMARA.    Top seeded player in the Women’s Event Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria inflicted the pain in the hearts of home crowd by beating Rachel MORET 4:1 (6:11 11:7 11:7 11:5. 11:5). Last year POLCANOVA faced match-point against her at the same place and same adversary so this time she was cautious.     “I was very nervous. I was aware what happened last year and I wanted to avoid it. However it did not start good for me but after the second game I found my rhythm and played better and better ” said POLCANOVA.      Poland’s Natalia PARTRYKA lost to last year’s winner Petrissa SOLJA of Germany after very good performance of reigning champion 0:4 (7:11 4:11 8:11 6:11).     “Everything came on its place very quickly; I settled into the rhythm instantly. I enjoyed playing here. The memories from winning the title last year are still fresh ” said Petrissa SOLJA.       Kristian KARLSS0N of Sweden played against Timo Boll of Germany again and like the last year he lost in five games (11:8 9:11 9:11 4:11 10:12). BOLL had a rough start but managed to take the control 9over the duel.    “When you compare Top 16 and German Open we played last week it is like when you compare French Open and Wimbledon in tennis. Few days ago  we have played in big venue and the ball was very slow. Here everything goes so fast. That is why I had to slow down the game. Karlsson was very good in quick points I had to change the rhythm ” said Timo Boll.     Liam PITCHFORD of England faced a brave  host nation representative Lionel WEBER but he justified his status and won in straight games (11:7 11:8 14:12 11:7).    “I knew it was best possible draw I can had here but you still have to went out and play to win the game. Lionel played well he got nothing to lose ” said Liam PITCHFORD. “It will be much more difficult against BOLL but on the other side I have nothing to lose. I will give my best.”    Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS avenged his last year’s defeat against Austria’s Daniel HABESOHN in furious style 4:0 (11:0 11:7 11:9 11:5).    “I am very happy with my performance. He beat me last year 4:3 after I had a lead. We also know each other very well. We have been practicing for a few years together at the Werner SCHLAGER Academy and played against each other so many times ” said FREITAS.    

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   The competition at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux commenced with the upset but there was no lack of excitement in all following matches in the Round of 16.   The first favorite excited the tournament in the very first match of the day in Salle Omnisport du Pierrier. No. four seed Simon GAUZY of France lost to WANG Yang of Slovakia seeded at the position no. 14 – 3:4 (11:8 9:11 11:6 9:11 13:11 7:11 10:12).   The clash between Simon GAUZY and WANG Yang went full distance. Unlike their last meeting at the quarterfinal of the World Championships when Simon won in straight games this time WANG was the one who celebrates.   “When I saw the draw I was everything but happy but I could not escape the fate. I prepared for the match luckily now I was ready for his style of play. As the game progressed I kept on fighting and at 3:3 I thought I will lose but then Simon started to be nervous. He made mistakes and I seized my opportunity ” said WANG Yang.   It was Vladimir SAMSONOV’s 23rd appearance at the Top 16 Cup but on his premiere it was Darko JORGIC who left the arena with the big smile after their Round of 16 clash 4:1 (8:11 11:4 11:9 11:7 12:10).   “I have incredible few weeks behind me. For a first time I qualified for the Olympics for a first time I am playing at Top 16. It is just great period for me ” said Darko JORGIC.” Against SAMSONOV it was crucial to stay strong mentally. You have to play for each ball stay in the focus more than everything.”   Mattias FALCK of Sweden overcame Emmanuel LEBESSON of France after a fierce battle 4:2 (3:11 13:11 12:10 11:6 7:11 14:12).   “I was prepared for close match. His quality is not to be denied. His service-receive game was very good and I had to play at the top level ” said FALCK.   Robert GARDOS of Austria overcame Jonathan GROTH of Denmark 4:2 (11:8 11:7 7:11 4:11 11:6 11:8).   “I was little bit nervous; I even changed my back-hand rubber before the match and then I lost three points on back-hand…I guess the change did not work well. Also he beat me twice recently in straight games so it was not an easy match ” said GARDOS.” I am in much better shape now and this venue suits me better. It is smaller than arena we were playing last time; it is much faster. In the open game GROTH felt uncomfortable and I seized my opportunity.”     In the Women’s Round of 16 Britt EERLAND overcame 2018 champion Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (9:11 11:9 11:8 11:8 11:7).   “My service game was very good but I had to use all my mental strength to beat her. Bernadette is the kind of the player who never gives up. Even when you are on the lead you are far from safe. She does not give any gifts; you have to work hard for each point. In addition she is very dangerous in “mind” games. I have to stay calm and to focus on my game otherwise I will be on her ground and lose ” said Britt EERLAND.   Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine beat Dora MADARASZ of Hungary 2:4 (4:11 9:11 13:11 11:9 4:11 10:12).   “It was important to me to play faster than Dora. I used that tactics at the beginning of the match and it paid off I was in the lead. However when I slowed down when I started to block she leveled to 2:2. I had to take the risk to play spin on spin. Any slower game will made us equal and eventually I will lose ” said Margaryta PESOTSKA.   HAN Ying of Germany overcame Hana MATELOVA of Czech Republic in straight games (12:10 11:8 11:2 11:6).   “It is my first Top 16 and I was nervous at the beginning. When I saw the draw and got Hana I thought it will not be easy but I can manage it. It was good match for the beginning of the tournament. I was sick not fully recovered for German Open and I am still recovering here so it was very good for me that I stayed short in arena ” said HAN Ying.   NI Xia Lian overcame Polina MIKHAILOVA in five games 1:4 (7:11 5:11 4:11 13:11 6:11). Everyone expected such outcome since she is famous of a good game against players with defensive style but NI disagree it was that predictable. Also she admitted that she is never too old to learn more.   “Last time we meet at the Croatia open in the quarterfinal last year. Polina was in the lead all the time. In the seventh game she had 9:8 but I won it. I remembered how much difficulties I had and I prepared well this time. I study her matches. In addition I improved my game since the last time and yes… I am happy there is still a room for me to improve ” said NI Xia Lian.    

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux February 8-9   The draw for the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup was held in the Swiss city of Montreux tonight February 7th as Men’s reigning champion Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (no.3 seed Germany) is going to play against newcomer from Croatia Tomislav PUCAR (no.11) while Women ’s defending champion Petrissa SOLJA (no.3 Germany) faces Natalia PARTYKA (no.13 Poland).   Men’s Round 1 will see no.1 seed from Sweden Mattias FALCK playing against former individual European champion Emmanuel LEBESSON (no.13 France). Six-time winner Timo BOLL (no.2 Germany) will be challenged by his teammate from Borussia Dusseldorf Kristian KARLSSON (no. 7 Sweden) and they share same half of the draw with FALCK as well as two other encounters: Liam PITCHFORD (no.6 England) vs. Lionel WEBER (no.16 Switzerland) and Robert GARDOS (no.12 Austria) Jonathan GROTH (no. 9. Denmark)   Defending champion and five-time winner Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (no.3 Germany) is in the other part of the draw alongside record-holder with 22 appearances so far Vladimir SAMSONOV and the 2014 winner Marcos FREITAS. Belarus star (no.5) plays against Slovenian rising star Darko JORGIC (no.15 Slovenia) while FREITAS (no. 8 Portugal) will try to take revenge on Daniel HABESOHN (no. 10 Austria) who beat him last year after full seven games. Simon GAUZY (no.4 France) faces WANG Yang (no.14 Slovakia).   Women’s no.1 seed Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria meets host player Rachel MORET (no.16 Switzerland) Barbora BALAZOVA (no.12 Slovakia) faces Matilda EKHOLM (no.6 Sweden) and two more match-ups in this part of the draw are following: Polina MIKHAILOVA (no.10 Russia) vs. NI Xia Lian (no.8 Luxembourg) Britt EERLAND (no.9 Netherlands) vs. Bernadette SZOCS (no.2 Romania). SZOCS is last year’s finalist and 2018 winner.   HAN Ying (no.4 Germany) debuts at 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup against Hana MATELOVA (no.11 Czech Republic) 2018 bronze medalist Elizabeta SAMARA (no.5 Romania) will meet Yana NOSKOVA (no.15 Russia) and two more encounters in this part of the draw will be held between Dora MADARASZ (no.14 Hungary) vs. Margaryta PESOTSKA (no.7 Ukraine) and Petrissa SOLJA (no.3 Germany) Natalia PARTYKA (no.13 Poland).

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup   Five-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner and the reigning champion Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany is just one title shy of his compatriot Timo BOLL who occupies no.2 in the all-time list behind Jan-Ove WALDNER of Sweden. Actual no.3 seed is aiming new gold medal at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Swiss town Montreux (February 8-9) after last year’s campaign when he beat two European greats in last two hurdles Timo BOLL and Vladimir SAMSONOV.   Last year you went to 2019 Europe Top 16 Cup after difficult year 2018 due to long-term injury. What about your actual shape? “I was very happy when I won here last year because this victory gave me back a lot of self-confidence after 2018. At the moment I am doing fine so I definitely try to defend my title from last year.”   How do you see your chances to get new Euro Top 16 crown and who are the strongest contenders? “The field is very strong and you have to be 100% fit to be able to win this title. There are a lot of players who can defeat every other player so it is really hard to say who is the strongest opponent. There are quite a few as always. Of course Timo (BOLL) is always a contender (smile).”   You managed to collect five titles in last six editions of Euro Top 16. Have you been changing anything in your approach in terms of preparation and style of play for this tournament in all these years? “I did not change anything as far as I remember (smile). The Europe Top 16 is one of the most important tournaments of the year as you can qualify for the World Cup so the Europe Top 16 will always have an important status for me. It’s one of my favorite events since I won it already 5 times (smile).”   Your best and worst memory in 2019? “The best moments in 2019 to name a few have been the team titles at the European Games and the European Championships Top 16 title Champions League title. Each moment stands for its own so it’s hard to name the “one” best moment I can say that all these titles gave me much self-confidence for 2020.”   Who was the best world’s athlete in 2019 in your opinion? “The best athlete for me in 2019 is MA Long. He did not play that much but he is 100% in shape when it counts. He became World Champion again in 2019 so he is the best.”   What is your plan towards 2020 Olympics and what is your aim? “Of course the Olympics are the main goal this year. We have a very strong team with Timo (BOLL) and Patrick (FRANZISKA) and we definitely want to win a medal. This is also my aim in singles.”   When you play alongside so many good teammates in the club you must be ready to fight against them in biggest international events. How do you feel when you face Vladimir SAMSONOV or other your table tennis friends (like it happened last year in Montreux)? Is there any special tactic? “In the end these matches are like every other match. Of course I know my team mates better than other players and often they become good friends but before and during the match it`s quite the same. I always check their last matches and results and during the match the friendship has to rest for about an hour and after the match everything is like before. As we are professional players this is just natural and at the table there is no difference if you are good friends or not.”   2020 CCB EUROPE TOP 16 CUP – LIST OF CONFIRMED PLAYERS   Men’s Singles: Mattias FALCK (no.1 seed Sweden) Timo BOLL (no.2 Germany) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (no.3 Germany) Simon GAUZY (no.4 France) Vladimir SAMSONOV (no.5 Belarus) Liam PITCHFORD (no.6 England) Kristian KARLSSON (no.7 Sweden) Marcos FREITAS (no. 8 Portugal) Jonathan GROTH (no. 9. Denmark) Daniel HABESOHN (no. 10 Austria) Tomislav PUCAR (no.11 Croatia) Robert GARDOS (no.12 Austria) Emmanuel LEBESSON (no.13 France) WANG Yang (no.14 Slovakia) Darko JORGIC (no.15 Slovenia) Lionel WEBER (no.16 Switzerland).   Women’s Singles: Sofia POLCANOVA (no.1 Austria) Bernadette SZOCS (no.2 Romania) Petrissa SOLJA (no.3 Germany) HAN Ying (no.4 Germany) Elizabeta SAMARA (no.5 Romania) Matilda EKHOLM (no.6 Sweden) Margaryta PESOTSKA (no.7 Ukraine) NI Xia Lian (no.8 Luxembourg) Britt EERLAND (no.9 Netherlands) Polina MIKHAILOVA (no.10 Russia) Hana MATELOVA (no.11 Czech Republic) Barbora BALAZOVA (no.12 Slovakia) Natalia PARTYKA (no.13 Poland) Dora MADARASZ (no.14 Hungary) Yana NOSKOVA (no.15 Russia) Rachel MORET (no.16 Switzerland).