European Games 2019 Minsk   No. one seed in the Men’s Singles Event Germany’s Timo BOLL victoriously commenced his journey at the European Gams 2019 in Minsk. In the Round of 32 he beat Poland’s Jakub DYJAS (11-7 12-14 11-4 11-1 14-12).   When he was winning there were no chunks in his armor but in the second and in the fifth game Jakub put him under pressure.   “It is not always all about me. There is another player in the arena too and this time was very good DYJAS. He already proved himself as very dangerous player with very sharp attacks. He played like he is in fire today so it was not easy. I lost second game and I was under pressure in fifth to finish the match. I could not allow him to recover and to return into the match and he started to improve his game” explained BOLL.   In the next round Timo will meet Marcos FREITAS of Portugal.   “Marcos is very smart player who can prevailed. He has very smart ideas and I have to be at the top of the game to maintain control. The tables here are very slippery the ball has more rotation. I used to be Master of rotation before I changed the tactics – I should recover something of my previous skills in order to gain some advantage ” said Timo with the big smile.   Marcos FREITAS overcame Lubomir PISTEJ of Slovakia (8-11 11-6 11-8 11-8 11-7).   “PISTEJ started very good. He played risky but from the second game my confident was on the good level. I am coming back from the injury after missed tournaments in Asia and I still need to play at the top level. However I am satisfied the way I ended the match. I did not play against BOLL for a long time but I am ready ” said FREITAS.   Kirill SKACHKOV of Russia recovered from the two null in reverse to beat Darko JORGIC of Slovenia (11-8 11-8 5-11 5-11 2-11 13-11 10-12).   “Even in the moments when I was down I telt I could win. When I approached the bench after 0:2 my coach just confirmed what I was feeling: I was attacking good but I made so many errors. He told me to put the ball on the table and it helped. I leveled at 2:2 before I won amazingly fifth game 11-2. I let JORGIC recover in the sixth game with few mistakes. At the end in the decisive game it was luck and support from the stands that made the difference. My family and friends are here and I thank them for helping me make that narrow margin ” said Kirill.     Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia IEVGEN PRYSHCHEPA of Ukraine (11-3 11-8 13-11 6-11 11-9).   “We played two times before and it was always close. Now it was much easier. It is my fault that I lost fourth game; I think I lost my focus ” explained PUCAR.    

European Games 2019 Minsk   In the Third Round of the Women’s Singles event at the European Games 2019 Minsk the top seeds entered the arena. One of the first upsets was the early departure of Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine. No. ten seed suffered by the hands of Monaco’s YANG Xiaoxin (11-5 2-11 9-11 9-11 5-11).   “I am very happy for this win. I was worried before the match because I lost close encounter in seven games last time we played against each other in Qatar. Once again here we had a lot of rallies it was a long and difficult game ” said YANG.   Georgina POTA of Hungary inflicted the pain in the harts of host nation supporters by beating Nadezhda BOGDANOVA of Belarus (11-9 11-6 11-6 11-5). Partly she avenged for the defeat that only few hours earlier Adam SZUDI and Szandra PERGEL faced in duel with Pavel PLATONOV and BOGDANOVA in Mixed Doubels.   “I have been warned. Almost everyone told me how good is BOGDANOVA. She is very young but already very dangerous. Well she succeeded in Mixed Doubles and I aware what I can expect. I put a lot of variations in the game had to change the rhythm and spins ” said POTA.   European champion LI Qian of Poland overcame Yana NOSKOVA of Russia (11-9 11-8 12-10 11-9).   “I always need a time to build my confidence. I lost so many matches in the opening rounds and that makes this victory more important. Yana is very dangerous; her spin is not very fast but she is able to attack in lightning speed. I had to be on alert all the time ” explained LI.    YU Fu of Portugal Rachel MORET of Switzerland (11-6 11-5 13-11 9-11 13-11).       Barbora BALAZOVA of Slovakia suffered by the hands of Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden (11-13 9-11 8-11 11-13).   “Barbora is the kind of player who is very dangerous if you let her stay at one position and gets the balls on the racquet. I had to widener the game top use whole table to play to corners middle to make her move a lot… I study her match yesterday. She is very good with service and first ball so I had to make my receive very good ” explained BERGSTROM.   Bernadette SZOCS of Romania overcame Laura GASNIER of France (11-6 13-11 11-7 11-8).   “I was well prepared this time. I did not want to see the repetition of the second Round of the European Championships in Alicante when it was 3-2 and 11-8 in last game. We played so many matches as juniors and cadets and I know how dangerous is she. I changed my rhythm constantly because she is kind of player who adjust to any style very quickly ” explained SZOCS.   Britt EERLAND of Netherlands also exited the tournament earlier then her rankings predicted. Hanna GAPONOVA of Ukraine reached the fourth round (12-10 3-11 4-11 7-11 8-11).   “When I saw the draw I realized I have a good chance for two rounds. I knew I had to be focused and to play for each ball. Even the slightest lack of focus could cost me a loot. The results do not show how game was close ” explained GAPONOVA.   Four-time Olympian NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg prevailed against Amelie SOLJA of Austria (11-1 11-13 11-1 11-6 11-4).   “I thought my European Games in Baku will be the last one but Luxembourg still needs me…I am here again and I am so happy for this win. It was not easy to play against SOLJA. She is the player with the special style and she played very good today. I had to pay attention and to study her game. My game was very good today so I was very confident ” said NI.         Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania and Viktoria PAVLOVICH of Belarus created the most thrilling match of the third round. In the nail biting finish PAVLOVICH saved three match balls and converted second into the victory over no. five seed (11-9 7-11 9-11 11-5 6-11 12-10 11-13).   “SAMARA was the favorite in this match and I told to myself that I had nothing to lose I just have to try to win. After two games in reverse I saw that that I needed to get closer to the table because she has such a specific top spin which rotates with a large trajectory. And of course I needed to be more aggressive with attacks. In the sixth game I had a chance to complete the match in my favor I had three match balls. We had such a high level of table tennis that it didn’t matter much – an advantage of 1 or 3 balls. Luck could smile at me and my adversary. I produced a good high-quality cut I successfully entered the attack on the left ” explained Viktoria.   Next adversary is YANG Xiaoxin from Monaco.   “ I had never played against her. I have watched her games she plays well against defensive players. We will fight.”   LI Jie of Netherlands overcame Stephanie LOEUILLETTE of France (12-10 11-8 11-9 11-2).   “Stephanie is very good against player with the defensive style of play. I had to change my game and I was forced to attack more. In addition I was very nervous at the beginning. This kind of event is only once in four years so everything has to be perfect ” said LI.   Petrissa SOLJA of Germany also needed only for games to overcame young Ozge YILMAZ of Turkey (11-6 11-6 11-5 11-8)   “She is still junior with the very good feel for ball and very good service but there my win was never in question. I had to win this one ” said SOLJA. ”In the next round I will meet LI QIAN. I beat her recently at

European Games in Minsk   In the opening Round of the Mixed Doubles Event at the European Games in Minsk the duel between Mattias FALCK and Matilda EKHOLM of Sweden and Patrick FRANZISKA and Petrissa SOLJA of Germany attracted most of the attention. The match which could easily be seen in the latest stage of the Event went in favor of German duo (12-14 11-7 7-11 10-12).   Bronze medalists from both European and World Championships admitted they could not get toughest adversaries at the beginnings. FALCK recently won the silver medal at the World Championships.   “It is one of the most dangerous mixed doubles here. Mattias FALCK came here in splendid shape and we had to fight for each point. The crucial moment was in the third game. Only after that moment we managed to took the control over the match ” said Patrick FRANZISKA.   SOLJA agreed that the third game was crucial.   “It was 6-2 before we managed to fully recover. After 2-1 in games mentally we were stronger. It was easier to play after that result ” said SOLJA.   Lubomir PISTEJ and Barbora BALAZOVA of Slovakia easily prevailed against Luka MLADENOVIC and NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg (11-9 11-6 17-15); Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC and Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia suffered by the hands of Alvaro ROBLES Galia DVORAK (11-4 7-11 8-11 11-7 6-11).   “We need to stay focused throughout the whole match. KARAKASEVIC is very dangerous player especially in the doubles. We could not give him the chance ” said medal winner from the Men’s Doubles Event at the World Championships.” Galia and I played together first time on 2017 and instantly we reached the quarterfinal of the World Championships but since then we had a lot of ups and downs.”   DVORAK agreed that most important ingredient for good double is good synchronicity.   “Here are the top 16 pairs in Europe so we are all nervous. It takes a lot of energy to play in the doubles it not always works but today we played in harmony ” said DVORAK.   Laurens TROMER and Britt EERLAND of Netherlands lost against Niagol STOYANOV and Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy (9-11 11-6 11-6 8-11 8-11). Pavel PLATONOV and Nadezhda BOGDANOVA of Belarus delighted the home crowd and overcame Adam SZUDI and Szandra PERGEL of Hungary (11-8 11-8 11-6).   Nadezhda BOGDANOVA: “Yesterday I was very worried but today the support of the audience helped me. Before the match our coach told me not to hurry to keep the ball on the table. Pavel finished showed initiative and I helped him. We did not expect any particular result I was ready to fight for each ball. “   Pavel PLATONOV added: “I think we had a good match with strong opponent played correctly tactically. Nadezhda played very well. After the defeat in singles it was hard for me to mentally tune in to today’s match. I felt dissatisfaction from the unsuccessful match. Today I tried not to think about defeat anymore and concentrate on each ball. “   Ovidiu IONESCU and Bernadette SZOCS of Romania overcame Cedric NUYTINCK and Lisa LUNG of Belgium (12-10 9-11 11-4 9-11).   “It was hard for me to play after yesterday’s defeat in the singles but we came here for gold and I put myself together ” said Ovidiu IONESCU.   Berrnadette said that she had to stay positive.   “Our goal is to clinch gold and direct pass to Olympic Games. We play together for a long time we are good friends and we know what it takes to win ” said SZOCS.     Aleksandr SHIBAEV and Polina MIKHAILOVA of Russia overcame Stefan FEGERL and Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria (6-11 12-10 11-6 11-3).   “We struggled at the beginning started little bit with the wrong tactics but we adjusted our game and succeeded ” said SHIBAEV.   Polina talked about the tactics.   “I am defender so I had to make sure to block and to prevent them from attack Aleksandr. I had to push ball deep otherwise we both were in trouble ” said MIKHAILOVA.   Laura GASNIER and Tristan FLORE of France beat Jakub DYJAS and Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (11-8 8-11 14-12 7-11 11-5).

European Games 2019 Minsk   Kirill SKACHKOV of Russia overcame Adam SZUDI of Hungary (11-9 11-7 8-11 11-6 11-7) in the second Round of the Men’s Singles Event at the European Games in Minsk.   “I was favorite and I had to win this one but it is always easier said then done especially on the opening day. I started good had 2:0 but then. SZUDI started to risk. It made me nervous I lost third game and I was 1:3 down in fourth. I did not give up and I made quick lead to 7:3. It boosted my confidence to finish the match victoriously ” said Kirill.” Now I will meet Darko JORGIC of Slovenia. Last time we played against each other in Croatia it was 4:2 but all the games finished close. Maybe I will have slight advance by playing already one match here but this is so big tournament and I do not think that anyone will come unprepared.”   Poland’s Jakub DYJAS needed full seven games to overcame Laurens TROMER of Netherlands (11-6 10-12 11-2 11-6 8-11 8-11 11-9).   “I did not feel like I am completely in the game at the beginning but still I had a better start. In four opening games I was in control very active aggressive. My service game allowed me to play that way and then all of the sadden it was 3:3 and 5:1 for TROMER. I lost my focus he played very well. I did not lose confidence; recently I won many matches in the decisive game and that helped ” said Jakub. “BOLL is favorite in our tomorrow’s duel but I will give my best to be competitive e and to try to beat him.”   Another thriller in seven games has been seen in the match between Lubomir PISTEJ of Slovakia and Hunor SZOCS of Romania (5-11 11-6 11-8 11-5 2-11 9-11 11-9).   “We both started very nervous but I was first to get into the rhythm. SZOCS was behind but he recovered. I think I was overthinking and when I decided not to complicate to much and just to stick with my game I regained control. My service was semi long it affected my attack but when I stop thinking about that tactics and accept it everything was better.” Explained PISTEJ.   Niagol STOYANOV of Italy overcame Florent LAMBIET of Belgium (13-11 11-8 11-9 11-9).             Sam WALKER of Great Britain and Pavel PLATONOV of Belarus fired up the Tennis Olympic center in Minsk. The duel lasted full seven games (13-11 12-10 5-11 8-11 5-11 11-7 11-6).   “I won two opening sets in the very close game but in the third I let him recover. To be honest he played much better then. Pavel also won few really lucky balls in the fifth game so I had to call for time out. My coach Marcus told me to be more aggressive and I was back. The atmosphere is really great the spectators are very enthusiastic. I did not mind they were cheering for Pavel; I enjoyed the moment and it did not affect my game in bad sense ” said WALKER.   Austria’s Robert GARDOS beat Jesus CANTERO of Spain (12-10 8-11 11-7 11-5 10—12 12-10).   “It is one of those matches that none of us likes. When you have to play against club mate or teammate it is so difficult. We know each other very well; you can not depend on tactic to much. We know each other service game so it was very hard. I also think that Jesus did not manage to adjust to the table. It seams little bit slippery so player with his style of play is in bad position. Usually I would not have answer on his attack like I used to have today ” said GARDOS who will meet Krisstian KARLSSON in the third round. ”I played against him long time ago w3hen I beat him last time. He improved his game dramatically in past six-seven years. It will be very difficult.”     Anders LIND of Denmark overcame Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC of Serbia (13-11 11-3 9-11 11-8 9-11 13-11).   “I knew I had to stay focus. I could not afford to lose easy balls and I made less mistakes. Tomorrow I will meet Emmanuel LEBESSON and I also see my chance there ” said LIND who already have the title in Doubles at the European Championships Under 21 and who beat Mattias FALCK at the European Championships in the round of last 32.   Ievgen PRYSHCHEPA of Ukraine overcame Lubomir JANCARIK of Czech Republic (8-11 10-12 9-11 11-4 16-14 8-11).           Croatia’s Andrej GACINA prevailed against Hungary’s Nandor ECSEKI (11-3 11-7 11-9 11-4).   “I am satisfied with my performance. Forehand was good I did not allow him to attack me with the backhand after the service. I was ready to face the difficulties from his attack in long rallies but generally all the points concluded in two or three balls. After straight games match I have more time to recover for tomorrow’s duel against Simon GAUZY. He is better ranked so I hope I will be more relaxed.”     Greek Panagiotis GIONIS beat Luka MLADENOVIC of Luxembourg (11-8 11-6 13-11 11-7).   “I lost against him in the European league and that proved as a “good” defeat at the end. I was very cautious here. I learned that he has very specific style so different from most of players. I was aware how danger so I have to give good fous he is. Now I have more time to rest. I have to be ready for Liam PITCHJFORD. Liam improved his game he is now among top 20 players in the World so I have to play at the top level to beat him ” said GIONIS.     Slovenia’s Bojan TOKIC overcame Lithuania’s Merdardas STANKEVICIUS (3-11 11-8 8-11 11-7 11-5 12-10).

European Games Minsk 2019   Nadezhda BOGDANOVA of Belarus delighted the home crowd by creating the first upset in the First Round of the Women’s Singles Event at the European Games 2019 in Minsk. She overcame Dana CECHOVA Czech Republic (5-11 9-11 11-6 11-13 10-12)   Coach Alexandre PETKEVITCH was satisfied after the match.   “Nadezhda was very nervous 30 minutes before the match. I had to make her believe she can win this. She just needed a little bust of self-confidence ” said coach PETKEVITCH. “She played very good. She followed the tactics we made and used a lot of variation in her strokes. With powerful backhand and service it proved very good.”   Nadezhda admitted she was nervous.   “I am the first player from Belarus to play today and I had problems to calm down. Coach and I studied Dana’s matches and we saw the chance with her forehand. It is not so strong like the backhand so I seized my opportunity there. In addition I put a lot of variation in my service game on each side. She could not read it ” explained BOGDANOVA.   Laura GASNIER France overcame Lisa LUNG of Belgium (11-8 11-4 11-8 11-9).   “Lisa is a very good player and this match meant a lot mentally to me. I moved good my service game and backhand served me good and that is important for my confidence. In the next round I will play against no. one seed Bernadette SZOCS of Romania and I am relaxed. I have nothing to lose there ” said GASNIER.   Amelie SOLJA of Austria easily prevailed against Carey CHARLOTTE of Great Britain (11-7 11-8 11-5 11-6).   “I did not give myself much time to be under pressure. I was focused only to the match when it started ” said Amelie who will meet NI Xia Lian in Round two. ”I am looking forward that match. I will play against my hero. We met last time in 2007 in Belgium Open and she beat me. Now I have my chance.”   Linda BERGSTROM of Sweden prevailed against Maria YOVKOVA of Bulgaria (11-5 13-15 15-13 11-8 11-5).   “I started very well and won the opening game but after that she put every ball on the table. She blocked me very well I had big problem with my attack game. It was very close match I had to stay calm and to play strong for each ball ” said Linda.   Rachel MORET of Switzerland proved too strong for Emina HADZIAHMETOVIC of Bosnia and Hercegovina (15-13 7-11 11-5 11-9 13-11).   “We know each other very well because Emina is coming often to play with us. She put a lot of balls to the table and I was ready for long rallies. Now I will meet Portugal’s YU Fu and that is the match where I do not have anything to lose ” said MORET.   The player with the defensive style of play Hanna GAPONOVA of Ukraine beat Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia (11-5 8-11 14-12 9-11 11-6).   “It is a good win. To be honest I did not expect such difficult match. I had to be very careful and focused. In addition new balls are not working in my favor. I play game with lot of spin and rotations so I had hard time adjusting to new balls. I already felt it would be a problem on practice sessions here. I hope it will get better by the game because in the next round I will meet EERLAND of Netherlands and I have good chances against her ” said GAPONOVA.   After the clash between experienced Galia DVORAK of Spain Iana NOSKOVA of Russia emerged victoriously (11-4 9-11 11-7 11-9 11-5).   “Gala is a very good player so I was not very happy after I saw the draw. However I started good but my game had so many ups and downs. I only managed to took complete control in the fifth game ” explained NOSKOVA.   Debora VIVARELLI of Italy suffered by the hands of Ozge YILMAZ of Turkey (9-11 7-11 11-9 6-11 10-2).   “I am still junior player and almost everyone is older then me here. It made me nervous at the beginning. Luckily my service game was at the very high level today and that helped me control the game ” said Ozge.           Alex GALIC of Slovenia lose in straight games against Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy (8-11 5-11 3-11 4-11).   “According to rankings Alex is better player then me but I think she is injured now. Even at the World Championships she did not play at her usual level she was not moving good ” said PICCOLIN.” In the next round I will play against MIKHAILOVA. She has very specific style not so typical defense. It will be hard.         Olympian and Paraolympic competitor Natalia PARTYKA of Poland overcame Andrea TODOROVIC of Serbia (11-13 11-9 11-9 11-7 11-5).   “The turning point was the second game. I lost the opening one and it was really close in the second. Coming back from 0:2 will be very hard. After that game by game I built my confidence ” said PARTYKA.   YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco prevailed against Tin Tin HO of Great Britain (13-11 11-5 11-9 11-7).   “It was first match for me today so I was under pressure at the beginning. It took time before I entered into the game. My backhand was good today and I produced a lot od variations in my game ” said YANG.   SHAO Jieni of Portugal beat Aikaterini TOLIOU of Greece (11-6 11-1 13-15 9-=11 11-3 11-5).   Sarah DE NUTTE of Luxembourg recovered from being 3-1 down in the match against Tatiana KUKULKOVA of Slovakia to win the second round duel (9-11 17-19 11-8 9-11 11-9 11-6 11-7).   “It has been few weeks since I returned from the tournaments in

An Extraordinary General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) today unanimously elected the Malopolska region and city of Krakow Poland as the Host of the 3rd edition of the European Games in 2023.  Representatives of all 50 European National Olympic Committees participated in the vote which was held a day after the Opening Ceremony for the 2nd European Games in Minsk Belarus.  “We strongly believe that this great multi-sport event will contribute to the development of European sport and also promote our country Poland the city of Krakow and the Malopolska region ” said Polish NOC President Andrzej Krasnicki.  The next steps will be to determine the sports programme for 2023 and the composition of the EOC Coordination Commission for the Games. “We will follow the strategy defined in Olympic Agenda 2020 and ” EOC President Janez Kocijančič said. “That means we will determine the core sports and then discuss with the organisers which other sports to include with emphasis on those offering Olympic qualifications and European Championships.”  “The Olympic Games are returning to Europe the following year [Paris 2024] so we would like to have a sports programme with very strong Olympic qualification as we aim to defend our position as the leading continent in international sport.”  The European Games are the only pan-European multi-sport event directly aligned to the Olympic Games. Taking place every four years the Games are a celebration of Europe’s finest athletes that provide a crucial milestone on the road to the Olympic Games. The inaugural edition took place in Baku in 2015 while the second edition is currently under way in Minsk Belarus.

European Games 2019 Minsk   In the opening match of the day in Women’s Singles 21-years old Tin-Tin HO of Great Britain overcame Anna KIRICHENKO of Finland (11-3 11-5 11-6 11-5).   “I enjoyed my chance to play for GB team. There were few spectators here and I wanted to present them good play. I was relaxed ” said HO who won the doubles title at the European 21 Championships earlier this year.   In next round she will meet her peer YANG Xiaxoin of Monaco.   “It is going to be tough match but there are no easy matches here.” Men’s Singles Preliminary   Two preliminary matches in Men’s Singles concluded with the victory for favorites. Experienced Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC of Serbia beat Andrei PUTUNTICA in five games (11-6 11-8 11-8 8-11 12-10).   “Tough match for me but it ended good. I got the opportunity to feel this venue to get into the game. I hope it will help latter. Andrei is a god player young but with experience from playing in Bundesliga for years ” said KARAKASEVIC.     Ewout OOSTWOUDER of Netherlands overcame Faith KARABAXHAK of Kosovo (11-6 11-1 11-6 11-3).   “I did not know much about my adversary but for me it was important to carry my own game and to maintain the focus. That proved as good tactics. I faced no difficulties throughout the match ” said OOSTWOUDER.  

The 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 got under way in spectacular style tonight with an Opening Ceremony that showcased Belarusian culture history and of course sport.   The Ceremony held at the iconic Dinamo Stadium started with a best of Belarus video highlighting the beauty and diversity of Minsk Europe’s 11th largest city in terms of population that was founded over 900 years ago.   A short burst of fireworks brought the attention squarely back to the venue where President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Janez Kocijančič were introduced to the sold-out crowd.   A segment called Kupala Night followed introducing the folk costumes distinctive traditions and customs of Belarus. It was a colourful journey that depicted the country’s traditional heritage.   One of the highlights of any Opening Ceremony is the Parade of Nations and this one certainly did not disappoint. Athletes and officials from all 50 European National Olympic Committees competing in these Games which run from 21 to 30 June marched energetically behind their flag bearers into the stadium led by Greece birth nation of the Olympic Games. Team Belarus was the last nation to enter eliciting a rousing response from the home crowd.   “Europe is one of the smallest continents but nevertheless the strongest continent in international and Olympic sport and we are celebrating its most important multisport event here tonight ” said EOC President Kocijančič. “The best athletes from all 50 European nations have gathered in Minsk to show their sporting talent and excellence. In this way we are continuing the tradition of the first European Games organised in Baku Azerbaijan.”   The two-and-a-half-hour production celebrated the many great Belarusian personalities its long and impressive history as well as its rich folklore.   “We are glad Belarus is part of such an ambitious project ” said Belarus President Lukashenko who wished all the athletes the best of luck during the 10 days of competition. “We are happy to introduce you our guests to the real Belarus – beautiful hospitable and comfortable. Our friendliness is not just politeness but part of our character.”   The Ceremony was concluded by the lighting of the Games cauldron by Olympic biathlon champion Nadezhda Skardino following a procession of legendary Belarusian athletes including Darya Domracheva and Max Mirnyi among others.   The Opening Ceremony was put together by 1 300 people including administrators and technical support and involved over 500 artists 700 volunteers and 1 200 costumes. The production was over a year in the making.

German player Ricardo WALTHER about 2019 European Games (table tennis June 22-29): “Although I am only the substitute I try to support the boys as much as I can”   German player Ricardo WALTHER current world no. 38 believes that his national team is strong enough to take gold at 2nd European Games in Minsk Belarus and secure its place for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Table tennis events commences today June 22nd. Four years ago in Baku Germany finished fourth.   “I think the European Games are very important and the first chance to qualify for the Olympics! No matter which competition every starting place counts and will be very facilitating for all if you get one. It is also nearly a European Championship with kind of an Olympic flair which makes the event even more special” stated Borussia Dusseldorf player Ricardo WALTHER.   Expectations at 2019 EG? “Although I am only the substitute I try to support the boys as much as I can. I will be available all day to get the team in shape. We definitely want to win the title as we would automatically be in Tokyo with the national team next year. And that is a great goal for me as well.”   Who are favorites and why? “After the team won the European title last time I think we are in a favored position. But there will be many strong nations you have to keep an eye on. Sweden France Portugal Austria and Great Britain are extremely dangerous and could be a surprise. My favorite players for the single competition are my German team mates Timo BOLL Dimitrij OVTCHAROV and Vladimir SAMSONOV from Belarus. They have so much experience with important games and big tournaments and will be prepared. I think it’s so important to have a good mental strength and for me experience will be the most important.   Possible upsets? “There are many nations in the team competition who have chances to win the title. England has a great team spirit and plays very well together. PITCHFORD FALCK or PUCAR could provide promises in the singles.”   Personal aim for 2019/20 season? “My biggest goal for the upcoming summer is to participate in Tokyo where the Olympic Games will take place. Another goal is to defend the European title with Germany and win a World Championship medal in 2020. Beside that I would like to win as much titles with Borussia Düsseldorf as I can.”     ***   Tennis Olympic Center with a capacity of 1 000 seats will host five table tennis events in Minsk from 22nd to 29th June. A total 122 players will compete for the spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: three medallists in the men’s and women’s singles events will secure their places while the gold medallists in the men’s and women’s team events and mixed doubles event will get an Olympic quota. That’s why all best European players will travel to Minsk.   ***   Top seeding list (best 16) Men Singles:   1 Timo BOLL (Germany) 2 Matias FALCK (Sweden) 3 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany) 4 Liam PITCHFORD (England) 5 Vladimir SAMSONOV (Belarus) 6 Simon GAUZY (France) 7 Kristian KARLSSON (Sweden) 8 Daniel HABESOHN (Austria) 9 Emmanuel LEBESSON (France) 10 Jonathan GROTH (Denmark) 11 Marcos FREITAS (Portugal) 12 Tomislav PUCAR (Croatia) 13 Tiago APOLONIA (Portugal) 14 Cedric NUYTINCK (Belgium) 15 Darko JORGIC (Slovenia) 16 Alvaro ROBLES MARTINEZ (Spain).   Top seeding list (best 16) Women Singles:   1 Bernadette SZOCS (Romania) 2 Sofia POLCANOVA (Austria) 3 Matilda EKHOLM (Sweden) 4 Petrissa SOLJA (Germany) 5 Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania) 6 Georgina POTA (Hungary) 7 LI Jie (Netherlands) 8 FU Yu (Portugal) 9 Britt EERLAND (Netherlands) 10 Margaryta PESOTSKA (Ukraine) 11 Barbora BALAZOVA (Slovakia) 12 Polina MIKHAILOVA (Russia) 13 HAN Ying (Germany) 14 LI Qian (Poland) 15 NI Xia Lian (Luxembourg) 16 Hana MATELOVA (Czech Republic).   Top seeding list (best 12) Men Team:   1 Germany 2 Sweden 3 Austria 4 Great Britain 5 France 6 Slovenia 7 Croatia 8 Belarus 9 Portugal 10 Belgium 11 Romania 12 Denmark.   Top seeding list (best 12) Women Team:   1 Germany 2 Romania 3 Hungary 4 Austria 5 Netherlands 6 Ukraine 7 Poland 8 Spain 8 Luxembourg 8 Russia 11 Sweden 12 Belarus   More information: here Organizers website: here Minsk 2019 results: here

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV hopes he can stay on the top at the 2nd European Games Minsk Belarus June 21-30   Reigning European Games champion Dimitrij OVTCHAROV arrived in the Belarus city of Minsk in a good mood aiming his second consecutive gold medal in the Men’s Singles event. The 30-year-old German is satisfied with his performances at the recent Seamaster 2019 ITTF World Tour Platinum China Open where he beat his compatriot Ricardo WALTHER in the opening round and lost to host player LIN Gaoyuan after full seven games of the Round of 16.   “My shape is well and I’m happy with my play at China Open even though I lost my match against LIN Gaoyuan. Closely. The victory at European Cup earlier this year is giving me confidence for Minsk” stated OVTCHAROV who has simple comment on question about his personal goal in Minsk: “Of course to win the gold medal again!”   Who are favourites and why?   “Timo (BOLL) is always one of the favourites. He is the highest ranked player at the moment and played well the past weeks. Mattias FALCK Liam PITCHFORD Vladimir SAMSONOV or Simon GAUZY definitely have also chances if they are playing a good tournament.”   Current world no. 12 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV who became no. 1 in January 2018 is looking forward to the upcoming Olympic year. Speaking about his personal aim for the 2019/20 season he stated:   “My aim is to get back to the Top 5 of the world.”   OVTCHAROV will have one more chance for medal in Minsk as he plays beside Timo BOLL and Patrick FRANZISKA in the Men’s Team event. Germany finished fourth four years ago in Baku.   ***   Tennis Olympic Center with a capacity of 1 000 seats will host five table tennis events in Minsk from 22nd to 29th June. A total 122 players will compete for the spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: three medallists in the men’s and women’s singles events will secure their places while the gold medallists in the men’s and women’s team events and mixed doubles event will get an Olympic quota. That’s why all best European players will travel to Minsk.   ***   Top seeding list (best 16) Men Singles:   1 Timo BOLL (Germany) 2 Matias FALCK (Sweden) 3 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany) 4 Liam PITCHFORD (England) 5 Vladimir SAMSONOV (Belarus) 6 Simon GAUZY (France) 7 Kristian KARLSSON (Sweden) 8 Daniel HABESOHN (Austria) 9 Emmanuel LEBESSON (France) 10 Jonathan GROTH (Denmark) 11 Marcos FREITAS (Portugal) 12 Tomislav PUCAR (Croatia) 13 Tiago APOLONIA (Portugal) 14 Cedric NUYTINCK (Belgium) 15 Darko JORGIC (Slovenia) 16 Alvaro ROBLES MARTINEZ (Spain).   Top seeding list (best 16) Women Singles:   1 Bernadette SZOCS (Romania) 2 Sofia POLCANOVA (Austria) 3 Matilda EKHOLM (Sweden) 4 Petrissa SOLJA (Germany) 5 Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania) 6 Georgina POTA (Hungary) 7 LI Jie (Netherlands) 8 FU Yu (Portugal) 9 Britt EERLAND (Netherlands) 10 Margaryta PESOTSKA (Ukraine) 11 Barbora BALAZOVA (Slovakia) 12 Polina MIKHAILOVA (Russia) 13 HAN Ying (Germany) 14 LI Qian (Poland) 15 NI Xia Lian (Luxembourg) 16 Hana MATELOVA (Czech Republic).   Top seeding list (best 12) Men Team:   1 Germany 2 Sweden 3 Austria 4 Great Britain 5 France 6 Slovenia 7 Croatia 8 Belarus 9 Portugal 10 Belgium 11 Romania 12 Denmark.   Top seeding list (best 12) Women Team:   1 Germany 2 Romania 3 Hungary 4 Austria 5 Netherlands 6 Ukraine 7 Poland 8 Spain 8 Luxembourg 8 Russia 11 Sweden 12 Belarus.   More information: here Organizers website: here Minsk 2019 results: here