LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships   Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR created top rate upset by beating World’s no. 12 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany in the Round of 32 of the Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships. In Budapest’s Hungexpo he succeeded in seven thrilling games (9-11 11-8 8-11 11-8 11-2 5-11 7-11).   European Under 21 Championships from Sochi PUCAR started very good.   “I had great help from Andrej GACINA. He played against OVTCAHROV many times before so he wrote me few “tips”; I watched his matches on you tube and set a good tactic with my coach. I was well prepared ” said PUCAR.   PUCAR controlled the match leaving OVTCHAROV one step behind.   “The tactic proved good for the beginning but in the sixth game Dimitrij recovered completely; he adjusted his game. Then I had to change something to put more variations in service and strokes ” added Tomislav.   Without any doubts Tomislav was happy with his performance so far in Budapest.   “This is my third World Championships but I never went beyond first round. I was little bit worry when I saw the draw and Bastian STEGER in the opening round. He was the toughest adversary from the Groups. When I beat him it gave me self confidence. Next one was ACHANTA and that was really good thing. I beat him on my way to the semi final in Oman. After that I saw OVTCHAROV and I was delighted. All my hopes for the draw were not to play against Asian players ” explained PUCAR.     OVTCHAROV admitted that PUCAR w2as mentally stronger this time.   “He put more risks into his game. He played better and deserved this win ” underlined OVTCHAROV.

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships   After Round of 32 there are no more European representatives in the Women’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships in Budapest.   To the Round of 16 progressed FENG Tianwei of Singapore after straight games victory over Dora MADARASZ of Hungary (11-7 11-4 11-87 11-8) China’s WAN G Manyu needed six games to overcame Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA (13-11 11-3 11-9 10-12 8-11 13-11). SAMARA’S teammate Bernadette SZOCS suffered by the hands of fast SOO Wai Yam Minnie of Hong Kong (4-11 12-14 5-11 6-11).   European champion from Alicante LI QIAN of Poland was defeated by Japan’s Kasumi ISHIKAWA (11-7 14-12 11-3 11-4); Austria’s Sofia POLCANOVA lost against CHEN Szu-Yu of Taipei (13-11 16-14 11-4 11-6); Netherlands’ Britt EERLAND lost against LIU Shiwen of China (3-11 7-11 9-11 9-11).

LIBEHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships   Pairings from Germany Patrick FRANZISKA AND Petrissa SOLJA booked their place in the quarterfinal of the Mixed Doubles Event LIBEHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships on the fourth day of the play in Budapest.   Bronze medal winners at the European Championships in Alicante last summer FRANZISKA and SOLJA overcame LIN Yun-Ju and CHENG I-Ching of Taipeh in five games (11-9 11-7 5-11 11-7 11-8).   “It is the first time that we beat the Asian pairings and I am delighted. Whatever people think for me mixed doubles are important event and I am very happy for this victory ” said FRANZISKA.   The game was very close despite the 4-1 win.   “Everything comes to small details. It was crucial to maintain the good service and receive game bit also to play fast and aggressive. To keep the ball short.”   SOLJA also underlined good service game and added: ”More then result I am happy that I can say that our game improved. We have more confidence. This match was not easy at all as the 4:1 result predicts.”   Adam SZUDi and Szandra PERGEL of Hungary produced very good match against Maharu YOSHIMURA and Kasumi ISHIKAWA but despite brave efforts Japan’s pairing prevailed (11-5 12-14 11-6 6-11 8-11 10-12).   “We attack them started good form the beginning but they were better ” said Szandra PERREGEL.   Lubomir PISTEJ and Barbora BALAZOVA of Slovakia overcame Stefan FEGERL and Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria 4-1 (12-14 11-5 11-8 11-8 11-6).    

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships In the opening round of the Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships Swede Truls MOREGARD exceeded his rankings and overcame HO Kwan Kit of Hong Kong. Ranked at the position no. 153 Truls needed six games to overcame World’s no. 79 (5-11 10-12 9-11 12-10 11-9 9-11).   “I was holding to the tactics that we set before the game; to be aggressive with the return to go for the long service. However he managed to come back after being three to null down. I was little bit nervous but managed to calm down and to finish the match ” said MOREGARD.   Panagiotis GIONIS of Greece needed one game less to overcame Hunor SZOCS of Romania (11-5 3-11 11-13 8-11 6-11).   “We played so many time against each other. I had a shaky start I needed time to settle into the rhythm. That is why I lost first game and struggled in second. But after I took control it was one-way street. Hunor is not playing well against my defensive style; I forced him to put many balls on the table and he really got tired. I had a good feeling for the game here ” said GIONIS.   Andrej GACINA of Croatia put some pressure on Germany’s Timo BOLL 2-4 (8-11 11-7 7-11 16-18 11-7 8-11).   “We played many times before against each other and I lost in few occasions in the past. I respect him and I know how dangerous he is. I was not very confident with my game especially when he came close. I had to work hard here but so far I am happy with this victory ” said BOLL.   His teammate Dimitrij OVTCHAROV also commenced his journey successfully. Dimitrij overcame Michael TAUBER of Israel (11-5 11-8 15-13 11-8).   “It is very important here not to lose any game and not give an opportunity to adversary to come back. There were few difficult moments close situations…TAUBER risked a lot ” said OVTCHAROV.   Emmanuel LEBESSON of France went through agonizing seven games to beat Pavel PLATONOV of Belarus (5-11 11-8 9-11 11-7 8-11 11-8 11-6).   “At 1:1 I had 9:3 and I lost third game. It was very difficult match for me I had to put three to five balls to the table for each point ” explained LEBESSON.  

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships   The opening round of the Women’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships produces many upsets.   Ranked only at the position no. 198 at the World Rankings Sabina SURJAN of Serbia overcame NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg. The team and mixed doubles gold medals in the 1983 World Table Tennis Championships forced young SURJAN who played at Youth Olympic Games last summer to go full distance but failed to reach the second round (9-11 11-4 11-6 9-11 8-11 11-3 8-11).   “I played against NI three years ago in Novi Sad in the ETTU Cup and I had no chance at all. Also yesterday Izabela LUPULESKU and I Lost against her and Sarah DE NUTTE in Doubles so mentally it was difficult for me. Her style is something special and it is very hard to play against he. I had to widen the game and to play with many variations ” said SURJAN.   Polina MIKHAILOVA of Russia also faced early exit. World’s no. 49 was beaten by no.130 Kim VERMAAS of Netherlands (11-4 12-10 11-13 11-8 13-15 11-7).   Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA the no.17 seed appeared in control of proceedings against Italy’s Chiara COLANTONI she established a three games to one lead before her most worthy adversary responded to force decider. Totally focused ELIZABETA Samara dominated the seventh game (4-11 11-4 12-10 11-5 9-11 7-11 11-2).   “I think I just relaxed after the fourth game she played well she put the ball on the table she took some risks; I’m really too sure.” Elizabeta Samara     “Usually I am not that good against the players with the defensive style of play but today I was happy with my forehand. I had problems after 3:1 and 8:4 in the fifth game when I become a little bit nervous. I let Polina took the control and I waited for her mistake. It did not happen. She won that game so I rebuilt my game again ” said VERMAAS.   There were no surprises in host nation favorites record this morning. Szandra PERGEL beat Pauline CHASSELIN of France 4-0 (12-10 11-6 11-8 14-12).   “I am so happy that I have opportunity to play in front of the home crowd. It is fantastic experience and I am grateful that Hungarian Association gave us that chance by organizing such wonderful event ” said Szandra.” The opening game against Pauline was very important. I was 9:5 up then I missed to services and very quickly it was 10:10. After I survived that everything settled into good rhythm.”   Yana NOSKOVA of Russia overcame Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy in straight games (4-11 6-11 7-11 7-11).   “Giorgia is very good player. She plays in Germany but she trains in France. That is why I know her well. I did not have any problems. I was very focused ” said Yana

LIEBHERR ITTF World Championships Day 2 at the Liebherr 2019 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships saw the remaining qualification matches wrapped up at the Hungexpo while main draw fixtures kicked off in all of the Doubles competitions.  It is extremely rare when top seeds are no longer the ‘favourites’ to progress at the round of 32 but that is what happened when WONG Chun Ting and DOO Hoi Kem (HKG) were drawn against the unseeded newly formed Mixed Doubles pair of FAN Zhendong and DING Ning (CHN). The Chinese stars made light work of the challenge placed in front of them registering a straight-game victory: 4-0 (11-7 11-9 18-16 11-5). As things stand the pair are on course to meet compatriots and 2ndseeds XU Xin and LIU Shiwen in the semi-finals.  Against the backdrop of deeply troubling scenes and financial turmoil in their home country of Venezuela Cecilio CORREA and Jan MEDINA defied all the odds to reach the main draw in the Men’s Doubles competition before eventually losing out to Eric JOUTI and Gustavo TSUBOI (BRA). Despite their exit the Venezuelan duo should be highly commended for their efforts: meeting all of their own costs to compete with no financial assistance available from their country’s sport ministry CORREA and MEDINA’s journey is simply one of inspiration which can be read in full here.  A thrilling seven-game encounter played out between 43-year-old Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC (SRB) and 37-year-old Michael MAZE (DEN) proved that age is just a number. In a match featuring spectacular rallies and plenty of drama MAZE – a bronze medallist at the 2005 World Championships – led 3-1 and looked on course to reach the main draw. However KARAKASEVIC won the next four games to pull off a stunning comeback win: 4-3 (6-11 7-11 16-14 8-11 12-10 11-9 11-2).   Houston (USA) and Chengdu (China) have been unveiled as the host cities for the 2021 and 2022 editions of the World Table Tennis Championships Finals following an historic vote at the ITTF’s Annual General Meeting. The 2021 World Championships Finals will not only see the implementation of the expanded format to ensure closer to maximum participation among member associations but they will also be taking place outside of Europe and Asia for the first time in 82 years. Click here for more.  Also catching the eye from the AGM is a proposition from the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association to introduce different coloured rubbers on rackets and not just the currently permitted colours of red and black.  If the AGM accepts the proposition the Equipment Committee will coordinate efforts in order to develop a list of authorised colours with specifications then submitted to the Board of Directors for implementation after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.   Tuesday will see the start of the main draw in both the Men’s and Women’s Singles events. Watch action from 8 tables on itTV. Quick links News Updates Live Blog Live Streaming Media Guide Flash Quotes Photos Social Media: Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Youtube  Weibo

Breaking new ground new territories and adopting a whole new playing system: all of this and more is what’s in store for the 2021 and 2022 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals which will be hosted in Houston USA and Chengdu China respectively.  The news follows today’s historic vote at the ITTF’s Annual General Meeting held in Budapest Hungary where National Associations voted in favour of what will be two of the most eye-catching events that the sport of table tennis has ever known.  Sky-high levels of excitement surround the 2021 World Championships Finals which will be held in Houston USA: the very first time that table tennis’ greatest annual event will be staged in the land of stars and stripes.  The decision ensures that this will be a totally unprecedented historic event for more reason than one: Strong bids put forward by USA and Morocco ensured that 2021 would mark the first time in 82 years that the World Championships Finals are held outside of Asia and Europe since Cairo Egypt hosted the 1939 competition.  The choice of USA opens up doors for the sport to enter an exciting new market and confirms the very real globalisation of the game – one of the key goals behind the changes to the World Championships format approved last year in Halmstad Sweden.  Yes that’s right: the 2021 World Championships Finals will be the first edition under the expanded format to ensure maximum participation of ITTF member National Associations  adding further to the unprecedented global appeal of what is shaping up to be a simply incredible event. The 2022 World Table Tennis Championships Finals are also set to be incredibly memorable as China emerged the successful candidate to stage the event overcoming extremely stiff competition provided by Japan and Portugal and the host nation – alongside 2021 hosts USA – has a clear message to spread ahead of the event.  ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ originally came to the fore of course back in 1971 when an American delegation was invited to play a series of friendship matches in the People’s Republic of China.  Almost 50 years later Ping Pong Diplomacy is just as relevant and crucial within the ITTF’s everyday aspirations to use table tennis as a tool for rebuilding international relations.  The fact that USA and China will be staging the World Championships Finals in consecutive years is a fitting way to celebrate half a century of arguably the sport’s greatest success story which shows no signs of ending.  Whilst so much has been done already especially in the last year thanks to the Unified Korea initiative there is even more to come and Chengdu China will very much be in the international spotlight when the 2022 World Championships Finals get under way.  “I would like to thank all nations who bid to host our biggest annual event. It was fantastic to see so many high-level bids from a great range of countries. We noticed raised interest in hosting the World Championships Finals due to the expansion of the competition from 2021 which adds even more value and prestige.“The quality of the bids we received is fantastic news for table tennis globally and we now have two extraordinary World Championships Finals events lined up which will capture the imagination of players and spectators opening up the sport to an ever-expanding market.“I can’t wait for the build-up to both events now albeit for the next week we are fully focused on making the best possible sports spectacle in Budapest!” said ITTF CEO Steve Dainton. “We’re thrilled not only to be hosting the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships but also to have the chance to help commemorate that historic moment when Ping Pong Diplomacy was born. In 1971 China and the United States came together and helped change the world ” added Harris County – Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke.  “This is the first time that I have been involved in such a fierce bid with three very strong countries bidding to win this prestigious event. We are so happy to win and look forward to showing Chengdu to the entire world in 2022 ” said CTTA Vice President Liu Yi.

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships   The hall B was the place to be in the early afternoon hours on the second day of play at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships in Budapest. The crowd the photographers and cameraman all gathered around the table 18 to watch the duel between 37 years old bronze medalist at the 2005 World Championships and 2009 European Champion and 44 years old 2011 European bronze medalist Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC.   After epic fight Serbia’s player prevailed (6-11 7-11 16-14 8-11 12-10 11-9 11-2). After 3-2 and 6-3 in the sixth game KARAKASEVIC called for time out and completely turned the course of the match. MAZE lost the control over the game.   “We used to play so many times against each other. Last time when MAZE returned to the table tennis at the European Championships we meet also in the Group stage. He destroyed me then “said KARAKASEVIC.   It has been 10 years since MAZE played at the World Championships last time. The injuries ruined his career.   “It is difficult for both of us to play at such conditions. The balls without the spin when we are forced to go with full power are more suitable for younger players ” added KARAKASEVIC.   MAZE had control at the beginning: “He played very well. I literally stole the third and fifth game but after that I was in control.”   MAZE pointed that he did failed to produce good game in the finish.   “I started good but eventually I struggled with my shape. When I lost my strength I also lost my focus ” said MAZE.  

LIEBHERR ITTF World Championships   Top seeded player in the first phase of the Women’s Singles Event Laura GASNIER of France successfully concluded Group Stage at the top of her group. After victory over Katsiaryna BARAVOK of Belarus at the opening day today she overcame Mariana SAHAKIAN of Lebanon in straight games (11-4 11-5 11-9 11-3).   “I played much better then yesterday. My service game worked well and mentally I was very strong. It was easer round then the opening one. I did not give her any points from easy mistakes. Now I just hope for a good draw ” said GASNIER.   In all group winners mind today is the same thought. Karin ADAMKOVA of Czech Republic is not exception to the rule. She recorded two victories in Group 13 against Ivana TUBIKANEC of Croatia and CHUNG Rheann of Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 (11-7 7-11 11-7 11-8 11-8).   “It was important to have a good start today so the opening game was crucial. I had no chance to play against her before so I studied her yesterday. However for me everything was easier after I managed to beat TUBIKANEC. Against Croatia’s player I won for a first time after she beat me in 5 previous occasions in junior and cadet categories ” said ADAMKOVA.   Serbia’s Izabela LUPULESKU beat WONG Xin Ru of Singapore in the opening round whilst today she succeeded against Raquel MARTINS of Portugal in five games (11-7 11-6 10-12 11-7 11-7).   “I needed only two games to progress to the main draw so I was very focused from the beginnings. I started well and after I won two games I took the opportunity to try something different from my usual game. I lost third game but at least I tried something new ” said LUPULESKU.   Maria TAILAKOVA of Russia is also safely through to the main draw after two victories. Yesterday she succeeded against Jinnipa SAWETTABUT of Thailand and today she beat Swechchha NEMBANG of Nepal.   “Thailand’s player was much stronger adversary. When I beat her it was easier for me today ” said European cadet champion from 2016.   Kristin LANG of Germany beat Reelica HANSON of Estonia in the second round (11-5 11-4 11-6 11-4) to repeat the success from previous day when she overcame Marta SANTOS of Portugal.    “Unlike the opening Round I felt much better. Finally I feel like I am at the tournament. I struggled to get used to the conditions in the venue ” said LANG.

LIEBHERR ITTF World Championships   The 55th World Table Tennis Championships kicked off on Sunday in Budapest Hungary. With 564 players from 102 nations taking part a real festival of sport got underway. This represents the last individual World Championships under the current format before the new expanded playing system will be implemented in 2021 which aims to have closer to 226 member associations playing in the event. With action taking place across 32 tables in two separate halls at the Hungexpo venue it was an action-packed opening day with the qualification rounds for the Men’s and Women’s Singles as well as for the Mixed Doubles. A partnership is born Pairing up for the very first time the top-ranked Singles players in the world DING Ning and FAN Zhendong (CHN) joined forces to compete in the Mixed Doubles event. Proving their number one statuses they took no time at all to seal straight-game victories in their qualification matches against Lily ZHANG and Nikhil KUMAR (USA) and then against HAIQAL Muhamad Ashraf and HO Ying (MAS). During the afternoon’s Mixed Doubles draw it was confirmed that DING and FAN stand to face top-ranked pairing WONG Chun Ting and DOO Hoi Kem (HKG) in the round of 32 while they are also in the same half of the draw as 3rd seeds XU Xin and LIU Shiwen (CHN). 2017 World Championships gold medallists and 2nd seeds Kasumi ISHIKAWA and Maharu YOSHIMURA (JPN) would be the favourites to meet any of the above in the final. A legend returns In Michael Maze (DEN) a table tennis legend returned to the World Championships following a lengthy spell out of the game through injury. The 37-year-old – a bronze medallist at the 2005 World Championships and 2009 European Champion – won his opening match against Adrian Wetzel (NOR) in straight games. He will come up against Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC (SRB) in his second group game today. Hosts start strong Amidst the national pride of hosting this year’s World Table Tennis Championships it would be a positive day also on court for host nation Hungary. Bence MAJOROS and Bernadett BALINT not only sailed into the Mixed Doubles main draw following a pair of preliminary round victories but they also won their opening Men’s and Women’s Singles matches in straight games defeating Ravil AHMEDOV (TKM) and Rozalina KHADJIEVA (UZB) respectively. Coming up… The remaining qualification matches will take place today to find out who will make the main draw in the Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles competitions to join the seeded players on Day 3.  Make sure to tune in to itTV to watch eight tables live! Quick Links: News Updates Live Blog Live Streaming Media Guide Flash Quotes Photos Social Media: Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Youtube  Weibo