Separated by the Atlantic Ocean 2 top-class ITTF events were played out in front of packed venues over the weekend. The China Construction Bank 2019 ITTF-Europe Top 16 Cup held in Montreux Switzerland and the Universal 2019 ITTF-Pan America Cup held in Guaynabo City Puerto Rico saw a total of 4 gold medals up for grabs. Fans were treated to plenty of heart-stopping moments on the final day of action (3 February 2019) as the players fought for qualification for the Men’s and Women’s World Cups to be held in Chengdu China in October this year. Having suffered a sub-par 2018 due to a multitude of injuries this was the first international tournament of 2019 for former world number 1 Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER) who came back with a vengeance claiming the Men’s title on an emotional final day. The road to recovery was tough but OVTCHAROV showed that mentally he is rock-solid once again as his physicality also catches up. Twice he found himself in a tight spot twice he found a way to come up tops. Losing a 3-0 lead against 2018 Europe Cup champion Timo BOLL (GER) OVTCHAROV managed to pull himself ahead in the 7th game winning 4-3 to make the final where he faced Belarusian legend Vladimir SAMSONOV.  The evergreen veteran 42 years of age turned back the clock to deliver a vintage performance leading OVTCHAROV for most parts in a keenly-contested encounter. The German had to play catch up for most of the match and was only one point away from losing the title. SAMSONOV led 10-8 in the 7th game only for the eventual champion to save two match points and convert his own to win 4-3 (6-11 11-8 11-3 14-16 6-11 11-7 12-10).   “The game had so many ups and downs for both of us. I could have finished it 4-1 but I missed the opportunity. Samsonov was always there. He looked for every chance to come back; he covered every angle and every spot on the table. Vladi had the advantage in the 6th game and even more so in the 7th but no matter how tired I was I thought he was even more so I kept pushing. It was a similar match like against Boll where small points made big differences. I am so happy I came back from injury and a few heavy defeats ” said OVTCHAROV.      OVTCHAROV was not the only German to walk away victorious as Petrissa SOLJA too had her own special moment to savour. Staring at the face of defeat she produced the fightback of the tournament to steal the crown from last year’s champion Bernadette SZOCS (ROU).  SZOCS was in command taking a 3-0 lead against a familiar opponent. With nothing to lose SOLJA begun her incredible turnaround in the 4th game winning it 12-10 to spark the comebacks of all comebacks. She won four consecutive games to power home and win her first European Cup title after missing out in 2013 and 2017. She won 4-3 (9-11 9-11 6-11 12-10 11-8 11-8 11-4) in front of an ecstatic crowd.     “I was very nervous at the beginning. I did not play at my best. Also Bernadette knows my service game she can read my spin. After I lost three games my coach encouraged me to win at least one game to play with less pressure. Slowly I returned into the match. I was thinking only about the next point. We have played against each other since our Cadet days. Who knows how many matches we played in Juniors and Cadets and mostly in finals. I am happy that we are playing finals as Seniors now and that we both are among the top European players ” said Petrissa SOLJA Timo BOLL and Sofia POLCANOVA (AUT) won their respective bronze medal matches and have also booked their spots at this year’s World Cups in Chengdu along with the finalists. Across the Atlantic Ocean in a completely different time zone two frantic finals followed. Carrying the host nation’s hopes on her very young shoulders Adriana DIAZ (PUR) showed that she has what it takes to be an icon for Puerto Rican table tennis. Staged in Guaynabo City Puerto Rico DIAZ claimed the Universal 2019 ITTF Pan America Cup gold with the country behind her. Facing off against 2018’s winner she showed maturity beyond her age by limiting ZHANG Mo’s (CAN) game to win 4-1 (13-11 11-8 6-11 11-9 11-9) repeating the same scoreline from their previous meeting.   Meanwhile in the Men’s final current World number 6 Hugo CALDERANO (BRA) once against proved his credentials as one of the globe’s greatest at present by claiming the title for the second time in two years. The eagerly anticipated match between two of America’s Top talents saw Kanak JHA (USA) push CALDERANO early on in their match. Eventually experience paid off as CALDERANO halted JHA’s momentum in the 3rd game to win 4-1 (11-2 12-14 11-3 11-8 12-10) preventing an upset. Despite the disappointment for JHA these are exciting times for Pan American table tennis as the more experienced CALDERANO is only 22 with his opponent four years younger. Both will get a chance to showcase their talents in Chengdu in October 2019 at the ITTF Men’s World Cup. FIRST QUALIFIERS FOR 2019 ITTF WORLD CUPS The ITTF World Cups are the second most prestigious events on the international table tennis calendar where only 17 of the top table tennis players who have qualified through their respective Continental Cups together with the current world champions one host player and a wildcard can compete for the prestigious title that counts towards the Grand Slam (Olympic Games World Championships World Cup). Qualified Players:     China Construction Bank 2019 ITTF-Europe Top 16 Cup: Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER) Vladimir SAMSONOV (BLR) Timo BOLL (GER) Petrissa SOLJA (GER) Bernadette SZOCS (ROM) Sofia POLCANOVA (AUT).    Universal 2019 ITTF-Pan American Cup: Hugo CALDERANO (BRA) Kanak JHA (USA) Adriana DIAZ (PUR) ZHANG Mo (CAN).

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux No. 2 seed Dimitrij OVTCHAROV clinched the fifth title at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux. In the final he overcame Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus (6:11 11:8 11:3 14:16 6:11 11:7 12:10).   In the action roller-coaster power shifted from one side to another and until the last ball the game was open.   “The game has so many ups and downs for both of us. I could finish it up at 4:1 but I missed the opportunity. SAMSONOV was always there he looked for every chance to come back; he covered every angle and every spot on the table. Vladi has advantage in sixth game and even bigger in seventh but no meter how much tired I was I thought he was even more so I kept pushing. It was similar match like against BOLL. Small points made big differences ” explained OVTCHAROV.” I am so happy I came back from injury and few heavy defeats.”   Before 2019’s final SAMSONOV and OVTCHAROV both had four titles in their record books and shared third position in the overall standings behind legendary Swede Jan OWE VALDNER and Timo BOLL with seven and six. Now OVTCHAROV took the third spot.     Four-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner Vladimir SAMSONOV played for a 22nd time at the event. Belarus legend started his journey through the Euro Top 16 cups in the French city of Dijon 24 years ago as the youngest participant sharing fifth spot with current Dima’s coach Jorg ROSSKOPF from Germany.     The duel for the spot no. three at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux concluded with the win for Germany’s Timo BOLL against Daniel HABESOHN of Austria (11:7 11:4 7:11 9:11 3:11 12:10 11:5). Six times winner at Top 16 and Top 12 was stretched to full seven games in the last match before he prevailed.   “I had some advantage by finished my semi final match hour or two before Daniel. Also I was mentally stronger today ” said BOLL.      

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux No. 2 seed Dimitrij OVTCHAROV clinched the fifth title at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux. In the final he overcame Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus (6:11 11:8 11:3 14:16 6:11 11:7 12:10).   In the action roller-coaster power shifted from one side to another and until the last ball the game was open.   “The game has so many ups and downs for both of us. I could finish it up at 4:1 but I missed the opportunity. SAMSONOV was always there he looked for every chance to come back; he covered every angle and every spot on the table. Vladi has advantage in sixth game and even bigger in seventh but no meter how much tired I was I thought he was even more so I kept pushing. It was similar match like against BOLL. Small points made big differences ” explained OVTCHAROV.” I am so happy I came back from injury and few heavy defeats.”   Before 2019’s final SAMSONOV and OVTCHAROV both had four titles in their record books and shared third position in the overall standings behind legendary Swede Jan OWE VALDNER and Timo BOLL with seven and six. Now OVTCHAROV took the third spot.     Four-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner Vladimir SAMSONOV played for a 22nd time at the event. Belarus legend started his journey through the Euro Top 16 cups in the French city of Dijon 24 years ago as the youngest participant sharing fifth spot with current Dima’s coach Jorg ROSSKOPF from Germany.     The duel for the spot no. three at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux concluded with the win for Germany’s Timo BOLL against Daniel HABESOHN of Austria (11:7 11:4 7:11 9:11 3:11 12:10 11:5). Six times winner at Top 16 and Top 12 was stretched to full seven games in the last match before he prevailed.   “I had some advantage by finished my semi final match hour or two before Daniel. Also I was mentally stronger today ” said BOLL.      

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup   After being runner up twice Petrissa SOLJA of Germany clinched the title at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux. In fantastic final she produced remarkable recovering and came back from three null in reverse to win the match against title defender Romania’s Bernadette SZOCS (9:11 9:11 6:11 12:10 11:8 11:8 11:4).   “I was very nervous at the beginning. I did not play at my best. Also Bernadette knows my service game she can read my spin…After I lost three games coach encouraged me to win at least one game to play with less pressure. Slowly I returned into the game. I was thinking only about next ball ” explained SOLJA.   Two players are god friends and well know each other.   “We played against each other since the cadet’s days. Who knows how many matches we played in juniors and cadets and most of it were finals. I am happy that we are playing finals as seniors now that we both are among top European players ” said Petrissa.   In the match for the third position Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria overcame Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (7:11 11:4 7:11 12:10 11:7 11:6).   “In the opening games I could not find the right pace. It took some time before I settled into the rhythm. Natalia was very difficult adversary ” said POLCANOVA.    

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup   After being runner up twice Petrissa SOLJA of Germany clinched the title at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux. In fantastic final she produced remarkable recovering and came back from three null in reverse to win the match against title defender Romania’s Bernadette SZOCS (9:11 9:11 6:11 12:10 11:8 11:8 11:4).   “I was very nervous at the beginning. I did not play at my best. Also Bernadette knows my service game she can read my spin…After I lost three games coach encouraged me to win at least one game to play with less pressure. Slowly I returned into the game. I was thinking only about next ball ” explained SOLJA.   Two players are god friends and well know each other.   “We played against each other since the cadet’s days. Who knows how many matches we played in juniors and cadets and most of it were finals. I am happy that we are playing finals as seniors now that we both are among top European players ” said Petrissa.   In the match for the third position Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria overcame Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (7:11 11:4 7:11 12:10 11:7 11:6).   “In the opening games I could not find the right pace. It took some time before I settled into the rhythm. Natalia was very difficult adversary ” said POLCANOVA.    

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux   In the breathtaking semi final of the Men’s Event at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux Dimitrij OVTCHAROV beat Timo BOLL in seven games (9:11 3:11 3:11 11:5 11:4 11:9 7:11). Vladimirv SAMSONOV of Belarus needed one less to overcame Daniel HABESOHN of Austria (9:11 4:11 11:9 9:11 11:6 9:11).   OVTCHAROV halted BOLL’s progress to the seventh title at the Top 16 in fantastic match. It extended to full seven games but the real battle of the titans started only from the fourth game. The opening game was close but after OVTCHAROV called for time out at 8:9 it seamed only one player left at the field.   Dimitrij won opening game and in next two left Timo with only 6 points.   “Even when I was three games up I knew there is still a long way to go. Timo did not play well at the beginning and I seized the opportunity to gain some advantage but it was not over. It was important that I stay self confident and to keep on pushing. I believed in myself even when BOLL leveled ” said OVTCHAROV.   Four-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner Vladimir SAMSONOV at age of 43 proved once again that he is master of the game. HABESOHN had his chances but Vladi controlled the game better.   “It was tough game; not many rallies but tactically very demanding. I had to be focused on each ball “ said SAMSONOV.” I am looking forward duel with my club mate OVTCHAROV. I can only promise good match for the spectators.”   Daily Schedule (3/2/2019)  Live Scoring

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux   In the breathtaking semi final of the Men’s Event at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux Dimitrij OVTCHAROV beat Timo BOLL in seven games (9:11 3:11 3:11 11:5 11:4 11:9 7:11). Vladimirv SAMSONOV of Belarus needed one less to overcame Daniel HABESOHN of Austria (9:11 4:11 11:9 9:11 11:6 9:11).   OVTCHAROV halted BOLL’s progress to the seventh title at the Top 16 in fantastic match. It extended to full seven games but the real battle of the titans started only from the fourth game. The opening game was close but after OVTCHAROV called for time out at 8:9 it seamed only one player left at the field.   Dimitrij won opening game and in next two left Timo with only 6 points.   “Even when I was three games up I knew there is still a long way to go. Timo did not play well at the beginning and I seized the opportunity to gain some advantage but it was not over. It was important that I stay self confident and to keep on pushing. I believed in myself even when BOLL leveled ” said OVTCHAROV.   Four-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner Vladimir SAMSONOV at age of 43 proved once again that he is master of the game. HABESOHN had his chances but Vladi controlled the game better.   “It was tough game; not many rallies but tactically very demanding. I had to be focused on each ball “ said SAMSONOV.” I am looking forward duel with my club mate OVTCHAROV. I can only promise good match for the spectators.”   Daily Schedule (3/2/2019)  Live Scoring

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux In the final of the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux Germany’s Petrissa SOLJA will meet Bernadette SZOCS of Romania. In the semi final SOLJA overcame Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria (13:15 11:4 7:11 11:3 10:12 9:11) whilst SZOCS beat Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (8:11 11:9 8:11 12:10 12:14 11:9 2:11).   In first semi final two times runner up at the Top- 16 (in 2017 and 2015) SOLJA needed time to build up her game but even I tough moments she stayed calm.   “I needed time to wake up ” commented Petrissa with the smile.” POLCANOVA had a much better start. It took time before I settled into the rhythm. However I did not lose my self-confidence. I lost few easy balls in second and fourth game. I could not put the ball on the table but Sofia played very offensive and she did not give much time. She is very quick.”   SOLJA also said: ”I played twice in the final I know what to expect. The most important thing is think about it like about any other match.”   Few weeks ago at the Hungarian Open SOLJA beat POLCANOVA but in the quarterfinal of the European championships in Alicante Austria’s player was better.   Three times Paralympics Games medalist Natalia PARTYKA stretched title holder in Montreux to full seven games but could not halted her progress.   “I won the title in the same venue last year and that gave confidence even in the hardest moment of the match. I played at the top level for the past three years and a lot of things changed. I already played against PARTYKA for a five times. She was always better but at the last encounter at the World Teams Championships I beat her. I reached the new level now ” said SZOCS. Bernadette SZOCS spoke about the final match as well: “ SOLJA is my good friend. I am happy we will meet.”   Daily Schedule (3/2/2019)  Live Scoring

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux In the final of the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux Germany’s Petrissa SOLJA will meet Bernadette SZOCS of Romania. In the semi final SOLJA overcame Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria (13:15 11:4 7:11 11:3 10:12 9:11) whilst SZOCS beat Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (8:11 11:9 8:11 12:10 12:14 11:9 2:11).   In first semi final two times runner up at the Top- 16 (in 2017 and 2015) SOLJA needed time to build up her game but even I tough moments she stayed calm.   “I needed time to wake up ” commented Petrissa with the smile.” POLCANOVA had a much better start. It took time before I settled into the rhythm. However I did not lose my self-confidence. I lost few easy balls in second and fourth game. I could not put the ball on the table but Sofia played very offensive and she did not give much time. She is very quick.”   SOLJA also said: ”I played twice in the final I know what to expect. The most important thing is think about it like about any other match.”   Few weeks ago at the Hungarian Open SOLJA beat POLCANOVA but in the quarterfinal of the European championships in Alicante Austria’s player was better.   Three times Paralympics Games medalist Natalia PARTYKA stretched title holder in Montreux to full seven games but could not halted her progress.   “I won the title in the same venue last year and that gave confidence even in the hardest moment of the match. I played at the top level for the past three years and a lot of things changed. I already played against PARTYKA for a five times. She was always better but at the last encounter at the World Teams Championships I beat her. I reached the new level now ” said SZOCS. Bernadette SZOCS spoke about the final match as well: “ SOLJA is my good friend. I am happy we will meet.”   Daily Schedule (3/2/2019)  Live Scoring