The 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos (August 8-12) Rares SIPOS lost his Under 21 Men`s Singles Quarter-final matches from Chinese WANG Shaobo 3:2 but won both his Men`s Singles encounters after full seven games – Round of 64 and Round of 32. Romania`s rising star was one of busiest player of the third day (August 10th) at the 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos (August 8-12). Beside his U-21 game SIPOS beat host Jamiu AYANWALE 4:3 (9:11 11:4 8:11 16:14 5:11 11:8 11:2) then he prevailed against No. 5 seed from England Samuel WALKER 4:3 (11:6 7:11 4:11 11:6 12:10 7:11 11:9) to secure his place in the Men`s Singles Round of 16. Two more Europeans needed seven games to reach Round of 16 the 2016 Nigeria Open winner Benedek OLAH from Finland and France`s Joe SEYFRIED who overcame Luxembourg`s Eric GLOD. Four representatives of Old Continent progressed in the Women`s Singles Round of 16 including No. 2 seed Szandra PERGEL from Hungary. Friday August 10th Men`s Singles Round of 64 Antonino AMATO (Italy) – Quadri ARUNA (Nigeria No. 1 seed) 0:4 (7:11 12:14 6:11 5:11) Rares SIPOS (Romania) – Jamiu AYANWALE (Nigeria) 4:3 (9:11 11:4 8:11 16:14 5:11 11:8 11:2) Samuel WALKER (England No. 5) – Orok ETIM (Nigeria) 4:0 (11:5 11:5 11:8 11:5) Alexandre ROBINOT (France No. 6) – Ismaila AKINDIYA (Nigeria) 4:1 (11:9 11:6 10:12 11:3 11:8) Benjamin BROSSIER (France) – Amadi OMEH (Nigeria) 4:1 (6:11 11:6 11:6 11:9 11:7) Gavin RUMGAY (Scotland No. 9) – Nurudeen HASSAN (Nigeria) 4:3 (11:3 9:11 11:7 11:4 4:11 8:11 11:8) Alexandru CAZACU (Romania) – Azeez Olugbenga JAMIU (Nigeria) 0:4 w.o. Benedek OLAH (Finland No. 3) – Emmanuel AUGUSTINE (Nigeria) 4:1 (11:6 11:7 9:11 11:3 11:4) Eric GLOD (Luxembourg) – Mudit DANI (India) 4:2 (11:8 7:11 12:10 8:11 12:10 11:6) Joe SEYFRIED (France) – Yusuf TIJANI (Nigeria) 4:0 (11:4 11:9 11:4 11:3) Tamas LAKATOS (Hungary No. 8) – Olawale OLANIYI (Nigeria) 4:1 (11:3 11:6 11:9 8:11 11:9) Ewout OOSTWOUDER (Netherlands) – David FAYELE (Nigeria) 4:0 (12:10 11:8 11:8 11:7) Alexey LIVENTSOV (Russia No. 2) – Kehinde OGIDAN (Nigeria) 4:1 (10:12 11:4 11:3 13:11 11:3) Antoine HACHARD (France) – Tobi FALANA (Nigeria) 4:0 (11:6 11:5 11:3 11:5) Laurens TROMER (Netherlands) – Ayo OMOTARA (Nigeria) 4:3 (11:8 14:16 8:11 11:8 6:11 11:6 11:7). Men`s Singles Round of 32 Rares SIPOS (Romania) – Samuel WALKER (England No. 5) 4:3 (11:6 7:11 4:11 11:6 12:10 7:11 11:9) Raj MONDAL (India) – Alexandre ROHINOT (France) 4:3 (11:8 12:10 7:11 11:7 10:12 7:11 11:9) Supanut WISUTMAYTHANGKOON (Thailand) – Benjamin BROSSIER (France) 4:1 (7:11 11:7 14:12 11:4 11:9) Joe SEYFRIED (France) – Eric GLOD (Luxembourg) 4:3 (11:8 3:11 11:6 11:8 9:11 11:13 11:8) Gavin RUMGAY (Scotland) – Mahmoud HELMY (Egypt) 4:0 (11:7 11:2 11:5 11:8) Benedek OLAH (Finland) – Miad LOFTIJANABADI (Iran) 4:3 (11:8 8:11 9:11 11:8 4:11 11:8 11:9) Antoine HACHARD (France) – Hammed ADEYINKA (Nigeria) 4:1 (13:11 11:7 5:11 11:5 11:7) Alexey LIVENTSOV (Russia) –Sarthak GANDHI (India) 4:1 (7:11 11:3 11:8 11:9 11:8). Women`s Singles Round of 32 Alex GALIC (Slovenia No. 6 seed) – Halima HUSSAIN (Nigeria) 4:1 (14:12 11:2 11:9 9:11 11:6) Debora VIVARELLI (Italy No. 5) – Nimota AREGBESOLA (Nigeria) 4:0 (11:5 14:12 11:6 11:6) Giorgia PICOLLIN (Italy No. 3) – WANG Shu (China) 0:4 (5:11 8:11 3:11 9:11) Sarah DE NUTTE (Luxembourg No. 4) – Alimot AYINLA (Nigeria) 4:1 (11:7 11:0 4:11 11:5 11:7) Olga KULIKOVA (Russia) – GUO Yan (China 1997) 0:4 (2:11 4:11 7:11 10:12) Irina ERMAKOVA (Russia) – SUN Chen (China) 0:4 (1:11 3:11 7:11 1:11) Szandra PERGEL (Hungary No. 2) – Oluwafunke HASSAN (Nigeria) 4:0 (11:4 11:4 11:3 11:7). More information:here
Nigeria Open: The 2016 winner Benedek OLAH starts against host player
2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos (August 8-12) Main draw of the 2018 ITTF Challenge Seamaster Nigeria Open in Lagos (August 8-12) will commence tomorrow August 10th involving players from 13 European countries. The 2016 Men`s Singles winner Benedek OLAH from Finland actual No. 3 seed starts against host player Emmanuel AUGUSTINE in the Round of 32. Today August 9th three European pairs had their Men`s Doubles encounters in the Preliminary Round 2. Alexandre ROBINOT and Joe SEYRFRIED from France beat host pair Tobi FALANA/Azeez SOLANKE 3:0 (15:13 11:3 11:4) Netherland`s Ewout OOSTWOUDER and Laurens TROMER overcame Iran`s Miad LOFTIJANABADI and Scotland`s Gavin RUMGAY 3:1 (11:9 8:11 11:8 11:9) while Italy`s Antonino AMATO and Eric GLOD from Luxembourg lost to Chinese pair LIU Jialiang/WANG Shaobo 3:2 (12:10 9:11 11:7 6:11 11:8). Friday August 10th Men`s Round of 64: Antonino AMATO (Italy) – Quadri ARUNA (Nigeria No. 1 seed) Rares SIPOS (Romania) – Jamiu AYANWALE (Nigeria) Samuel WALKER (England No. 5) – Orok ETIM (Nigeria) Alexandre ROBINOT (France No. 6) – Ismaila AKINDIYA (Nigeria) Benjamin BROSSIER (France) – Amadi OMEH (Nigeria) Gavin RUMGAY (Scotland No. 9) – Nurudeen HASSAN (Nigeria) Alexandru CAZACU (Romania) – Azeez Olugbenga JAMIU (Nigeria) Benedek OLAH (Finland No. 3) – Emmanuel AUGUSTINE (Nigeria) Eric GLOD (Luxembourg) – Mudit DANI (India) Joe SEYFRIED (France) – Yusuf TIJANI (Nigeria) Tamas LAKATOS (Hungary No. 8) – Olawale OLANIYI (Nigeria) Ewout OOSTWOUDER (Netherlands) – David FAYELE (Nigeria) Alexey LIVENTSOV (Russia No. 2) – Kehinde OGIDAN (Nigeria) Antoine HACHARD (France) – Tobi FALANA (Nigeria) Laurens TROMER (Netherlands) – Ayo OMOTARA (Nigeria). Women`s Round of 32: Alex GALIC (Slovenia No. 6 seed) – Halima HUSSAIN (Nigeria) Debora VIVARELLI (Italy No. 5) – Nimota AREGBESOLA (Nigeria) Giorgia PICOLLIN (Italy No. 3) – WANG Shu (China) Sarah DE NUTTE (Luxembourg No. 4) – Alimot AYINLA (Nigeria) Olga KULIKOVA (Russia) – GUO Yan (China 1997) Irina ERMAKOVA (Russia) – SUN Chen (China) Szandra PERGEL (Hungary No. 2) – Oluwafunke HASSAN (Nigeria). More information:here
Belarus TTF: New President elected
Belarus Table Tennis Federation elections During an extraordinary conference of the Belarus Table Tennis Federation Alexandre PETKEVITCH was elected as the new President of the Federation. Vladimir AMARIN who headed the Federation since December 28 2011 resigned from his post as President due to the large employment at the main place of work. Noting the great personal contribution to the development of table tennis in the Republic of Belarus the establishment of the Federation’s activities the Presidium decided to award Vladimir AMARIN with the Honorary Badge of the Federation and a souvenir plaque. As the President of the Belarus Table Tennis Federation Vladimir AMARIN was replaced by Alexandre PETKEVITCH. For 26 years he was the First Deputy President. Vladimir AMARIN noted the important role of Alexandre PETKEVITCH in the successful development of table tennis in Belarus: “He has the main burden in the work of the Federation which he combines with his duties as a head coach of the national team of the Republic of Belarus. He holds the title of “Honored Coach of the Republic of Belarus” and a professional of the highest class”. After the election Alexandre PETKEVITCH noted that he would make every effort to ensure that table tennis continued to develop both in the international arena and in the country: “Thank you for your trust. There are experienced people among the members of the board and the Presidium who will help me in my work and who will always support by word and deed. I hope that taking into account your support we will cope with all the tasks that our Federation faces”. Following the results of the extraordinary conference Vladimir AMARIN joined the supervisory board of the Belarus Table Tennis Federation.
Eight players nominated for event in Japan
2018 ITTF World Cadet Challenge (Tottori Japan 23-31 October 2018) The ETTU has nominated and invited eight players for the 2018 ITTF World Cadet Challenge to be held in Tottori Japan 23-31 October 2018. Recently crowned European cadet champions Maciej KUBIK from Poland and Elena ZAHARIA from Romania lead the Boys and Girls lists respectively. Neven CEGNAR guides the project as the ETTU Team Manager. Nominated boys are following: Maciej KUBIK (POL) Myshaal SABHI (FRA) Mike HOLLO (GER) Adrien RASSENFOSSE (BEL). Boys reserves: Simon BELIK (CZE) Andrea PUPPO (ITA) Arnau PONS (ESP) Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA (FRA). Coach: Marc CLOSSET (BEL). Nominated girls are following: Elena ZAHARIA (ROU) Elizabet ABRAAMIAN (RUS) Rebecca MUSKANTOR (SWE) Kornelija RILISKYTE (LTU). Girls reserves: Radmila TOMINJAK (SRB) Prithika PAVADE (FRA) Hana ARAPOVIC (CRO) Sophia KLEE (GER). Coach: Csilla BÁTORFI (HUN).
Truls MOREGARD and NING Jing top Junior lists for Vila Real
2018 Europe Youth Top 10 7-9th September 2018 Vila Real Portugal The 2018 European Youth Championships runner-up Truls MOREGARD from Sweden and 2018 EYCH gold medalist NING Jing from Azerbaijan top the junior Qualifier lists for the 2018 Europe Youth Top 10 7-9th September 2018 Vila Real Portugal. Highest positions at the cadet events are reserved for the recently crowned European cadet champions: Poland`s Maciej KUBIK and Romania`s Elena ZAHARIA. The ranking have been composed according to World Ranking U18 and U15 – 3rd August 2018. Truls MOREGARD the winner of the Cadet Boys event at the 2016 Europe Youth Top 10 in Prague Czech Republic now will face nine strong contenders. One of them is defending champion from 2017 Worcester England Cristian PLETEA from Romania. No. 3 seed is recently crowned European champion and runner-up from Worcester Ioannis SGOUROPULOS from Greece who beat Swedish boy in the gold medal contest. Other qualified players are following: Rares SIPOS (No. 2 Romania) 2017 EYCH runner-up Cristian PLETEA (No. 4 Romania) then three French players Bastien REMBERT (No. 5 bronze medalist from 2017 Worcester) Irvin BERTRAND (No. 6) and Leo DE NODREST (No. 7) Matteo MUTTI (No. 8 Italy) Lev KATSMAN (Russia). Like in all four events 10th spot is reserved for the host nation. NING Jing will be once again favorite in the Junior Girls event. Azerbaijan`s girl is twice in a row European champion 2017 and 2018. Two years ago in Prague she finished fourth at the 2016 Europe Top 10 Cadet Girls event. Serbian most talented girls Sabina SURJAN is No. 2 followed by Poland`s Anna WEGRZYN (No. 3) Germany`s Franziska SCHREINER (No. 4) 2017 Euro Top 10 JG runner up and 2016 CG winner Anastasia KOLISH from Russia (No. 5) 2016 Euro Top 10 CG runner-up Andreea DRAGOMAN from Romania (No. 6) actual European champion Tania PLAIAN from Romania (No. 7) France`s Lucie GAUTHIER (No. 8) and Czech Republic`s Zdena BLASKOVA (No. 9). Maciej KUBIK from Poland is main candidate for the gold at the Cadet Boys event as the 2018 European champion. Other qualified players are following: Myshaal SABHI (No. 2 FRA) Mike HOLLO (No. 3 GER) Adrien RASSENFOSSE (No. 4 BEL) Simon BELIK (No. 5 CZE) Andrea PUPPO (No. 6 ITA) Arnau PONS (No. 7 ESP) Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA (No. 8 FRA) and Vladislav MAKAROV (No. 9 RUS). Recently crowned European Cadet Girl champion Elena ZAHARIA from Romania tops the Cadet Girl list for the event to be held in Vila Real Portugal. Last year`s Cadet Girls Euro Top 10 winner Sophia KLEE from Germany is now No. 8 seed. Other participants include Elizabet ABRAAMIAN (No. 2 RUS Rebecca MUSKANTOR (No. 3 SWE) Kornelija RILISKYTE (No. 4 LTU) Radmila TOMINJAK (No. 5 SRB) Prithinka PAVADE (No. 6 FRA) Hana ARAPOVIC (No. 7 CRO) Arina SLAUTINA (No. 9 RUS). Junior Boys 1 Truls MOREGARD (SWE) 2 Rares SIPOS (ROU) 3 Ioanis SGOUROPOULOS (GRE) 4 Cristian PLETEA (ROU) 5 Bastien REMBERT (FRA) 6 Irvin BERTRAND (FRA) 7 Leo DE NODREST (FRA) 8 Matteo MUTTI (ITA) 9 Lev KATSMAN (RUS) 10 Host player (POR) Junior Girls 1 NING Jing (AZE) 2 Sabina SURJAN (SRB) 3 Anna WEGRZYN (POL) 4 Franziska SCHREINER (GER) 5 Anastasia KOLISH (RUS) 6 Andreea DRAGOMAN (ROU) 7 Tania PLAIAN (ROU) 8 Lucio GAUTHIER (FRA) 9 Zdena BLASKOVA (CZE) 10 Host player (POR) Cadet Boys 1 Maciej KUBIK (POL) 2 Myshaal SABHI (FRA) 3 Mike HOLLO (GER) 4 Adrien RASSENFOSSE (BEL) 5 Simon BELIK (CZE) 6 Andrea PUPPO (ITA) 7 Arnau PONS (ESP) 8 Fabio RAKOTOARIMANANA (FRA) 9 Vladislav MAKAROV (RUS) 10 Host player (POR) Cadet Girls 1 Elena ZAHARIA (ROU) 2 Elizabet ABRAAMIAN (RUS) 3 Rebecca MUSKANTOR (SWE) 4 Kornelija RILISKYTE (LTU) 5 Radmila TOMINJAK (SRB) 6 Prithinka PAVADE (FRA) 7 Hana ARAPOVIC (CRO) 8 Sophia KLEE (GER) 9 Arina SLAUTINA (RUS) 10 Host player (POR) More information: here ETTU on Facebook ETTU On Instagram ETTU on Twitter
Turkey and Romania crowned team champions in Edirne
Balkan U21 Table Tennis Championships Turkey and Romania are crowned team`s champions at the Balkan U21 Table Tennis Championships held in the Turkish city of Edirne from August 1-5. Host side beat Serbia 3:0 in the Men`s Team final while Romania overcame Turkey 3:1 in the Women`s Team event. Denis BEKIR and Stefan TODOROV from Bulgaria are the winners of Men`s Doubles event as they beat Romania`s Alexandru MANOLE and Florin SPELBUS 3:1 (11:1 11:9 5:11 11:5). The best women`s doubles is Turkey`s Betul Nur KAHRAMAN and Merve Nur OZTURK. Host pair prevailed against Romania`s Elena ZAHARIA and Alina ZAHARIA 3:2 (8:11 14:12 14:16 11:8 11:8). U21 Men`s Team Quarter-finals Turkey – Slovenia 3:0 Romania – Bulgaria 3:0 Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 3:0 Serbia bye Semi-finals Turkey – Romania 3:2 Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina 3:0 Position 3-4 Romania – Bosnia and Herzegovina 3:0 Final Turkey – Serbia 3:0 Batuhan ULUCAK – Nikola MARINKOVIC 3:1 (13:11 15:13 8:11 11:9) Abdullah Talha YIGENLER – Dimitrije LEVAJAC 3:2 (7:11 11:9 11:8 9:11 12:10) Ali Afsin GUL – Aleksa GACEV 3:2 (11:8 5:11 7:11 14:12 11:9) U 21 Women`s Team Quarter-finals Turkey – FYRO Macedonia 3:0 Bulgaria – Albania 3:0 Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 3:1 Romania – Kosovo 3:0 Semi-finals Turkey – Bulgaria 3:0 Romania – Bosnia and Herzegovina 3:0 Position 3-4 Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bulgaria 3:1 Final Romania – Turkey 3:1 Elena ZAHARIA – Betul Nur KAHRAMAN 3:1 (11:6 12:10 9:11 11:4) Alina ZAHARIA – Gul Pembe OZKAYA 3:2 (7:11 11:6 11:7 6:11 11:4) Denisa URITU – Merve Nur OZTURK 2:3 (11:1 7:11 7:11 11:7 5:11) Alina ZAHARIA – Betul Nur KAHRAMAN 3:0 (11:6 11:8 11:5) U21 Men`s Doubles Semi-finals Alexandru MANOLE/Florin SPELBUS (Romania) – Aleksa GACEV/Nikola MARINKOVIC (Serbia) 3:0 (11:8 11:8 11:9) Denis BEKIR/Stefan TODOROV (Bulgaria) – Bilal Selim TOK/Tugay Sirzat YILMAZ (Turkey) 3:1 (11:9 12:10 7:11 11:7) Final Denis BEKIR/Stefan TODOROV (Bulgaria) – Alexandru MANOLE/Florin SPELBUS (Romania) 3:1 (11:1 11:9 5:11 11:5) U21 Women`s Doubles Semi-finals Elena ZAHARIA/Alina ZAHARIA (Romania) – Gul Pembe OZKAYA/Aybala KOCAL (Turkey) 3:1 (11:4 12:10 10:12 11:8) Betul Nur KAHRAMAN/Merve Nur OZTURK (Turkey) – Iva Dimitrievska/Ana STOJANOVSKA (FYRO Macedonia) 3:0 (11:5 11:7 11:9) Final Betul Nur KAHRAMAN/Merve Nur OZTURK (Turkey) – Elena ZAHARIA/Alina ZAHARIA (Romania) 3:2 (8:11 14:12 14:16 11:8 11:8) More information Balkan TT Union here Facebook 2018 TT Balkan Championships here
The Asia – Europe Challenge Day 2 is underway
The 13th edition of Asia – Europe Challenge held in the city located in Jiangsu province in eastern China concluded today (August 5th) The 13th edition of Asia – Europe Challenge belonged to Asian side who won 7:3 in the two days event concluded today August 5th in the Chinese city of Nantong. The opponents entered the second day with 4:1 advantage in favor of the host team. Bastian STEGER and Vladimir SAMSONOV were the winners for the Old Continent today while their teammates again lost two matches by a narrow margin like day before. It was Asian second consecutive win after 6:4 in Dongguean two years ago. Europe made history in 2015 Zhangjiagang recording its very first victory on Asian soil 6:4. Koki NIWA vs. Bastian STEGER 1:3 Second day begun by Bastian STEGER victory against Koki NIWA 3:1 (11:8 8:11 11:9 11:7). It was excellent performance of German player in the clash with many fast strokes. The 2012 European Championships bronze medalist did an important move to the win in late third set reversing the score from 8:9 to 11:9. Astonishing rally was seen in the mid of third set taken by European player who controlled the fourth game from the beginning. “This is the team event between Asia and Europe. I am very happy that our team won. There are many experienced and good players here. Through this time I got to know how they practice and learn from them” stated NIWA after the event in Nantong. ZHANG Jike vs. Jonathan GROTH 3:2 The 25-year-old GROTH showed how big potential he has extending former Olympic and World champion to full distance – 3:2 (8:11 11:8 9:11 11:6 11:7). Left-hander from Denmark led twice but ZHANG played his best table tennis in last two games. GROTH won four consecutive points (6:6 10:6) to secure the opening game continuing his lead until the mid of second set when ZNAHG took five points in a row (4:7 9:7).After third set when he got few amazing rallies European had no energy to prevent host to set 5:2 lead for Asia. The winner was decided after ZHANG`s four points in a row (9:5) in the fifth game. Former Olympic and World champion ZHANG Jike was satisfied how everything went in Nantong: “I am very happy to help team to win this tournament. Everyone in our team should be recognized including the coach the team manager and the players. This is my third time to attend Asia-European Challenge. In the national team we represent our own country. But now here we are the Team Asia and Team European. Every one fight hard on the court. We played out our best.” LEE Sangsu vs. Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 Korean player the best ranked one at the event in Nantong managed to recover after yesterday`s defeat by Portugal`s Marcos FREITAS. He beat Kristian KARLSSON in straight games 3:0 (11:5 14:12 11:4). LEE easily won first and third game while Swede missed two game points in the second one. This victory of Korean has sealed Asia`s win in the city located in Jiangsu province in eastern China. LEE debuted at the Asia – Europe Challenge and hope he`ll be back in the future: “I got 1 win and 1 lost here. I am very satisfied with my performance. This is my first time to attend Asia-European challenge. I am very pleased to be here.Of course this is a wonderful event with many world top players. I learnt a lot through this opportunity. I will keep improving in the future.” WONG Chun Ting vs. Marcos FREITAS 3:2 Portugal`s player extended World No. 10 to full distance preventing one match point in the ultimate game but WONG was the winner 3:2 (11:4 12:10 2:11 7:11 12:10). FREITAS unique winner for European side in the opening day allowed Hong Kong`s player 2-0 lead in spite of having three game points in late second game (10:7). WONG controlled the fifth set by his penhold style having 6:2 and 9:6 but FREITAS leveled the score with two quick rallies. CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV 0:3 Vladimir SAMSONOV beat CHUANG Chih-Yuan in straight games 3:0 (11:8 12:10 11:7). Both opponents played for the spectators their meeting especially after the close second game concluded by four consecutive points (7:9 11:9) of Belarus. The 2018 Asia – Europe Challenge Asia – Europe 7:3 Sunday 5th August Asia – Europe 3:2 Koki NIWA vs. Bastian STEGER 1:3 (8:11 11:8 9:11 7:11) ZHANG Jike vs. Jonathan GROTH 3:2 (8:11 11:8 9:11 11:6 11:7). LEE Sangsu vs. Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 (11:5 14:12 11:4) WONG Chun Ting vs. Marcos FREITAS 3:2 (11:4 12:10 2:11 7:11 12:10) CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV 0:3 (8:11 10:12 7:11) Saturday 4th August Asia – Europe 4:1 Koki NIWA vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:2 (11:4 11:8 9:11 6:11 11:9) CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Jonathan GROTH 3:2 (14:12 11:9 7:11 9:11 11:6) WONG Chun Ting vs. Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 (14:12 11:4 11:7) LEE Sangsu vs. Marcos FREITAS 1:3 (9:11 12:10 7:11 9:11) ZHANG Jike vs. Bastian STEGER 3:0 (11:2 11:4 14:12) ETTU on Facebook ETTU On Instagram ETTU on Twitter
The Asia – Europe Challenge just started in Nantong
Other five matches to be held tomorrow August 5th with the live coverage at LAOLA1.tv The Asia – Europe Challenge Day 1 is concluded by 4:1 lead of the host side. Koki NIWA CHUANG Chih-Yuan WONG Chun-Ting and ZHANG Jike have provided four wins for Asian team while Portugal`s Marcos FREITAS won unique point for Old Continent. Europeans had a chance for better result as both Vladimir SAMSONOV and Jonathan GROTH stretched their opponents to full distance. Tomorrow August 5th five more matches to be held starting at 08:00 CET (14:00 local time). Koki NIWA – Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:2 Japanese Koki NIWA provided early lead for the host side as he beat Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:2 (11:4 11:8 9:11 6:11 11:9). NIWA controlled first two sets in each moment but Belarus responded in a same way to level the score at 2:2. SAMSONOV had an open way to his victory reversing the score from 1:4 to 8:5 and 9:6 in the ultimate chapter but NIWA won five points in a row to conclude the clash. CHUANG Chih-Yuan – Jonathan GROTH 3:2 Asia leads 2:0 thanks to Chinese Taipei`s victory against newcomer in the Old Continent`s line-up 3:2 (14:12 11:9 7:11 9:11 11:6). Player who spent most of his career in European clubs CHUANG was faced with three game points in the opening set but managed to win it. European left-hander from Denmark showed good table tennis winning some lovely rallies but experience prevailed in decisive moments. Third and fourth set saw much stronger GROTH with powerful forehand and some fantastic exchange with twisted bodies. CHUANG regained control in the late fifth sate and won this encounter. “I think today is the well-played match. I did not practice too much after the summer break. This is my first match. Unfortunately I still missed this important match. I did not receive so well today. I am not satisfied with the result. I wished I could win. I hope I can win tomorrow. I think on the paper Asia is favorite. But I hope we can come back and get the top five at the end” stated Jonathan GROTH. WONG Chun Ting – Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 Two players met in the 2017/18 TTCLM Round 1 when Borussia Dusseldorf`s KARLSSON beat Dekorglass Dzialdowo`s WONG in four games but this time Hong Kong`s player won in straight games 3:0 (14:12 11:4 11:7). Swede missed six game points in the opener and that was crucial for the final outcome. WONG had no problem in the next two games and set 3:0 lead for Asian side. “I played with Kristian KARLSSON twice before in the 2016 World Cup and this year’s World Team Championships. In today’s match I think I performed well especially when I was 6-10 behind in the first set. Managing to coming back in the set 1 gives me more confident explained WONG. LEE Sangsu – Marcos FREITAS 1:3 The 2015 European Championships runner-up upset actual World No. 8 LEE Sangsu the best ranked player at the event in Nantong 3:1 (11:9 10:12 11:7 11:9). Portugal`s left-hander concluded the clash with the excellent respond on Korea`s serve taking backhand flick shot. FREITAS was so consistent all the time creating several amazing strokes in each time when his opponent was close to him. It was fully deserved win for European representative. Marcos FREITAS was satisfied after beating LEE Sangsu and helping European side to win the first point: “LEE Sangsu is one of the best players in the world. He is top ranked player. I did not play against him for a long time. Last year he played really well. I think I had a good start also I had the very good serve and receive. Of course I feel nervous given that my team was 0-3 down. Asian team is very strong 3 nail down is a pressure for me because if I did not meet my point today my team may be 0-5 down which is not good for tomorrow. So after I won I think our hope still alive. I think we will flight more tomorrow to compete with team Asia.” ZHANG Jike – Bastian STEGER 3:0 Former Olympic and World champion beat 2012 European championships bronze medalist in straight games 3:0 (11:2 11:2 14:12). German player had no chance against super motivated Chinese star supported by domestic fans. In spite of that STEGER managed to save four match points in the third set. It was very special day for ZHANG who sang the song during the Opening Ceremony in Nantong. Saturday 4th August Asia – Europe 4:1 Koki NIWA vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV 3:2 (11:4 11:8 9:11 6:11 11:9) CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Jonathan GROTH 3:2 (14:12 11:9 7:11 9:11 11:6) WONG Chun Ting vs. Kristian KARLSSON 3:0 (14:12 11:4 11:7) LEE Sangsu vs. Marcos FREITAS 1:3 (9:11 12:10 7:11 9:11) ZHANG Jike vs. Bastian STEGER 3:0 (11:2 11:4 14:12) Sunday 5th August (start at 08:00 CET) Koki NIWA vs. Bastian STEGER ZHANG Jike vs. Jonathan GROTH LEE Sangsu vs. Kristian KARLSSON WONG Chun Ting vs. Marcos FREITAS CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV Live stream link is following: Sunday: https://www.laola1.tv/en-int/livestream/tischtennis-attu-asia-europe-all-stars-challenge-1-len There is also a direct link from the ETTU.org website https://www.ettu.org/en/ ETTU on Facebook ETTU On Instagram ETTU on Twitter
European stars with trio who made history in Zhangjiagang
The Asia – Europe Challenge will be broadcasted live at LAOLA1.tv this Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th August both days at 08:00 CET (14:00 local time) The Asia – Europe Challenge will once again gather top stars from both Continents this Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th August in Nantong the city located in Jiangsu province in eastern China. Both days will be broadcasted live at LAOLA1.tv starting at 08:00 CET (14:00 local time). The last edition of the event that started in 2009 in Istanbul as the Asia-Europe All Stars Series held two years ago in Dongguan in the south of China has belonged to the host side 6:4. Only Vladimir SAMSONOV remains from that European team but now he will be teamed up again with Portugal`s Marcos FREITAS and Germany`s Bastian STEGER. They made history in Zhangjiagang three years ago when Old Continent`s team won for the very first time on Asian soil (6:4). Members of that side coached by Richard PRAUSE were Austria`s Robert GARDOS and Croatia`s Andrej GACINA as well. Zhangjiagang`s heroes will be supported by two newcomers Sweden`s Kristian KARLSSON and Denmark`s Jonathan GROTH. Players were invited according to May’s World Rankings. Since inaugural meeting 2009 in Beijing Europe won twice on its soil: in 2009 Istanbul (6:5) and 2012 Vendée (6:4). Overall prize money will be once again 100 000 € in total. The cumulative result of the two days of competition determines the winner. In case of 5:5 result eleventh match will be played like in 2009 Istanbul (Vladimir SAMSONOV beat LI Ching 3:1 in the additional game Europe won 6:5) and in 2010 Beijing (Jun MIZUTANI beat Jorgen PERSSON 3:2 Asia won 6:5) Saturday 4th August Koki NIWA vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Jonathan GROTH WONG Chun Ting vs. Kristian KARLSSON LEE Sangsu vs. Marcos FREITAS ZHANG Jike vs. Bastian STEGER Sunday 5th August Koki NIWA vs. Bastian STEGER ZHANG Jike vs. Jonathan GROTH LEE Sangsu vs. Kristian KARLSSON WONG Chun Ting vs. Marcos FREITAS CHUANG Chih-Yuan vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV Live stream links are following: Saturday: https://www.laola1.tv/en-int/livestream/tischtennis-attu-asia-europe-all-stars-challenge-len Sunday: https://www.laola1.tv/en-int/livestream/tischtennis-attu-asia-europe-all-stars-challenge-1-len There is also a direct link from the ETTU.org website https://www.ettu.org/en/ ETTU on Facebook ETTU On Instagram ETTU on Twitter
Asia – Europe Challenge live at LAOLA1.tv
Asia – Europe Challenge to be held on 4th and 5th August in Nantong China The Asia – Europe Challenge will be broadcasted live at LAOLA1.tv this Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th August and live stream links for both days are available. Chinese city of Nantong will host the showcase event that started in 2009 in Istanbul as the Asia-Europe All Stars Series. Vladimir SAMSONOV will once again line up in Nantong as will Europe’s team leader Marcos FREITAS of Portugal Jonathan GROTH of Denmark Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden and Bastian STEGER of Germany. Players were invited according to May’s World Rankings. WONG Chun Ting of Hong Kong ranked at number 7 in the world leads the line-up for Team Asia. LEE Sangsu of Korea Japan’s Koki NIWA CHUANG Chih-Yuan of Chinese Taipei and former World and Olympic Champion ZHANG Jike of China make up a very strong Asia Team. In the last encounter in Dongguan in 2016 Asia won the My Hills International Trade Center Asia-Europe All Stars Challenge having fielded another strong team of China’s FAN Zhendong Chinese Taipei’s CHUANG Chih-Yuan Hong Kong’s WONG Chun Ting Singapore’s GAO Ning and Korea’s JOO Saehyuk who won 6:4 (4:1 and 2:3). On that occasion Team Europe was represented by Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal Andrej GACINA of Croatia Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia and CHEN Weixing of Austria. Live stream links are following: Saturday: https://www.laola1.tv/en-int/livestream/tischtennis-attu-asia-europe-all-stars-challenge-len Sunday: https://www.laola1.tv/en-int/livestream/tischtennis-attu-asia-europe-all-stars-challenge-1-len There is also a direct link from the ETTU.org website https://www.ettu.org/en/ ETTU on Facebook ETTU On Instagram ETTU on Twitter
