European Team Championships Qualification – Play Off   The draw for the European Team Championships Qualification – Play Off matches was held today in the venue of the ITTF-Europe Top 16 Cup in Juan-Les-Pins Antibes France as crossings between groups are determined. The draw was conducted by ETTU Deputy Secretary General Pierre KASS while both ETTU Ranking Committee Deputy Chairman Mr. Miguel VICENS and World Champion of 1993 Jean-Philippe GATIEN drew the balls out.   The winners of ten groups in both men`s and women`s competitions will qualify for the Championships Division whilst 10 second placed national teams are going to play in the 5 Play Off clashes. Teams ranked on the 3rd spot are continuing in the Challenge Division. Five out of six rounds are finished while ultimate one is scheduled for March 7th.   According to the men`s draw Group G (Greece 3-1 England 2-1 Netherlands 0-3) crosses over with Group E (Sweden 4-0 Slovakia 1-2 Estonia 0-3). France secured top spot in Group C (Italy 1-2 Finland 0-3) which goes to Group F (Portugal is winner Ukraine 1-2 Lithuania 0-3). Other crossings are next: Group I vs. Group B (I: Spain 3-0 Russia 2-2 Bulgaria 0-3 B: Germany 4-0 Serbia 1-2 Switzerland 0-3). Group J vs. Group H (J: Romania 3-0 Czech Republic 1-2 Turkey 0-2) H: Poland 2-2 Slovenia 2-1 Belgium 1-2). Group A vs. Group D (A: Austria 3-1 Hungary 1-2 Denmark 1-2 D: Belarus 2-1 Croatia 2-0 Israel 0-3).   Regarding women`s draw outcome is the next: Group E vs. Group A (E: Poland 4-0 Spain 1-2 Switzerland 0-3 A: Germany 4-0 England 1-2 Slovenia 0-3). Group H vs. Group B (H: Portugal 4-0 Turkey 0-2 Azerbaijan 0-2 B: Romania 4-0 Netherlands 1-2 Greece 0-3). Group F vs. Group C (F: Austria 4-0 Wales 1-2 Kosovo 0-3 C: Russia 4-0 Belarus 1-2 Bulgaria 0-3). Group J vs. Group I (J: Hungary 4-0 Sweden 1-2 Belgium 0-3 I: France 3-1 Slovakia 2-1 Italy 0-3). Group G vs. Group D (G: Czech Republic 4-0 Serbia 1-2 Lithuania 0-3 D: Ukraine 4-0 Croatia 1-2 Finland 0-3).

2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships     Ekaterina GUSEVA of Russia and Zdena BLASKOVA of Czech Republic lost their medals in the quarterfinal of the singles but they got consolation in medal in Doubles at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships.   In the quarterfinal they beat Karoline MISCHEK of Austria and Airi AVAMERI of Estonia (8-11 11-7 11-13 5-11). Lisa LUNG of Belgium again inflicted the pain in the host nation supporter. Teamed with Eline LOYEN they beat Maria TAILAKOVA and Maria MALANINA of Russia (9-11 11-2 11-8 11-4).   Favorites for the medals in singles Romania’s Adina DIACONU and Andreea DRAGOMAN after all will not leave Sochi empty handed. They overcame Simay KULAKCEKEN and Ipek KARAHAN of Turkey (7-11 11-9 11-9 11-9). Alina NIKITCHANKA and Hanna PATSEYEVA of Belarus overcame Anna WEGRZYN and Julia SLAZAK of Poland (11-9 4-11 13-11 11-8).   In the quarterfinal of the Men’s Doubles event despite the frenetic support from the crowd Sadi ISMAILOV and Konstantin CHERNOV of Russia lost their encounter against Sweden’s Anton KALLBERG and Simon BERGLUND (11-5 11-9 11-9 9-11 8-11 7-11).   Anders LIND of Denmark and Alexander VALUCH of Slovakia prevailed against Tomas POLANSKY and David REITSPIES of Czech Republic (8-11 7-11 11-9 11-2 11-6); Patryk ZATOWKA and Marek BADOWSKI of Poland lost against Adam SZUDI and Nandor ECSEKI of Hungary (8-11 10-12 11-8 7-11) whilst Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia and Janos Bence MAJOROS of Hungary overcame Tom JARVIS and Helshan WEERASINGHE of England (8-11 11-9 6-11 11-8 3-11).  

STAG 2017 European Under 21 Championships   Slovenian players Darko JORGIC and Deni KOZUL reserved their places at the medal rostrum in Men’s Singles Event tomorrow on the final day of the play at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships in Russia’s Sochi. Germany’s QIU Dang and Croatia’s Tomislav PUCAR also progressed to the semi final of the Event.   Both today’s singles matches Darko JORGIC of Slovenia concluded in straight games. After SIPOS Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium was next in line suffer (11-3 11-6 11-7 11-6).   “Speaking about the tactics it was not very hard to made one since we know each other very well. We played against each other many times. The key point was in my head. I already saw myself as a winner I knew I am going to beat him ” said JORGIC.” His weak point was his backhand so I attacked him with the service. “   Few minutes after JORGIC Slovenia enriched its treasury with another medal. Deni KOZUL beat Tom JARVIS of England (3-11 8-11 9-11 11-5 9-11).   “We played against each other two years ago at the Croatia Open so I was familiar with his game. From the beginning JARVIS could not receive my service well; he struggled. I won easily three opening games but then Tom played better and that made me nervous. I lost four game before I took the control again ” said KOZUL.   QIU Dang of Germany beat Marek BADOWSKI of Poland (14-12 11-6 8-11 8-11 11-7 4-11 9-11).   “From the beginning BADOWSKI tried to slow down the game. He was controlling it by forcing me to play by his rhythm. I gave my best to adapt to it. That is why he stretched me to full seven games. However at the end I was mentally stronger for the finish and that prevailed ” said QIU.   Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia needed six games to overcame his very well know adversary Killian ORT of Germany (8-11 15-13 8-11 11-8 10-12 10-12 10-12). “I never lost the match against him but it is never easy to beat him at the same time ” explained 196 cm tall Croat who admits that his height sometimes help to reach the ball but sometimes slows him a little.    

STAG 2017 European Under 21 Championships   On the wings of enthusiastic crowd in Sochi Maria TAILAKOVA secured the first medal for Russia at the STAG 2017 European Under 21 Championships. Maria TAILAKOVA progressed to the semi final of the Women’s Singles Event. Germany will have two representatives at the medal rostrum- Chantal MANTZ and WAN Yuan. The list of the quarterfinal winners was completed with the name of Lisa LUNG of Belgium.   Maria TAILAKOVA beat Natalija BAJOR of Poland (11-4 6-11 6-11 11-5 10-12 12-10 11-8) on her way to the last day of the competition.   “I was very nervous and under great pressure. It was very important for me to show my best performance in front of the home crowd. I won the opening game but then I started to rush. The game become very quick and I lost the control. That is why I had to change the tactics to slow down and to try to organize my game better. I succeeded but it was very close ” said Tailakova.   Zdena BLASKOVA of Czech Republic stretched Chantal MANTZ of Germany to full distance but MANTZ progressed to the semis (8-11 12-14 11-6 11-2 8-11 11-7 12-10).   “I did not have any special tactics I can explain. Everything was in my head ” said MANZ.   Russia was close to have another girl among the medal winners in singles but Lisa LUNG was the one who denied it. After thrilling seven games (11-8 9-11 11-6 5-11 11-9 9-11 9-11) she beat Ekaterina GUSEVA.   “I seized my opportunity. I realized from the beginning that GUSEVA was very nervous. I know her very well. I was prepared it will be very aggressive game; I was just trying to play point by point ” said Lisa.   Whilst on the other tables the games were heating up WAN Yuan of Germany was already on the way to her hotel. She beat ZHANG Xuan Xu in straight games (7-11 5-11 3-11 5-11) to book her place at the medal rostrum.   “Unlike yesterday today I was very calm. I found and settled into the rhythm of the game instantly ” explain WAN who lives in Dusseldorf and enjoying hip hop and Chinese music as a best way to find the serenity before the matches.    

STAG 2017 European Championships   The start of the Round of 16 in the Men’s Singles Event proved this was the very bad day for the top seeds at the STAG 2017 European Championships. Shocks abounded in the Round of 16; against expectations Swede Anton KALLBERG departed following the footsteps of Romani’s Adina DIACONU just hour earlier.   The player who upset the order of merit was Marek BADOWSKI of Poland (1-11 7-11 8-11 11-9 11-6 11-5 5-11).   “I worked hard for this tournament but three weeks ago I suffered from the injury. I recovered and luckily the break effected positively on my play. I feel very fresh and I am happy with my game ” said BADOWSKI who is seeded at the position no. 27 in Sochi.   Polish player started in a fast line but it looked like KALLBERG will be able to recover after being 0:3 down.   “I am inspired when I have the opportunity to play against such good players like Anton is. I had confidence and that helped me to start good. When KALLBERG pushed to the decider again it was my faith that I could win that prevailed.”   Seeded only at the position no 36 17 years Tom JARVIS of England beat no. 8 seed Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic (10-12 11-9 11-8 8-11 5-11 8-11).   “I won the Spanish open and I have few quarterfinals at open competitions but I never managed to pass the Round of 32 at the major events. It is because I am always very nervous. Here I came without any pressure ” explained JARVIS.   It was first official duel between Tom and POLANSKY.   The departure of the favorites continued with Cristian PLETEA of Romania. Seeded no. 6. QIU Dang of Germany listed at the position no 14 at the seeding moved to the quarterfinal (11-8 11-13 11-13 11-13 10-12 11-9 8-11).   “I am very fast but I did not underestimated the fact that PLETEA moved very good around the table. It was very difficult match for me ” sad QIU.   Deni KOZUL of Slovenia beat Anders LIND of Denmark (11-8 13-11 9-11 4-11 9-11 3-11).   “I lost recently against him in Austria I played against him here in the group stage and won after six games. For sure I knew I have to expect the tough game. I was focus on good service and return ” said KOZUL.   Darko JORGIC of Slovenia was in the fast lane in the match against Rares SIPOS (12-10 11-7 11-6 11-9). In the duel between Martin ALLEGRO of Belgium and Patryk ZATOWKA of Poland is very much opposite scenario (11-9 11-6 8-11 6-11 11-7 6-11 11-4).   “I won two opening game and then ZATOWKA started to play much better. Together with that game my confidence also abounded me and I lost three games in the row. Luckily my forehand improved and I managed to win in the decider ” said ALLEGRO.   Killian ORT of Germany progressed to the quarter final after he accounted for Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS (11-9 3-11 6-11 11-8 11-8 12-10).   “SGOUROPOULOS has very strong blocks. I had to put big effort to stay close to the table and to keep the game under control ” said ORT.   Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia beat his club-mate from Hungary Nandor ECSEKI.   “We know each other very well. We played and practice together. In numbers Nandor has advantage when we are speaking of wins ” said PUCAR. “The most important thing is that I came here with completely different psychology. I lost so many matches because I was nervous. Now I am calm and focused ” explain PUCAR.

European STAG Under 21 Championships   The Round of 16 in Women’s Singles Event at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships was filled with the surprises.   The start of knock out phase brought the departure of the top seeded Adina DIACONU of Romania. The adversary was not to be underestimated; former European Youth Champion and World’s no 115 Chantal MANTZ of Germany beat Adina in six games (11-4 11-7 7-11 7-11 12-10 12-10). MANTZ is also seeded at the high position she is no. three in Sochi.   “This early clash was my fault. I lost yesterday in the Group against Croatia’s Dorina SREBRNJAK so I concluded that stage at position no. two ” explained MANTZ. “It was very difficult match against Adina. I started good but Adina adjusted to my tactics recovered and forced me to change my game.”   The list of upsets continued with the defeat of no. 5 seed Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania against Ekaterina GUSEVA of Russia (9-11 9-11 11-9 5-11 10-12).   “After two close games I took to many risks in third. At 9:9I missed and lost that game. It scared me a little ” said GUSEVA who pointed this was their first duel at the major event. ”I wanted to attack first to be in the game with the good first ball.”   One of the most pleasant surprises at the tournament is young Zdena BLASKOVA of Czech Republic. She will turn 16 next week but she certainly earned respect among older contesters at the U21 Championship. On her way to the top 8 players in women’s Singles Event Zdena was required to play both group stages and successfully prevailed.   “I was very nervous at the start. In the first phase Charlotte CAREY of Wales was in my Group. I was three games to one in reverse; she had a match point at 7:10…And then I have won it. It did not get easier in the proceedings but I am very happy with my performance ” said BLASKOVA.   Against Tatiana KUKULKOVA Zdena succeeded in straight games (11-3 11-7 11-8 14-12).   “The most important thing for me was to satay focused. I struggled a little at the end but I got my grip and finished the match without making unnecessary drama ” said Zdena.   Maria TAILAKOVA of Russia beat Alina NIKITCHANKA of Belarus (11-9 11-7 11-4 14-16 11-7).   “After I won the opening game I was in the driving seat. It was only important not to lose the focus. I had to stick to the tactics. I know very well her style of play and I expected she will make me suffer for each ball but I was prepared for hard rallies.”   Klara CAKOL of Croatia lost against Natalia BAJOR of Poland (11-8 6-11 9-11 9-11 7-11); ZHANG Xuan Xu of Spain prevailed against Veronica MOSCONI of Italy (11-3 11-7 11-6 9-11 11-6) Lisa LUNG of Belgium overcame Tin Tin Ho of England (11-7 11-1 6-11 11-8 3-11 11-7) Andrea PAVLOVIC of Croatia suffered by the hands of WAN Yuan of Germany (7-11 13-11 8-11 1-0-12 8-11)    

The draw for the European Team Championships Qualification – Play Off Matches will take place today (Saturday 4thFebruary 2017) starting 18.30 CET in the venue of the ITTF-Europe Top 16 Cup in Juan-Les-Pins Antibes France. The draw will be live streamed on www.ettu.org