After four consecutive years of reaching Women’s Team finals Romania finally made it to the very top of the podium as European Champions. In a gripping final they overcame the reigning champions from Germany halting their quest for four team titles in a row. The final started with the match between Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania and HAN Ying of Germany. The top player in the German team and ranked number 3 in Europe HAN Ying took the opening game against the Romanian player ranked at number 7 in Europe 11-9. SAMARA kept her patience against the defence and took the second game 12-10. HAN Ying’s attacks proved equally as dangerous as her defensive shots and despite Elizabeta’s great efforts the German took a 2-1 lead winning the third game 11-9. After SAMARA won the fourth 11-8 she was in the ascendency and in a nerve wrecking decider sealed the game 11-7 to take an important 1-0 match lead. “It was fantastic match; very difficult. We expected that there were no surprises in that department. I was prepared for the long rallies against HAN Ying ” said SAMARA.   Romania’s Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN Europe’s number 14 player then faced SHAN Xiaona the number 6 European Representing Germany. It was SHAN Xiaona who was in solid form taking the match in straight games 3-0 (11-6 11-6 11-7) to level the overall match at 1-1.   Nina MITTELHAM started aggressively for Germany in the third match but Europe’s number 20 Bernadette SZOCS put on a focussed and determined performance. It dodn’t take long for Bernie’s victorious screams to be heard as she won a string of points and finally came through 3-1 (11:5 11:5 6:11 11:6).   On her second return to the table SHAN Xiaona was as determined as she had been in her previous match against MONTEIRO DODEAN. She won the two opening games 11-5 11-5 but then lost a thrilling third 17-15 before re-taking a grip on the match and winning the fourth game 11-3 to level the overall match at 2-2. And so the fist Team final of the day was going to a fifth and final match decider. Who would have the nerve focus desire and ability to pull it off for their team and nation? In an incredible demonstration of power feeling and concentration Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN took a real control by winning the first two games 11-4 and 11-8. Then the pendulum swung in third game. It seemed that MONTEIRO DODEAN had lost her patience. HAN Ying put in a concerted shift to close further but it was the Romanian who prevailed to win the fourth 12-10 and seal the gold medal for her team. Collapsing on the floor in sheer delight her team mates joined her on court and hugs and delight followed. “I had never beated HAN Ying and I just felt that my time had to come. I am so happy that she did not make a fully recovery after I was 2:0 up. In the case of 2:2 it will be different scenario. I will be under greater pressure and who knows how my body will respond to such a long match ” said MONTEIRO DODEAN.   Romania’s coach Viorel FILIMON who was clearly over the moon with the result explained why there was so much emotion “”I waited 12 years for this gold. Finally we reached it. We did not have any special preparation our main weapon was great quality of each player. The team told me at the beginning that each of them must win one match. They stuck to it until the end and they did it ” said FILIMON. Congratulations Romania!   WOMEN’S TEAM FINAL: ROMANIA v GERMANY (2-3) Elizabeta SAMARA – HAN Ying 3:2 (9:11 12:10 9:11 11:8 11:7) Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN – SHAN Xiaona 0:3 (6:11 6:11 7:11) Bernadette SZOCS – Nina MITTELHAM 3:1 (11:5 11:5 6:11 11:6) Elizabeta SAMARA – SHAN Xiaona 1:3 (8:11 9:11 17:15 3:11) Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN – HAN Ying 3:1 (11:4 11:8 4:11 12:10)   Germany regain the title at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships    For a seventh time in their history Germany is at the top of table tennis in Europe. They were crowned Champions in the Men’s Teams Event at the LIBEHERR ITTF Championships in Luxembourg.   It was the second time Portugal and Germany met in the final of the Men’s Team’s Event at the European Championships; the outcome being very different to their last encounter in the final in Lisbon 2015 when Germany suffered defeat against the home team.   Europe’s number 2 Timo BOLL had a shaky start against the player currently ranked at the position number 4 in Europe Marcos FREITAS. By the narrowest of margins Portugal’s player took the opening game 11-9 before BOLL levelled with an 11-7 win. This tense contest continued with FREITAS clinching in an entertaining 15-13 battle. Then BOLL found an extra gear to take the fourth game 11-5 and once again the crowd was treated to a deciding game match in d’Coque. FREITAS was smooth in his execution throughout the decisive game and had three match points at 10-7 only to be pinned back by a fighting BOLL who went on to take five points in a row to win 12-10 for a 3-2 victory. A crucial and cruel first match for Portugal but such is sport something BOLL suffered recently in China on the ITTF World Tour in the final against his compatriot OVTCHAROV. “Marcus and I know each other very well. At the World Championships we also played a very close game so I spend a lot of time preparing for this match. He is also very intelligent; it is very challenging to play against him. He forces you to play at the highest level all time ” said Timo BOLL. Marcus reflected on his chances “I had match ball and everything could be different ” explained FREITAS. Europe’s leading player Dimitrij OVTCHAROV showed no

For a seventh time in history Germany is at the top of the Europe. They clinched the gold medal in the Men’s Teams Event at the LIBEHERR ITTF Championships in Luxembourg.   It was the second time Portugal and Germany meet in the final of the Men’s Team’s Event at the European Championships; the outcome being very different to their most last encounter in the final in Lisbon 2015 when Germany suffered defeat.   Europe’s no two Timo BOLL had a shaky start against the player currently ranked at the position no. four Marcos FREITAS. By narrow margin Portugal’s player took the opening game before Timo leveled. Tense contest continued with FREITAS clinched third game by 15:13 but once again BOLL responded in furious style to push the match into the decisive game. Marcos was first to reach the match ball at 10:7 BOLL reduced the difference; leveled and win the match (9:11 11:7 13:15 11:5 12:10).   “Marcus and I know each other very well. At the World Champion ships we also played very close game so I spend a lot of time preparing for this match. He is also very intelligent; it is very challenging to play against him. He forces you to play at the highest level all time ” said Timo BOLL.   Marcus had his chances.   “I had match ball and everything could be different ” explained FREITAS.   Europe’s leading player Dimitrij OVTCHAROV showed no mercy against Europe’s no. seven Tiago APOLONIA. In the second game APOLONIA responded but his efforts were denied by very powerful performance of Dimitrij 3:0 (11:6 11:7 11:9).   “We were determent to regain the title that we lost in Lisbon ” said OVTCHAROV.   Patrick FRANZISKA no. 11 in Europe had a game ball but it was Joao MONTEIRO Europe’s no. 20 who won it at 10:12. After Patrick lost the first game he regained the control to seal the match in four games.   “My teammates helped me with 2:0. I was not under pressure. Even in the first game I had 10:7 so I could sealed the match earlier ” said FRANZISKA.   MONTEIRO summarised:”We won five matches in the row. It is hard when you lost the final but generally we had a good tournament here.” Germany – Portugal 3:0   Timo BOLL – Marcos FREITAS 3:2 (9:11 11:7 13:15 11:5 12:10) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV – Tiago APOLONIA 3:0 (11:6 11:7 11:9) Patrick FRANZISKA – Joao MONTEIRO 3:0 (10:12 11:6 11:9 11:5)   Men’s Team Final Positions   1       GERMANY 2       PORTUGAL 3       SLOVENIA 3       FRANCE 5       SWEDEN 6       CROATIA 7       UKRAINE 8       GREECE 9       SPAIN 10      AUSTRIA 11      ROMANIA 12      POLAND 13      SLOVAK REPUBLIC 14      RUSSIA 15      BELARUS 16      LUXEMBOURG 17      DENMARK 18      TURKEY 19      BELGIUM 20      HUNGARY 21      CZECH REPUBLIC 22      ITALY 23      NETHERLANDS 24      LITHUANIA 25      ENGLAND 26      FINLAND 27      ISRAEL 28      SWITZERLAND 29      SERBIA 30      BULGARIA 31      IRELAND 32      ESTONIA 3       AZERBAIJAN 34      BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 35      MONTENEGRO 36      SCOTLAND 37      LATVIA 38      NORWAY 39      WALES 40      MACEDONIA 41      CYPRUS 42      KOSOVO  

After four consecutive finals Romania finally clinched gold metal. At the ultimate stage of the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships they overcame reigning champions from Germany and halted their progress to the fourth title.   The final started with the match between Elizabeta SAMARA and HAN Ying. First player in Germany’s team ranked at the position no. 3 in Europe faced Europe’s no. seven. Two years ago in Ekaterinburg it was Bernadette SZOCS who opened the match but this time we saw the clash of top players in their respective teams at the very beginning.   In the opening game for SAMARA it was difficult to find the path through the stonewall defensive skills of HAN Ying but after SAMARA lost the opening game she kept her patience and won the second one. HAN’s attacks proved equally dangerous so despite Elizabet’s great efforts Germany’s player keep the game leveled forcing the set to close finish and eventually – the 2:1 lead.   Fourth game started with 3:0 for SAMARA and despite good performance that allowed HAN to reduce the arrears SAMARA pushed to decider. In the nerves wrecking fifth game Elizabeta was in the lead from the beginning and proved stronger in the finish (9:11 12:10 9:11 11:8 11:7).   “It was fantastic match; very difficult. We expected that there were no surprise in that department. I was prepared for the long rallies against HAN ”said SAMARA.   Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN Europe’s no. 14 faced SHAN Xiaona no. 6 at the Old Continent. Unlike the previous match SHANA halted any attempt of Daniela to make it dramatic. Two opening games concluded by 11:6 and despite Daniela’s early lead in third game the match concluded in straight games.   Nina MITTELHAM started aggressively but Europe’s no. 20 Bernadette SZOCS was ready for the challenge. She stroke back by the same power and it did not take long before we heard Bernie’s victorious scream. Supported by the crowd from Luxembourg Nina had an early lead in the second game but Bernadette very quickly closed the door again. In third game Nina gained control but just to prolonged to fourth when SZOCS sealed the match (11:5 11:5 6:11 11:6).   On her second return to the table SHAN was equally determined like in the duel against Daniela. She won two opening games against SAMARA in impressive style. Elizabeta only managed to win third game before SHAN moved to another gear to finish the match.   Powerful performance gave Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN quick lead 1:0 in games against HAN Ying. Much closer game followed but still Daniela was in driving seat. The pendulum swung in third game. It seamed that DODEAN lost her patience. HAN reduced the diference but Daniel stayed at the winning path and sealed the match.   “I never beat HAN and I just felt that time have come. I am so happy that she did not make fully recovery after I was 2:0 up. In case of 2:2 it will be different scenario. I will be under greater pressure and who knows how my body will respond to such long match ” said DODEAN.   Romania’s coach Viorel FILIMON explained.   “I waited 12 years for this gold. Finally we reached it. We did not have any special preparation our main weapon was great quality of each player. Girs told me at the beginning that each must win one match. They stick to it until the end and they reach the final ” said FILIMON.   Romania – Germany 3:2 Elizabeta SAMARA – HAN Ying 3:2 (9:11 12:10 9:11 11:8 11:7) Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN – SHAN Xiaona 0:3 (6:11 6:11 7:11) Bernadette SZOCS – Nina MITTELHAM 3:1 (11:5 11:5 6:11 11:6) Elizabeta SAMARA – SHAN Xiaona 1:3 (8:11 9:11 17:15 3:11) Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN – HAN Ying 3:1 (11:4 11:8 4:11 12:10)     FINAL STANDINGS   1       ROMANIA 2       GERMANY 3       NETHERLANDS 3       RUSSIA 5       HUNGARY 6       AUSTRIA 7       POLAND 8       PORTUGAL 9       CZECH REPUBLIC 10      FRANCE 11      LUXEMBOURG 12      SWEDEN 13      UKRAINE 14      CROATIA 15      BELARUS 16      SPAIN 17      SLOVENIA 18      SWITZERLAND 19      ITALY 20      AZERBAIJAN 21      SERBIA 22      TURKEY 23      ENGLAND 24      LITHUANIA 25      BELGIUM 26      GREECE 27      SLOVAK REPUBLIC 28      WALES 29      ISRAEL 30      BULGARIA 31      DENMARK 32      FINLAND 33      NORWAY 34      ESTONIA 35      BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 36      LATVIA 37      SCOTLAND 38      MACEDONIA  

The European Table Tennis Union is delighted to announce Galia DVORAK (Spain) as the new Chair of its Athletes’ Commission. Galia will be a co-opted member of the Executive Board for a four year term with the remit of representing the interests and views of table tennis players in Europe.” How do you feel about the new position?   “Well of course I’m very happy but I could say that I feel a little pressure because I would like to do a good job and be useful in this position. My duties will be to coordinate communication between the players and the ETTU board.” What are your goals and specific objectives?   “My goal is for the ideas and thoughts of the players to be heard. From the couple of meetings I have attended with ETTU members of the Executive Board are really open to improve things. At the moment there are lots of changes happening in international table tennis and at European level for example the ranking system and changes to the system of the European competitions. I would like to see the ideas of the ETTU about these competitions are acceptable for the players.” What would you like to do differently or better than your predecessor?   “I’m not really aware of what kind of job he did or what he was doing well or wrong so I cannot really say what I can do better but I will do for sure the best I can. I am a very open person: I speak many languages I’ve been playing for national team for so many years so I know so many-many-many players but still I am young only 29 and I expect to play a few more years so I can give also this input or a vision as a player.   Table Tennis legend Vladimir SAMSONOV (BLR) is the re-elected Chairman of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Athletes’ Commission. Will you ask for his advice before difficult decisions?   “I have a good relationship with Vladimir. I think that we will exchange opinions. I guess everyone can because he is a really nice person. I can also get some of his inputs and ideas also some of his experience I can learn something from him.   “Table tennis has been present in my life since my childhood because my parents were also international table tennis players. I am coached and trained by my mother Flora Khasanova. I am also right-handed and use the classic grip. I made my official debut as a 20-year-old at the 2008 Summer Olympics and I have qualified for three Summer Olympics overall. I am a team member of the Spanish Women’s Team in Liebherr 2017 ITTF-European Team Championships. I am ranked no. 105 in the world by the ITTF and no 37. in the European by the ETTU.”  

Starting from 2018 the European Teams Championships will be played over a period of two years and be concluded with the final stage with 24 men’s teams and 24 women’s teams in odd numbered years.   The European Teams Championships will commence in the preceding year with stages one and two. They will be played over a period up to 18 months. The winner of the previous European Championships and the host for the final stage of the Championships will not take part in Stage One and will proceed directly to the final stage of the Championships.   There will be Groups A and B. Groups A will be with 18 teams those who finished in position 2-19 (or 2-20 if the host finished among those positions) of the previous Championships. There will be six groups each of three teams. They will play a double round robin with two home matches and two away matches. The six group winners and six group runners up will proceed directly to the final stage of the Championships. The position 3 teams will proceed to Stage Two to compete for the remaining places in the final stage.   All other entered teams will play in Groups B. There will be groups with three or four teams depending on the number of entered teams. They will play a double round robin with home and away matches. Depending on the number of groups 8 10 or 12 teams from the Groups B will proceed to stage 2 to compete for the remaining 10 places in the final stage (together with the six teams from the Groups A).   In Stage Two six teams from the Groups A and at least eight from the Groups B will play in Stage Two for the remaining 10 places (or 11 places if the winner of the previous European Championships will be the host for the final stage of the Championships) in the final stage. There will be groups with three or four teams. The matches will be played with a round robin system during one weekend and one host per group for the remaining 10 places in the final stage.   The final stage will be organised in September or October over a period of 6 days. The winner of previous European Championships the host Association and 22 teams which have proceeded through stage 1 and stage 2 will contest the final stage.   Those 24 teams are entitled to play for the title of European Team Champion. There will be eight groups of three teams each. Will play a complete round robin (2 matches per team). Teams finishing in 2nd and 3rd positions in the groups have completed their matches. Group winners proceed to the quarter-finals. From the quarter-finals the knockout system will be used. The winner will be the European Champion.   The aim of this change is to have a more exciting European Championships to attract more attention from media spectators and TV/internet. The European Championships start with the First Stage and all the participating associations has the possibility to be European Team Champion. This is not always possible in the current system. Many of the team qualification matches (home and away) in the current system finished 3:0 and were therefore not attractive for the spectators and media. The close matches between teams of nearly the same level and the play-off matches were exciting. Therefore we are creating a system with A and B groups in stage 1. As a vast majority of Associations appreciated home matches this principle is been kept.   To have all Associations participating means a very costly exercise for the organisers: accommodation transport cost of venue equipment umpires etc. The current format needs a venue with at least 16-20 tables. A final stage with 24 teams requires only 8 tables. This will give more Associations the possibility to apply for hosting the final stage.    

The main decision voted at the ETTU Congress held during the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg is that European Teams Championships in odd numbered years will be concluded with the final stage with 24 men’s teams and 24 women’s teams.   In favour of this proposition were 30 delegates and 9 were against. The proposal for 16 teams in the final stages was defeated with 32 votes against.   Previously appointed Honorary Members Stefano BOSI (Italy) Jean Francois KAHN (France) and Camille GONDERINGER (Luxembourg) were present in Luxembourg and the awards were presented.   Badge of Honour were awarded to Victor ANDREEV (Russia) Volodymyr GEVORGIZOV (Ukraine) Taisei IMAMURA (Japan) Matja KRNC (Slovenia) Roman MARKOV (Russia) Alexander PETKEVICH (Belarus) Andreas PREUSS (Germany) Gunter RENNER (Austria) Beatrice ROMANESCU (Romania) Peter SARTZ (Sweden) Milan STENCEL (Croatia) Petra SORLING (Sweden)  

Day 4 at the LIEBHERR 2017 ITTF European Championships produced thrilling action and intriguing results. Three of the four semi-finals today went the distance the other was a clear affair.   Holders Germany moved into the Women’s final with a hard fought 3-2 victory against the Netherlands but did it the hard way trialling 0-1 and 1-2 before getting over the line.   It was Dutch team which was only ranked third in their Group who had the better start. LI Jie (European number 3) needed four games to overcome SHAN Xiaona (European number 2) 3-1 (11:13 11:8 15:13 11:8) but it did not took long before the champions struck back. HAN Ying responded fiercely beating Britt EERLAND (2:11 3:11 5:11).   Kim VERMAAS 21 years old gave Netherlands another chance. She overcame Germany’s youngster 20 years old Nina MITTELHAM (11:7 7:11 6:11 11:7 11:9) to give the Netherlands a 2:1 lead.   The crucial match was the one between LI Jie and HAN Ying. HAN Ying failed to convert opportunities in the two opening games and she was 0:2 down before she rebuilt her challenge to succeed 3-2 (13:11 12:10 7:11 11:6 11:6) to level the match at 2-2.   The decisive fifth match was won by SHAN Xiaona who overcame Britt EERLAND 3-1 (6:11 5:11 11:3 9:11) to seal the match and take Germany into tomorrow’s final.   This is Germany’s chance to win the Women’s Team for a third successive time.   “I did not expect such a close game against Netherlands. I knew we will need a lot of patience but to be honest I thought they would not put us under such pressure. However against Britt I did not have any problems. She is not very comfortable with my defensive style of play ” said HAN Ying.   “I was too passive at the beginning. I made same mistakes in the match against Britt EERLAND in the third game like I did against LI but luckily I recovered fast with aggressive approach ” said match winner SHAN Xiaona.   With some tears in her eyes Britt EERLAND found the strength to look at the defeat from a positive angle “I am sad we were very close. We came a long way by making the upset and beating Czech Republic in our group for the place in the top 8. I also avenged my Olympic Games defeat in the match against Austria and after 2011 we are at the medal rostrum again; it is wonderful result for such young team ” said Britt.   In the other semi-final Romania were in superb form on their quest for gold and like 2015 in Ekaterinburg and in 2013 in Schwechat they will meet Germany. In both previous occasions as well as in 2011 and 2010 against Netherlands the team was halted at the ultimate hurdle.    “We want that gold again. We won so many silver medals now it is time for the title. It is going to be an open match against Germany. It will be all about tactics and the right team draw but I believe we can make it ” said Elizabeta SAMARA.   They reached the final after an impressive straight match victory over Russia although it did not start that well. Elizabeta SAMARA currently ranked no. 7 in Europe was stretched to the limit in the opening match against Yana NOSKOVA Europe’s no. 39 (11:9 6:11 1:11 11:8 11:7).   “We played together for four years in the same club. Russia’s national coach was my coach in the same club. If you look to the picture from that perspective it says much. There was no way I can prepare some special tactics my ultimate advantage was my mental strength.” explained SAMARA.   Daniela MONTEIRO DODEAN concluded her match in furious style. Polina MIKHAILOVA was always behind and MONTEIRO DODEAN came through 3-0 (11:6 11:7 11:9).   “I have to admit I was afraid of this match. Polina played in superb shape here in Luxembourg. On the other side I am not very happy when I have to play against the player with defensive style. She is not entirely defensive player she is also good with attack but nevertheless I study her game very well because I knew it is not going to be easy ” said Daniela.   Bernadette SZOCS overcame Olga VOROBEVA 3:1 (15:17 13:11 11:7 11:5) to secure the semi-final victory comfortably 3-0.   “It is good for the team spirit and self confidence that we all won point each. I am so happy that I contributed ” said SZOCS.   Polina was clearly disappointed “Today was not our day because we played less well than expected and also anticipated a better result than 3-0. We haven’t played the Romanian team for a number of years and we have never beaten them but we are aware that a bronze medal is the lowest objective we wanted to achieve here as a Russian national team. Some matches and games today were really close but I cannot say that I or the others did anything wrong or that we lacked the mental strength to turn around games or matches when we were 2-1 up plus a lead in the 4th game. On some days you win such matches and on others you don’t.”    In the Men’s first semi-final it was Champions from Lisbon 2015 team of Portugal who booked their place in the final in Luxembourg. The drama that preceded this victory delivered the very best of table tennis to the spectators in the d’Coque. France the team with three titles so far has to settle with the bronze medal this time.   It was Tiago APOLONIA who started the ball rolling overcoming Simon GAUZY in a surprisingly 3-0 victory (11:4 11:4 11:8).    “Maybe it looked easy but it was far from that. I played very good and maybe that made an illusion it was an easy match ” said

Germany will meet Portugal tomorrow in the final of the Men’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships. It will be their second encounter in the final of the Continental Championships. Previously in 2014 they lost their title in Lisbon. In the semi final Germany succeeded against the team who cased the bigest upset by reaching the medal rostrum – Slovenia 3:2.   The match commenced with surprising defeat of Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. The player who created the upset was young Darko JORGIC (11:13 6:11 11:6 8:11).   “Dima had some problems with his stomach. He was not feeling well ” explained Timo BOLL.   BOLL on the other side was at the top of his game. He was lethally accurate and he showed no mercy against Bojan TOKIC (11:5 11:7 11:4).   “I am very satisfied with my game. I was confident and I moved very well. I am fit and when I am in shape like this it is really hard for anyone to beat me ” reflected BOLL.   Patrick FRANZISKA was next in line against Jan ZIBRAT. He prevailed instraight matches (11:3 11:6 11:8).   “ZIBRAT and I played at the European Youth Championship few years ago together. He was my doubles partner. I was very focused and prepared for this duel ” said Patrick.   Despite enormous task experienced TOKIC showed great spirit. At 2:1 for Germany he pushed for decider. TOKIC kept his patience to overcame defensive skills of Ruwen FILUS (11:8 13:15 10:12 8:11).   “I was not happy with the prospect of fifth match but I was ready. You cannot deny the great game that Slovenia showed at this Championships. “   In 2014 German team was shattered with injuries when they played final against Portugal.   “Now we are complete. Nevertheless Portugal’s team is very dangerous. It is hard to play against them because they are very motivated. They are in fire. It is the only team beside China who beat us in this system of play ” concluded BOLL.  

Champions from Lisbon 2015 team of Portugal booked their place in the final of the LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships in Luxembourg. The drama that preceded this victory delivered the very best of table tennis to the spectators in beautiful D Coque. France the team with three titles so far has to settle with the bronze medal.   The way the match started it did not promised a long fight. Tiago APOLONIA overcame Simon GAUZY in straight matches (4:11 4:11 8:11).   “Maybe it looked easy but it was far from that. I played very good and maybe that made a illusion it was the easy match ” said APOLONIA. ”There are no easy matches at this Championships. All the adversaries are very dangerous. I guess that every team from the top went through heavy challenges. The team of Germany is the only real favorite here.”   Marcos FREITAS put Portugal in the driving seat with the 3:1 win over European singles champion from Budapest last year Emmanuel LEBESSON (2:11 8:11 11:9 9:11) but the pendulum swung in the next match. Quentin ROBINOT beat Joao MONTEIRO (11:9 11:1 9:11 7:11 11:9). After 2:0 for Robinot MONETEIRO recovered but he could not kept the momentum alive.   “It was very close game. He had 7:2 in the opening game and who knows what could happened if he won…In this kind of matches one or two balls decides everything.”   In the fourth game instead of GAUZY Tristan FLORE entered the arena to play against Marcos FREITAS. Earlier this year at the World Championships in Dusseldorf FLORE played against FREITAS came back from 3:0 to level the match but lost by narrow margin 12:10 in seventh game. This time he prevailed in straight games (12:10 11:8 11:9).   In the last match APOLONIA was in the game again and once again he succeeded. This time against LEBESSON.   “I can only repeat that I played good like in the opening match but it is a great difference when you start at 0:0 and when you return to the game at 2:2 especially after you face the adversary who recovered from two matches to null in reverse. They were on fire and I was under great pressure ” explained APOLONIA.