Current European champions open the 2016 PERFECT World Team TT Championships against Thailand (February 28th, 03:00 CET), Both German teams landed in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, 19:40 local time, and last two days have practiced in the Malawati Arena, prior the 2016 PERFECT World Team TT Championships (February 28th – March 6th). Women’s national team, current European champion, is posted on the 7th place in the seeding list, sharing Group B with Japan (no. 2 on the world list), Korea DPR (no. 9), Czech Republic (no. 15), Thailand (no. 18) and Brazil (no. 26). It’s obvious that Petrissa SOLJA & Company will face tough challenge, in their attempt to reach second quarterfinals in a row, after ZEN-NOH 2014 World Team Championships in Tokyo. The 2015 ITTF World Cup bronze medalist, Petrissa SOLJA (world’s no. 17) is expected to take a leading role in absence of HAN Ying and SHAN Xiaona, accompanied with Irene IVANCAN (no. 44), Sabine WINTER (no. 58), Kristin SILBEREISEN (no. 69) and Nina MITTELHAM (no. 112). SILBEREISEN is unique member of the bronze winning team from 2010 Moscow WCH. After that Championship, German side played twice in the quarterfinals (two years ago they were beaten by Hong Kong 3:0). Sport director Richard PRAUSE stated after the last workouts of the women’s national team, that the first aim is to enter the knockout stage. It means to finish among the top three teams in Group B at least.
Title for Andreas LEVENKO
2016 Swedish Junior and Cadet Open in Örebro, Andreas LEVENKO of Austria clinched the title in the Junior Boys’ Singles event at the 2016 Swedish Junior and Cadet Open in Örebro. Yuko KATO of Japan succeeded to the gold in the Junior Girls’ Singles event. In the final LEVENKO beat Japan’s Yu KAYAMA 4:2 (7-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 18-16, 11-7), whilst in the penultimate round Austria’s player overcame another Japan’s representative Tomokazu HARIMOTO (8-11,11-8,6-11,7-11,8-11). In Junior Girls’ Singles final KATO overcame Filippa BERGAND of Sweden (9-11, 11-6, 1-11,4-11,7-11), after she overcame her compatriot Miyu NAGASAKI (4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5, 13-11). Japan’s partnership of Tomokazu HARIMOTO and Yukiya UDA overcame Leo DE NODREST and Joe SEYFRIED of France in the Doubles (11-5, 11-6, 15-13). Previously, newly crowned champions beat Aoto ASAZU and Takeru KASHIWA of Japan (9-11,11-9,4-11,11-5,11-8). DE NODREST and SEYFRIED also succeeded against Japan’s Koyo KANAMITSU and Yuta TANAKA (11-9,9-11,8-11,9-11). Filippa BERGAND and Erika FRONT of Sweden reached the top step at the medal rostrum. They overcame LEE Ka Yee and WONG Chin Yau of Hong Kong in the final of the Junior Girls’ Doubles Event (9-11,11-7,11-7,11-13,11-8). In semis BERGAND and FRONT overcame another Hong Kong’s pairings LIU Qi and MAK Tze Wing (8-11,12-14,10-12). Kristina KAZANTSEVA and Anastasia KOLISH of Russia reached the bronze medal.
Netherlands targets more than quarterfinals
The best ranked European side at the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships starts its campaign against Ukraine, this Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Four times quarterfinalist in a row, Netherlands women’s national team is determined to repeat that achievement at least on the Perfect 2016 World Team Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which starts this Sunday. As the best ranked European country (no. 3, behind China and Japan), they will try to make one more step and reach first ever medal. The same trio – LI Jie (world’s no. 18), LI Jiao (no. 25) and Britt EERLAND (no. 99) – will emerge in the Netherlands line-up. Two years ago, at the ZEN-NOH 2014 World Team Championships in Tokyo, they started from 15th place at the seeding list, but progressed to the quarterfinals. After three defeats during the group stage (South Korea 2:3, Luxembourg 3:1, Singapore 1:3, France 3:0, Russia 2:3), triple European champions showed their best in the Round 16 clash against Chinese Taipei (3:0). Quarterfinal duel with Japan was tied after four matches, but in the decisive one Britt EERLAND lost to Kasumi ISHIKAWA 3:2 (11:8, 11:7, 8:11, 9:11, 11:6). The 43 year-old LI Jiao is ready to lead her side again, after four consecutive quarterfinals: 2008 Guangzhou, 2010 Moscow, 2012 Dortmund and 2014 Tokyo. Double individual European champion (Belgrade 2007, Gdansk-Sopot 2011) shows an impressive steadiness in almost two decades in the table tennis. After all, she is the winner of inaugural 2015 European Games in Baku, beating in the final her team mate from the national teammate, LI Jie. Moreover, they secured gold for Netherlands in the Team Event. Bearing in mind LI Jie`s silver at the 2015 ITTF European Championships, four months ago in Yekaterinburg, Netherlands has one more reason for optimism.
PRIMORAC leads Croatian team in Kuala Lumpur
The latest change in Croatian men’s team: Frane KOJIC replaces Tomislav KOLAREK who withdraws due to back injury, Croatian men’s national team suffered one change on the eve of PERFECT 2016 World Team TT Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (28th February – 6th March): Frane KOJIC replaced Tomislav KOLAREK who was forced to withdraw due to back injury. Head Coach Zvonimir KORENIC earlier announced four names: Andrej GACINA, TAN Ruiwu, Zoran PRIMORAC and Tomislav PUCAR. KORENIC explained that even GACINA, the best ranked Croatian player, has some health problems, but world’s no. 18 will be ready for the forthcoming event in Kuala Lumpur. The 1993 individual bronze medalist from Gothenburg, Zoran PRIMORAC (47-year-old) will participate 18th time in a World Championships. He first appeared in 1987 in New Delhi, winning silver medals in Doubles Event, with Ilija LUPULESKU.
GERELL withdraws due to injury, Jon PERSSON replaces him
National team of Sweden departs to Kuala Lumpur without its best ranked player, Sweden men’s national team will not emerge with three Top 50 players at the PERFECT 2016 World Team TT Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (28th February – 6th March) – what was the initial plan of Coach Marcus SJOBERG. Currently the best ranked member of the four times World champion, Par GERELL (world no. 30) had to withdraw due to long time elbow injury and Jon PERSSON (no. 85) was chosen to replace him. After this change, Marcus SJOBERG counts on Kristian KARLSSON (no. 36, club Pontoise, France), Mattias KARLSSON (no. 45, Halmstad BTK, Sweden), Anton KALLBERG (no. 69, TTC Hagen, Germany) and Jon PERSSON (no. 85, Vaillante Sports Angers, France). „Jon (PERSSON) has been here before with us and always did well. He is recognized as a good team player”, stated Coach Marcus SJÖBERG to website of STTA. On of memorable victories of Sweden men’s national team is connected with Kuala Lumpur. Jan-Ove WALDNER, Jorgen PERSSON, Peter KARLSSON and Frederic HAKANSSON beat there Chinese stars KONG Linghui, LIU Guoliang, MA Lin and WANG Liqin in the gold medal clash. It was their last title at the World Championships.
SCHLAGER: I didn’t forget anything…
The 43-year-old is looking forward to play at the PERFECT 2016 World Team TT Championships, Three years after his retirement on the 2013 LEIBHERR World Championships in Paris, the 43-year-old Werner SCHLAGER is ready for his comeback at the Perfect 2016 World Team TT Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (February 28th – March 6th). As Austrian Table Tennis Association (OTTV) announced four days ago, the 2003 individual world champion will replace diseased Daniel HABESOHN. „Since the start of the school of my son in September, I have again practiced regularly both, table tennis and gym. I quickly realized that I didn’t forget anything”, stated Werner SCHLAGER speaking for OTTV website. Austrian legend saw peak of his career in 2003, when he beat Korean JOO Saehyuk 4:2 (11:9, 11:6, 6:11, 12:10, 8:11, 12:10) at the World Championship final in Paris. In the same city, three years ago, he was beaten by Patrick BAUM in straight games of Round 64. Both, Werner SCHLAGER and OTTV stressed that easily agreed about his return after bad news from Daniel HABESOHN. Austrian national coach QIAN Qianli was fully convinced in his decision after SCHLAGER`s play at the recent Energis Masters Cup in Saarlouis, where he defeated, among others, the actual European Championsh Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. The last non-Asian player who won World Championships, will inscribe his 17th appearance at these events. He debuted in Chiba in 1991. Beside individual gold from 2003, his best achievement is 1999 Eindhoven bronze medal in Singles Event. Regarding national team, two 5th places stands as his best results.
President KRAMER and Secretary General SCRUTON paid a visit to Turkish TTF
European Olympic Singles Qualification Tournament, February 17th -19th, President Ronald KRAMER and Secretary General Richard SCRUTON paid a visit to Turkish Table Tennis Federation organisers of the European Olympic Singles Qualification Tournament, to be held in Istanbul (TUR), April 6th-10th 2016. During their stay they inspected the venue and the hotel accommodation and discussed the many topics related with the organisation of this very important event. “Although many details are still in preparation, some minor challenges still to be overcome will pose no serious problems. We can look forward to a very hospitable and professionally hosted event”, said KRAMER. “Istanbul has a vast experience in hosting big international sporting events”.
Vladimir SIDORENKO wins title in all-Russian final
Cadet Boys` Singles winner beat Maksim GREBNEV 3:2 to clinch the gold at the2016 French Junior and Cadet Open in Metz. Parthika PAVADE lost from Miyu NAGASAKI in the Cadet Girls` final, Superiority of Russian players at the2016 French Junior and Cadet Open in Metz has confirmed on the final day, as Vladimir SIDORENKO beat his compatriot Maksim GREBNEV to win gold medal of the Cadet Boys` Singles event. Three out of four semi-finalists were from that country (third one is Lev KATSMAN) which won two team`s titles yesterday. Miyu NAGASAKI is the best player in the Cadet Girls Singles event. She defeated French hope Parthika PAVADE in straight games. Host fans rejoiced in the all-French final of Cadet Boys` Doubles. Bilal HAMACHE and Vincent PICARD overcame Jules CAVAILLE and Dorian ZHENG (France) after full five games 3:2 (12:14, 4:11, 11:2, 11:7, 13:11). Kristina KAZANTSEVA and Elina RUB secured one more success to the Russian national team, as they won silver at the Cadet Girls` Doubles. They lost from LEE Ka Yee and WONG Chin Yau (Hong Kong) in the final match. Cadet Boys` Singles, Semi final: Maksim GREBNEV (Russia) – Lev KATSMAN (Russia) 3:1 (9:11, 11:5, 11:4, 11:9), Vladimir SIDORENKO (Russia) – PANG Yew En Koen (Singapore) 3:0 (11:8, 11:8, 11:7). Final: Vladimir SIDORENKO (Russia) – Maksim GREBNEV (Russia) 3:2 (9:11, 8:11, 11:7, 11:5, 11:6). Cadet Girls` Singles, Semi final: Miyu NAGASAKI (Japan) – WONG Chin Yau (Hong Kong) – 3:0 (11:6, 11:5, 11:3), Prithika PAVADE (France) – LEE Ka Yee (Hong Kong) 3:2 (12:10, 10:12, 5:11, 18:16, 11:7). Final: Miyu NAGASAKI (Japan) – Prithika PAVADE (France) 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 11:3). Cadet Boys` Doubles, Semi final: Bilal HAMACHE / Vincent PICARD (France) – Maksim GREBNEV / Lev KATSMAN (Russia) 3:0 (11:5, 12:10, 12:10), Jules CAVAILLE / Dorian ZHENG (France) – Frantisek ONDERKA / Jan VALENTA (Czech Republic) 3:2 (11:9, 8:11, 13:11, 7:11, 14:12). Final: Bilal HAMACHE / Vincent PICARD (France) – Jules CAVAILLE / Dorian ZHENG (France) 3:2 (12:14, 4:11, 11:2, 11:7, 13:11). Cadet Girls` Doubles, Semi final: LEE Ka Yee / WONG Chin Yau (Hong Kong) – Zdena BLASKOVA (Czech Republic) / SHIN Yubin (Korea) 3:2 (11:9, 4:11, 9:11, 11:9, 11:8), Kristina KAZANTSEVA / Elina RUB (Russia) – Berenice MARTEAU / Vony Ange RANDARIANTSOA (France) 3:0 (11:7, 16:14, 11:4). Final: LEE Ka Yee / WONG Chin Yau (Hong Kong) – Kristina KAZANTSEVA / Elina RUB (Russia) 3:1 (11:5, 6:11, 11:8, 11:2).
Two gold medals for Russia
2016 French Junior and Cadet Open in Metz, Russia and Japan won the gold medals in their respective Junior Girls and Boys’ Events at the 2016 French Junior and Cadet Open in Metz. Russia’s cadet boys also clinched the title, whilst cadet girls won silver. Silver medallist in the Junior Girls’ Singles event earlier in the week it was one step higher for Daria CHERNORAY. Alongside Maria MALANINA and Valeria SHCHERBATYKH, the third seeded trio won the Junior Girls’ Team title. At the final hurdle they accounted for the Hong Kong combination of Leung KA Wan, LIU Qi and MAK Tze Wing by three matches to nil. Valeria SHCHERBATYKH beat LIU Qi (11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5), before Daria CHERNORAY doubled the lead by overcoming MAK Tze Wing by the very narrowest of margins (9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11). Matters concluded with Maria MALANINA’S defence proving secure to beat LEUNG Ka Wan (11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 13-11). In the semi-final Russia overcame the top seeded Japanese trio of Yuko KATO, Miyu NAGASAKI and Kana TAKEUCHI. Maria MALANINA beat both Yuko KATO (11-3, 12-10, 2-11, 12-10) and Miyu NAGASAKI (3-11, 11-9, 11-9, 15-13). The one further Russian win came from Valeria SHCHERBATYKH, in the third match of the fixture; she defeated Kana TAKEUCHI (11-5, 11-8, 13-11). Russia’s Lev KATSMAN and Vladimir SIDORENKO won the Cadet Boys’ Team title. Occupying the top seeded position in the competition, the duo surrendered just one individual match en route to the top prize; the one player to dent the perfect record being Azerbaijan’s WANG Chenxi. In the final he accounted for Vladimir SIDORENKO in the second match of the fixture (11-9, 11-8, 17-15). YANG Xinyu was beaten by both KATSMAN (11-2, 16-14, 11-8) and by SIDORENKO (8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8); the one further win for the Russians came in the doubles. KATSMAN and SIDORENKO recorded a straight games success (11-2, 11-8, 11-2). At the quarter-final stage, the Russian duo had beaten the German ‘A’ Team pairing of Kirill FADEEV and Kay STUMPER by three matches to nil, before following with the same result against the United States combination of Gal ALGUETTI and Sharon ALGUETTI. Top seeds in the Cadet Girls’ Team event the Hong Kong’s LEE Ka Yee and WONG Chin Yau justified their exalted status to emerge as champions. In the final they overcame the Russian trio of Elina RUB, Kristina KAZANTSEVA and Ekaterina ZIRONOVA, the no.2 seeds, to claim the title. LEE Ka Yee. She beat Elina RUB in the opening match of the fixture (11-4, 11-7, 11-8) before bringing matters to a conclusion by overcoming Kristina KAZANTSEVA in the fourth match of the duel (12-14, 13-11, 11-6, 11-9).She partnered WONG Chin Yau to doubles success against Kristina KAZANTSEVA and Ekaterina ZIRONOVA (11-8, 11-5, 11-6). In the second match Kristina KAZANTSEVA accounted for WONG Chin Yau in a full five distance contest (6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7). In the penultimate round LEE Ka Yee and WONG Chin Yau overcame the Czech Republic ‘A’ Team duo of Zdena BLASKOVA and Gabriela STEPANOVA by three matches to nil; Elina RUB, Kristina KAZANTSEVA and Ekaterina ZIRONOVA posted the same margin of victory against the France ‘A’ Team pairing of Camille LUTZ and Prithika PAVADE.
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV canceled his participation at PERFECT World Championships
Dimitrij’s substitute in Kuala Lumpur is Steffen MENGEL, Only week before the start of the PERFECT 2016 World Team TT Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (28 February – 6 March 2016) German team faced big upset. Dimitrij OVTCHAROV canceled his participation because of back problems – to be precise he pulled back muscle and has nerves irritation starting from the sacroiliac joint. “In the next three weeks I will undergo an intensive rehab programme, hoping that Ill again be fully resilient afterwards, said Ovtcharov. ” In the next three weeks I will undergo an intensive rehab programme, hoping that again I will be fully resilient afterwards,” said OVTCHAROV. The best ranked European player added: “That is one of the toughest moments for me in my sporting career. After winning three silver medals in a row and great experiences at World Team Championships, this one is the first World Championships that I have to cancel since I debuted in 2007. This is, of course very sad moment for the team and for me , but I do not want to jeopardize my participation at the Olympics Games. Health is an absolute priority. Now is still very early and I hope to be in good shape for Rio”. Dimitrij’s substitute is Steffen MENGEL who was part of the German silver medal-team in Tokyo two years ago. Team of Germany Timo BOLL (club: Borussia Düsseldorf, World Ranking: 9)Bastian STEGER (SV Werder Bremen, 39)Ruwen FILUS (TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, 42)Patrick FRANZISKA (Borussia Düsseldorf, 43)Steffen MENGEL (TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt, 57), substituting Dimitrij Ovtcharov
