Actual European champion is very proud that he was able to defend ITTF Euro Top 16 crown, looking forward to Perfect 2016 Team Championship,   After small disappointment at the recent 2016 German Open, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV found his best form to retain the title of ITTF Euro Top 16, which was held from February 5th to 7th in Portugal city Gondomar. German believes that it will positively affects his performance at the upcoming Perfect 2016 Team Table Tennis Championships in Kuala Lumpur (February 28th – March 6th).   „I am very proud I was able to defend my title at the ITTF Euro Top 16 in Portugal. The victory gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming World Championship. Yet there is a lot of work waiting for me and I will practice as hard as possible”, stated actual individual European champion, 27 year-old Dimitrij OVTCHAROV.   German halted two Portugal players in the last two finals of ITTF Euro Top 16, first Marcos FREITAS in 2015 Baku, and now Joao MONTEIRO in Gondomar, playing six games. Between these two titles he had three more unforgettable moments, one after the other 2015 TTCLM crown with Fakel Gazproma Orenburg, 2015 European Championships gold medal and 3rd place from 2015 World Cup.   Gondomar`s title is his third one at the Euro Top 16 (12) cups, after 2012 Villeurbanne (he beat Kirill SKACHKOV in the final) and 2015 Baku. Two years ago in Lausanne he finished third, behind Marcos FREITAS and Michael MAZE.   Currently he owns two individual titles – ITTF European Championship and ITTF Euro Top 16, and two bronze medals – Olympic (London 2012) and LIEBHERR World Cup (Halmstad 2015). For example, six times champion of Old Continent Timo BOLL won his second European title when he was 26 year-old, in Belgrade 2007, and his third Euro Top 12 in Copenhagen 2006, in his 25.

2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar,   Number one seed, reigning champion and best ranked European player, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany defended his crown at the 2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar. OVTCHAROV underlined its prowess in the final of the Men’s Event, by beating Joao MONTEIRO of Portugal 2:4 ( 6-11,5-11,8-11,11-8,13-11,7-11).   Defeat in the first stage against MONTEIRO but then success in the final; that was the order of proceedings this weekend in Portugal for the player who won all major titles in Europe last year.   OVTCHAROV showed no mercy from the very beginning of the match. He has not eased his iron grip, until the fourth game. At that point MONTEIRO raised the level of play, he got the bust from the fans at the stands and in the fierce fight for each point, in close finish sealed the game.   Fifth game commenced in favor of host nation hero. He had advantage 5:2, but OVTCHAROV leveled at 5 all. German player was first to reach the match ball at 10:8, but eventually, in exchange of extremely powerful rallies far from the table, MONTEIRO sealed the game at 13:11.   With 6:1 and 8:4 in his pocket OVTCHAROV was heading toward another victory in sixth game.   “You can not compare the group stage match to the final. Three days ago I was already booked my place in the quarterfinal, and today we played for the title. However, I have to admit Joao surprised me in the group stage. He played very well. I study the reason for my defeat and I was well prepared today,” explained OVTCHAROV.   Until the fourth game OVTCHAROV held complete control.   “In fourth game I struggled to make two points cushion which I need for the safe finish of the match. He won some great relies, but I believe in my victory at every point.”   Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia beat Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden in the match for the third position – 4:1 (12-10,11-2,14-12,3-11,11-5). Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus beat Stefan FEGERL of Austria to secure fifth position – 4:1 (7-11,11-4,11-9,11-5,13-11). Seventh is Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal who beat Bastian STEGER of Germany 2:4 (9-11,11-7,11-9,7-11,7-11,10-12).   The Top 16 is a qualification event for the World Cup.    

2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar,   Just 20 minutes before the Chinese people officially welcomed the New Year, SHAN Yanfei received the great gift in Europe. Player who was born in China, but now spread the glory for Spain, clinched her first trophy at the 2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar, Portugal. She beat HU Melek of Turkey, her doubles parner, on her way to the highest place at the medal rostrum.   The clash between the only two players undefeated throughout the Women’s Singles Event in past three days, started with the dominance of HU Melek. Turkish player had a better start, but her advantage melted very fast. On their return to the table in the second game it was SHEN who was in control of the match. As the duel progressed errors flowed, HU’s frustration was evident. On the other side SHEN remain calm.   “It was difficult to play against HU, especially since she beat me last time. We are also doubles partners and know each other well,” explained SHEN.   SHEN had a two years break due the maternity reason, now it seams she came back in full power.   “I had shaky start of the tournament. In all three matches in the group I was forced to go full distance. However it proved good at the end. I regain my confidence and already yesterday I was very happy with my performance.”   In two previous occasions when they have meet HU Melek succeeded; she beat SHEN in the semi final of the Mediterranean Games in 2013 and she emerged victoriously in the Round of 16 at the World Championships in Paris the same year.   In the match for the third position LIU Jia of Austria beat Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania 1:4 (8-11,11-8,4-11,10-12,4-11). The battle for fifth place went in favor of Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria, who beat Sabine WINTER of Germany 2:4 (11-6,9-11,6-11,11-7,6-11,8-11). In the duel for the seventh place Georgina POTA of Hungary beat Tetyana BILENKO of Ukraine 3:4 (4-11,11-7,11-8,11-8,8-11,7-11,7-11).   The Top 16 is a qualification event for the World Cup.    

2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar,   Will Dimitrij OVTCHAROV win his third title, or Joao MONTEIRO his first one at the 2016 ITTF Europe TOP 16 in Gondomar? We will know it in the early evening hours today, after the final battle in the Pavilhao Multiusos de Gondomar. Both players booked their places in the ultimate stage of the Europe’s most prestigues event.   In the semi final Dimitrij OVTCHAROV faced a lot of pressure against Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden -4:3 (12-14,11-9,11-5,9-11,2-11,11-8,11-8), but eventually he sealed another victory. In the first part of the duel KARLSSON was the man who controlled the match. He put no. one seed under severe pressure with heavy spins to secure 3:2 lead and 6:3 advantage in the sixth game.   “KARLSSON is one of the fastest players in Europe. He hits the ball with extreme power. It was difficult to play against him. However, in the sixth game my experience prevailed. I am playing very well in this tournament and I feel I deserved this victory,” said OVTCHAROV who beat KARLSSON last time in straight games at the Qatar open 2013.   However, Dimitrij admitted he has not reached the highest level of the fitness yet.   “It is long season. I also suffered from the back injury and now I am in the phase of training process when I just have to regain my speed.”   Like OVTCHAROV, host nation pride, Joao MONTEIRO also needed full seven games to made his way to the final. Joao beat Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia on his penultimate hurdle 4:3 (11-13,11-4,10-12,11-9,11-4,11-13,11-9). Also similar to OVTCHAROV and KARLSSON, the second semifinal pairings, last time met at the Qatar open. But at that time SHIBAEV was the one who succeeded.   “His style of play is lethal for the lefthanders. Already, he beat many good players who uses left hand, “explained MONTEIRO.” Fourth game was very important. I recovered to level. I won easily next game and had an opportunity to seal the match in next set, but I maintained my focus to do it in decisive game.”   Two days earlier against OVTCHAROV, MONTEIRO recorded victory against no. one seed in the Group Stages of the event.   “Before that it has been a while since I beat him. I remember succeeding at the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 at Swiss open.”  

ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar,   In the final of the ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar tomorrow will play HU Melek of Turkey and SHEN Yanfei of Spain.   For a less then 30 minutes SHEN Yanfei booked her place in the final. On the other side of the net, unable to find her game, Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania suffered throughout whole duel 0:4 (5-11,7-11,9-11,6-11).   In very convincing style SHEN dominated.   “I feel much better then yesterday. It took time before I settled into my rhythm in Portugal,” said SHEN.” Today everything worked perfect.”    It was not good news for SAMARA. Beside few moments in third game, she was all the time in reverse.   “The most important thing was to be quick. And prevent her of imposing her rhythm. My return worked good, I blocked her and she could not attack,” explained SHEN what happened in the semis.   HU Melek beat reigning champion LIU Jia  of Austria on her way to the ultimate stage 2:4 (11-9,5-11,11-8,11-13,5-11,8-11).   “We played fur times before, but we are often together at the trainings in Linz. She is always dangerous. Her left hand service is very difficult to manage. That is why I have to correct my tactics at the beginning. I started with the full power strokes and it opened the door for her. After I lost the opening game, I added some extra spin, and slow down the game. In fourth game it was 10:7 for LIU, but managed to win that set. That was the crucial moment,” explained HU.  

ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar,   In the semi final of the Men’s Event at the ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar top seeded Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany will meet Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden whilst Joao MONTEIRO of Portugal will play against Aleksander SHIBAEV of Russia. That is the outcome of the thrilling quarterfinal duels played today in Multiusos de Gondomar Coração de Ouro.   Reigning champion, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany reached the penultimate stage without facing great difficulties. After extremely powerfully performance he beat Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal 0:4 (6-11,7-11,9-11,2-11).   “I showed brilliant performance today. I surprised Tiago with the force,” explained OVTCHAROV. “In addition, I regret nothing regarding yesterday’s play. I recorded two straight games victories against GIONIS. Three matches at such high level are very demanding.”   So far Dimitrij’s record against Tiago is very impressive. In 20 matches, APOLONIA managed to score only three times.   “I am not sure about the exact figures, but I remember few very close duels. At the German Open two years ago and in Champions league just recently.”   Speaking about Kristian KARLSSON, OVTCHAROV said.   “In past three years he improved his game very much. I watched him beating SAMSONOV; he overcame FREITAS. Simply, he is the player who is very dangerous. On the other side, he is not consistent and that might help me.”   Unlike their last, full distance close encounter, at the group stage of the European Championships Teams Event in Ekaterinburg in October 2015, in Portugal, Kristian KARLSSON beat Austria’s Stefan FEGERL little bit easier. In the quarterfinal Swede succeeded in five games, but faced few rough moments 4:1 (11-8,10-12,11-6,11-9,11-4).   In the second game he was 10:7 up, but FEGERL saved three game balls and nailed that set at 10:12.   “At 10:7, Stefan hit one really good ball, then he changed his service. I did not respond well and I lost the game,” explained KARLSSON.   Once again in the fourth set, Kristian was in the lead 10:5. Stefan came close at 10:7.   “I called from time out at that point. Unfortunately, it did not paid off instantly. Stefan reached 10:9 before I finally managed to stop him,” added KARLSSON.   Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia was stretched to full distance against Bastian STEGER of Germany 4:3 (11-7,8-11,13-15,11-7,11-9,9-11,11-6).   “There were no secrets for me. I am familiar with STEGER’s style of play and I was sure it is going to be long match. The most important thing was to maintain the focus during the match,” said SHIBAEV.   Joao MONTEIRO reached the semis in great style. In straight games he beat Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus (11-6,11-9,11-7,15-13).   “I played several time against Vladi. I was aware what I have to do. I beat him once but lost 4 or five times. However, I was doing the same I was doing yesterday in all three matches. I started aggressive from the very first point,” said MONTEIRO.   After good start, MONTEIRO was under pressure in the second game. SAMSONOV recovered after 5:2 and lead the game into the close finish. MONTEIRO prevailed.   “I was in the similar situation in the fourth game. SAMSONOV played very good, but I leveled, I save some game balls, he saved match ball, but in the finis I was better.”  

ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar ,   After three years break and giving birth to two babies, SHEN Yanfei of Spain returned to ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar. She did it in great style; on her fourth appearances in Europe’s most prestige Event SHEN reached the semi final, for a first time in her career. In the quarterfinal SHEN overcame Sabine WINTER of Germany 0:4 (4-11, 9-11, 6-11, 5-11).   “It was very hard match. Sabine beat NI Xialian of Luxembourg yesterday in the Group stage and it was enough to make me worry. She is young and every time I see her, she is improving her game,” explained SHEN.   SHEN admitted she is very tired after opening day of the competition.   “Having three matches against the top player is not easy for me any more. After the babies came to the World , I do not practice very hard any more. Most of the time I am in China, and only good chance to have good training is when I am in Europe,” added SHEN.   The smile returned to the face of Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania after the victory over Tetyana BILENKO of Ukraine in the quarterfinal 4:1 (11-7, 11-8, 11-13, 11-4, 11-7).   “Yesterday, I was sure, that once again the tournament will ended bad for me. In previous occasions I was struggling to post single victory at Top 16. However, at the end I concluded the Group stage at the position no. one. That gave me new energy. And I needed it, because I was so tired last night that I could not sleep. I felt I am in control, against BILENKO. She was playing good, but I can be satisfied with my game finally,” stated SAMARA.   Reigning champion, LIU Jia of Austria beat her teammate Sofia POLCANOVA in five games duel 4:1 (11-4,10-12,11-6,13-11,11-7).   “It is was hard to play against teammate. Not only that we are practice together for the national tam, but also for the club, Champions league. She is very good player with great future,” stated LIU Jia.   In the semis LIU will meet HU Melek of Turkey, who played against Georgina POTA of Hungary 2:4 (16-14,9-11,9-11,8-11,11-9,9-11).   “Against POTA you have to be sure with your service and receive game and I struggled a little with receive today. In long rallies she has advantage. However, at the end I was a little bit lucky. I made few mistakes, high balls, but POTA also made errors and at the end I won,” said HU.