Winning two Commonwealth Games medals as a 17-year-old takes a bit of beating and Liam PITCHFORD is adamant the only way to do so is to strike gold in Glasgow. The England No 1 who brought back team silver and men’s doubles bronze from Delhi four years Winning two Commonwealth Games medals as a 17-year-old takes a bit of beating and Liam PITCHFORD is adamant the only way to do so is to strike gold in Glasgow. The England No 1 who brought back team silver and men’s doubles bronze from Delhi four years ago believes he can complete the set by getting on the top step of the podium this time out. He has four chances to do so – in the team and singles events in the men’s doubles with Paul DRINKHALL and the mixed doubles with Tin-Tin HO – and PITCHFORD said: “My only aim really is to get a gold. Last time was a big step for me to get two medals in Delhi. I was only 17 – this time I’m going in more of a favourite to take medals.” The Chesterfield player believes he and his team-mates can crown a year which has seen the team earn promotion at the World Team Championships in Tokyo and has featured a string of impressive individual performances. He said: “I think we’ve all had some great results we’ve all played well and that’s all shown now in our results. “I went to Tokyo as the leader and I think I handled that quite well I think I led the team well and we managed to get promotion. Hopefully I can lead the team again and we can get the same good results and hopefully better. In Tokyo we had a great team spirit and we proved that we could win even when we were down – 2-0 in some matches and we still came back. I think that will help especially with the young guys – Sam and myself to get those big wins even when the pressure is on. Paul did great in the Spanish Open and won it I’ve had a good season with some great wins I’ve progressed to number 50 in the world. I think it will help the other guys as well in the team when they come into their match in the Commonwealths they’ll be ready they know what to do they know how to win – that can only help us. We’ve got a great chance and causing some upsets and getting in the medals.” The main barrier to PITCHFORD leaving Glasgow with a gold medal around his neck – in any event – is likely to come from Singapore but PITCHFORD knows they are not the only threat. “You’ve got the Indians Nigerian players and HENZELL from Australia they’re all strong players ” he said.“Obviously I’ve played GAO Ning (Singapore No 1 and world No 12) twice now and won twice so I’ve got a good record and hopefully I’m not going to blemish that record and can keep it going further.We know how they play we’ve practised against them and I think we’ve always got a chance against them.” Scotland’s Gavin RUMGAY could also threaten the odd upset particularly with a home crowd behind him but PITCHFORD is philosophical about possibly having to silence the spectators in such a clash – or even if England end up as the pantomime villains. “You’ve just got to get on with it ” he said. “I’m sure we’ll have some English support there so we’ll focus on that. It’s going to be a great games and I’m looking forward to it. I think we can all handle it well we’ve all been in that situation before.”
Nine nations booked places for the WJC
The curtains came down on 57th STERILGARDA European Championships. In Junior Boys and Girls five teams each are qualified for the World Championships. At the end of the year at the World Championships will play France Poland Sweden Denmark and Croatia The curtains came down on 57th STERILGARDA European Championships. In Junior Boys and Girls five teams each are qualified for the World Championships. At the end of the year at the World Championships will play France Poland Sweden Denmark and Croatia in Boys Event whilst France Germany Romania Russia and Czech Republic booked their place in the Girls Event. Teams ranked at positions no. 16 will not be able to play in the First Division next year. That position will take the best ranked team from lower division. The final standings in at the European Youth Championships are: Junior Boys Team’s Event: 1. France 2. Poland 3. Sweden 4. Denmark 5. Croatia 6. Germany 7. Hungary 8. Belarus 9. Czech Republic 10. Russia 11. Portugal 12. Slovenia 13. Austria 14. Slovakia 15. Ukraine 16. Serbia. Junior Girls Teams Event: 1. France 2. Germany 3. Romania 4. Russia 5. Czech Republic 6. Slovenia 7. Croatia 8. Estonia 9. Spain 10 Portugal 11. Italy 12. Israel 13. Hungary 14. Serbia 15. Poland 16. Netherlands. Cadet Boys Teams Event: 1. France 2. Romania 3. Russia 4. Germany 5. Poland 6. Italy 7. Sweden 8. Denmark 9. Moldova 10. Czech Republic 11. Turkey 12. Serbia 13. Hungary 14. Slovenia 15. Belgium 16. Belarus. Cadet Girls Teams Event: 1. Romania 2. Russia 3. Germany 4. Hungary 5. France 6. Belarus 7. Ukraine 8. Turkey 9. Sweden 10. Serbia 11. Czech 12. Belgium 13. Slovakia 14. Poland 15. Norway 16. Austria. Complete rankings you can find here
President Andreas GEORGIOU re–elected in Cyprus
At the General Assembly of Cyprus Table Tennis Association in Nicosia Andreas GEORGIOU was re-elected to the position of the President for another four years. Andreas GEORGIOU is the leader of Cyprus Table Tennis Association for 7 years. The composition At the General Assembly of Cyprus Table Tennis Association in Nicosia Andreas GEORGIOU was re-elected to the position of the President for another four years. Andreas GEORGIOU is the leader of Cyprus Table Tennis Association for 7 years. The composition of the Association’s 13 member council which resulted during the elections is the following: Andreas GEORGIOU – President Michalis NEOPFYTOU – Vice President Marios PAPADOPOULOS – Secretary General John PANTELI – Treasurer Renos SERGIDES – Member Elena SALATA – Member Marios AVRAAM – Member Anna CHRISOSTOMIDOU – Member Nikos PAPANIKOLAOU – Member Demetris PAPAMICHAEL – Member Efthimios LIASSIS – Member Stavros PANAYIOTOU – Member Vassos CHRISTOFOROU – Member
Perfect bids put EB on “sweet torture”
The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the European Championships in 2015 to Russia’s Yekaterinburg whilst 2016 edition will be staged in Hungarian capital Budapest. ETTU President Ronald KRAMER admitted the Executive Board was put on “sweet torture” befor The ETTU Executive Board has awarded the European Championships in 2015 to Russia’s Yekaterinburg whilst 2016 edition will be staged in Hungarian capital Budapest. ETTU President Ronald KRAMER admitted the Executive Board was put on “sweet torture” before finally came with the decision. “We had three quality bids for the European Championships in 2015. It took three meetings of the ETTU Executive Board to finally come to the conclusion. We were very pleased by the Russian and Hungarian presentations and we found it difficult to come out with the decision. At the end we agreed in the cooperation with Hungarian and Russian representatives that the European Championships in 2015 will be combined one in Yekaterinburg whilst in 2016 Budapest will host individual championships. We were so happy that we had two perfect candidates in two years to come ” explained ETTU President Ronald KRAMER. In the interview President Ronald KRAMER explained further: “We wanted them both in but there is only one place per year. It turned out that in 2015 Yekaterinburg would be better candidate. We are proud that two members of the European table tennis family especially Hungary joining us together after a long period.” Both cities followed the regulation and offered perfect conditions. “I am sure we will have two outstanding Championships. I know Yekaterinburg is very table tennis minded but also it will be important event to use it for development. It is the same with Budapest and Hungary a country with the immense table tennis tradition. They want to bring big audience back to table tennis. We are looking forward to very good Championships.” Yekaterinburg offers “Expo” International Exhibition Center one of the largest in Russia with plenary hall with 1.200 seats. Speaking of Hungary the European Championships will return to Budapest after 34 years. The venue of the Championships will be “Thorn Arena” in the Buda university quarter close to river Danube. “In Hungary new facility will be built. It is not ready yet but it will be completed later this year. Until 2016 they will have experience with that venue. Yekaterinburg already offered many facilities ” underlined President Ronald KRAMER . We are certainly looking forward to two wonderful Championships in near future.
Romania and Belgium share top place
Adina DIACONU of Romania continued her golden run started in the Team’s Event. After the gold in Mixed Doubles she clinched the top place in the Cadet Girls Doubles Event together with Belgium’s Lisa LUNG. In the final they overcame Leili MOSTAFAVI and Ro Adina DIACONU of Romania continued her golden run started in the Team’s Event. After the gold in Mixed Doubles she clinched the top place in the Cadet Girls Doubles Event together with Belgium’s Lisa LUNG. In the final they overcame Leili MOSTAFAVI and Romane LE SCOUR of France. In very close contest DIACONU and LUNG justified their rankings and proved they can stay calm under pressure. The first pairings to leave the arena in the morning session of doubles matches were the one composed of Adina DIACONU and Lisa LUNG. Favorites never have been seriously tested against Serbia’s Izabela LUPULESKU and Sabina SURJAN. They prevailed in straight games. “Our service and return game was much better. Our tactic was to prevent adversaries of playing their game and imposing their rhythm. In long points they will have a chance but with good service we closed the game. We had a good tactics with lot of spin ” explained DIACONU. The Romanian-Belgium’s combination already won silver in France. “We kept the ball on the table ” said Lisa LUNG. Leili MOSTAFAVI and Romane LE SCOUR were 2:1 in reverse against ZHANG Xuan Xu of Spain and Cristiana DUMITRACHE of Italy. “At that point coach told us we must not lose. We were 1:2 down and 4:6 in the fourth game. We changed the approach and it paid off ” explained Leili MOSTAFAVI. Romane LE SCOUR added they never had play against each other. ”It was our first meeting but Leili and I are not long together. We started to play together from Slovakia open.” Final – Adina DIACONU Lisa LUNG Romania Belgium – Leili MOSTAFAVI Romane LE SCOUR France 3:2 (-7 9 4 -7 6). Semifinals: Adina DIACONU Lisa LUNG Romania Belgium – Izabela LUPULESKU Sabina SURJAN Serbia 3:0 (2 9 7); ZHANG Xuan Xu Cristiana DUMITRACHE Spain Italy – Leili MOSTAFAVI Romane LE SCOUR France 3:2 (6 -8 -10 7 5).
French pairings clinched the gold
Nolan GIVONE and Irvin BERTRAND of France are at the top of the Old Continent. French pairings beat Romania’s Cristian PLETEA and Rares SIPOS to clinch the title in Cadet Boys Doubles Event. They prevailed in straight games duel in the final. “It was not Nolan GIVONE and Irvin BERTRAND of France are at the top of the Old Continent. French pairings beat Romania’s Cristian PLETEA and Rares SIPOS to clinch the title in Cadet Boys Doubles Event. They prevailed in straight games duel in the final. “It was not that easy as it looks but we were ready for them ” said GIVONE. In the penultimate stage both winning doubles recovered from the 0:2 in reverse to seal the match in nail-biting finish. Cristian PLETEA and Rares SIPOS were down two games against Gerrit ENGEMANN and Jannik XU of Germany and in decisive game Germany’s players saved one match ball. “We never played early matches at this Championships in past 10 day so we were little bit sleepy when we started ” admitted SIPOS.”However after two games we started to feel the ball and did not give away the points with easy mistakes.” PLETEA explained: ”It is our first year together and we were very motivated to prove our worth. We suffered few unexpected loses during the championships so we were determined to win.” In other penultimate battle Daniele PINTO and Carlo ROSSI of Italy were so close to give enthusiastic audience great joy but after 2:0 for hosts Nolan GIVONE and Irvin BERTRAND prevailed. “We changed our attitude. The situation turned so we were in command with more aggressive approach ” stated GIVONE. Final – Cristian PLETEA Rares SIPOS Romania – Nolan GIVONE Irvin BERTRAND France. Semifinals: Cristian PLETEA Rares SIPOS Romania – Gerrit ENGEMANN Jannik XU Germany 3:2 (-8 -6 8 5 10); Nolan GIVONE Irvin BERTRAND France – Daniele PINTO Carlo ROSSI Italy (-6 -6 9 4 8)
Portugal goes crazy with FINS & MACIEL
Rita FINS and Patricia MACIEL of Portugal created the biggest upset in the Junior Girls Doubles Event at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships in Italy. They overcame Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia and Natalia BAJOR of Poland in the full distance final mat Rita FINS and Patricia MACIEL of Portugal created the biggest upset in the Junior Girls Doubles Event at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships in Italy. They overcame Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia and Natalia BAJOR of Poland in the full distance final match to clinch the title. Portugal’s players seized their chance after top seeds MITTELHAM and LEMMER withdrew in the second round. After that they overcame IMRE and NAGYPAL of Hungary and PFEFER and CHASSELIN of France before they reached ultimate stage. In the semis Lea RAKOVAC and Natalia BAJOR beat Bernadett BALINT of Romania and Nicole TROSMAN of Israel in full distance encounter. “It is first time that we are together so we are still adjusting. However we showed good game ” said BAJOR. Lea RAKOVAC explained that they never lost they head; despite they were 1:2 in reverse. “We stood with our tactics. I am happy with our receive game. Also Nicol could not find the answer for my service. The nerves played important role as well. Even when they had advantage they were very nervous. On the other side we stayed calm.” In the same round Portugal’s Rita FINS and Patricia MACIEL prevailed against French pairings Laura PFEFER and Pauline CHASSELIN. “We were not favorites so I guess we surprised our adversary ” said FINS. But the favorites recovered after being 2:1 down. “Then we realized that we could win. We were afraid a little ” said MACIEL. Final – Rita FINS and Patricia MACIEL of Portugal – Lea RAKOVAC Natalia BAJOR Croatia Poland 3:2 (-8 10 -5 7 7). Semifinals: Rita FINS and Patricia MACIEL of Portugal – Laura PFEFER Pauline CHASSELIN France 3:2 (-5 8 8 -4 11); Bernadett BALINT of Nicole TROSMAN Romania Israel – Lea RAKOVAC Natalia BAJOR Croatia Poland 2:3 (-3 9 11 -6 -2)
Hungary clinches the crown in Doubles
Crowned champions of the Junior Boys Doubles Event at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships are Adam SZUDI and Nandor ECSEKI of Hungary. They overcame Diogo CHEN and Jorge COSTA of Portugal in the final held in Riva del Garda. Hungarian combination Crowned champions of the Junior Boys Doubles Event at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships are Adam SZUDI and Nandor ECSEKI of Hungary. They overcame Diogo CHEN and Jorge COSTA of Portugal in the final held in Riva del Garda. Hungarian combination needed full five games to overcome their adversaries. CHEN and COSTA had a good start and took first game 11:2 had 2:1 lead in games after third set but SZUDI and ECSEKI took the control in the final stage of the match. Diogo CHEN and Jorge COSTA preserved some of strength in the morning session of the matches. In the penultimate stage they needed only three games to beat David REITSPIES and Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. “In the opening moments we were very good. Our receive was on high level and we managed to control the game. We had some problems in the second set but luckily we prevailed after being 6:9 down ” explained COSTA. The pair is playing together since cadet age. “Last year we were third at the European Championships so we are happy that we already in the first junior year exceeded that result ” said CHEN. Adam SZUDI and Nandor ECSEKI beat Anton KALLBERG and Carl AHLANDER JOHANSSON of Sweden in another straight games duel but despite the result they game were very close. “It was high level match. We had good opening with good receive of the ball That gaves us good advantage and possibility to control the match. Also in close finishes we proved to be much calmer and focused ” explain Adam SZUDI. Nandor ECSEKI spoke about the tactics. “We played short on short. It was our best match so far at the Championships.” Final – Diogo CHEN Jorge COSTA Portugal – Adam SZUDI Nandor ECSEKI Hungary. Semifinals: David REITSPIES Tomas POLANSKY Czech Republic – Diogo CHEN Jorge COSTA Portugal 0:3 (-7 -9 -2); Anton KALLBERG Carl AHLANDER JOHANSSON Sweden – Adam SZUDI Nandor ECSEKI Hungary 0:3 (-9 -10 -10).
Finally gold for Rares SIPOS!
After three silvers at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships Rares SIPOS of Romania finally clinched the gold in the Cadet Boys Singles Event. At the final hurdle he overcame Artur ABUSEV of Russia . SIPOS was so unlike himself in the final. Calm After three silvers at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships Rares SIPOS of Romania finally clinched the gold in the Cadet Boys Singles Event. At the final hurdle he overcame Artur ABUSEV of Russia . SIPOS was so unlike himself in the final. Calm focused he showed patience to overcame very dangerous game of Russia’s player. However after the match all emotions came out. Even his father burst into tears and carried his son around the table. “It was my dream. It finally come true ” said SIPOS. In the penultimate stage Artur ABUSEV showed brilliant performance against Irvin BERTRAND France. “It was difficult match and I felt under great pressure. However it was the same for my adversary so I think that mentally I was better prepared today. That decided the winner” said ABUSEV. Rares SIPOS was delighted after the semi final encounter against Nolan GIVONE of France. “This was the match of my life. We were so much under pressure before the tournament started. Everybody expected we would finally come closer to the results our girls make. I was not very happy with my performance in the Team’s Event and that is why this victory means so much to me. I was not confident ” said SIPOS. Final – Rares SIPOS Romania – Artur ABUSEV Russia 4:1 (7 -9 10 7 4) Semifinals: Artur ABUSEV Russia – Irvin BERTRAND France 4:1 (2 6 -11 7 5) Rares SIPOS Romania – Nolan GIVONE France 4:3 (8 5 -4 -8 -9 7 5)
Alexandre CASSIN straight to the crown
Alexandre CASSIN of France added another gold to his record at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships. In the final of the Junior Boys Singles Event CASSIN overcame Elias RANEFUR of Sweden. Unlike the previous round in the final CASSIN prevailed in Alexandre CASSIN of France added another gold to his record at the STERILGARDA European Youth Championships. In the final of the Junior Boys Singles Event CASSIN overcame Elias RANEFUR of Sweden. Unlike the previous round in the final CASSIN prevailed in straight games. “I was little bit surprised to see him playing in the final. I did not expect that but I had a good tactics ” said CASSIN. In the penultimate stage Elias RANEFUR beat his compatriot Anton KALLBERG. “It is very difficult to play against teammate. Especially it was for me since I can not remember when KALLBERG lost his duel against me for a last time. I think he beat me in last 6 matches. Today I had better service I was very aggressive and that allowed me to attack him. He was forced to block me but I controlled situation ” said RANEFUR. Alexandre CASSIN becomes the expert in winning almost lost matches. He recovered after 3:1 in reverse against Filip ZELJKO of Croatia. “I know very well what to expect. That is why I was so nervous. In our previous 5 encounters I won four times but I did not feel good today. Despite that I decided to fight. I fought for each point ” explained CASSIN. Final – Alexandre CASSIN France – Elias RANEFUR Sweden 4:0 (12 9 6 9) Semifinals: Alexandre CASSIN France – Filip ZELJKO Croatia 4:3 (-6 -7 12 -10 9 10 9) Elias RANEFUR Sweden – Anton KALLBERG Sweden 4:1 (12 -9 8 10 6)
