The majority of players at The European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord have travelled from abroad some further than others. The participants who have travelled the furthest though are our Israeli friends from the southernmost member state of the ETTU. 20 players from Israel participate in Sandefjord. The distance from the capital Jerusalem to Sandefjord is some 5Â 000 kilometers. The Jewish contribution to table tennis is enormous. The first President of the International Table Tennis Federation the founder in fact was Jewish -Ivor Montagu. So were most of the top players in the world from the 1920s until the 60s. The likes of Viktor BARNA Alojzy EHRLICH Richard BERGMANN Ruth AARONS and Angelica ROZEANU were all Jewish and completely dominated international table tennis for so many years winning gold medals over and over again. At the Ping Pong Diplomacy that made diplomatic relations between USA and China possible an important figure was the American table tennis player Glenn COWAN who was also Jewish. When the state of Israel was founded in 1948 the Israeli government decided that one of the four sports they wanted to promote was table tennis due to its lack of aggressiveness. The Israeli participants in the European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord Norway enjoyed their time and we look forward to meet the players from the southernmost table tennis federation in the European Table Tennis Union at the next championships.
Herbert Neubauer: Diplomat doctor and developer
For many table tennis players dr. Neubauer is the synonym to tricky pimples out rubbers that we hated to play against when we were young but so many of us ended up using when we got older. There is more to the story though. For NEUBAUER attending the European veterans Championships in Sandfjord Norway bring back good memories. When Norway arranged the World Veterans Championships in the Olympic town of Lillehammer NEUBAUER won the 50-59 Singles beating among other world famous Dragutin Å URBEK. Eight years later he became world champion again this time in Yokohama and in Singles 60-64 years. Before all this NEUBAUER got his ph.d. in Economy and he worked as a diplomat for Germany in several countries such as Switzerland France Belgium and Great Britain. Diplomacy is something we know about in table tennis with the important role our sport has played in several situation such as apartheid in South Africa the relation between China and USA and in North- and South-Korea. After almost two decades in diplomacy NEUBAUER wanted to spend more time with his big passion table tennis and he started his company dr. Neubauer in the early 2000s. To develop table tennis rubbers from scratch is a very time consuming prosess with a lot of testing. NEUBAUER can´t say much about how it is done because that is a business secret but there is no question that it takes many hours a day at the table tennis table to figure out how prototypes function in practice. His company now delivers to 80+ countries around the world and there are not many table tennis players who don´t know about their products or have either used it or met players who uses it. In addition to developing table tennis products were his son is taking an ever more important role in running the company NEUBAUER has an ambition that European table tennis should catch up with China and Asia. He argues that European coaches have improved a lot recent years and that young European players such as the Lebrun-brothers are taking giant leaps that might even out the Chinese advantage. To start early is important. Children should start playing with a racket from they are two years old finishes the sympathetic German who lives of and for table tennis. Â
Seventh day of the play in Krakow -quarterfinalists on duty
On the seventh day of the table tennis event at the 2023 European Games in Krakow the top-seeded teams embarked on their quest for a spot on the medal podium. The schedule for today featured the quarterfinal matches. France (3) – Denmark (10) 3-0 Simon GAUZY Alexis LEBRUN – Jonathan GROTH Bergstroem CHRISTENSEN 3-0 (11-8 11-2 12-10) Felix LEBRUN – Anders LIND 3-0 (13-11 11-5 11-8) Alexis LEBRUN – Bergstroem CHRISTENSEN 3-0 (11-8 11-4 11-9) Following their impressive performance in the singles event the talented brothers Felix and Alexis LEBRUN were joined by Simon GAUZY in the team event. “It was a very nice start for our first doubles together. I just arrived so I needed a couple of points to get into the game and feel the atmosphere but I quickly found my rhythm. The doubles match set the tone for what turned out to be a one-sided affair ” said GAUZY. Simon partnered with Alexis for the doubles match but he did not have the opportunity to compete in his singles match. The quarterfinal was swiftly resolved in just three matches cutting short the day’s play. Explaining their partnership Simon shared “I have trained a lot with Alexis and we have been working on various strategies. We complement each other well especially with Felix who excels in playing close to the table. AKKUZU is also in great form at the moment and he has practiced doubles during training. So nothing is set in stone at the moment.” Regarding Felix’s gold medal in singles and Alexis’ bronze GAUZY commented “They have been playing incredibly well for the past year so I am not very surprised by their singles performances. Every opponent they faced I never doubted their ability to win. They are truly exceptional.” The LEBRUN brothers added “We took some time to rest but we are in good shape. The physiotherapists have been instrumental in helping us on a daily basis. We had a strong performance against a good team and we are very happy with the outcome.” Portugal (4) – Ukraine (12) 3-1 Ines MATOS YU Fu – Anastasiia DYMYTRENKO Solomiya BRATEYKO 3-2 (2-11 11-4 11-9 5-11 11-4) SHAO Jieni – Margaryta PESOTSKA 1-3 (3-11 11-9 7-11 7-11) YU Fu – Solomiya BRATEYKO 3-1 (12-10 2-11 11-1 11-5) SHAO Jieni – Anastasiia DYMYTRENKO (11-8 11-9 11-5) Despite Ukraine putting Portugal under pressure they were unable to create an upset. As expected Margaryta PESOTSKA secured a victory in her singles match but Solomiya BRATEYKO and Anastasiia DYMYTRENKO were unable to overcome FU Yu and SHAO Jieni. “We were a bit surprised that GAPONOVA did not play but perhaps they believed that SHAO Jieni and FU Yu were strong against defensive players. Overall we believe we have a stronger team so we were confident ” commented Ines MATOS. SHAO Jieni analyzed her match against PESOTSKA stating “PESOTSKA was simply too good for me today and I found myself being too passive. I struggled to receive her serves effectively and she capitalized on my mistakes. Going into the final match I knew it was a crucial one so I gave my full focus and aimed to secure the victory.” Germany (1) – Sweden (11) 3-1 SHAN Xiaona Nina MITTELHAM – Linda BERGSTROM Christina KALLBERG 3-0 (11-8 11-9 11-4) HAN Ying – Filippa BERGAND 3-0 (11-1 11-3 11-1) Nina MITTELHAM – Christina KALLBERG 1-3 (6-11 11-6 4-11 9-11) HAN Ying – Linda BERGSTROM 3-2 (11-6 6-11 11-4 3-11 11-5) The opening two matches unfolded smoothly in favor of Germany. However Christina KALLBERG managed to make a breakthrough by defeating Nina MITTELHAM. Linda BERGSTROM also exerted pressure on HAN Ying but HAN ultimately secured the victory in a decisive game. “It was crucial for us that the girls won the doubles. Nina and ‘Nana’ performed exceptionally well. The first two games were almost too easy. However we lost a bit of tension afterward. Nina didn’t feel comfortable today her movement was hindered and she struggled to maintain focus. Linda always puts up a tough fight for Ying in defensive duels as we witnessed in the singles on Sunday. Nonetheless we managed to pull through and that’s what matters ” explained Women’s National Coach Tamara BOROS. “I had a good start in the doubles today and I feel confident. It was my first match in this tournament and I adapted quite well. I tend to feel less nervous in doubles compared to singles ” added SHAN Xiaona. Sweden (2) – Slovakia (11) 3-0 Kristian KARLSSON Truls MOREGARDH- Jakub ZELINKA Lubomir PISTEJ 3-0 (11-6 11-2 11-2) Anton KALLBERG – WANG Yang 3-0 (11-5 13-11 11-6) Truls MOREGARDH – Lubomir PISTEJ 3-2 (11-9 10-12 11-13 11-6 11-7) The duel between Sweden and Slovakia began as a relatively quiet affair but the clash between Anton KALLBERG and WANG Yang and then between Truls MOREGARDH and Lubomir PISTEJ brought a heated atmosphere to the Hutnik Arena. “I have great respect for PISTEJ’s skills even though I defeated him 4-0 in the singles event a few days ago. It was an extremely tough match as he played some fantastic shots. He thrives in such situations and remained highly focused with a lot of supporters cheering for him. It’s not always easy to face these unpredictable shots in close games but I did my best to handle the situation ” expressed MOREGARDH. Earlier Anton KALLBERG emerged victorious against WANG Yang. MOREGARDH praised KALLBERG’s performance stating “Anton was fantastic against the defender so we had a slight advantage. Having just won against Tunisia he fulfilled his role as the team leader exceptionally well.” PISTEJ playfully commented on their previous encounter in the singles event saying “I played against him in singles and I lost 4-0 but I wasn’t using my own racket. I managed to win all the nice points there even though I lost the match ” Lubomir said with a laugh. “Here I lost 3-2. It was a different match and I believe I can beat him
Romania and Sweden wins opening matches in Krakow
The Table Tennis tournament at the 2023 European Games in Krakow has reached the second phase. On the sixth day of play the Round of 16 took place. In this round not all teams were involved as the top four seeds will enter the game from the quarterfinals tomorrow. Romania (12) – Great Britain (7) 3-1 Darius MOVILEANU Eduard IONESCU – Tom JARVIS Paul DRINKHALL 3-1 (11-3 12-10 5-11 11-8) Ovidiu IONESCU – Liam PITCHFORD 0-3 (7-11 2-11 6-11) Eduard IONESCU – Paul DRINKHALL 3-0 (11-7 11-3 11-4) Ovidiu IONESCU – Tom JARVIS 3-0 (11-8 11-5 11-6) In the opening round of the Team’s Event Romania’s rejuvenated team led by the experienced Ovidiu IONESCU defeated Great Britain. Darius MOVILEANU made his debut at the 2023 European Games teaming up with Eduard IONESCU who had already created fantastic upsets in the Singles Event. Romania’s pairings set a winning pace and singles quarterfinalist Eduard IONESCU also emerged victorious against Paul DRINKHALL in the individual match. Liam PITCHFORD was the only player to score for Team GB in the match against Ovidiu IONESCU. However on his 34th birthday IONESCU sealed the match in the duel against Tom JARVIS. “I felt the pain already in the mixed doubles in the individual part of the tournament and today it was actually getting worse against PITCHFORD. But he played fantastic anyway so huge congrats to him ” said IONESCU. In his second exit at the table IONESCU put the pain aside. “When I saw Edouard win 3-0 in the way he did against DRINKHALL it gave me energy. The pain was less important in my head and I gave everything for my match. I wanted to avoid putting a young player against PITCHFORD at 2-2. I just gave my best to reach the quarterfinals with this young team. It’s a great future ahead of us for sure ” IONESCU expressed. In the next round Romania will play against Portugal. “They also have one very tired guy Marcos FREITAS ” added IONESCU referring to the Portuguese player who won silver in singles last night. Slovakia (6) – Sweden (11) 2-3 Ema LOBOSOVA Barbora BALAZOVA – Filippa BERGAND Christina KALLBERG 3-1 (11-4 4-11 11-8 12-10) Tatiana KUKULKOVA -Linda BERGSTROM 1-3 (4-11 6-11 11-5 11-13) Barbora BALAZOVA – Christina KALLBERG 3-2 (9-11 11-9 5-11 11-7 11-8) Tatiana KUKULKOVA -Filippa BERGAND 2-3 (4-11 11-7 6-11 11-7 6-11) Ema LOBOSOVA – Linda BERGSTROM 0-3 (7-11 6-11 -11) Sweden stages remarkable comeback to secure quarterfinal spot after trailing 1-2. Slovakia takes early lead with Barbora BALAZOVA’s important win against Christina KALLBERG. Filippa BERGAND’s victory turns the tide in Sweden’s favor setting the stage for Linda BERGSTROM’s dominant performance. “It was a tremendous team effort with three strong wins on our side. We always believed and fought even when we were trailing. I think that’s what led us to victory today ” said Linda BERGSTROM. Filippa BERGAND added “I focused on taking it point by point and not getting overwhelmed by the outcome. Despite being behind I believed I had what it takes to win. Playing freely and relaxed was crucial for me today. I am thrilled to contribute to this important victory.” In the quarterfinal Sweden will face Germany. “We will prepare diligently and give our all. They may be the favorites but we thrive as underdogs!” The coach Tobias BERGMAN remarked “We consistently fought back despite being down. I was a bit surprised by their team lineup. The doubles and the third match were crucial and although we lost both BERGRAND did an excellent job against KUKULKOVA.” Luxemborg (8) – Ukraine (12) 2-3 Tessy GONDERINGER Sarah DE NUTTE – Hanna GAPONOVA Solomiya BRATEYKO 0-3 (10-12 4-11 8-11) NI Xia Lian – Margaryta PESOTSKA 3-1 (13-11 11-6 5-11 11-8) Sarah DE NUTTE – Solomiya BRATEYKO 1-3 (14-12 9-11 10-12 10-12) NI Xia Lian – Hanna GAPONOVA 3-0 (11-8 11-4 11-5) Tessy GONDERINGER – Margaryta PESOTSKA 1-3 (4-11 11-8 5-11 8-11) Ukraine advanced to the quarterfinals after their clash against Luxembourg. NI Xia Lian emerged victorious in both of her encounters against Margaryta PESOTSKA and Hanna GAPONOVA. However despite her impressive performance it was not enough to propel Luxembourg to the next round. In the quarterfinal Ukraine will meet Portugal. Denmark (10)– Croatia (6) 3-1 Tobias RASMUSSEN Anders LIND – Filip ZELJKO Frane KOJIC 3-2 (9-11 11-5 11-6 12-14 11-9) Jonathan GROTH – Tomislav PUCAR 1-3 (10-12 11-5 8-11 11-13) Anders LIND – Frane KOJIC 3-1 (11-8 4-11 11-9 11-7) Jonathan GROTH – Filip ZELJKO 3-2 (9-11 11-4 11-7 5-11 11-4) Denmark moved to quarters after victory over croatia. It was only Tomislav PUCAR who won the point in the match against Jonathan GROTH. However despite being under pressure Jonathan managed to prevailed against Filip ZELJKO. In the upcoming Round of 8 Denmark will face off against France. Slovakia (11) – Slovenia (5) 3-0 Jakub ZELINKA Lubomir PISTEJ – Peter HRIBAR Deni KOZUL 3-2 (8-11 8-11 11-7 11-9 11-9) WANG Yang – Darko JORGIC 3-0 (11-9 11-8 12-10) Lubomir PISTEJ – Deni KOZUL 3-0 (11-2 11-1 11-6) Slovakia put a halt to Slovenia’s progress in a straight matches clash. The doubles match proved to be of utmost importance. “The doubles match was extremely important. We were down 2-0 and 7-5 then 2-1 and 8-4. We were playing really poorly probably the worst match of our careers but somehow we managed to make a comeback as they started making mistakes and we seized our chance ” explained Lubomir PISTEJ. After the dramatic doubles match the duel between WANG Yang and Darko JORGIC concluded in straight games leaving Slovenia with no way back. “WANG was ready for JORGIC. I prepared him during the warm-up and he started the match very well ” joked PISTEJ after the duel. “I knew that if he defeated Darko it would almost be over because we had the lead and it would be difficult for them to come back. I am very happy with my performance in the last
Joja Wendt: Table tennis and music in perfect harmony
There are many good tanle tennis players in the world and quite a few good musicians. There might not be anyone who combines the two as well as Joja WENDT though. In Sandefjord he is participating in the European Veterans Championships and when he is at home in hos native town of Hamburg he plays for the German club Oberalster. But it is as likely to meet him at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York or at ballrooms and concert halls world wide. WENDT were trained as a piano player in the Netherlands and in New York. Destiny paved the way for co work with famous artist such as Joe Cocker and Chuck Berry and his music travels through genres such as jazz pop heavy metal and classical music. He has performed at the before mentioned Carnegie Hall were he was the first to introduce boogie woogie to the music fans. He has also played at the opening of the new field to German Football Club Schalke 04 in front of 80Â 000 people. Still he has never played in front of as many table tennis players as on his concert in Sandefjord. In Sandefjord he went directly from a match at the table tennis table to the concert hall and gave the fully packed venue a breathtaking table tennis inspired concert that lifted the ceiling. WENDT opening was Rakhmaninov and he continued with wonderful pieces by many of the best composers wchich resulted in standing oviations by the cheerful crowd several times. He finished with a fantastic interpretation of Purple Rain another prove of his amazing skills to combine and different musical expressions maybe influenced by his table tennis talent?
Emilia Kijok: Outsider in Oman favourite in Sandefjord
In the World´s Championships in Oman in January 2023 Poland’s Emilia KIJOK caught the spectators attention with her offensive and fearless play that made her reach the podium in both Singles and Doubles. That might have been a surprise for some players outside Europe but at the European Veterans Championships in Sandefjord she is the favourite. KIJOK plays for the Zielona Góra (means Green Berg in English) Table Tennis Club a team that was promoted to the top league in Poland just a couple of weeks ago. She played for top tier Bundeliga clubs such as TuS Bad Driburg and she has played table tennis for 38 years. Table tennis is such an important part of her life so besides her job as a physioterapist table tennis occupies the rest of her time. Emilia KIJOK has started well in Sandefjord as well winning all her matches in Singles losing only one set and in Doubles with her friend Dorota BORKOWSKA also from Poland. KIJOK has prepared very well for the Championships and has also focused on the mental part of training. Her ambitions are nothing less than winning. With her focus and dedication and support from the big polish crowd in Sandefjord that might very well happen.
Title for Felix LEBRUN in Krakow
Felix LEBRUN of France clinched the gold medal at the 2023 European Games in a nail-biting final of the Men’s Singles Event. In the seven-game match he defeated Marcos FREITAS of Portugal. The bronze medalist is Alexis LEBRUN of France. Due to a back hamstring injury Andrej GACINA of Croatia was forced to withdraw after his defeat against Felix LEBRUN. The duel swung from one side to another and concluded in a thrilling narrow-margin finish. “It is absolutely crazy. I played match after match and reaching the semifinal made me believe that I could actually do it. I feel pure happiness and on top of that Alexis is a bronze medalist. We are both on the podium and this is an amazing achievement ” said Felix LEBRUN. He continued “The whole match was up and down with the score. I was close to losing the first game being down 6-0 but I stayed calm in the next games because I knew I had time with the best of seven format. In the fourth game Marcos changed something tactically making it harder for me but I never gave up and always tried to find a solution. From 9-9 in the last game the points were crazy and I really want to thank the French team because they gave me the energy and courage to continue fighting. The success of my brother recently helped me because we practice often together and knowing that he beat the number one in the world made me believe that everything is possible. I know it’s rare to win this big event at my age but I practiced a lot for it so I’m happy that it’s paying off today and I hope it will continue in the future.” It was hard for Marcos to talk after the match. “I knew he is a very good player who is playing very well at the moment. I was leading in the beginning. I was better very aggressive and I had more power to keep the match under control. But he recovered. At 3-2 he played very well throughout the sixth game. I lost my focus. In the seventh game I started badly but came back to 9-7 and then I made a few bad decisions… I feel so frustrated now. I wanted that title so much ” said FREITAS. However Marcos already started thinking about the next event in Krakow. “I have had so many matches here met very tough adversaries. Now I have to continue with good games. We continue with the Team’s event. We want the medal there too ” said FREITAS. There were two brothers on the medal podium as Alexei reached the third position. “I’m so proud of us. I think we still don’t fully believe it right now. These medals are an accomplishment but I certainly hope that it’s the beginning of many years to come. Félix will joke with me because he got a better place than me but I’ll accept it with pleasure. I’m simply very happy with my medal and very proud of him ” stated Alexei. Coach Nathanael MOLIN stated “We could not expect that because many champions competed here and we didn’t have optimal preparation. They don’t have a lot of experience on this big stage. They have performed a lot in best-of-five matches but never in best-of-seven. Everything is still new for them. It’s very special because we share so much time together not less than 300 days a year. I actually see them more often than my wife. I’m so proud of them.” Match for the gold medal Marcos FREITAS of Portugal (18) – Felix LEBRUN of France (8) 3-4 (11-9 5-11 5-11 11-4 11-6 2-11 11-13)
Bernadette SZOCS newly-crowned champion in Krakow
The newly crowned champion of the Women’s singles at the European Games in Krakow is Bernadette SZOCS of Romania. YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco finds consolation in the silver medal after a breathtaking final tonight in Poland. Elizabeta SAMARA won the bronze medal in the duel against Natalia BAJOR of Poland. In the ultimate hurdle of the event SZOCS made a remarkable comeback from 1-3 down to win the match in a furious style in the decisive game. YANG initially dominated the early stages of the match. “This was a final and I knew I had to fight until the last moment. Even when I was down 1-3 I didn’t allow myself to give up. YANG was my clubmate for four years and she beat me in every match we played. But I felt like this was ‘my’ tournament. I felt great here and I simply felt like I had to win it ” said SZOCS. When asked about her remarkable comeback SZOCS said “I didn’t feel her pimples but at 3-1 I pushed myself to play more aggressively. I told myself not to think that I was in reverse and I played as if it was 0-0.” Bernadette is now looking forward to new challenges. “Now I’m looking forward to the Olympics and I know I can aim for a medal there. This is my first ‘big’ medal and I made it to the gold. My dream has come true. It has boosted my confidence ” said SZOCS. Romania’s coach Viorel FILIMON explained what happened during the match. “Players start with their tactics but when Bernadette started to lose I told her to change her service. The only way to halt YANG was to use the long service to her backhand. She started doing it and immediately slowed down YANG. YANG was not able to play as aggressively as she was at the beginning and Bernie took control. This is a great day for Romania. Even though Samara had a chance to be in the final she still has a medal ” stated FILIMON. For YANG it was hard to find the words after the defeat. “For sure Bernadette played a great match but when I was leading 3-1 I stopped analyzing the match and my focus went away. I was more focused on the result than the tactics itself. I had never lost against her so I am very disappointed.” In the match for the bronze medal Elizabeta SAMARA withstood Natalia NAJOR’s spirited comeback after taking a 3-1 lead ultimately winning the match in the seventh game. “We knew each other very well. We are clubmates and her national coach is my club coach. In our two previous matches in the Polish league Natalia beat me twice. She did n’t give me a chance ” said SAMARA. This time however the scenario was different. The opening game was very close but went in favor of SAMARA. “She had an advantage in the first game and I kept coming back. In the close finish I won it and that was the key moment. I lost the next game but I was able to control the match. Everything was going my way until 3-1 ” stated Elizabeta. BAJOR heated up the atmosphere in the Hutnik Arena by mounting a comeback when the match seemed to be quickly ending. “I simply can’t say what happened to me. I had a lead in the fifth game but I just lost it. In the sixth game I had another chance at 10-9…” In the decisive game SAMARA had a 5-1 lead before BAJOR leveled the score. However this time Romania’s player defended her lead and sealed the match. “We weren’t used to playing matches for the third position so it was a little strange experience. But I am proud that I made it to the medal podium. I proved to myself that I can still play at the highest level and that I still belong in the game.” In the morning hours YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco defeated SAMARA in the semifinals but Elizabeta managed to recover from the defeat. “I didn’t have time to think about it. I rushed to the hotel to eat and take a shower…” Match for the gold medal YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco (4) – Bernadette SZOCS (6) 3-4 (11-4 11-7 7-11 11-8 11-13 9-11 3-11) Match for the bronze medal Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania (8) – Natalia BAJOR of Poland (14) 4-3 (11-9 4-11 13-11 11-7 9-11 9-11 11-7)
1. FC Saarbrücken-Tischtennis will host the first ever Champions League Final 4 in 2024
1. FC Saarbrücken-Tischtennis will host the first ever Champions League Final 4 in 2024 The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has announced the launch of the Champions League Men Final 4 for this season. After a competitive tender process the ETTU Executive Board has awarded the event to the reigning champion 1. FC Saarbrücken TT. With the cooperation of the regional ministry of sports the idea of a Final 4 tournament in Saarbrücken will become a reality. The event is scheduled to take place on the last weekend of March in 2024 (30th and 31st of March). Unlike the previous knockout stages which were played in home and away matches the Final 4 will be held over a single weekend and in one location. This format aims to create an exciting event featuring high-level table tennis a large crowd and the four best teams in Europe. The chosen venue for the Final 4 tournament is the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken which has previously hosted the Europe Top 12 event in 2003 and the Men’s World Cup in 2016. ETTU Acting President Pedro MOURA: „We are thrilled and honoured to announce that Saarbrücken has been awarded the privilege of hosting the first ever Table Tennis Champions League Men Final 4. This momentous occasion is a testament to the dedication and passion that local club FC Saarbrücken TT has demonstrated in promoting the sport of table tennis. The decision to change format of Table Tennis Champions League man is part of ETTU 2023-2028 Strategic Plan having the objective of developing the system and make it more attractive and rewarding for the clubs and the players. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Saarland an essential partner to turn this dreamed event a reality. We are absolutely sure Saarbrücken will be an exceptional host offering outstanding facilities a vibrant atmosphere and a warm welcome to all participants and spectators.” Reinhold JOST Saarland’s Minister of Sports: „The Men’s Champions League Final Four is part of our strategy to bring high class sports event to our region before the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Saarland is a region of world class sports and the Final Four together with the European Championships in Badminton and the athletic festival in Rehlingen proves this!.” Head of Sports 1. FC Saarbrücken TT Erwin BERG : „I am very happy that such a prestigious event was awarded to our region. After the Europe Top 12 and the World Cup the venue will host its third big table tennis competition so we know that it is a good place to host such an event. Our whole club will try to organize a perfect event with many spectators to create an amazing atmosphere. As the reigning champion it is our main goal to qualify for this event and try to defend the title in front of our home crowd!” Â
The ultimate day in Singles event in Krakow
Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (6) – Natalia BAJOR of Poland (14) 4-0 (11-6 11-9 11-3 11-5) Bernadette SZOCS’ tactical masterclass left Natalia BAJOR without an answer in the second semifinal of the day. The fact that BAJOR had played and struggled in previous encounters against SZOCS did not work in Natalia’s favor. “I was at the top of my game. I played very aggressive. Simply put my tactics were perfect and my self-confidence was at its highest level. I just felt that I could not lose. Even when I lost a few points it did not disturb me. This was ‘my’ match and I could not lose it ” stated SZOCS.” Women’s Event semifinals Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania (8) – YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco (4) 0-4 (9-11 5-11 9-11 4-11) In the first semi-final YANG Xiaoxin defeated Elizabeta SAMARA improving her European Games record. Four years ago in Minsk YANG was stopped in the penultimate stage in a match against HAN Ying of Germany and then lost the bronze medal match to NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg. In today’s match YANG dominated and left little room for Samara to make a comeback. “I am very happy to be in the final. I played exceptionally well today especially in crucial moments which is always what I strive for. SAMARA has been performing excellently in the Games so I prepared well and was ready for the battle ” stated YANG. In the third game SAMARA had an opportunity to extend the match with a 7-3 lead. “I was a bit surprised by my service fault in the third game. It caught me off guard and I needed some time to recover mentally. However I managed to regain my focus and played exceptionally well until the end. I am fully prepared for the final this evening and I will give it my best ” added YANG. On the ultimate day of play in the Singles event at the 2023 European Games in Krakow the final of the Women’s event will feature YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco against Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (6:30 pm) while Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS will meet Felix LEBRUN of France (7:20 pm). In the match for the bronze medal Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania will face Natalia BAJOR of Poland (4:30 pm). However the match for the bronze medal will not be played as Andrej GACINA of Croatia suffered a back hamstring injury and was forced to withdraw after his defeat against Felix LEBRUN. Consequently Alexis LEBRUN secured the bronze medal. Men’s Event semifinals: Alexis LEBRUN of France (5) – Marcos FREITAS of Portugal (18) 2-4 (9-11 11-7 11-8 10-12 8-11 6-11) In a display of aggressive defense from both sides Marcos FREITAS and Alexis LEBRUN kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. Both players showed power performances but Marcos had greater control over the match. “I am very happy with my performance today. It was a physical match with a lot of long rallies. We have never played before and I can see why he is winning against many good players. He has a lot of variety in his game and executes some incredible shots. I am glad I stayed focused and now I just need to rest a bit and prepare for the final ” said FREITAS. Felix LEBRUN of France (8) – Andrej GACINA of Croatia (7) (11-9 11-4 11-3 13-11) Felix LEBRUN was in safe run against Andrej GACINA. “I am very happy to be in the final. I played really well and now I want to win it ” stated the younger of the LEBRUN brothers. Felix dominated the match stating “I have a playing style that bothers GACINA.” Despite playing his semifinal match just a few minutes after his brother suffered defeat against FREITAS Felix mentioned that he has already learned how to stay calm in situations like this. “Unfortunately my brother lost so I will not play against him in the final. I watched Alexis’ match this morning against Marcos to prepare. There is a bit of pressure because it is a big match in front of me but I will play with confidence just as I have been playing since the beginning of the tournament. I am used to playing after Alexis so I know how to refocus when he finishes. I put myself in my own bubble.”
