The CCB Europe Top 16 Cup commenced today in Montreux, nestled on the shores of the serene Lake Geneva, a picturesque town that captures the essence of Swiss beauty.
This year’s edition of the tournament is extended to include qualification rounds, which took place today. Eight players are fighting for the two positions in the main draw, which will begin tomorrow.
In the morning session, the highest-ranked players in the qualification rounds, Xia Lian NI of Luxembourg and Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia, faced early exits.
In the Women’s event, Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy triumphed over NI. PICCOLIN played a flawless game and maintained her focus while handling NI’s constant changes in tactics and rhythm. Despite a momentary lapse in focus that cost her the second game, PICCOLIN regained control and secured the win.
In the Men’s event, Daniel HABESOHN overcame PUCAR. HABESOHN was down 4-8 but fought back to beat PUCAR 11-9 in the decisive game, once again highlighting his unpredictability.
The opening round of the qualifications
- Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia – Solomiya BRATEYKO of Ukraine 1-3 (7-11, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12)
- Giorgia PICCOLIN of Italy – Xia Lian NI of Luxembourg 3-1 (11-4, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8)
- WINTER Sabine of Germany – Tatiana KUKULKOVA of Slovakia 3-1 (5-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-3)
- Hana MATELOVA of Czechia – Rachel MORET of Switzerland 2-3 (13-15, 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11)
- Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden – Joao GERALDO of Portugal 0-3 (7-11, 15-17, 3-11)
- Daniel HABESOHN of Austria – Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia 3-2 (12-10, 12-14, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9)
- Benedikt DUDA of Germany – Chaitanya VEPA of Switzerland 3-0 (11-9, 11-1, 11-6)
- Liam PITCHFORD of England – Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland 3-2 (4-11, 11-4, 14-12, 3-11, 11-9)
See the pictures here.
