Player from Czech Republic overcame newly crowned European Team’s champion
Man of the moment and player who created biggest upset in the opening round of the Men’s Singles event at the 2015 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships is Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. In six games he overcame newly crowned champion in Team’s Event – Stefan FEGERL of Austria (5:11 8:11 12:10 11:7 11:7 12:10).
“I never had a chance to play against him but I study his game. I was aware how much his service game could be dangerous. In two opening games I went down easy. I had to change the tactics. I changed the rhythm; there was no use of attacking him ” explained POLANSKY.
POLANSKY was required to compete in the qualification stages. In his group he overcame Carlos MACHADO of Spain Andrei FILIMON of Romania and Lars RONNEBERG of Norway.
“Beating MACHADO and FILIMON came as a surprise for me as well. I did not expect it. I am very happy with my performance here.”
The highest ranked player to suffer in opening round was Patric BAUM of Germany Cédric NUYTINCK of Belgium justified his good results in group stages. He beat BAUM in straight games.
Lubomir PISTEJ of Slovakia overcame another favorite – Simon GAUZY of France. He needed five games (11:7 4:11 14:12 11:8 11:8).
“In our three previous meetings it was always close game but he beat me two times. This time I neutralize his game with my services. With deep balls I manage to keep the table clean. At 1:1 it was 8:5 for him and then I won that game. That was the crucial moment. After that I felt the fear in his game and I took full advantage of it ” explained PISTEJ.
Previously top seeded Dimitrij OVTCHAROV had a warm up session with GAUZY. His match was free from surprises. He beat Olah BENEDEK of Finland in straight games.
“I was warming up with GAUZY. It worked fine for me but it was not case with GAUZY ” commented OVTCHAROV.
