ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar,
Adrien MATTENET of France was forced to withdraw from the ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Gondomar due the injury. In the match of the second round against Par GERELL of Sweden, he asked for the medical help after he suffered from the pain in the neck. It was 1:0 and 4:0 for the Swede at that point. After the short break they returned to the table, and Par lost four points, but soon after MATTENET withdrew.
“I could not fight against my body. It will be unfair to my adversary to stay any longer in the match. I felt great pain as the match progressed. I came here to fight, to give my best and now I am very disappointed,” explained Adrien.
In the same round reigning champion recorded another victory. This time Dimitrij OVTCHAROV overcame Panagiotis GIONIS of Greece 3:0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-7). Joao MONTEIRO prevailed against Simon GAUZY 2:3 (6-11, 8-11, 11-8, 13-11,6-11).
The member of the tam that won the gold medal at the European Championships last year in Ekaterinbourg, is ready to set another milestone. Stefan FEGERL of Austria overcame Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus 2:3 (11-7, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6,8-11). On his first appearance at the ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup she moved one more step closer to the quarters.
Alexander SHIBAEV of Russia finally settled in his rhythm. Against Ruwen FILUS of Germany he prevailed in straight games 3:0 (11-4, 11-8, 11-6).
“After defeat, it was important for me to keep on fighting. My forehand was good in the afternoon and I think that was the crucial moment. Against Andrej GACINA, this morning, I lost my focus. I had 8:4 in the third game and 7:5 in the fourth…When you lost after having such advantage, then you can only blame yourself. I made to many easy mistakes,” said SHIBAEV.
Marcos FREITAS of Portugal overcame Robert GARDOS of Austria 3:0 (15-13, 12-10, 11-8).
