2017 ITTF Challenge Belgosstrakh Belarus Open
For a third time in his career (previously in 2008 and 2014) Vladimir SAMSONOV clinched the title in the Men’s Singles Event at the 2017 ITTF Challenge Belgosstrakh Belarus Open. In Minsk in the final he overcame WANG Zengyi of Poland 4:2 (11-8 11-5 8-11 9-11 11-5 11-5).
Three years ago he aloso succeded against Polish player in the final to clime his second title.
Top seeded Vladimir SAMSONOV said: “I’m very glad that I am victorious in this tournament. Thanks for all today’s spectators their support really helped me. The match has been tough with all the games going at equal. A finale is always hard. I plan to work on my health now because I don’t have enough time for recovery due to the stiff games schedule and permanent moving’s.”
However WANG will not left Minsk empty handed. He clinched the title in the Men’s Doubles Event. The Polish duo of Daniel GORAK and WANG Zengyi the no.3 seeds beat Japan’s Yuto KIZUKURI and Masaki TAKAMI (11-7 11-7 11-9) in the final. On their way to the top spot at the medal rostrum they overcame top seeds Mikhail PAIKOV and Grigory VLASOV of Russia.
“We’re so happy with our victory that’s our first title. Each game was played equally but our opponents made too many simple mistakes. Also we picked all the right tactics in different situations which gave positive results for us” said the Men’s Doubles champions WANG Zengyi and Daniel GORAK.
Hitomi SATO has beaten Honoka HASHIMOTO to the Women’s Singles title (11-9 11-2 11-8 5-11 11-4).
