Danish table tennis star 2009 European Championships Singles winner targets 2020 Tokyo Olympics: “I would like to make a good result in my 5th Olympic Games”
Danish media have announced international comeback of Michael MAZE and 36-year-old table tennis star confirmed the news via his official Instagram account on Tuesday 20th February. He has stopped in 2016 after several injuries and knee and hip surgeries. Now he is fit and motivated to play again against the biggest actual names of this sport.
In the last two years he has been participating in some Roskilde`s matches. This year he has played important games in the Table Tennis Champions League Men helping his side to reach quarterfinals in spite of starting as the lowest no. 16 seed. He played well against his old friends Timo BOLL (Borussia Dusseldorf) and Jun MIZUTANI (Fakel Gazprom Orenburg) and that has given him the motivation to try a comeback. And the goal is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
“My body is very well and I have missed playing on the highest level. The latest matches in the TTCLM have proved that I can play quite well against the best; even I have not practiced so much. I know it will take a long time to reach the top but I have the time and I will slowly build up my form. The right combination between practice and restitution will be the key and I have a good team around me” stressed 36-year-old the 2009 European Championships Singles gold medalist”.
Michael MAZE has chosen for the European Championships Qualification clash against Sweden next Tuesday February 27th in Halmstad. The match will be held after the Draw for the World Team Championships the same day in that city.
“I am so excited to play again for Denmark. It has been fantastic to follow Jonathan GROTH development from the sideline. He is now one of the best in Europe and I hope we can make some good results together. My big goal is Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. I will need a lot of practice and may will think I am over optimistic but I like big challenges .I would like to make a good result in my 5th Olympic Games” concluded Michael MAZE.
Michael MAZE
Born: September 1st 1981
Best international results
European Championships Singles winner 2009
European Championship Team winner 2005
European Championships Singles bronze in 2007
World Championships Singles bronze in 2005
Olympic Games 2004 bronze Men´s Double with Finn TUGWELL
Europe Top-12 winner in 2004
Table Tennis Champions League Men winner with Borussia Düsseldorf
Danish German and French club champion
Sportsman of the year 2005 in Denmark (chosen by athletes)
Olympic Games: 4 participations
Best World/ITTF ranking: Number 8
Started with table tennis in 1988
Debut on national team: 1997
