We caught up with Hungary’s Georgina Pota in Luxembourg this week as the no.20 in the world ranking prepares for the year ahead including the Seamaster ITTF World Tour Hungarian Open and the China Construction Bank ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux.
How was your winter break? Did you have a holiday?
-It was amazing. We were in Dubai for 1 week. We had already been there 2 years ago. I really enjoyed it. The weather was good. I like going from winter to summer. I had a tough year lots of travelling. I think it is very important to find time for a rest especially for the head. Last summer I practiced because of T-2. Normally in Hungary we have 3-4 weeks rest in a row in the summer.
What about 2017? You played T-2. It was a new format and new rules of playing table tennis and finishing at the World Tour Grand Finals in Astana Kazakhstan.
-2017 was a big challenge in my life. I signed a contract with T-2. It was good to play against the best Asian players. In world tours I cannot often play with world Top-20 players. Of course I had matches in the Champions league and Bundesliga but after T-2 I felt that I improved my game.
During the year Matilda Ekholm and I played very well in doubles. I think it was a bit unreal that we were seeded no.1 in Dusseldorf at the World Championships. I was dreaming about a medal but we had a difficult draw [the pair lost in 1 round EKHOLM M SWE / POTA Georgina HUN – BILENKO T UKR / PAVLOVICH V BLR 2-4 (11-4 7-11 9-11 11-8 8-11 11-13)]. I am happy that we got to the World Tour Grand Finals in Astana Kazakhstan. We continue to play together. I hope we will win more titles.
What are your main goals for 2018? How is training going?
-Overall nothing special. Next week I am going to play Hungarian Open. As always it will be difficult to play at home.
Nevertheless my dream is to win a medal at the European Championships in singles. I was 5 times in the last 8 so close.
Are you ready for the ITTF Europe Top-16 Cup in Montreux?
-Almost I have had little time for practice. I don’t have any free weekends until Top-16 travelling as usual. My aim is to win a medal. If I play well I can do it. It is possible but not easy.
You became no. 20 in the January world ranking. What do you think about the new ranking system?
-I am surprised and happy. However with this system you must play more tournaments and choose the right ones. However it will be difficult for European players due to club league matches.
