LIERBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships
Former World’s no. 1 now no. two winner of three Men’s World Cups and 14 ITTF World Tours Singles titles XU Xin is defeated today in the Round of 32 of the Men’s Singles Event at the LIERBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships. Man who halted his progress is Simon GAUZY of France European vice-champion from 2016 ranked at position no. 34 in the World – (11-8 6-11 11-13 11-6 11-9 11-9).
GAUZY’s success was rewarded with standing ovations in Budapest’s Hungexpo.
“It is fantastic win; I am so happy to over came such exciting player ” said GAUZY.
GAUZY showed no fear from the very start.
“We both used opening game to looked each other into the eyes. To “measure” our strength. Recently I lost against XU at the German Open mostly thanks to his service game and he did the same today. He attacked me with the same weapon ” explained GAUZY.
French player was not intimidated he took the control and won the open game.
“I had advantage. I went deep into his forehand and put pressure on him. He recovered but I attacked with the backhand and lost third game really close. Nevertheless I saw that my tactics work and that is the only meter of time when he will start to suffer from pressure. I came close and kept forcing the same game. The dangerous moment was in the sixth game when I realized I could win. I was 8:3 up and he narrowed the advantage. I was afraid he might start to play riskier but he was very nervous and could not return to the game ” explained GAUZY.
In the next Round he will meet WAN Yang of Slovakia.
“In don not know who is my next adversary. I did not open the draw to see it. I will do it in the hotel room. I want to enjoy the moment.”
