LIEBHERR 2019 European Championships
Title holders members of Men’s team of Germany showed impressive shape in the eve of the LIEBHERR 2019 European Championships. A week before the start of the Continental gathering Europe’s player no. three Dimitrij OVTCHAROV beat China’s XUE Fei legendary Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus fellow compatriot Patrick FRANZISKA and Brazil’s Hugo CALDERANO to reach the final of the 2019 ITTF World Tour Czech Open in Olomouc. Eventually Chinese Taipei teenager LIN Yun-Ju halted his progress at the last hurdle.
“ I am feeling really good at the moment. Of course I wanted to win the Czech Open but I am still happy with my performances and that I have reached the final. LIN Yun-Ju played an incredible tournament and deserved to win it. Because of my personal result in Czech Republic and the great shape of Timo BOLL and Patrick FRANZISKA I am confident for the European Championships” said OVTCHAROV.
In the semifinal Timo currently ranked at the position no. two in Europe also suffered by the hands of LIN whilst FRANZISKA Continental’s no 5 lost to OVTCHAROV in the quarterfinal.
“I think it would not be us if I would say that we are not the favorite team and do not want to win the gold medal. Our team is really strong. At the European Games we won the Mixed Doubles Men’s and Women’s team competitions. Timo also won the Men’s Singles and HAN Ying the silver medal at Women’s Singles. It will not be easy at all because every team wants to beat the titleholder. But we want to become the Champions again.”
In the Group phase Germany will meet Russia and Czech Republic.
“Russia and Czech Republic have some good players but in the end our goal is to win the group stage. Of course we will take every adversary and match seriously. These tournaments have their own rules and there always can happen some surprises. Same applies for our woman’s team.”
What is the plan for last days of preparations?
“After a long tournament at the Czech Open we will have one day off to recover. But then we will have some training sessions together and focus on our opponents.”
What is your best memories from Team European Championships?
“Definitely my first title with Germany! In 2007 I have been participating for the first time for the national team at Championships and we went straight to the title! That was unbelievable for me and a huge achievement in my career back at that time.”
Where did you spend your holiday this summer?
“My vacation have been really short this summer because I was training a lot to get in good shape again. But I had a few days off with my family and some friends on Ibiza at the beginning of August. We had a great time and I get some new energy ” concluded OVTCHAROV.
