European Games 2019 Minsk
In the semi final of the Men’s Teams Event at the European Games 2019 in Minsk Germany overcame Portugal in three matches.
In the opening doubles Timo BOLL and Patrick FRANZISKA overcame Joao MONTEIRO and Tiago APOLONIA in straight games despite very good performance of Portugal’s pairings (12-10 11-7 16-14). In next match Dimitrij OVTCHAROV overcame Marcos FREITAS in straight games (11-8 11-2 11-6).
“This is all about team work and as a team we proved as a stronger one. I am also happy with my performance. I know Marcos very well and in my case sometimes is not very good option. I played my best table tennis since we arrived and I hope I will keep this level tomorrow in the final ” said OVTCHAROV.
Patrick FRANZISKA overcame Tiago APOLONIA after he was two games to null in reverse (7-11 7-11 11-8 11-5 11-6).
“We stared with the excellent performance of Timo and Patrick in doubles; OVCHAROV was perfect against Marcos the player withy whom he is playing in the same club. Only in the opening game he was 2-4 down and from then he always had advantage. I am also happy with Patrick’s performance. It is very important for the team that he could recover from such hard moments and that he is ready to fight until the last point. I can resent nothing about his game because at the opening APOLONIA played at his best. His level of game was unbelievable. Patrick managed to adjust and the level of his game before the end of second set was very high. After that I just advised him to slightly adjust his tactics and to keep on fighting ” explained coach Jorg ROSSKOPF.
There was no need for BOLL to play his singles match.
“It is good that I had only to watch singles games but it is more important that Patrick got into the right rhythm. We need everybody ready for tomorrow’s final ” said BOLL.
