Liebherr European Championships
Title-holder team of Romania reached the semi final of the Women’s Teams Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships in Nantes.Romania accounted for France and by doing so they inflicted the pain in the harts of the host nation supporters.
Elizabeta SAMARA gave Romania the dream start by beating Laura GASNIER in straight games (10-12 9-11 9-11).
“I already played against lefthander yesterday so it was good decision to open the match and to face French no. one player GASNIER. I was ready for the challenge. It was also important that we catch an early lead because the crowd is very enthusiastic. The team of France has incredible support here. However they also love table tennis so we have been departed from the arena after the victory with the huge applause “underlined Elizabeta SAMARA.
Bernadette SZOCS overcame Marie MIGOT (6-11 7-11 11-7 9-11) and Daniela DODEAN MONTEIRO succeeded against Audrey ZARIF (9-11 4-11 7-11).
“I was very confident. Yesterday we had a time to watch their match and to stydy their game. I was ready for every line up ” said SCOZS.
Next challenge will be Poland.
“The chances are 50-50. I am playing in the same club in Poland with LI Qian also national coach is my club coach…It is going to be hard to beat them and I expect good match as well ” said SAMARA.
Portugal will not leave the European Championships without the medal once again. After gold of Men’s Team in Lisbon silver in Luxembourg and bronze in Gdansk they reached the medal rostrum once again in Nantes. In the quarters they prevailed against Austria.
It was Austria who had a better start Tiago APOLONIA lost to Robert GARDOS (11-13 7-11 6-11).
“Despite the 10-7 lead in the opening game I did not manage to close it. He plays at very high level here and already proved it yesterday. Thankfully FREITAS and MONTEIRO did a great job after me and I was back to the table at 2-1. It was much easier and I controlled the match ” said APOLONI who overcame Daniel HABESOHN (11-6 11-4 11-3) in fourth match.
Marcos FREITAS beat Daniel HABESOHN (11-8 11-6 9-11 11-7): “It was little difficult because we were down one match and in addition he beat me in the duel for the third position at the Top 16 Cup. I managed to control the match this time.”
Joao MONTEIRO widener the lead with the victory over Stefan FEGERL (11-3 11-1 8-11 11-7).
“They already beat us in two previous occasion so we were very cautious. FEGERL struggled with my service game he could not receive well so it gives me power to control the rhythm of the game. I was very confident even in the moments when I lost third game. Very quickly in next one I was in the lead and finished the match.”
