2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup
Six-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner Timo BOLL of Germany is just one title behind record-holder Jan-Ove WALDNER of Sweden and maybe he will make history by the end of this week playing 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Swiss town Montreux (February 8-9). Borussia Dusseldorf’s star actual no.2 seed has nice memories from Montreux as he won there 2018 edition and finished 3rd last year.
How do you comment your 2019 Europe Top 16 result?
“I was satisfied. Dima (OVTCHAROV) played a great tournament and deservedly won.”
Rotterdam 2002 Saarbrucken 2003 Copenhagen 2006 Dusseldorf 2009 Dusseldorf 2010 and Montreux 2018 were marked by Timo BOLL! What is going to happen in 2020?
“I think my shape is okay. But the level in Europe is close together. But I will try to win it a 7th time.”
What is the difference between Timo BOLL from 2002 and actual one (beside years)?
“The game has changed and I changed my style too. Otherwise I wouldn’t have a chance to compete against the young fellas.”
Are you satisfied with your current shape?
“Yes I don’t have the highest expectations to myself anymore. I’m just happy to be able that I still can play table tennis on a high level.”
How do you see the list of 2019 favorites and your chances to reach WALDNER’s record (seven titles)?
“The chance is realistic but I’m not a very optimistic guy before a tournament. There are for sure 6-8 players who can win the title.”
When you play alongside so many good teammates in the club and national team you must be ready to fight against them in biggest international events. How do you feel when you face them?
“I don’t like it but I try to handle it professional. I think I behave more calm during a game against teammates or friends.”
Your best and worst memory in 2019?
“Becoming German champion for the last time in my career was emotional. Becoming ill during World Championship was tough.”
Who was the best world’s athlete in 2019 in your opinion?
“First half MA Long second half FAN Zhendong.”
What is your plan towards 2020 Olympics and what is your aim?
“Just try to stay healthy.”
2020 CCB EUROPE TOP 16 CUP – LIST OF CONFIRMED PLAYERS
Men’s Singles: Mattias FALCK (no.1 seed Sweden) Timo BOLL (no.2 Germany) Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (no.3 Germany) Simon GAUZY (no.4 France) Vladimir SAMSONOV (no.5 Belarus) Liam PITCHFORD (no.6 England) Kristian KARLSSON (no.7 Sweden) Marcos FREITAS (no. 8 Portugal) Jonathan GROTH (no. 9. Denmark) Daniel HABESOHN (no. 10 Austria) Tomislav PUCAR (no.11 Croatia) Robert GARDOS (no.12 Austria) Emmanuel LEBESSON (no.13 France) WANG Yang (no.14 Slovakia) Darko JORGIC (no.15 Slovenia) Lionel WEBER (no.16 Switzerland).
Women’s Singles: Sofia POLCANOVA (no.1 Austria) Bernadette SZOCS (no.2 Romania) Petrissa SOLJA (no.3 Germany) HAN Ying (no.4 Germany) Elizabeta SAMARA (no.5 Romania) Matilda EKHOLM (no.6 Sweden) Margaryta PESOTSKA (no.7 Ukraine) NI Xia Lian (no.8 Luxembourg) Britt EERLAND (no.9 Netherlands) Polina MIKHAILOVA (no.10 Russia) Hana MATELOVA (no.11 Czech Republic) Barbora BALAZOVA (no.12 Slovakia) Natalia PARTYKA (no.13 Poland) Dora MADARASZ (no.14 Hungary) Yana NOSKOVA (no.15 Russia) Rachel MORET (no.16 Switzerland).
