Team Germany faced big blow after Dimitrij OVTCHAROV was forced to withdrew from the World Championships to be held in November in Huston.
“ I twisted my ankle during training last week. After consultation with several experts I decided to have a minor ankle surgery. The operation went very well and showed that it was the right decision. I’d like to thank Dr. Mayer Dr. Bolay and their dedicated team at ZFOS. Now I will fully focus on the rehabilitation training which starts right away ” stated OVTCHAROV on his Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/dimaovtcharov/
OVTCHAROV stated:
“I am sad to announce that I will not be in Houston for the World Championships. This makes me very sad as I wanted to use the momentum built during the Olympics. Unfortunately injuries are part of sports. But you know me I will work hard and I will come back even stronger. See you on the table soon! “
National coach Jorg ROSSKOPF said:
“That is of course bitter for him. He was in a really good mood played well and of course had big plans for the World Championships. In order to be able to continue playing for a long time you have to listen to the signals from your body. I am optimistic that Dima will soon continue. He should heal the injury in peace get himself back in shape mentally and physically and then hopefully he will be in top shape again at the beginning of 2022. “
The coaching team around Jörg ROSSKOPF will probably decide at the beginning of November about the successor for OVTCHAROV who has been decorated with a total of six Olympic medals. In addition to OVTCHAROV record European champion Timo BOLL who is 15 in the World rankings is nominated. Patrick FRANZISKA as well as the reigning German singles champion Benedikt DUDA and mixed European champion Dang QIU. In Houston European champion Petrissa SOLJA who is 21st in the World rankings leads the Women’s team. HAN Ying Europe Top 16 winner Nina MITTELHAM European Championships finalist SHAN Xiaona and European team champion Sabine WINTER are also listed.
