Ukraine’s Viktor VASYLEVSKYI dedicated the victory to his family

On the second day of the play at the STAG European Veterans Championships the remaining two age categories in singles entered the field- Over 40 and Over 45 started playing followed by all the doubles.

In Group 1 in Over 40 Event Belgium’s Cedric MERCHEZ beat 3-0 (11-3 11-4 11-1) Sweden’s Anders LINDSTROM 3-0 (11-3 11-3 11-5) Germany’s Thorsten JONS-ERICHSEN and 3-0 (13-11 11-6 11-3) Italy’s Marco RIGO and emerged at the top of the standings.

“I feel very well and I am in a very good shape. I practiced a lot and my body is in excellent shape for the moment. I will try to play at my best level in this tournament. I am the defending champion but in table tennis you can never tell I will play match by match. Three years ago in Budapest it was amazing Greece’s Ioannis VLOTINOS was leading 2-1 and 6-2 in the fourth game. I took timeout and then I won 11-7 11-7 the last two games. It was unbelievable and the title was a surprise for me because I was a challenger. Here in Rimini there are many strong players starting form Italy’s Valentino PIACENTINI. It will be tough but I am optimistic. I came here to play well and to win ” said MERCHEZ

PIACENTINI won Group 3 defeating by walkover Ukraine’s Oleksii KAULIK and 3-0 (11-8 11-5 11-4) Finland’s Elmo RÄSÄNEN. “Last September I started playing again after ten years of inactivity and it’s very difficult to get back in shape. I came here to Rimini above all to have fun meet friends and be in company. I enjoy to play but I do not have a competitive goal even if I do not like to lose and when I play I do all the possible to win.  At these European Veterans Championships I see many athletes who are well trained and in great shape. According to me MERCHEZ is the favorite for the title. This is a very beautiful event and the atmosphere is great. It’s fantastic that there are so many persons who have a real passion for table tennis. I like to share these moments with athletes I played against during my career”.

In Group 1 of Over 45 Ukraine’s Viktor VASYLEVSKYI prevailed 3-0 (11-6 11-4 11-8) over France’s Nicolas VITEL and 3-0 (11-2 11-4 11-4) over Italy’s Valentino MAURO. “I dedicate these victories to my family that is in Germany because they had to flee the war. My goal for this Championships is only to play and enjoy. I am really happy to be here and to represent my country”.

Finland’s Marina DONNER was first in Group 1 of Over 40 accounting for Denmark’s Janne Jensen 3-0 (11-9 11-9 11-8) and Germany’s Zeng Le 3-0 (11-3 11-4 11-5). “I am satisfied with my game. I played very well because I knew that my first opponent is a very good player so I had to play at the top of my game and I did it. I am taking part in European Veterans Championships for the first time. So far 2022 was very positive for me since I won three gold medals at Finnish Championships. My goals for this tournament? Of course to win. There are several good players I just have to focus on my game in every match”.

In Group 4 of Over 45 Germany’s Sabine NELDNER gave no chance to Finland’s Katrin LOOKE (11-4 11-6 11-9) France’s Corinne CAVICCHI (11-7 11-2 11-1) and Wales’ Muralitharan BHANUREKA (11-8 11-5 17-15). “I am very happy to be here and to play against so many champions from all over Europe. My objectives in these Championships is to have fun and to find many champions to compare myself with. Right now I am very satisfied with my game I feel very fit”.

Related News

33rd Finlandia Open – Everything You Need to Know

The traditional Finlandia Open returns this year, welcoming over 160 players from 27 countries to the enchanting home of Father Christmas. Hosted at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, just an hour’s...

Read more

ETTU Announces Key Updates and Initiatives

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has unveiled significant updates following decisions made at the 2024 Congress. From ranking system changes to new hosting opportunities and support for female coaches,...

Read more

ETTU JOB OPENINGS: PART-TIME FINANCIAL MANAGER (20H/WEEK)

Location: Luxembourg Position Overview: ETTU is looking for a skilled Financial Operations Manager to handle daily financial tasks, including accountancy, budget management, and liaising with auditors. Based in Luxembourg, this...

Read more

ETTU JOB OPENINGS: MARKETING ASSISTANT (30H/WEEK)

Location: Remote + travel and work on-site at various events. Position Overview: ETTU is looking for a Marketing Assistant to ensure that all marketing activities, particularly at events, are implemented...

Read more

Contact

About Us

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body of the sport of table tennis in Europe, and is the only authority recognized for this purpose by the International Table Tennis Federation. The ETTU deals with all matters relating to table tennis at a European level, including the development and promotion of the sport in the territories controlled by its 58 member associations, and the organization of continental table tennis competitions, including the European Championships.

Powered By

All Competitions

Senior Competitions

Club Competitions

Youth Competitions

More Competitions