DRAGOMAN and GERALDO Stun Opponents at 2023 ITTF World Championships Finals in Durban

In a thrilling display of skill and determination Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania and Joao GERALDO of Portugal pulled off remarkable upsets in the opening Round of the 2023 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Durban. DRAGOMAN defeated CHEN Szu-Yu of Taipei in a straight games while GERALDO emerged victorious over Liam PITCHFORD of England in a thrilling seven-game battle.

Facing heavy odds Andreea DRAGOMAN ranked No. 86 showcased her immense talent and tenacity against the favored CHEN Szu-Yu ranked No. 29. Despite trailing early in the match DRAGOMAN mounted an impressive comeback in the first game eventually securing a game on the scoreboard. Maintaining her momentum the 22-year-old Romanian never relinquished control and closed out the match in style winning in straight games (13-11 12-10 11-2 11-6). Her dominant performance was marked by her ability to control the receive game winning 50% of Chen’s serves while also winning over 65% of her own serves. This significant difference in service effectiveness allowed Dragoman to claim victory amassing 47 points to Chen’s 29.

With this extraordinary win Andreea DRAGOMAN now looks ahead to the next round where she will face Ozge YILMAZ in the round of 64. A victory in this match would equal her impressive performance in 2021 where she caused an upset by defeating Petrissa SOLJA en route to the round of 32.

Meanwhile in another enthralling match Joao GERALDO secured a stunning upset victory over World No. 23 Liam PITCHFORD. PITCHFORD who reached the Men’s Singles round of 16 at the 2021 World Championships Finals aimed to surpass his previous performance in Durban. However Geraldo had different plans delivering a nail-biting contest that ended with a 4-3 scoreline in his favor (12-10 6-11 11-9 7-11 11-5 5-11 13-11).

Right from the outset both players fought tooth and nail for the upper hand. GERALDO gained the early advantage saving a game point at 9-10 to claim the first game. PITCHFORD swiftly responded with a composed display in the second game. However luck seemed to evade PITCHFORD in the third game as he failed to capitalize on a 6-9 lead allowing GERALDO to regain control. The tense battle continued with neither player able to establish a significant advantage leading to a thrilling deciding seventh game.

Deep into the seventh game PITCHFORD held a slim 8-9 lead and required just two more points for victory. However GERALDO summoned the energy for a final surge and clinched a dramatic 13-11 win sealing his place in the last 64 and leaving PITCHFORD disappointed with his day’s performance.

Related News

ETTU and ITTF Signs Strategic Quadrennial Agreements

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formalized the Strategic Quadrennial Agreements (SQA) with the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), as well as with the Continental Federations of Africa, Americas,...

Read more

German Championships: Multi-Event Spectacle

From June 6 to 9, 2025, the Erfurt Trade Fair will become the heart of German table tennis. Over 1,000 participants will compete in three event halls for prestigious national...

Read more

ETTU opened the application process for the 2025 NAAP

ETTU is pleased to open the application process for the 2025 National Association Assistance Program (NAAP). This program provides financial support of €2,000 to 15 selected Associations. To apply, please...

Read more

Finlandia Open Victories for the Netherlands and France

The international Finlandia Open table tennis tournament concluded over the weekend at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, Finland. In the Men’s Singles, Dutch player Milo de BOER emerged victorious,...

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