In the Round of 16 of the Men’s Doubles Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships Germany’s Benedikt DUDA and Dang QIU broke the hearts of home supporters by eliminating Austria’s Robert GARDOS and Daniel HABESOHN the European champions from 2012 and 2018 and runners-up in Munich two years ago in straight games.
“We played with focus and performed well—sure the first two games were tight at the end but we always had big leads. We had good ideas and managed to close it out smoothly. We both know where our strengths lie and what the other needs even though we haven’t played together for a few months “said DUDA.
Austria found some consolation as Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK and Moldova’s Vladislav URSU defeated Darko JORGIC of Slovenia and Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia in a thrilling five-game match.
“We started very well but we knew a response from such top players was inevitable. In the deciding game we adjusted our tactics and played more aggressively. It’s our first time playing together at a senior European Championship and we feel no pressure—just excitement for the quarter-finals ” said KOLODZIEJCZYK.
Meanwhile top seeds and French brothers Felix and Alexis LEBRUN safely advanced defeating 2019 World Championship silver medalists Alvaro ROBLES of Spain and Ovidiu IONESCU of Romania in four games.
