Europe’s trio in the Grand Finals semis

In the semi-final stage of the Men’s Singles Event at the US$ 1 000 000 GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals Dimitrij OVTCHAROV will play against TANG Peng; in the opposite half of the draw Japan’s Jun MIZUTANI will face Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS.

In the semi-final stage of the Men’s Singles Event at the US$ 1 000 000 GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals Dimitrij OVTCHAROV will play against TANG Peng; in the opposite half of the draw Japan’s Jun MIZUTANI will face Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS.

OVTCHAROV succeeded against CHUANG Chih-Yuan in the thrilling seven games quarterfinal duel. In the decisive seventh game Dimitrij OVTCHAROV led 5-4 at the change of ends; CHUANG Chih-Yuan recovered to level at 6-all and promptly called “Time Out”. He won the next two points to lead 8-6 before Dimitrij OVTCHAROV secured the next four points to hold two match points at 10-8. CHUANG Chih-Yuan saved the first not the second when a forehand top spin finished in the base of the net.

“The result could have gone either way; one point at any stage could have made all the difference” said Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. “We both changed out tactics several times during the match; it’s always a great fight between us although usually I have managed to win CHUANG Chih-Yuan is a good friend it was a great match.”

Marcos FREITAS won the first two games against Koki NIWA; he lost the third but then established a 7-6 lead in the fourth. Koki NIWA called “Time Out” a break that was to prove fruitful he progressed to win the win the game being the more positive of the two players. Arguably Marcos FREITAS was relying too much on his blocking skills and area of his play where he was experiencing problem. Matters level in the fifth game Marcos FREITAS established a 10-7 lead he lost the next two points and duly called “Time Out”; a prudent move he won the next point.

Three games to two ahead in the sixth game once again Marcos FREITAS led 10-7 again the next two points went to Koki NIWA. The Portuguese star was pinned against the ropes he fought and turned disadvantage to advantage; the point of the day bought FREITAS a semi-final place.

Semi-finalist in the Women’s World Cup in the Austrian city of Linz earlier this year Hungary’s Georgina POTA was once again in outstanding form on the evening of Saturday. At the quarter-final stage of the Women’s Singles event she booked her place in the penultimate round to match the achievement of some two months earlier.

Occupying the no.10 seeded position in the competition Georgina POTA beat Portugal’s YU Fu the no.15 seed in five games.

 

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