Liam PITCHFORD aiming for Glasgow gold

Winning two Commonwealth Games medals as a 17-year-old takes a bit of beating and Liam PITCHFORD is adamant the only way to do so is to strike gold in Glasgow. The England No 1 who brought back team silver and men’s doubles bronze from Delhi four years

Winning two Commonwealth Games medals as a 17-year-old takes a bit of beating and Liam PITCHFORD is adamant the only way to do so is to strike gold in Glasgow.

The England No 1 who brought back team silver and men’s doubles bronze from Delhi four years ago believes he can complete the set by getting on the top step of the podium this time out. He has four chances to do so – in the team and singles events in the men’s doubles with Paul DRINKHALL and the mixed doubles with Tin-Tin HO – and PITCHFORD said: “My only aim really is to get a gold. Last time was a big step for me to get two medals in Delhi. I was only 17 – this time I’m going in more of a favourite to take medals.”

The Chesterfield player believes he and his team-mates can crown a year which has seen the team earn promotion at the World Team Championships in Tokyo and has featured a string of impressive individual performances.

He said: “I think we’ve all had some great results we’ve all played well and that’s all shown now in our results.

“I went to Tokyo as the leader and I think I handled that quite well I think I led the team well and we managed to get promotion. Hopefully I can lead the team again and we can get the same good results and hopefully better. In Tokyo we had a great team spirit and we proved that we could win even when we were down – 2-0 in some matches and we still came back. I think that will help especially with the young guys – Sam and myself to get those big wins even when the pressure is on. Paul did great in the Spanish Open and won it I’ve had a good season with some great wins I’ve progressed to number 50 in the world. I think it will help the other guys as well in the team when they come into their match in the Commonwealths they’ll be ready they know what to do they know how to win – that can only help us. We’ve got a great chance and causing some upsets and getting in the medals.”

The main barrier to PITCHFORD leaving Glasgow with a gold medal around his neck – in any event – is likely to come from Singapore but PITCHFORD knows they are not the only threat.

“You’ve got the Indians Nigerian players and HENZELL from Australia they’re all strong players ” he said.“Obviously I’ve played GAO Ning (Singapore No 1 and world No 12) twice now and won twice so I’ve got a good record and hopefully I’m not going to blemish that record and can keep it going further.We know how they play we’ve practised against them and I think we’ve always got a chance against them.”

Scotland’s Gavin RUMGAY could also threaten the odd upset particularly with a home crowd behind him but PITCHFORD is philosophical about possibly having to silence the spectators in such a clash – or even if England end up as the pantomime villains.

“You’ve just got to get on with it ” he said. “I’m sure we’ll have some English support there so we’ll focus on that. It’s going to be a great games and I’m looking forward to it. I think we can all handle it well we’ve all been in that situation before.”

 

Related News

Moldova Hosts Successful Seminar on Training Young Table Tennis Talents

As part of the European Table Tennis Union’s (ETTU) National Association Assistance Program (NAAP), a practical-methodical seminar titled “The Process of Training Young Players – The Road to the Olympics”...

Read more

2025 Champions League Final 4 Saarbrücken: Book the tickets now

This year, 4,500 spectators in Saarlandhalle Saarbrücken contributed to the resounding success of the first-ever Champions League Final 4. The event returns next year, promising another thrilling experience for players...

Read more

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

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