Portugal in perfect run at the 2015 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships
European champions are safely through the quarterfinal of the 2015 LIEBHERR European Championships in Eketarinburg. Portugal concluded the matches in the Group stage unbeaten and secure the top position in Group A. France is at the position no. two.
After beating Hungary and France in epic match day earlier Portugal accounted for Serbia in straight matches today. To be precise Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC Marko JEVTOVIC and Zolt PETE failed to win single game against Joa MONTEIRO Marcos FREITAS and Tiago APOLONIA.
“We are relieved now when the first task is successfully accomplished. We had very difficult matches. It is true that we are unbeaten but none of them was easy. Even today in 3:0 victory against Serbia many things could get wrong. I beat KARAKASEVIC at the opening but in reverse situation we will be under severe pressure.”
France showed impressive performance in Russia especially Simon GAUZY. After very close match against Serbia when they recovered from match ball down French team had 2:0 lead against Portugal. In addition GAUZY in fourth match had 2:0 against Marcos FREITAS. Today they overcame Hungary. GAUZY beat Adam SZUDI. Emmanuel LEBESSON overcame Tamas LAKATOS whilst Stephane OUAICHE beat Adam PATTANTYS.
“The opening match always adds some extra pressure on player. You want to set your team on the right track and that could be difficult sometime. So far I am very happy with my performance. I won four out of five matches in Russia”. stated GAUZY.
Reflecting about the matches day earlier GAUZY added:
“I have no reason to regret. Yesterday we were 2:0 up against Portugal and we lost but it was tremendous match. It took the best of both teams. We were very close and for sure we gave our best. It was clear from the start that the third match will be important. MONTEIRO beat FLORE but we had another great opportunity when I was 2:0 up against FREITAS. We lost but the most important thing is that we played good and that we are safely through to the quarterfinal. Hopefully we will play for the medal here.”
