European Championships | 28 Sep 2015

Germany secured eight final in the row

Only GAUZY scored against mighty adversaries

 

For the eight time in the row, Germany will play at the final of the Men’s Teams Event at the 2015 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships. They will meet Austria in the match for the gold. Today they overcame France in semis.

 

Best-ranked European player at the ITTF rankings at position no. 5, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV needed three games to give Germany dream start. Emmanuel LEBESSON put some extra pressure in the third game, but OVTCHAROV was not in the mood to give away single game 3:0 (11:3, 11:8, 12:10).

 

“I was ready this time. In our previous meeting at the European Games in Baku he beat me 3:1. I studied videos with his matches and I was well prepared. He came close at some points, but I kept everything under control.”

 

In the only match where France had better ranked player - Simon GAUZY at position no. 27, it was world’s no. 48 Ruwen FILUS who had a better start. That situation did not last for long. When GAUZY returned to the table in the second set, his powerful strokes brought him quick one - all. In third game Ruwen had a better start. He even had three set balls but after being 10:7 down, Simon recovered to win the game at 12:10.  In the fourth game, we almost saw the re -run of the previous one. Ruwen came to game ball at 10:7, before he lost next point. Luckily for Germany, he recovered fast and won that game. In decisive it was GAUZY who prevailed 2:3 (11:9, 4:11, 10:12, 11:9, 7:11).

 

The match between Patrick BAUM and Stephane OUAICHE started with the small marathon. OUAICHE fought hard, even won third game, but BAUM justified his rankings 3:1 (19:17, 11:9, 5:11, 11:4).

 

“It was mental game. I was very nervous. Last time he beat me 3:4. The opening game was difficult. Coming into the game at 1:1 puts some pressure,” explained BAUM.

 

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV beat very much man in form in Ekaterinburg, Simon GAUZY in superb style in straight games – 3:0 (11:5, 11:6, 12:10) to secure the win for his team.

 

“I was in much better position then Patrick, for the game against GAUZY. I entered the game at 2:1 for Germany. I think I played the best match at the tournament against GAUZY.”