Champions League Men | 20 May 2016

KARLSSON: The first match against XU Hui will be crucial

Pontoise`s player speaks about returning leg (May 29th, 17:00) of the 2015/16 TTCLM against Eslovs Al Bordtennis. Swedish club won 3:1 at home

 

Ten years ago Kristian KARLSSON was a runner up of the 2006 European Cadet Championships held in Sarajevo. Last year in August, he was world`s no. 69. Today he is no. 27 (last month no. 26, his best position so far) and looks forward to the returning leg of the 2015/16 TTCLM against his compatriots from Eslovs Al Bordtennis (May 29th, 17:00). Swedish side won first game 3:1.

 

“Of course, we are very disappointed with our performances in Sweden. I could not play due to illness so was extra frustrating for me”, pointed out Swedish player.

 

The 14th TTCLM seed secured big advantage in sets (9:5), thanks to XU Hui who won both his games, against Tristan FLORE and Marcos FREITAS who got unique point for his team.

 

“We are very difficult to beat on our home soil so I think it’s still a 50/50 match. The crucial match to take a title is no doubt the first match against XU Hui. If we win this one I am positive we will stand as champions again”, explained KARLSSON who already has one TTCLM crown with Pontoise (2015) as well as two ProA league titles (2014, 2016).

 

The 24-year-old plans to continue his climbing on the ITTF World ranking list:

 

“Yes, I am satisfied how I play in the last months. Improved my World ranking, we won French League and I beat some top players I’ve never beaten before. We welcome Eslov to Paris and will give them a fight they won’t forget”.