Europe Top-16 Cup | 4 Feb 2018
Al-German final in Montreux: OVTCHAROV vs. BOLL
Photo: Rémy Gros ITTF
China Construction Bank 2018 ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany underlined his status and booked his place in the final of the China Construction Bank 2018 ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup. His adversary on his run to the another title will be his patriot TIMO BOLL. For the third place Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus will meet Jonathan GROTH of Denmark. The Top 3 men qualify for the ITTF Men’s World Cup in Paris (France) 19-21 October.
In the semi final Jonathan GROTH of Denmark proved as a worth adversary, but Dimitrij OVTCHAROV’S performance was at the top level. He booked the place in the final without due concern. GROTH put defending champion under pressure, but in crucial points Germany’s player was better (12:10, 11:7, 11:9, 9:11, 12:10).
“All the games finished by narrow margin. One or two balls decided everything. The game was not maybe that spectacular, but GROTH is very strong player and tactically very hard to beat. I really had to play on the highest level to beat him,” said OVTCHAROV.
The duel between two World’ greats in Montreux could not finish quickly. Three games out of six in the clash between Timo BOLL and Vladimir SAMSONOV concluded by narrowest of margins (12:10, 6:11, 4:11, 14:12, 11:5, 10:12). In the spectacular exchange of the rallies, which held spectators at the edge of their seats, BOLL proved stronger. His backhand was very safe.
“In past year and the half I play more on the backhand. My legs are not that fast as they used to be,” said BOLL.” SAMSONOV and I have a long sporting history and we are very good friends. There was no big pressure. We know each other very well. All we have to do was to give our best in the court and to see who will come up as winner. Whatever the outcome, we will stay good friends.”
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