World Championships | 24 Apr 2019

BOLL and FALCK safely through to the Round of 16

Photo: Rémy Gros ITTF

LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships

Best ranked player from Europe in the Men’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR 2019 ITTF World Championships Timo BOLL needed only four games to overcame Japan’s Masataka MORIZONO (3-11, 9-11, 7-11, 8-11). He reached the Round of 16 to join Mattias FALCK of Sweden, who just few minutes earlier departed Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal by same margin (6-11, 4-11, 5-11, 8-11).

BOLL backhand did most of the damage to MORIZONO.

“It was really good this time. In felt comfortable, but to be honest, I need it. I am not fast as I used to be and good backend saves me from lot of running. I saved some strength. It is not easy to play against lefthander, but my backhand game me the opportunity to stay there and play strong,” said BOLL.

BOLL’s game improves from match to match in Budapest.

“I did not come in best of shape here. I lost many important matches in League and Champions League. I needed good matches to rebuilt my confidence,” said BOLL

Mattias FALCK and Tiago APOLONIA played against each other only once – ten years ago at the World Tour in Germany. It was of Mattias’ first tournaments. Back then APOLONIA was in charge; today the pendulum swung.

“The good service/return game is always essential part of victory. With the good forehand I imposed the control. It gave me opportunity to control the match and to be aggressive,” explained FALCK.