Europe Top-16 Cup | 3 Feb 2019

Fifth crown for Dimitrij OVTCHAROV

CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux

No. 2 seed Dimitrij OVTCHAROV clinched the fifth title at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux. In the final he overcame Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus (6:11, 11:8, 11:3, 14:16, 6:11, 11:7, 12:10).

 

In the action roller-coaster power shifted from one side to another and until the last ball the game was open.

 

“The game has so many ups and downs for both of us. I could finish it up at 4:1, but I missed the opportunity. SAMSONOV was always there, he looked for every chance to come back; he covered every angle and every spot on the table. Vladi has advantage in sixth game and even bigger in seventh, but no meter how much tired I was, I thought he was even more, so I kept pushing. It was similar match like against BOLL. Small points made big differences,” explained OVTCHAROV.” I am so happy I came back from injury and few heavy defeats.”

 

Before 2019’s final SAMSONOV and OVTCHAROV both had four titles in their record books and shared third position in the overall standings behind legendary Swede Jan OWE VALDNER and Timo BOLL with seven and six. Now OVTCHAROV took the third spot.

 

 

Four-time Europe Top 16 Cup winner, Vladimir SAMSONOV played for a 22nd time at the event. Belarus legend started his journey through the Euro Top 16 cups in the French city of Dijon, 24 years ago, as the youngest participant, sharing fifth spot with current Dima’s coach Jorg ROSSKOPF from Germany.

 

 

The duel for the spot no. three at the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux concluded with the win for Germany’s Timo BOLL against Daniel HABESOHN of Austria (11:7, 11:4, 7:11, 9:11, 3:11, 12:10, 11:5). Six times winner at Top 16 and Top 12, was stretched to full seven games in the last match before he prevailed.

 

“I had some advantage by finished my semi final match hour or two before Daniel. Also, I was mentally stronger today,” said BOLL.