Europe Top-16 Cup | 12 Jan 2019
Kristian KARLSSON targets podium spot in Montreux
CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux
Sweden’s Kristian KARLSSON is looking forward to the 2019 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux, Switzerland (on 2nd and 3rd February) what will be his fifth appearance in this event. The 2016 semi-finalist from Gondomar, Portugal, is seeded at the position no. 8 at the upcoming tournament.
Men’s Singles bronze medallist at the LIEBHERR 2018 ITTF-European Championships in Alicante, Spain, is determined to keep his place at the podiums of big events. He is actual both TTCLM and Bundesliga winner with Borussia Dusseldorf, playing alongside no.1 seed and defending Europe Top 16 champion Timo BOLL.
How would you describe your play at 2018 Euro Top 16, It seemed that you expected more than 3-4 against V. SAMSONOV in the opening round?
“Of course, I expected more against SAMSONOV as I was 3-1 up in sets. But he played a solid tournament and was the better player and managed to come out of my grasp.”
What was the crucial for your 4th spot at the 2016 Europe Top 16. Dou you believe that you are able to surpass it in 2019?
“I believe I have all the potential to take a podium spot this year. I played a really good tournament back in 2016 and I took a bronze medal at the Europeans in 2018, so I know that I can compete with the top level of European players.”
Are you satisfied with your current shape?
“I feel like the end of 2018 I was in good shape, so I wish to take that with me in the beginning of 2019.”
How do you see the list of 2019 favorites at Europe Top 16?
“Timo BOLL and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV are clear favourites to take the gold medal. I feel, they have the experience and the level to do so, but it is a close field so I think almost anybody on a good day can beat anybody”.
In men’s singles will play: Timo BOLL (Germany), Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (Germany), Mattias FALCK (Sweden), Liam PITCHFORD (England), Vladimir SAMSONOV (Belarus), Jonathan GROTH (Denmark), Simon GAUZY (France), Kristian KARLSSON (Sweden), Marcos FREITAS (Portugal), Emmanuel LEBESSON (France), Daniel HABESOHN (Austria), Tiago APOLONIA (Portugal), KOU Lei (Ukraine), Ovidiu IONESCU (Romania), Panagiotis GIONIS (Greece), Lionel WEBER (Switzerland).
Women’s Event: Sofia POLCANOVA (Austria), Bernadette SZOCS (Romania), Elizabeta SAMARA (Romania), LI Jie (Netherlands), Petrissa SOLJA (Germany), Matilda EKHOLM (Sweden), LI Qian (Poland), Georgina POTA (Hungary), Britt EERLAND (Netherlands), Polina MIKHAILOVA (Russia), NI Xia Lian (Luxembourg), Nina MITTELHAM (Germany), Natalia PARTYKA (Poland), Hana MATELOVA (Czech Republic), Barbora BALAZOVA (Slovakia), Rachel MORET (Switzerland).
Tickets are available here.
