European Games | 26 Jun 2019

Timo BOLL won the title at the European Games in Minsk

European Games 2019 Minsk

 

Seven times European singles champion, Timo BOLL of Germany will travel to Japan at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 as a crowned champion in Men’s Singles Event at the European Games 2019 in Minsk. He beat Dane Jonathan GROTH in the final of the European Games today (6-11, 12-10, 12-14, 11-9, 11-6, 11-4). At the medal rostrum Tomislav PUCAR joined them with the bronze.

 

After individual events, singles and mixed doubles, four Germany’s players booked their place in Japan: Timo BOLL, HAN Ying, Patrick FRANCISKA and Petrissa SOLJA. It equals all other European countries combined. Portugal has YU Fu, Luxembourg NI Xia Lian and Jonathan GROTH and Tomislav PUCAR will represent their respective countries Denmark and Croatia in Japan.

 

In the final it was GROTH who had a better start today. True to his character, Timo BOLL remained resolute and responded immediately to level matters.

 

“Physically I was not 100 percent fit, but mentally and tactically everything was perfect. It was strange game because I had to change my style; I had to play very passive, very slow. It is good school for the future, I might change something in my game and add some new weapons. However, today it worked, and it was also important that I can try something different that will work my way” said BOLL. “GROTH has the game to beat me, he already did it in the semi final of the Champions League and do not forget he beat OVTCHAROV in the Round of 16, so he is very good shape here.”

 

Germany is aiming the tickets for the Team’s Event as well. The second part of the tournament commences tomorrow.

 

“I had a cramp this morning, so I was a little bit worried. We have a good medical team here and I hope I will manage until the end. It is very hard tournament.”

 

 

Photo: Rémy Gros

 

GROTH praised BOLL’s performance in the final.

 

“He proved once again that he could change his style in the middle of the game and win. He is true champion. I started better, won opening game and 9-4 in second. Then, Timo changed his service game. I could not find the answer for his service any more,” said GROTH.

 

 

Photo: Rémy Gros

 

 

Tomislav PUCAR overcame KOU Lei of Ukraine (11-2, 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-2) in the match for the third position.

 

 “Both of us were very tired. That is why the key points were on service and return game. In that department I was much better. We could not rely on longer rallies. I am so happy I will play at my first Olympic. I was at Youth Olympic games, but this is ultimate dream in our sport,” said PUCAR.

 

In the penultimate stage Timo BOLL overcame Tomislav PUCAR in five games (11-4, 11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 11-4), whilst Jonathan GROTH needed one game less to overcame KOU Lei (13-11, 11-5, 11-5, 12-10).