European Games | 26 Jun 2019

YU Fu crowned European Games Champion

Photo: Rémy Gros

European Games 2019 Minsk

YU Fu of Portugal is the crowned champions of the Women’s Singles Event at he second European Games 2019 in Minsk. Silver medalist is Germany’s HAN Ying, whilst bronze medal and last available place for 2020 Olympics in Japan went to NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg.

The owner of silver and two bronze medals at the Europeans, YU Fu beat Continental Championships’ bronze medalists Han Ying (11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7). YU maintained her patience and put HAN under severe pressure.

“I was calm. We played against each other five or six times before and I knew what to do. Previously I rushed into mistakes, now I did not let it happen. I waited for her errors,” explained FU. “I am so happy I reached the Olympics again.Now my preparations will be much better and easier. I won't need to play that many competitions for the next year. It will be much more relaxed."

HAN was disappointed, but she got good consolation.

“It is hard when you lost the final match, but in a week or two I am sure I will be happy for the medal and the place at the Olympic Games. If only this match was played tomorrow…I was so tired after the semi final against YANG Xiaoxin. It was very hard match and my legs were shaky in the final. I was tired and could not play at my best,” explained HAN.

In the match for the bronze medal Worlds and two times European Champion Ni Xia Lian beat YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco (3-11, 11-3, 12-10, 7-11, 7-11, 8-11). At age of 56 NI booked the ticket for her fifth Olympic Games.

“It never was important like it was today. In 2004, I was in top eight in the World; it came easy at that time. However, now I have to fight very hard, to burn for this. If I have not succeeded now it will be impossible differently. The system is so difficult. That is why I fought so hard. When I lost third game by being 10-6 up it hurt so much. Ooooh how it hurts. YANG is very dangerous. I had to study her game, but even that sometimes did not help. That is why I am so exciting now,” said NI.

Being successful after so many years in table tennis and being motivated is the subject that puzzled us.

“The key ingredient is love. I have family who supports me and loves me. My 88 years old mother, two children, siblings…I have Luxembourg, Federation, Olympic Committee…all of them supporting me. They are all there for me and they support me of being devoted to this sport, because otherwise I could not succeed. Young generations work so hard and they are better and better and I only get older.”

In the semi final NI Xia LIan stretched YU Fu to full distance (6-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 8-11), as well as YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco did to HAN Ying of Germany (11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11).