International Events | 10 Mar 2021

Elizabeta SAMARA proved too strong for Kasumi ISHIKAWA

Round of 16 at the WTT Middle East Hub - WTT Star Contender Doha brought glorious moments for European players. The most notable wins were recorded by Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia and Ruwen FILUS of Germany.

Darko JORGIC currently placed at the position no. 31 beat Hugo CALDERANO of Brazil in thrilling five games match. World’s no. 7 lost by narrowest of margins (8:11, 6:11, 12:10, 11:7, 13:11). For the place in the semis Darko will meet Kristian KARLSSON of Sweden. KARLSSON beat Simon GAZY of France in Round of 16 (11:6, 11:7, 11:6) in less stressful duel.

Ruwen FILUS of Germany beat Jun MIZUTANI of Japan in another straight matches duel.

“I am very satisfied, I played very well today. I got into the game well, attacked well and I was able to maintain aggressive play throughout whole match. However, the result 3:0 predicted . In any case, I am glad that there was not another game. Let's see what happens in the quarterfinals. I have never played against LIN Yun-Ju. Being a lefty, too, his system is similar to MIZUTANI'S, but he puts his opponents under much more pressure already with his serves and returns. I need to get into the open rally against him and then see what's possible," explained FILUS.

National coach Jorg ROSSKOPF was also satisfied.

“It's a great success for Ruwen to win against Mizutani. He beat a top player with a lot of experience. It was a very good performance, really strong. His victory was in no way endangered. Let's see how far this all goes."

Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany who moved to position no. 10 this month, beat Kamal Sharath ACHANTA of India (11:9, 11:8, 11:6) and he will meet Anton KALLBERG of Sweden tomorrow. Swede beat AN Jaehyun of Korea to continue his good run (11:3, 11:5, 11:9).

Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania will be the only European player in the quarterfinal of the Women’s Singles Event. SAMARA currently ranked at the position no. 34 upset the rankings and halted the progress of Kasumi ISHIKAWA of Japan. World’s no. 9 failed to steal the game from determinate Elizabeta (13:11, 11:9, 12:10).