Member Associations | 9 Sep 2010

LIEBHERR EC: Netherlands women’s team aims for triple crown

10/09/2010 – The Netherlands women’s team is ready to shine again at the LIEBHERR European Championships 2010 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. ‘Oranje’ is defending their double crowns of 2008 and 2009 in the team event and with LI Jiao

10/09/2010 – The Netherlands women’s team is ready to shine again at the LIEBHERR European Championships 2010 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. ‘Oranje’ is defending their double crowns of 2008 and 2009 in the team event and with LI Jiao and LI Jie in individual events the Netherlands Table Tennis Association (NTTB) is hoping for more glory.

Yesterday the team arrived in Ostrava after a long preparation period at the National Training centre in Papendal. Head coaches CHEN Zhibin (Women) and Nikola VUKELJA (Men) do have different expectations but are both aiming for the best possible results.

Women’s team including LI Jiao. LI Jie, Linda CREEMERS and Elena TIMINA will try to reach the medals again. “It is very motivating to work with these girls and see them improve”, says CHEN. “They want to do the up most to improve their level both technical and mental. Even a world class and experienced player like LI Jiao is very focused to rise her game. Linda CREEMERS had a very good summer reaching the semi finals at the ITTF Pro Tour in Egypt.”

In the women’s doubles LI Jie plays together with TIMINA, this couple may also be a contender for the medals. But for sure the team wants to repeat the success of 2008 and 2009 in the team event. “That will be difficult because our opponents are very strong”, thinks NTTB Sports Director Achim SIALINO. “Germany clinched a bronze medal at the WTTC this year. Poland, Spain and Hungary will aim as well for the gold.”

Last year men’s team promoted to the Challenge Division. Wai-Lung CHUNG (20), Casper TER L??(19) and Boris de VRIES (18) is Holland’s next generation. “For sure it will be difficult for this team to stay in the Challenge Division, but they had a good preparation and will fight for every single point”, says new head coach Nikola VUKELJA.

Three Dutch players have decided to withdraw from the European Championships lately. Michel DE BOER, Merijn DE BRUIN and Carla NOUWEN will not travel to Ostrava. DE BOER and NOUWEN both have injuries. DE BRUIN decided to withdraw because he’s not in shape in time.

(by Harald HANEMAAIJER, courtesy of NTTB)

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Photo: Dutch Linda CREEMERS (courtesy ITTF)