Other Events | 6 May 2013

German team ready for Asian challenge

The traditional meeting between German press and table tennis stars took place in Rotenburg (an der Fulda) and Düsseldorf where the national team finalizing the preparation for the forthcoming LIEBHERR World Championships which will take place in Palais O

The traditional meeting between German press and table tennis stars took place in Rotenburg (an der Fulda) and Düsseldorf where the national team finalizing the preparation for the forthcoming LIEBHERR World Championships which will take place in Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy from 13th until 20th May.

DTTB sports Director Dirk SCHIMMELPFENNIG reminded everyone how difficult the Championship it is. “It is much harder than at Olympics. There will be full squads of Asian representatives – seven in each team. This is the first major event in new Olympic cycle and it is big question how other nations will compose their teams,“ said Director Dirk SCHIMMELPFENNIG.

Ladies completed their last official preparation course in the German Table Tennis Centre (DTTZ) in Düsseldorf, the men prepared, traditionally, in Rotenburg an der Fulda.

Only Steffen MENGEL will play the qualifications in Paris. The other will be in main draw. Timo BOLL and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV will be among top 8 seeds. ”I am satisfied with the shape of the players. They are fit, there are no injuries. I expect they can beat few good players and reach at least quarterfinal, even more. Overall, I expect at this World Championships a few surprises. My players will go into the tournament with the feeling of having done everything, to play a good World Cup,” said Jörg ROSSKOPF. “Unlike the Olympics, at the World Championships seven Chinese players will play, plus many other Asians…However, best Europe can offer is in our team. I see currently no other European players who may be dangerous to the Chinese.”

Timo BOLL had not played lately on tournaments. “In 2012 I had no holidays and I needed the break. I played at World Championships, Olympic Games and European Championships. I had no chance to practice a lot with such heavy schedule, so I had to build again my base. I had to build my physical strength, even at the risk that I have to cancel events.”

German press draw very interesting parallel: OVTCHAROV lost during preparation tournament before the Olympics against Robert GARDOS, then took bronze in singles in London and succeeded in Champions League final against Chartres. Last week Dima lost again against GARDOS… “Now I feel better (laughs). True, I’m a superstitious. But in the end what really matters is that you prepared well and to be able to say that you could not have done better,” said OVTCHAROV. “In Paris, I’ll be drawn for the first time in the top eight. Four years ago, I was already in a good shape, but I had to play against MA Long, two years ago I had Timo in the second round. A good draw will therefore be extremely important.”