Member Associations | 28 Feb 2013

OVTCHAROV raising the bets in Bamberg

The national German championships will take place from March 1st to 3rd at the Stechert arena in Bamberg (Bavaria). The stars, Timo BOLL and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV are at the list of competitors. In the last two finals OVTCHAROV lost against Bastian STEGER in

The national German championships will take place from March 1st to 3rd at the Stechert arena in Bamberg (Bavaria). The stars, Timo BOLL and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV are at the list of competitors.

In the last two finals OVTCHAROV lost against Bastian STEGER in seven games. ”After last two narrow defeats in the final, I’ll try to clinch the title this year. Of course that is something you can not promise,” said OVTCHAROV. “I have not played at the competitions in January. Instead of that, I had a very good training and create the good foundations for the beginning of the year. With Kuwait and Qatar, the first international tournaments for me in this year, I get match practice and confidence – also for the German Championship. This title is still missing in my record. I will be particularly focused and try to do my best.“

The defending champion Bastian STEGER explains: “I will try to defend little in bit more relaxed way than it was two years ago. I can enjoy more the tournament thanks to the victories of 2011 and 2012.“

Timo BOLL in Bamberg might achieve something unique. With nine titles in the men’s singles European champion leads at the history record of the nationals German Championships, together with Conny FREUNDORFER and Eberhard SCHÖLER. With another success, Boll will stay alone at the top. However, the competition will be strong with STEGER, Christian SUSS, OVTCHAROV and Patrick BAUM also aiming same trophy.

In the women’s event, at the beginning of 2013 several players struggled with injuries. Defense player Irene IVANCAN, European vice champion in 2011, suffered a ligament injury in January and stated with trainings in late February again. Also for Kristin SILBEREISEN (tennis elbow) and Sabine WINTER (ligament in the left ankle) 2013 started roughly. “My goal is the semi-finals, even though that will not be easy. The competition is stronger each year. A lot will depend on the draw“, SILBEREISEN said. Top favorite for the title the winner of 2012, WU Jiaduo was forced to cancel the participation.She strained thigh already in Qatar but still hoped for the best until yesterday. ZHENQI Barthel (seeded no. 5) now took her position on top of the draw. Wu was the reigning champion in doubles too – partnering Kristin SILBEREISEN.

Main Favorites in Men´s Singles are Timo BOLL, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Bastian STEGER, Patrick BAUM, Christian SUSS, Patrick FRANZISKA. In Women´s Singles: SHAN Xiaona, Petrissa SOLJA, ZHENQI Barthel, Sabine WINTER, Kristin SILBEREISEN, Irene IVANCAN.

National German Championships 2012, Winners: Men´s Singles: Bastian STEGER Women´s Singles: WU Jiaduo Men´s Doubles: Lars HIELSCHER/Bastian STEGER Women´s Doubles: Kristin SILBEREISEN/WU Jiaduo

Time schedule - Friday, March 1, from 14:00: Qualification Men´s and Women´s Singles Saturday, March 2, from 10:00: Main Round: Men´s and Women´s Singles/Doubles Sunday, March 3, from 10:00: Semi Finals Men´s and Women´s Singles/Doubles, from 13.30: Finals Men´s and Women´s Singles/Doubles

(by Florian LEIDHEISER, courtesy DTTB)

Photo: Dima OVTCHAROV (Photo Roscher)