Member Associations | 6 Feb 2014

CHEN Chien-An visited Athens

The national teams of Greece had a unique opportunity to meet and work with World’s Doubles champion CHEN Chien-An in the hall STAG of Peace and Friendship Stadium. From Thursday to Sunday, after the second quarterfinal of the European Champions League, the great left-handed player from Taipei went to Athens with his team-mate Kallinikos KREANGA for mini preparing until they left the Greece together for the rest of the championship in France.

World champion in junior singles of 2008 visited Greece for first time. Playing with several players he was completely satisfied with the quality of work. As part of his visit CHEN Chien-An gave an interview to the website of H.T.T.F. and among other things said: ”It was not surprise to me that Greece has won two medals at the European Championship. I know great potential of your players. Shortly after Schwechat I played against GIONIS at the World Tour in Sweden and lost. The Greece can achieve good position at the World Championship in Tokyo and I hope Greece will not be drawn against Taipei. GIONIS is very capable defender. Also, he is not the only one and that makes Greece very tough team to beat.”

CHEN spoke about Europeans who can challenge Chinese players. “At this moment I see that from Europe only Dimitrij OVCHAROV may seem threatening for Chinese players. He is in excellent condition, has a very athletic body and has dangerous backhand”.

He spoke about French Pro A. “It is difficult to play in Franch league, but it is very good for me to play there. I love it and will stay in Hennebont,“ said CHEN.

Ioannis FAKAROS, courtesy HTTF, Ioannis FAKAROS, courtesy HTTF