European Championships | 28 Sep 2014

Portugal at the top of Europe

Portugal writes their name into the prestigious event’s history books. The major contenders for honours and major threat to the hopes of the defending champions seized their opportunity and clinched the title at the Men’s Teams Event at the 2014 TMS Europ

Portugal writes their name into the prestigious event’s history books. The major contenders for honours and major threat to the hopes of the defending champions seized their opportunity and clinched the title at the Men’s Teams Event at the 2014 TMS European Championships in Lisbon. They secured first ever gold for Portugal. Germany’s successful row with 6 consecutive titles ended. Bronze medalists are Croatia and Sweden.

Marcos FREITAS warmed up crowd at the MEO Arena with comfortable win over Steffen MENGEL at the beginning of the match. However, in the same ruthless manner Timo BOLL returned the ball to Portugal’s side of the table. In straight games, BOLL overcame Joao MONTEIRO and silenced the crowd.

Tiago APOLONIA and Dimitrij OVTCHAROV gave great performance worth big final. In atomic exchange of rallies in two final games, in nail biting finishes Portugal won another point.

Marcos FREITAS was man in fire. He took the opening game against Timo BOLL in superb style. True to his character, Timo BOLL remained resolute and responded immediately to level matters. In third game Marcos put extra pressure to establish the lead once again. FREITAS won third game and in a duel played at a breathtaking pace seal the victory by winning the fourth set.

Portugal – Germany 3:1
Marcos FREITAS – Steffen MENGEL 3:0 (11:8, 11:8, 11:8)
Joao MONTEIRO – Timo BOLL 0:3 (7:11, 1:11, 8:11)
Tiago APOLONIA – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 3:1 (11:7, 11:2, 11:13, 11:9)
Marcos FREITAS – Timo BOLL 3:1 (12:10, 5:11, 11:6, 11:9)