Other Events | 20 Jan 2015
Simon GAUZY matured for top senior events
The member of the outstanding generation, which ruled the European Youth Championships for years, Simon GAUZY matured for top senior events. First time in his career, 20 years old Frenchmen received invitation to play at the most prestigious senior tourna
The member of the outstanding generation, which ruled the European Youth Championships for years, Simon GAUZY matured for top senior events. First time in his career, 20 years old Frenchmen received invitation to play at the most prestigious senior tournament. He will have his premiere at 2015 NN Table Tennis Club ITTF – Europe Top 16 in Baku (from 6th to 8th February).
In past few months GAUZY recorded great results which launched him at the top of European U21 rankings, whilst at senior European rankings he holds position no. 13 (in January). Simon is also pleased with his current shape and performance at the tournament and in Bundesliga for LIEBHERR Ochsenhausen.
“Yes I am in good shape now. I am satisfied with my results in German Bundesliga for last six months. I am so happy that I reached the position which gave me opportunity to play at Top 16. I’m practicing as hard as usually but I’m excited to go there,” said GAUZY.
Simon set a new landmark in his career in November at the GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour Swedish Open in Stockholm.
“I played fantastic tournament. I reached quarter final after beating Gustavo TSUBOI, Koki NIWA and Kenda MATSUDAIRA,” explained GAUZY, a player who had been required to compete in the two days of qualification at the very same event.
Speaking about his chances at the forthcoming 2015 NN Table Tennis Club ITTF – Europe Top 16, GAUZY is cautious. “I do not have high expectations since I am a “new comer” there. I have huge respect for all the players who will be in Baku. After all I am the youngest there and they are best players in Europe right now. If I will be able to win one or two matches it will be already a great tournament for me.”
The competition is fierce indeed. From Top 10 players in Europe only name of Patrick BAUM is missing. “At this moment, the best player is Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of my opinion. However Marcos FREITAS is getting better and better and Timo BOLL and Vladimir SAMSONOV are still fantastic. Let’s see what WILL happen there, but my favorite for the title is OVTCHAROV. Recently I have played against Steffen MENGEL and I beat him but this will be a total different atmosphere and let’s see if I am able to beat one of these guys in Baku.”
It will be very long and demanding season. “My main goal is to qualify for Olympic Games and to improve my World rankings . I am going step by step because I know it is hard to have so much season’s goals . I try to improve to reach the best guys one day.”
