Top seed Germany’s Timo Boll won the Men’s Singles title at the Erke Austrian Open in Salzburg on Sunday 2nd November 2008, whilst in the counterpart Women’s Singles event; it was success for Poland’s sixth seeded Li Qian.
Timo Boll beat second seed Chinese Taipei’s Chuan Chih-Yuan, whilst in five games, Li Qian overcame eighth seed Hungary’s Georgina Pota.
Li Qian won 8-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 whilst Timo Boll succeeded 11-7, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8.
Twelfth Title
It was for Timo Boll his twelfth career Men’s Singles title at open international tournaments on the ITTF Pro Tour and the third time he has won at the Austrian Open.
He succeeded in 2002 and 2004 when the tournament was staged in Wels.
Also for Timo Boll it was the end of a drought; it was his first Men’s Singles title in two years on the ITTF Pro Tour, the last being in Poland in 2006.
Delighted
In Salzburg he was the dominant player; both player and coach were quite naturally delighted with the outcome.
“Nearly a tournament without mistakes; to lose only one game here is unbelievable”, said Timo Boll. “I am really happy that I have been able to maintain my form; it is very encouraging.”
The only player to extract a single game from Timo Boll was Croiatia’s Andrej Gacina in round two.
Competitive
“It was good to see, that starting as number one, he could play so competitively here” explained Richard Prause, Head Coach of the German Men’s Team. “I think the four-nil score line
Meanwhile, for Li Qian it was her second career ITTF Pro Tour Women’s Singles title; in 2006 she succeeded in Poland.
Important
“I am really happy about my second Pro Tour title, for sure, the first title meant a great deal for me but today was also special”, explained Li Qian. “For me it was very important, to change my style and tactics often, I did a good job today.”
That she did most certainly as did Timo Boll.
Source: www.ittf.com
