Timo BOLL vs. Vladimir SAMSONOV is the 2008 Liebherr European Championships’ final in men’s singles: the most exciting, the most expected one between the two continetal top-players. It is the same final than last year in Belgrade, where the German clinched the title for the second time in his career (previous was in Zagreb, 2002).
For Timo BOLL, it the therefore the third European final in singles (two wins so far), whilst Vladimir SAMSONOV is tackling for the fifth time (three victories in Eindhoven 1998, Courmayeur 2003 and Aarhus 2005, one defeat in Belgrade).
The Belarus won 4:0 his semi-final against Austrian Robert GARDOS, although his success was not so sharp indeed. The most surprising player of 2008 Europeans’ edition confirmed his excellent shape and fought until the end; SAMSONOV got the first three sets very closely. Timo BOLL had less difficulties against Werner SCHLAGER and he got the final with an undisputable 4:0.
In the Women’s singles, Austrian "Susi" LIU Jia has the opportunity to repeat his win in 2005. She achieved the final with a clear 4:1 win vs. Krisztina TOTH. Ger opponent will be Lithuanian Ruta PASKAUSKIENE who defeated Italian Tan MONFARDINI.
Source: www.ittf.com
