On 10th and 11th November, the experienced European team with Boll, Samsonov, Maze, Schlager and Kreanga will challenge the an Asian team led by world no.1 Wang Hao plus Joo Se Hyuk, Chuang Chih-Yuan, Li Ching and Gao Ning. The first leg was played in Beijing in August where Asia prevailed in both Team competitions with three to two matches. Schlager Hopeful for Europe
Both days of competition in the Fatih Sport Complex in Istanbul will be broadcasted “live” by Eurosport on Tuesday 5:30 - 7:30 pm CET and 5:00-7:00 pm CET on Wednesday.
Europe versus Asia is the duel of the two dominating continents in table tennis. Photo By: ETTU
“It is exciting to be part of the second leg, because the first event was really close. I still see a good chance for Europe,” said Werner Schlager. The runner-up of the Liebherr European Championships in Stuttgart feels ready to challenge Asia’s best. “After Stuttgart I only played in the European Champions League and in the Austrian national league,” said Schlager. “Nevertheless, I think I am in good form. Always ready for a good fight.”
Schlager’s team-mate Kalinikos Kreanga, who almost overcame Olympic champion Ma Lin in the first leg, said: “Most important, I do not have any injuries and that gives me a great deal of confidence before the start of the competition.”
Famous Names in Both Teams
Led by world no.1 Wang Hao of China, the Asian line-up includes the names of Korea’s Joo Se Hyuk, Chinese Taipei’s Chuang Chih-Yuan, Hong Kong’s Li Ching and Gao Ning of Singapore.
Werner Schlager about the Asian team: “Wang Hao is always very competitive and he is the most difficult player to beat. The other adversaries will also be hard to overcome. They definitely have a famous and strong team.”
World Cup winner Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus, Timo Boll of Germany, European champion Michael Maze of Denmark, 2003 World champion Werner Schlager of Austria and Kalinikos Kreanga of Greece will play for Europe.
Please find more information on the Europe vs. Asia website.
Source: ittf.com
