Denmark caused the biggest upset at the Erke German Open on the opening day of play, Wednesday 19th November 2008, by ending the hopes of Singapore in the opening round of the Men’s Team event.
Seeded two, the Singaporeans were beaten in a contest that went the full five match distance with Michael Maze being the player to pave the way for victory.
In the crucial final match of proceedings he beat Gao Ning in three straight games, having earlier in the fixture partnered Kasper Sternberg to doubles success against Ma Liang and Yang Zi.
Further Win
The one further win for Denmark was recorded by Martin Monrad in opposition to Yang Zi in the second match of the duel. The victories for Singapore came from Gao Ning in opposition to Kasper Sternberg and from Ma Liang against Kasper Sternberg.
Unquestionably, it was the contest of the day with the other three duels in the lower half of the draw being resolved rather less dramatically.
Closer than the Score Suggests
Germany beat the Czech Republic in a contest that rather flattered the host nation.
They recorded a three matches to nil success but both singles encounters went the full five games distance. Bastian Steger overcame Josef Simoncik, whilst Tomas Pavelka accounted for Christian Süss.
The duel came to a conclusion with victory for Zoltan Fejer-Konnerth and Christian Süss over Petr Korbel and Josef Simoncik.
Romania
Success for Germany and Denmark and also there were victories for Romania and Spain.
Romania overcame Sweden by three matches to nil whilst Spain dropped only one match in their victory over Slovakia.
Adrian Crisan gave Romania the perfect start by beating Robert Svensoon, Constantin Cioti followed with victory over Jon Persson with Crisan returning to the fray to partner Andrei Filimon in the doubles. The duo defeated Fabian Akerstrom and Jon Persson.
Alfredo Carneros in Form
Meanwhile, in the one remaining contest, Alfredo Carneros was the man in form.
He overcame Peter Sereda and Lubomir Pistej in the three-one win against Slovakia. The one further Spanish victory came from He Zhi Wen and Carlos Machado against Lubomir Pistej and Peter Sereda whilst for Slovakia their one success was recorded by Thomas Keinath.
In the opening match of the duel he defeated Carlos Machado.
Quarter-Finals
At the quarter-final stage Germany confronts Romania whilst Spain meets Denmark.
Source: www.ittf.com
