At the opening day at the Liebherr Europe Top-12 top seeded
fought there way to the quarterfinal. German Timo BOLL showed once
again his supremacy in front of home crowd, whilst Belarus Vladimir
SAMSONOV, after great struggle in second match, also secured his passes
among the best eight.
In the quarter final will play BOLL will play against CHEN Weixing
(AUT), OVTCHAROV (GER) vs MAZE (DEN), PERSSSON (SWE) vs KREANGA (GRE)
and SAMSONOV (BLR) will meet CRISAN (ROU). In Women’s event LIU Jia
will play against LI Jiao (NED), SAMARA (ROM) vs Li Jie (NED), LI Qian
(POL) vs DODEAN (ROM) and Boros (HRV) vs WU Jiaduo (GER).
Before the start of the event BOLL pointed that he had tough and long
Olympic season, but he gave his word that he will play at the highest
level in front of home spectators. And he kept his word. "I
felt tired for a whole week and today at the practice, but at the end,
I managed to realize two easy wins. I was very concentrated from the
beginning. This matches helped to me to save same energy for
forthcoming rounds," said BOLL.
In first match German beat Zoran PRIMORAC and then he overcame Adrian CRISAN, both in straight sets. "The first set was crucial. I started very aggressive." SAMSONOV had many problems against CHEN Weixing of Austria - 4:2. "It
was very hard match. I beat him last time at the European championship,
but that was not a real picture of his quality, since he had knee
injury. I am happy that I passed the group competition, but I lost a
lot of straight, so now everything is open," said SAMSONOV.
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER) lost a set against Adrian CRISAN (ROM) in
first round, but he was beaten in second against Swede Jorgen PERSSON
in seven sets. So the PERSSON took the leading position in the group.
In Women’s Event top seed LIU Jia of Austria had a tough seven sets
encounter against Wenling TAN MONFARDINI, as well as a second seed LI
Jiao (NED) against NI XIA Lian (LUX). Both won, and joined Tamara BOROS
(HRV) and LI Qian (POL) who had easier job in first round. In second
LIU Jia secured his quarterfinal spot after win against Daniela DODEAN
of Romania. WU Jiaduo took advantage of home soil and defeated second
seed LI Jiao for the first place in the group.
Whilst favorites, Timo BOLL and Vladimir SAMSONOV, safely cruised to
their victories in opening round at the Libherr Europe Top 12 the most
interested match at that moment was played by two "veterans" Jean
Michel SAIVE (BEL) and Kalinikos KREANGA (GRE).
The opponents that played against each other on dozens tournaments in
past did not gives up easily any point. They had stolen the attention
from the spectators, in crowded Burg Wachter Castello hall, from the
other tables with German aces. "It
was an open game with many interesting long relies. It was spectaculars
for the spectators, especially the last point in fifth set, " said SAIVE.
There is very little chance that these two players can surprise each other. "KREANGA
is very good player, and I like his style. I am confident when I play
against him. Of course, I do not believe that I can win all the time,
but I believe that I can play good match. In addition, it was good
circumstance that I started this event with the match against KREANGA.
He needs the time to get into the tournament and his opening matches
are not do good. Also I getting older too, so I need some time as well,
"added SAIVE wit the smile.
SAIVE pointed that this was his first good result after a bronze medal at the European championship at Team’s event last year. "When
KREANGA and I play against each other it is important who will start
better. Because of my defensive play, it is crucial. With play from
behind, I can do some spectacular balls but they are not so efficient.
It was very important to be aggressive and to start first. In the
beginning, I could receive his service good, but I have some tactical
problem. Nevertheless at the end everything turns out good," added SAIVE.
In first round BOLL beat Croat Zoran PRIMORAC, and SAMSONOV overcame another Croat TAN Ruiwu.
Source: www.ittf.com
