Just month after Timo BOLL grabbed the third European title in single, made it double in doubles and in team events, German star will be back in Russia. This time, showdown of European stars is scheduled for November 11th and 12th in Moscow. BOLL is coming back to regain his crown from Super Cup’s premiere in Kazan last year.
The Kazan’s finale brought exciting clash between top Europeans players BOLL and Vladimir SAMSONOV of Belarus, which German took in furious style, celebrated 4:0 at the end.
List of this year Liebherr Super cup participants also include best table tennis players from the old continent BOLL(2008 European champion) and SAMSONOV (No 5. in the world), as well as Top 12 winner Austrian Werner SCHLAGER, rising German star Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (world No 13.), Swede Jorgen PERSSON(w.r. 20), Dane Michael MAZE (w.r. 21.), best Romanian player Adrian CRISAN (w.r. 24). The host nation has one representative Igor RUBTSOV who replaced Alexei SMIRNOV.
BOLL had a rough start of the year suffered from injury. Sidelined with a knee injury, his absence from World Championship in Guangzhou was decision that he made with regard to the Olympic Games. German star returned with a style, winning silver in the Olympic team event. BOLL also defended his European title, and won second place on World Cup in Liege.
- You "hit a jack pot" recently in St. Petersburg. Russia seems to be lucky for you. Are you looking forward to coming back?
"Yes, I played quiet successful in Russia until now, I won the Supercup in Kazan last year and now 3-times European Champion in St.Petersburg, it seems to be a good floor for me!"
- You had impressive two months and it speaks itself about your form. How do you comment successes in Beijing, and in St Petersburg?
"I worked very hard in the summer for the Olympic Games after many injuries in the last season. I think in the Olympics I played good, but at the moment, I think I’m even better! I can be satisfied with my victories".
- Are you feeling tired?
"Yes, I’m a bit tired, but it’s normal after so many tournaments. But for the matches I have still enough motivation. The competition in Moscow will be very strong"
- Do you feel you can win again?
"If I play in the same form like in the past few weeks I’m one of the favourites, but 90% will be not enough".
- Can you name the strongest opponent for Cup in Moscow, and give us judge about other contestants?
"Vladi is always a top-favourite, but it would be very dangerous, if you don’t take any player in the Supercup serious!"
- Are you predicted another BOLL-SAMSONOV final?
"I would be happy if I reach again the final. It’s always special to play against Vladi".
- What is your strongest memory of last years Super Cup in Kazan?
"It was well organized, the staff was very friendly, and I hope the hall will be fully crowded".
Source: www.ittf.com
