The H.I.S. 2009 World Table Tennis Championships in Yokohama will be held without the Austrian Werner Schlager.
The 36 year old former World champion cancelled owing to family reasons.
On
3rd February, Werner Schlager’s life partner Bettina Müller gave birth
to a boy named Nick. Schlager already cancelled his participation for
the LIEBHERR Europe Top 12.
First Absence in 18 Years
The
World Championships in Yokohama will take place from 28th April to 5th
May. For the first time in since 1991, Schlager will be absent. Since
the World Championships in China, the Austrian star has played 13 World
Championships in a row.
"I just want to be with my family",
Schlager explained about his withdrawal. However, there are no signs
that the end of his table tennis career is being signalled. "I’ve
recovered from my injury in the Champions League pretty well and I’ve
restarted my training."
Next Goals
At
the LIEBHERR European Championships in September, he wants to be once
again at his best. "I’m looking forward to the European Championships
in Stuttgart. For sure that’s going to be a highlight." At the 2008
European Championships in St Petersburg last October, Schlager won
three medals.
Source: www.ittf.com
