2015 Men’s World Cup: Successful One Day Earlier, End of Road One Day Later
Courtesy of ITTF
A successful opening day for Austria’s Robert Gardos and Panagiotis Gionis of Greece, both having completed their first phase group matches unbeaten but on the second day of play, as matters commenced in the first round of proceedings at the Liebherr 2015 Men’s World Cup in Halmstad, Sweden, it was defeat.
Robert Gardos was beaten Japan’s Koki Niwa, the no.7 seed (11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5); while Panagiotis Gionis suffered at the hands of Portugal’s Marcos Freitas and he did suffer, an injury forced him to withdraw at the end of the fifth game (10-12, 11-9, 10-12, 15-13, 11-3).
Likewise, there were defeats for Egypt’s Omar Assar and Singapore’s Gao Ning; both finishing in second places in their initial stage groups.
Impressive
Omar Assar, as always, gave a spirited display and certainly proved the equal of the World champion in the opening two games, before the tournament favorite assumed control (10-12, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, 11-8).
It was an impressive display by Omar Assar but the most impressive display in the top half of the draw was that afforded by Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov, the no.3 seed. He beat Gao Ning in four straight games (11-4, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6).
“In the past ten days I’ve played 15 matches, I feel in good shape, I feel confident and of course winning the Europeans is a great boost”, said Dimitrij Ovtcharov. “Against Gao Ning I felt I had good tactics and it’s quite some time since I’ve lost to him.”
The most recent occasion when Dimitrij Ovtcharov suffered defeat against Gao Ning was at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games; a great deal of water has flowed under the bridge since those days.
Satisfied
A pleased Dimitrij Ovtcharov and it was not too disappointed Omar Assar despite defeat; overall he was satisfied with his efforts and he could return to the training hall a wiser man.
“Yesterday I was ahead against Tiago Apolonia in the seventh game, I led 6-2 and lost; I allowed my focus to drop”, said Omar Assar. “Against Gustavo Tsuboi, I came back to win, so mentally I’m really pleased with that performance.”
Education
Certainly for Omar Assar, it has been an education in the city where he practices.
“Against Ma Long, which for sure was my toughest match, I had a game plan and I made a good start but I became too passive; it’s not the first time it’s happened and it’s a problem I have to address”, continued Omar Assar.
Underlined Reasons
If Omar Assar was passive I need new spectacles. Ma Long acclimatized, found his rhythm, simply he underlined the reasons why he is currently regarded the best player in the world.
“For sure I’m pleased with how I played against Ma Long”, added Omar Assar. “I had opportunities in the second game; I have to improve my backhand but most importantly in such cases I must keep active, keep positive and of course take my chances.”
Support from Africa
Throughout the match there was a small group of supporters from the Middle East region of the World supporting.
Also there was support from another source.
“All the time Quadri Aruna has been in touch with me, always encouraging me; he’s a really great guy; what he did last year by reaching the quarter-finals was fantastic for Africa”, stressed Omar Assar. “I didn’t feel under any pressure because of his achievements last year; not at all.”
Normal Situation
No pressure but for Ma Long there was a degree of pressure; however, true to his status, he responded.
“The first two games were difficult but that’s quite normal”, said Ma Long. “I was playing an opponent that I’d never met before, so it took time to get used to the way he played; thankfully I’m better now, fit and recovered from my injury.”
Injury
Ma Long was not able to compete in the recent Asian Championships owing to injury.
Injury prevented Ma Long defending the Men’s Singles title he had won on the last three occasions at the continental gathering; it also marked the end of the road for Panagiotis Gionis.
“I was leading two games to one, then in the fourth down 1-3 I stretched for a wide forehand top spin and felt a lot pain in the inside of my right thigh”, explained Panagiotis Gionis. “Yesterday when I was playing Simon Gauzy I also felt the same pain but not very great, so I thought I’d be fine today but that was not to be the case.”
Quarterfinals
At the quarterfinal stage Ma Long plays Marcos Freitas; Koki Niwa opposes Dimitrij Ovtcharov.
Schedule, Official Site, ITTF Site, Watch LIVE at ITTF ITTV
