2015 European Championships: OVTCHAROV vs. GIONIS – the battle for medal
Courtesy of ETTU
Photo: Elena ELISEEVA

Bringing out the best: PITCHFORD testing OVTCHAROV

Top seeded player in the Men’s Singles Event at the 2015 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV of Germany overcame Liam PITCHFORD of England to book his place in the quarter final 4:2 (4:11, 11:7, 11:8, 6:11, 11:4). Tomorrow he will meet Gionis PANAGIOTIS of Greece in the match for the medal.

“I cannot remember when I played a game against an European on such a high level. That was my best game so far in this tournament. What PITCHFORD did was extraordinary … I had to encourage myself during the match, ‘Come on, stay aggressive, otherwise you can not win the match.”

Talking about next round OVTCHAROV said:

“I think I am the best player in the tournament, but I am also very tired from the matches in the Team Event. However I am a fighter and will take all out of my body.”

Alexey LIVENTSOV of Russia suffered by the hands of Gionis PANAGIOTIS 4:2 (4:11, 5:11, 11:7, 6:11, 11:8, 7:11).

“At the beginning LIVENTSOV was not at the top of his game. He gave up few easy points. After being two games down he settled in better rhythm and put some pressure on me. The game was much closer after that,” said GIONIS.

There was no doubt for GIONIS who is the favorite in next game.

“Everyone knows who is OVTCHAROV. That did not mean I would not fight. I will enjoy the quarterfinal.”

Ruwen FILUS of Germany beat KOU Lei of Ukraine after being forced to go full distance 4:3 (8:11, 11:6, 11:8, 4:11, 7:11, 11:7:11:9) and Tiago APOLONIA of Portugal overcame LI Ahmet of Turkey 4:2 (11:4, 11:8, 11:1, 9:11, 7:11, 11:4).

After two marathons and almost being defeated in the opening round of the Singles Event, Par GERELL finally preserved some of energy by concluding the Round of 16 in straight games. He beat Kiril SKACHKOV of Russia 4:0 (11:8, 11:5, 11:6, 11:8).

“In the opening round against TROMER of Netherlands I faced match ball. I could lose it easily. Against WALTHER of Germany I played full seven games and I also played in the doubles. It was very long day for me. I deserved little bit easier match at the end,” said GERELL.

Andrej GACINA of Croatia beat HE Zhi Wen of Spain 4:0 (13:11, 11:8, 11:3, 13:11), while Marcos FREITAS of Portugal overcame Patrick FRANZISKA of Germany 4:1 (9:11, 11:7, 13:11, 11:9).

Robert GARDOS of Austria  overcame Lubomir JANCARIK of Slovakia after the epic battle 4:3 (11:8, 9:11, 11:5, 9:11, 10:12, 11:9).

Watch the 2015 ITTF European Table Tennis Championships Live
September 25 – October 4, 2015
Ekaterinburg, Russia
Entry Lists: Team, Individuals

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Visit ETTU.org and ITTF.com for results, videos and more information on the 2015 European Championships.