by Simon Daish

Dimitrij Ovtcharov was the highest ranked competitor for the Men’s Singles competition at the German Championships in Bamberg, and was aiming to lift the trophy for the second time in his career having enjoyed a successful campaign at the 2014 tournament.

However, Ovtcharov announced his withdrawal from the 2017 German Championships on Friday 3rd March after he was recommended to make the decision by his medical team.

“I do not want to endanger my participation at the World Championships in Düsseldorf. That is why I have to cancel my appearance with a heavy heart. With every irregular movement my pain increases. Dr. Kass could not guarantee my start in Bamberg without this also threatening my participation at the World Championships”, Dimitrij Ovtcharov.

The disappointing news comes following a hugely rewarding month for Dimitrij Ovtcharov, who claimed a trio of titles in February with positive outcomes at the 2017 ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup, Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour India Open and DHS 2017 Lausanne Open competitions.

Yet, a reluctant Ovtcharov believes that he is making the correct decision by issuing his absence for the German Championships as he aims to be fully fit for the upcoming Liebherr 2017 World Championships set to be hosted in Düsseldorf starting on Monday 29th May before drawing to a conclusion on Monday 5th June.

“I would have liked to play in Bamberg. But I cannot take the risk of missing the World Championships again. I hope my fans understand this, but in this case, the health is good”, Dimtrij Ovtcharov.

Following the announcement of Dimitrij Ovtcharov’s withdrawal, 10-time Men’s Singles champion Timo Boll is now the highest ranked player competing in the category at the German Championships.