by Ian Marshall, Editor
Both pairs fielded the combination of a left hander and right hander, Jonathan Groth and Kristian Karlsson being the left handers, Patrick Franziska and Mattias Karlsson, the right handers, the latter somewhat different to the norm, as opposed to using the smooth reversed rubber on the forehand, he employs that of the short pimple variety.
In the early stages of the opening game there was little to choose between the pairs, before Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth established an 8-5 lead; from that moment forward they played error free to secure the game.
Winning streaks, it was the same in the second game; from two-all, Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson went ahead 5-2, Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth responded to level at 5-all before the Swedes took a 9-5 lead. Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth reduced the deficit to one point at 9-8, the stage at which Mattias Falk and Kristian Karlsson elected for “Time Out”. The break worked, at 10-8, they held two game points, the first was saved, not the second.
Again in the third game it was a case of winning streaks, Mattias Falck and Mattias Karlsson established an 8-4 lead, before Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth levelled at 9-all; then after a discussion called “Time Out”. The immediate effect was that the pause worked in favour of Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson, at 10-9, they held game point; the opportunity was not seized. The next three points went to Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth.
The recovery was to prove pivotal; in the fourth game from 5-all, Patrick Franziska and Jonathan Groth established their authority on proceedings. At 10-6 they held four match points; at the second attempt they converted.
“We both had the same plans before the match. We wanted to be the attacking pair, control the game and put pressure on our opponents. I think if we are the pair that attacks more, then we usually have a good chance of winning the match. In doubles it’s very hard to play a passive game.” Jonathan Groth
Success and title retained; their fourth overall on the ITTF World Tour in what is now five finals. Meanwhile, for Mattias Falck and Kristian Karlsson, it was their fourth such final and runners up spot for the third time.
Furthermore, there was a sense of déjà vu; in 2012 they had been the silver medallists in Olomouc.
