by Ian Marshall, Editor

Marcos Freitas won in 2014 in Lausanne, Vladimir Samsonov succeeded four times commencing in 1998 in Halmstad, likewise Dimitrij Ovtcharov has won on four occasions; his first being in 2015 in Baku.

Now for Timo Boll, the wins register six in number, his first being on debut when he prevailed in 2002 in Rotterdam; he is just one short of the record secured by the living legend from a previous era, the stunning achievements of Sweden’s Jan-Ove Waldner. Between 1984 in Bratislava and 1996 in Charleroi he won no less than seven times.

However, in terms of medal finishes, Jan-Ove Waldner is still ahead of the 37 year old German who currently stands at no.5 on the men’s world rankings. In addition to his gold medal haul the Swede was four times the runner up, twice the bronze medallist.

Somewhat differently, the only other coloured medal that Timo Boll has secured in the history of the tournament is that of bronze; he finished alongside Frenchman Damien Eloi in 2005 in Rennes. Surely that is a good omen for Timo Boll! He reaches the final, he wins!

Now, can Timo Boll match Jan-Ove Waldner in terms of gold medals; that is very much the burning question?

Also can one player overtake the Swedish master in terms of medals won? A collection of four gold, eight silver, one bronze; likewise Vladimir Samsonov has a total of 13 medals to his credit.