by Simon Daish

The biggest names from the French table tennis scene will be on duty from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd March with the fight for national titles set to provide plenty of drama and excitement for spectators heading to the tournament.

One of the key players to watch out for in Le Mans is Laura Gasnier, who holds a special place in her heart for the city:

“I learnt that the 2019 French Championships would be held in Le Mans about a year ago. I was happy, it is especially special for me since it is here that everything began. I was born in Le Mans, where I lived for 15 years. It is a city that I know very well and that I appreciate very much, even if I have not lived there for 10 years now. I will meet many people who are familiar to me.” Laura Gasnier

Picking up bronze medals from the Women’s Singles draw at the French Championships in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Gasnier has also enjoyed success in the Women’s Doubles category reaching the top step of the podium on three occasions.

With the 2019 edition of the French Championships just around the corner Gasnier once again heads into the event with plenty of ambition but is fully aware of the calibre of opposition she is set to meet in Le Mans.

“My goals are high. In the women’s doubles, the goal will be to win the title with Carole Grundisch. We have already been champions of France together in 2014, it would be nice to achieve it again. I also have the mixed doubles title in the viewfinder: I’m going to play with Tristan Flore, with whom I’ve played in the past. I think that we form a good pair, we will do anything to demonstrate it. In the singles, I keep the goal of the first step of the podium. The title of singles champion of France at home, it would be really great but I know that it may be complicated. I can beat anyone, but Carole Grundisch and Yuan Jia Nan are top players.” Laura Gasnier

Source: FFTT