by Ian Marshall, Editor
Shan Xiaona replaced the injured Petrissa Solja in the German team; partnering Nina Mittelham, the duo suffered defeat at the hands of Natalia Bajor and Natalia Partyka (11-8, 11-2, 14-12).
Enter Han Ying, she beat Li Qian (11-9, 11-7, 11-3) but then the pendulum swayed once more in favour of Poland. Shan Xiaona lost to Natalia Partyka (11-5, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4). Han Ying returned, she accounted for Natalia Bajor (11-2, 11-6, 11-8) to set the scene for Nina Mittelham to record a quite sensational victory.
In the vital fifth game against Li Qian, she trailed 6-9, she did not lose another point, five in a row sealed victory (4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9).
“For the doubles, I have not had much many chances to partner Shan, so it was very difficult for us. It was also her first match here and it did not end up well for us. Luckily, Han played two amazing matches. She won quite easy and it opened the door for us. I am happy I seized the opportunity that has been given to me.” Nina Mittelham
“I did not think about the fact she is the European champion. What really was on my mind is the thought that I can play well against a player with the defensive style of play. I was shaking before the match but after it started I felt well; I felt the ball and my confidence rose. I believed I could win. In the fifth game she was up. I was tired, but I realised she was also tired too. I kept on attacking, I was thinking only about the next ball.” Nina Mittelham
“I am so happy for Nina; this was an amazing match for her. She deserved this win.” Han Ying
A tension packed contest, it was no different for the Romanian trio of Daniela Dodean, Elizabeta Samara and Bernadette Szocs in opposition to Hungary’s Dora Madarasz, Szandra Pergel and Georgina Pota.
Daniela Dodean and Elizabeta Samara lost to Szandra Pergel and Dora Madarasz (11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10); Bernadette Szocs beat both Georgina Pota (11-9, 11-7, 11-9) and Szandra Pergel (7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4). Sandwiched in between Elizabeta Samara suffered at the hands of Dora Madarasz (11-7, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4).
Matters level. Daniela Dodean, maintained her focus, in a tension packed contest, decided by the narrowest of margins, she accounted for Georgina Pota to seal the victory (11-6, 7-11, 12-14, 11-6, 12-10).
“In the doubles we had a chances but the unfortunately we suffered the same fate as at the Portugal Open. We lost the decisive game by a narrow margin. I should not have lost the singles match but it happened. I was just not good enough today and she was better. The good thing is that we have a very strong team and if one of us makes mistakes, we have great support and enough quality from the others. Daniela was a real hero today.” Elizabeta Samara
“I was well prepared for all players but I hoped it will be Pota first. Mentally that would have been easier for me.” Bernadette Szocs
The bronze medal match followed by the final will be played on Saturday 29th June; the winners qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Quotes of the Day
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Saturday 22nd June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Sunday 23rd June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Monday 24th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Tuesday 25th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Wednesday 26th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Thursday 27th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Friday 28th June)
Results
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games – Table Tennis: Latest Results
Information
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Qualification Procedure
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Schedule of Play
Seeding
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Men’s Singles
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Women’s Singles
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Mixed Doubles
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Special Team Ranking Men (December 2018)
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Special Team Ranking Women (December 2018)
