by Ian Marshall, Editor

A 3-0 win was recorded, the combination formed by Timo Boll, Patrick Franziska and Dimitrij Ovtcharov showing no charity when facing the Swedish trio formed by Mattias Falck, Kristian Karlsson and Jon Persson.

Timo Boll and Patrick Franziska gave Germany the best possible start by beating Kristian Karlsson and Jon Persson (11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8), before Dimitrij Ovtcharov doubled the advantage. He accounted for Mattias Falck (11-9, 10-12, 11-5, 11-7).

“The doubles already won, it took a lot of pressure off. Still it was a very difficult match. I had a game point at 10-6 in the second game and I lost it. However, I kept on trying and I was confident.” Dimitrij Ovtcharov

Matters concluded with Patrick Franziska defeating Jon Persson in a hard fought five games contest (12-14, 11-3, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9).

“I knew it is going to be a hard one, last time we played it was 3-2; he is so quick and aggressive but we had 2-0 already as team and I saw Timo warming up, so I was not under pressure.” Patrick Franziska

Winner of the men’s singles title earlier in the week, it was a very good situation for Patrick Franziska.

“The system worked in our favour and we took the best of it. Starting with the doubles was an easier option for me and it was good for the team to start the singles with advantage. It was very good tournament, we seized the first and the easiest opportunity to book the place at the Olympic Games. Also we were all the top level.” Timo Boll

Disappointment for Sweden but it was a philanthropic Kristian Karlsson who believed the overall score-line was a little harsh.

“Every match was very close it is far from what the result 3-0 predicts. We gave our best, our play was at very high level but Germany was better team today.” Kristian Karlsson

Gold for Germany, for Portugal it was bronze, for Tiago Apolonia and João Monteiro, a second medal of that colour. They had been semi-finalists at the recent Liebherr 2019 World Championships. They gave Portugal the desired start as was to be anticipated; they accounted for Anders Lind and Tobias Rasmussen in three straight games (11-6, 11-5, 11-4).

“Most important thing was to come prepared to the venue after yesterday’s defeat against Germany. It was a tough blow and we needed to re-built our confidence. We were confident and focused from the first point and throughout the match we proved as a better team.” Tiago Apolonia

Arguably the player of the tournament, Jonathan Groth, levelled matters for Denmark, he beat Marcos Freitas in four games (11-9, 11-13, 11-7, 11-7) to record what was to prove the one and only win for his country. João Monteiro returned to the table he overcame Anders Lind (6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-4), before Marcos Freitas accounted for Tobias Rasmussen to bring matters to a conclusion (11-4, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10).

“Groth played perfectly in Minsk. He did not lose any matches in the team event. I started badly against him. I lost the opening game after being 9-4 ahead. After that I was upset, I lost my focus and he won. I managed to put it behind in match against Tobias.” Marcos Freitas

Disappointment for Denmark but it was success; they started the tournament the lowest ranked of all 12 teams; they finishing in fourth place. Meanwhile, for Germany it was mission accomplished; they commenced matters, the top seeds.

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)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Saturday 29th 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)