CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux
Backspin artist Greek Panagiotis GIONIS beat Swede Mattias FALCK (11:7 12:14 10:12 11:4 11:7 11:8) to reach the quarterfinal of the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux. He was down two games to one before he leveled to win the match.
“I already beat him in three previous occasions and I knew what I have to do. He is one of the best players against attackers but against the players with the defensive style of play he is not that good. However it was not easy. I was 2:1 down so I had to change my service game and he got a little bit tired. I stayed focused and finished the match quickly. It will be much difficult if he had managed to extend the game ” said GIONIS.
In Salle Omnisport du Pierrier Natalia PARTYKA of Poland won the last match of the Round of 16 against LI Jie of Netherlands (11:8 10:12 8:11 11:8 5:11 11:7 7:11).
“We played at least six times before and I won only twice. That is why I felt no pressure in this match. I had nothing to lose and I played to enjoy the game. However as the match progressed I felt I can beat her. My confident grew. Even in the decisive game I played like it was the start of the match. I was pressure free ” said Natalia.
It is first time since 2001 that we will not have the players with the defensive style of play in Women’s quarterfinal (BATORFI NI BOROS BADESCU STRUSE STEFF TOTH and LIU in 2001).