From February 16 to 25 2024 the prestigious Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) will witness a gathering of top-tier talent and fierce competition against the breathtaking backdrop of Busan – the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals.
The Germany’s national teams led by European champion Dang QIU and European Championship runner-up Nina MITTELHAM aim to be involved in the medal distribution as they were two years ago in Chengdu. In 2022 the men brought home silver and the women bronze from China. The defending champions from China are also the overwhelming favorites in 2024.
At the championships at BEXCO the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre men’s national team coach Jörg ROSSKOPF aims to stand on the winner’s podium once again with his team. The tournament begins for the favored Germans in Group 2 on February 16th at 9 a.m. German time against the USA who according to the seeding list alongside England are the toughest competitors in the preliminary round.
ROSSKOPF leaves no doubt about the objective before the start:
“Of course we want to win another medal. We always aim for the maximum which is why we are also fighting for the title at this World Championship. Despite our previous unsuccessful attempts it is an incentive for us to beat the great favorites China once. In sports there are enough examples of the underdog winning in the end. Behind China and Germany teams from France Sweden Japan Taiwan and host South Korea are among the strongest contenders for a place on the podium.”
The men’s team ranked second behind China in the World rankings has not only set its sights on medals at the World Championships but also on Olympic qualification. DTTB Sports Director Richard PRAUSE explains how this can be achieved:
“The women as European champions are already guaranteed a place in Paris. For the men it looks like this: All eight quarter-finalists from Busan will receive a spot. Another spot will be allocated based on the current world rankings. If nations like China or European champions Sweden who already have a guaranteed spot through the continental quota reach the quarter-finals the number of additional spots allocated based on the world rankings will increase accordingly. We are targeting the quarter-finals for Olympic qualification with the world rankings serving as our safety net.”
The women’s team who will have to do without the injured ninth-ranked player Ying HAN (Achilles tendon rupture) in Busan have already secured their ticket to Paris as European champions. The team led by women’s national team coach Tamara BOROS will start on February 16th at 12 p.m. in Group 3 against Poland who along with Slovakia will challenge Germany for the group win.
Of the 40 participating teams the group winners from eight preliminary round groups will directly advance to the round of 16 while the second and third-placed teams will have to fight for a place in the round of the best 16 in an additional match.
Tamara BOROS sees her team traveling to South Korea with good chances:
“Without Ying this World Championship will of course be a bit more difficult. But I am very optimistic: We are well prepared and have a strong team. The team is ready to play a good World Championship in Busan. Our first goal is of course to win the group and then we want to reach the quarterfinals. If we achieve that anything is possible. In Busan Germany is ranked third behind China and Japan. Other contenders for medals include host South Korea Hong Kong Taiwan and European Games winner Romania.
Dang QIU on assessing his current form:
“It’s hard to gauge your shape solely from training. I’ve had some good results in January but also some games I wasn’t satisfied with. I hope I can add the missing percentage points to reach my best form by the start of the World Championships.”
On the pressure of being favorites:
“When we won the silver medal two years ago in Chengdu without Dima Timo and Patrick we didn’t expect to reach the final. This time we’re competing in full strength. We have a team that doesn’t need to hide from anyone and I don’t know if Germany has ever had such a strong team. But: The competition is also extremely strong. However I am sure that we will be at the forefront if we perform at our best.”
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV on assessing the World Championship competitors:
“England has a top player in Liam Pitchford who has beaten almost everyone in the world including the best Chinese players. The English team is strong and our toughest competitor in the group. There are many competitors in the race for the medals. Defending champion China will be well prepared. France has an exceptional player in Felix LEBRUN his brother Alexis is incredibly strong and former number one GAUZY is now third in the team. Sweden has at least three very strong players and Taiwan with Frankfurt Champions winner LIN Yun-Ju can defeat anyone. And South Korea is always a strong contender at home. However a more precise assessment of the opponents as was possible in the past is hardly available today. The level at the top has become extremely broad. Among the contenders for the medals there are many competitors and it feels like every match against these teams is a fifty-fifty match.”
Timo BOLL on the unusual situation as the nominal number 5:
“I’ve come to terms with that a long time ago. I don’t always have to play the leading role and will contribute to the team. If I’m not playing I’ll ensure good spirits. I’m very happy to have such good guys in the team.”
On his performances in recent months:
“It’s been tough months. Partly with good performances like the recent tournament win in Doha and occasionally more mixed. Right now I feel in good form.”
Nina MITTELHAM on her current form:
“I’m in good form. I’ve been playing very well lately and am looking forward to the World Championships. I especially enjoy playing in team World Championships. I like how we support each other as a team; it gives you even more confidence. I think it will be a good World Championships for us. My excitement for the World Championships is definitely high.”
On her role as a team leader:
“Even though I’m thrust into this role due to Ying’s absence at this World Championships this situation isn’t entirely new for me. When we won the European Championships in Romania in 2021 I was already in this role and it was the same during my youth. And I believe I can say that I handled it well. You grow into these things. The most important thing is that we have good chemistry in the team again; then everyone will step up for each other and we will play well.”
On Ying HAN’S injury (ruptured Achilles tendon):
“First and foremost we’re all immensely sorry that Ying has been so severely injured. When I heard about it I was totally shocked and affected. Ying is not only a support athletically but also a person who gives the players in the team security and calmness. I still remember well how she relieved a lot of pressure from me with her words when I had to enter the decisive match after our team was tied 2-2 in the World Championships bronze medal match two years ago despite being down 0-2.”
