Europe Top-16 Cup | 8 Feb 2020

Barbora BALAZOVA in winning mode

2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup, Montreux, February 8-9 

 

As the opening day at the 2020 CCB Europe Top 16 Cup in Montreux progressed the upsets and thrilling matches continued to keep the spectators at the edge of their seats. In the afternoon matches of the Round of 16 major upset was caused by Barbora BALAZOVA who overcame Matilda EKHOLM. Unfortunately, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV was forced to withdrew due the medical reasons.  

 

Slovakia’s Barbora BALAZOVA, no 12 seed, overcame Swede Matilda EKHOLM seeded at the position no 6 in six games (11:8, 13:11, 11:9, 6:11, 9:11, 11:6). Matilda had her chances after third game, but eventually BALAZOVA regained the control.  

 

“I did not play against Matilda few years back, but the last time I did she beat me. Also, we always played close matches,” said BALAZOVA.” I started good; managed to win three opening games, but at that point EKHOLM started to play more relaxed. Matilda is always dangerous. She has ups and downs and you can never underestimate her. The key thing was to stay focused until the end.” 

 

Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania overcame Yana NOSKOVA of Russia 4:1 (17:15, 11:7, 7:11, 11:3, 11:5) to justify her status. 

 

“It takes time to adjust to new conditions, boll, spectators...and each match here is difficult, you do not have room for mistake. There are no easy adversaries. I did not start well, but I came to my game. When I saw how the things went, I used my head. I was patient and waited for opportunities. Last time I had 3:0 and 6:2 and I lost. Now I was more careful,” said Elizabeta SAMARA. 

 

Top seeded player in the Women’s Event Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria inflicted the pain in the hearts of home crowd by beating Rachel MORET 4:1 (6:11, 11:7, 11:7, 11:5. 11:5). Last year POLCANOVA faced match-point against her at the same place and same adversary, so this time she was cautious.  

 

“I was very nervous. I was aware what happened last year and I wanted to avoid it. However, it did not start good for me, but after the second game I found my rhythm and played better and better,” said POLCANOVA. 

 

 

Poland’s Natalia PARTRYKA lost to last year’s winner Petrissa SOLJA of Germany after very good performance of reigning champion 0:4 (7:11, 4:11, 8:11, 6:11).  

 

“Everything came on its place very quickly; I settled into the rhythm instantly. I enjoyed playing here. The memories from winning the title last year are still fresh,” said Petrissa SOLJA.  

 

Photo: Rémy Gros ITTF

 

Kristian KARLSS0N of Sweden played against Timo Boll of Germany again, and like the last year he lost in five games (11:8, 9:11, 9:11, 4:11, 10:12). BOLL had a rough start, but managed to take the control 9over the duel. 

 

“When you compare Top 16 and German Open, we played last week, it is like when you compare French Open and Wimbledon in tennis. Few days ago, we have played in big venue and the ball was very slow. Here, everything goes so fast. That is why I had to slow down the game. Karlsson was very good in quick points, I had to change the rhythm,” said Timo Boll.  

 

Liam PITCHFORD of England faced a brave, host nation representative, Lionel WEBER, but he justified his status and won in straight games (11:7, 11:8, 14:12, 11:7). 

 

“I knew it was best possible draw I can had here, but you still have to went out and play to win the game. Lionel played well, he got nothing to lose,” said Liam PITCHFORD. “It will be much more difficult against BOLL, but on the other side, I have nothing to lose. I will give my best.” 

 

Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS avenged his last year's defeat against Austria’s Daniel HABESOHN in furious style 4:0 (11:0, 11:7, 11:9, 11:5). 

 

“I am very happy with my performance. He beat me last year 4:3, after I had a lead. We also know each other very well. We have been practicing for a few years together at the Werner SCHLAGER Academy and played against each other so many times,” said FREITAS.