European Games | 30 Jun 2023
Germany and Sweden in the final of the Men's Event
In the final of the Men's Team's event at the 2023 European Games in Krakow two top seeded teams will play for the title. The ultimate match at the tournament between Germany and Sweden is scheduled for Saturday at 6.15 PM. Portrugal and France will play for bronze at 11 AM.
France (3) – Sweden (2) 2-3
Simon GAUZY, Alexis LEBRUN – Kristian KARLSSON, Truls MOREGARDH 2-3 (13-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 7-11)
Felix LEBRUN – Anton KALLBERG 3-2 (11-8, 2-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-7)
Alexis LEBRUN – Truls MOREHARDH 0-3 (7-11, 5-11, 14-16)
Felix LEBRUN - Kristian KARLSSON 3-1 (6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9)
Simon GAUZY - Anton KALLBERG 1-3 (6-11, 11-5, 8-11, 7-11)
It took three hours for Team Sweden to halt France's progress. Despite Felix LEBRUN's individual match performance, it was insufficient to propel his team into the final. Sweden emerged victorious in the doubles, while Truls MOREGARDH and Anton KALLBERG prevailed against Alexi LEBRUN and Simon GAUZY.
KALLBERG initially lost against Felix, remarking, "It was the first time we played against each other. He has been performing at the highest level here, as evidenced by his gold in singles. The match had several back-and-forth moments. It happened two or three times, but in the end, he was better. He made better decisions, and I made a few mistakes under his pressure. His service game is fantastic, and you never know where the ball will go. You have to be constantly alert and quick in decision-making."
In the decisive match, Anton faced GAUZY. "We have played against each other many times in leagues and internationally. You can't give him any free points because he is very dangerous. You have to put every ball on the table when you play against him," said KALLBERG.
Truls MOREGARDH performed superbly against the older LEBRUN brother, a bronze medalist in Krakow. "I had previously lost to Alexei twice in big matches. At 1-1 in such a crucial team duel, my match was important. Tactically, I played very well, and I managed to deceive him a little. However, the pressure was on him this time. Everyone thought he was the favorite today, so I could enjoy my game and play my best table tennis," said MOREGARDH.
The first point in the match came from the doubles. "Kristian and I teamed up in doubles for the first time, and I am satisfied with our play."
Portugal (4) – Germany (1) 1-3
Joao GERALDO, Tiago APOLONIA – Patrick FRANZISKA, Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-9)
Marcos FREITAS - QIU Dang 0-3 (4-11, 6-11, 2-11)
Tiago APOLONIA – Dimitrij OVTCHAROV 0-3 (8-11, 5-11, 4-11)
Marcos FREITAS – Patrick FRANZISKA 0-3 (5-11, 5-11, 5-11)
Germany emerged victorious against Portugal despite losing in the doubles.
"Despite the defeat in the doubles, Dima and Franz played tactically well. Afterward, we secured three confident wins in the singles. Dang displayed strong tactical play against FREITAS and showed a positive body language. Dima delivered a confident and impressive performance, which we have witnessed in recent training sessions. Now he demonstrated it in the match. And Franz exceeded expectations. However, we are aware that Sweden, our opponents in tomorrow's final, possesses the ability to defeat us. They have a strong doubles team and players who exude confidence and hunger for titles. It has been a while since they last won a title," said coach Jörg ROSSKOPF.
Dimitrij OVTCHAROV added, "It was a strong performance from all three of us in the singles today. Tomorrow's adversaries are slightly stronger, but today's matches have given us confidence. Finals are meant to be won, so we must give our all tomorrow."
Patrick FRANZISKA emphasized the importance of their reaction after the doubles, stating, "Dang was outstanding, followed by Dima and me. The doubles event will be especially crucial tomorrow against Sweden."
