Nina Mittelham and Shan Xiaona gave Germany the ideal start, they accounted for Elizabeta Samara and Daniela Dodean, the 2009 and 2012 European champions, in five games (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6) to set the tone for the engagement. It was a contest in which logic favoured Romania.
“The doubles set us on course. It was a difficult match; the victory allowed us to be more relaxed and gave us more options. Defeat would have reduced our opportunities. In addition, the win made me feel more confident in case I was needed in the singles.” Nina Mittelham
Solid a rock in defence, Han Ying proved too secure for Bernadette Szocs, a four games win was the order of the day (9-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-2); Germany now in the ascendancy, the Tokyo air in the nostrils, Shan Xiaona accounted for Daniela Dodean (11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7) bring matters to a conclusion.
“She beat me at the European Championships. Now I was ready for her. I had avenged my defeat. Now I have year and half to prepare for Japan. It is great. Now we are not under pressure.” Han Ying
Success for Germany followed success and bronze for Poland; a 3-2 outcome being the result against Hungary.
Mainstay of the victory was Li Qian; in the second match of the fixture she beat Georgina Pota (11-5, 3-11, 11-8, 13-11), before in the vital fifth and deciding contest of the engagement overcoming Szandra Pergel (11-3, 10-12, 11-1, 11-9) to seal the victory.
The one further win for Poland was secured by Natalia Partyka; in the third match on the itinerary, she overcame Dora Madarasz (13-11, 4-11, 11-8, 1-11, 11-8).
The wins for Hungary were secure in the doubles by Dora Madarasz and Szandra Pergel who accounted for Natalia Bajor and Natalia Partyka (11-8, 5-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9) and in the fourth match of the contest when Georgina Pota beat Natalia Bajor (11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5).
Success for Poland but the hour belonged to Germany, Tokyo bound.
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)