Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

European showcase: Patrick Franziska versus Mattias Falck

Written by 
Published in Table Tennis
Saturday, 13 July 2019 11:07

In his triumph against the Swedish star at the quarter-final stage, both Franziska, who has yet to win an ITTF World Tour title and Falck gave a showcase of European table tennis at the highest level. It was fitting at a tournament that has seen some of the greatest in the game, including Fan and women’s World no.1 Chen Meng, upset by more unassuming challengers.

The turn of events took even the 27 year old Franziska by surprise. In Friday’s round of 16, he relegated Fan to the stands with a 4-2 upset victory despite losing the first two games (8-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7), a big moment for a man who has seen ITTF World Tour men’s singles semi-final action only twice in his senior career.

“Finally, my first triumph against a top Chinese player. I’m speechless. I certainly played one of my best matches ever, but the tournament is not over.” Patrick Franziska

It certainly wasn’t. If Friday was the surprise, Saturday’s match against Falck confirmed the quality of the German. Falck, the no. 8 seed, lost the first game but recovered well, taking full advantage of his opportunities to increase his lead to 3-1.

“I felt he was everywhere, I had no idea what to do anymore.” Patrick Franziska

What he did have was reserves of energy and steely determination. Point by point, he methodically turned the tables on Falck to take the next three games in one of the grittiest matches of play down under, eventually securing an epic 4-3 win (11-6, 10-12, 9-11, 3-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9).

“[Falck] played fantastic. I just said, ‘I’ll risk it all.’ I know I have nothing to lose anymore…I have no idea how I did it. Some good balls, some lucky shots. I’m extremely happy that I’m through.” Patrick Franziska

Waiting in the wings is a monumental challenge: XuXin, who will battle Franziska for the right to play either Wang Chuqin or Ma Long in the final. It’s a lofty challenge for the German, but one that he can aboard with confidence, knowing that in Oz, he is the one capable of shaking up the status quo.

Read 428 times

Soccer

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic each scored twice -- with one goal in each half -- a...

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long...

Liverpool player ratings: Salah stars in comeback win at Southampton

Liverpool player ratings: Salah stars in comeback win at Southampton

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool fought back from 2-1 down on Sunday to secure a 3-2 victo...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Chris Woodward has been named first-base coach by th...

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated