TTSTAR - ENJOY TABLE TENNIS

02/02/2010 - In previous 15 years SAMSONOV missed Europe Top-12 only once in 2001. Seeded number two in LIEBHERR Europe Top-12 in Dusseldorf, Belarus Vladimir SAMSONOV played his first tournament in Dijon (FRA) in 1995. He was fifth then, and he won his first title in Halmstad (SWE) 1998.
SAMSONOV succeeded next two years in the row, in Split (HRV) and Wels (AUT). Last time he won tournament in Arezzo (ITA) 2007. In Frankfurt 2008 Belarus was second, and he won silver last year as well. With such experience and position in Old Continent, the Europe number two looks like destined to play final this year.

“I am not sure how far I can get this year. I did not play at the big tournaments since European Super Cup in St. Petersburg in December. In the meanwhile I only played in Russia’s League. However I feel good and I always have a chance for final or title” said SAMSONOV.
With Fakel Orenburg Vladi took the leading position in the Russia’s Championships. In addition club recorded another victory in ETTU Cup. In the first leg of the quarterfinal, Orenburg beat Pluderhausen on their home soil.

SAMSONOV is looking forward competition in Düsseldorf .
“It is always great pleasure for me to return in Düsseldorf. I lived there for seven years and I have many friends there,” said SAMSONOV.

There is no doubt about the name of the biggest favorite at this years’ edition of LIEBHERR Top-10. “Timo BOLL is number one favorite if we look at the rankings and if we consider the fact that he play in Germany.” Not only that Timo BOLL will play there, but Germany will have three more representatives in Men’s category- Dimitrij OVTCHAROV, Patrick BAUM and Christian SUSS.

“That is the best indicator of German Table tennis Association’s good work. They have good coaches, system and good conditions for players. OVTCHAROV, BAUM and Christian SUSS are on the list, but Bastian STEGER also progressed and he was the highest ranked substitute for the Event.”

(by Milica NIKOLIC, EWT)
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Photo: Vladimir SAMSONOV (Photo Roscher)