Samsonov is European Champion again

Austrian Liu Jia wins Women's Singles

Sunday, April 3, 2005

Belarus' European Champion Vladimir Samsonov defended his title in men's single. He defeaded belgian player Jean-Michel Saive by 4-1 in todays final at the European Championship in Aarhus.

Samsonov won the first set relatively easy 11-6, but the second set was won by Saive 11-9. At set point 10-9 for Samsonov in the third set, Saive injured his hand dramatically. He tried to return a loop from Samsonov, but did'nt hit the ball. Instead he hit his hand at the table, and with blood running down the hand, he was traeted for several minutes. The injury seemed to hamper Saive several times during the rest of the match, and Samsonov won the two next sets - and the championship - 11-5 and 11-8.

Women's Singles

Austrian Liu Jia won a souvereign victory in the women's final at the European Championships in Aarhus.

Her opponent, romanian player Mihaela Steff had a fair chance of becoming treble European Champion before the match.
But the austrian player took the balls early and found space in the romanians forehand. And once again the lively swedish spectators cheered for the austrian as she could celebrate her first European Championship in singles.

Liu Jia, Østrig - Mihaela Steff, Rumænien: 11-9, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4.

Schlager/Jindrak win Men's Doubles

He went so close in the mens team event against Denmark. The defending World Champion Werner Schlager from Austria, who has played the most games during the championship in Århus. And now finally he can call him selv a European Champion togheter with his partner Karl Jindrak.
The experienced couple beat Samsonov/Kreanga 4-2 in a glorious match. Karl Jindrak was so thrilled by the victory that he let a tear run down his cheek.

Werner Schlager/Karl Jindrak, Østrig - Vladimir Samsonov, Hviderusland/Kalinkos Kreanga, Grækenland, 6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-3, 8-11, 11-8.

Women's Doubles

Victory in the final for Boros/Steff

The final in the Women's doubles event stod between Michaela Steff/Tamara Boros, Romania/Croatia and Kritztina Toth/Csilia Batorfi, Hungary.

Score: 11-6, 11-6, 13-11, 11-7.

Michaela Steff have been the best throughout the tournament and won her second titel at the championships. She won the team event with Romania and now the double with Boros. This afternoon she is in her third final women's singles.
Boros/Steff won a clear victory against Toth/Bartofi, and they were only under press in the third game, wish they won 13-11. For the third time in a row the mixed couple from Romania/Croatia, got there hands on the titel as they did in 2000 and 2003.

Especially Michaelas backhand was outstanding, and when the couple had won that diagonal they were better then their opponents. It was remarkeble to see how Steff and Boros maneged to fight togetter just hours after Boros had lost the semifinal in women's singles. They played as a couple and they were the best.

Source: www.liebherreuropeans2005.com

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