Nina Mittelham has clinched at least a bronze medal at the European Table Tennis Championships in Linz, while Benedikt Duda and Dimitrij Ovtcharov also advanced to the semifinals, securing individual medals for Germany. Duda achieved a stunning win against French player Felix Lebrun, who faced backlash for his outburst after the defeat. Ovtcharov showcased his skills with a decisive victory over teammate Patrick Franziska. Mittelham looks to build on her success in the finals against Sofia Polcanova.
Nina Mittelham has clinched at least a bronze medal at the European Table Tennis Championships in Linz and continues to hold onto hopes for the title. Benedikt Duda pulled off a stunning upset, with Dimitrij Ovtcharov also celebrating his success.
Benedikt Duda stunned the French sensation Felix Lebrun, and soon after, Dimitrij Ovtcharov joined his teammate in the semi-finals with an impressive display. This ensured a German showdown in the final of the European Table Tennis Championships in Linz, securing two individual medals for the German Table Tennis Association (DTTB).
“When I converted the match point, my emotions surged. It took me a few moments to realize that I had won my first individual European Championship medal,” the 30-year-old Duda reflected after overcoming a 1:3 deficit against the 18-year-old up-and-comer Lebrun. Duda managed a thrilling 4:3 victory (5:11, 4:11, 11:9, 6:11, 11:6, 16:14, 11:6), fending off a match point to eliminate the Olympic bronze medalist and title favorite, marking his greatest international achievement.
Lebrun’s Outburst Post-Defeat
Lebrun stirred controversy following his shocking elimination from the tournament. The 18-year-old favorite launched his racket in frustration, destroying a nearby screen, which led to a red card from the referee. The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) contemplated expelling Lebrun from the tournament, which would have barred him from competing in the doubles final alongside his brother Alexis against the Swedish duo Truls Möregardh and Anton Källberg.
However, as stated by the ETTU and a report from the French publication ‘L’Equipe’, the quarter-final result will not be recognized as a 4-3 win for Duda but classified as a disqualification for Lebrun. Consequently, the current world number seven forfeits all ranking points earned in Linz and will face consequences for the damaged screen.
Ovtcharov Shines Bright
Former world number one Dimitrij Ovtcharov recorded a decisive 4:0 win (11:3, 11:6, 11:7, 11:8) against fellow countryman Patrick Franziska in the quarter-finals on Saturday night, marking a return to the podium 17 years after his first singles medal. “I believe that was one of my best performances in recent years. I felt precise with every strong shot he played and made very few mistakes,” said the 2013 and 2015 European champion.
On Sunday (starting at 12:10 PM), Duda and Ovtcharov will compete to determine which German player will vie for the European title. Later that evening, Alexis Lebrun, Felix’s older brother, avenged Felix’s defeat by knocking out the defending champion Dang Qiu, winning 4:1 (7:11, 11:9, 11:8, 11:6, 13:11) and will face Sweden’s Olympic silver medalist Truls Möregardh in the other semi-final.
Mittelham Shines in Semi-Finals
Mittelham excelled in her comeback following a disappointing Olympic experience. The 2022 European Championship silver medalist triumphed over Yuan Wan with a 4-1 victory in the German clash. “Before the tournament, I was hoping to bring home a medal,” shared the 27-year-old, who faced early elimination in Paris due to a disc injury. “I’m proud to achieve this because it has been a challenging journey.”
In the finals (Sunday beginning at 10:30 AM), she will compete against local favorite Sofia Polcanova, who triumphed over the third German quarter-finalist Sabine Winter with a score of 4:1. In a rematch of the European Championship semi-final from two years prior, Winter was defeated by the Austrian. Polcanova, who previously secured silver in the mixed doubles with Robert Gardos, is also set for the finals in the women’s doubles, having already netted three medals.