Sunday’s European Championship in Malmö Arena was rounded off in the best way when Sweden’s men copied the women, beating Italy in the opening match of Group A by the same numbers, 3-0 in one hour and 33 minutes.
Only one of three players had to work hard, Anton Källberg in the final match. After a 1–2 deficit, he managed to find his right winning rhythm and finished with 11–7, 11–5.
– I invited Puppo by missing too many openings and returns. But it came off in the end, so nice.
Truls dominated the meeting with John Oyebode from start to finish, dropping eight balls the most – in the second set.
– Oyebode opened rather weakly with many mistakes. Of the Italians, Puppo who met Anton was clearly the sharpest.
Otherwise, Truls announced that he enjoyed every second in front of the many spectators, near the game table on one short side of Malmö Arena. I look forward to Monday’s meeting with the Czech Republic, which has a strong first man, he summed up the evening.
Mattias Falck went on like an express train against Matteo Mutti. The game said it all: 11–6, 11–4, 11–6.
– I had good self-confidence and felt very safe, the shots hit perfectly and I feel in good shape in the championship here at home. Yes, it feels really good ahead of the European Championships.
How was the first EC day?
Good for table tennis with the new neat scoreboards. The audience clearly enjoyed it and 583 tickets were sold on the opening Sunday.
EC, Men’s Group A
Sweden-Italy 3–0
Truls Möregårdh-John Oyebode 11–7, 11–8, 11–5
Mattias Falck-Matteo Mutti 11–6, 11–4, 11–6
Anton Källberg-Andrea Puppo 7–11, 11–8, 9–11, 11–7, 11–5
Photo: Manfred Schillings/SBTF