The German table tennis players will play in the semi-finals against Japan at the World Team Championships in London. Winter and Co. definitely have a medal.
While national coach Jörg Roßkopf’s men’s team lost 3-1 to Olympic fourth-placed Japan, the women won 3-1 in a hard-fought duel with Hong Kong. The Germans are guaranteed at least bronze – at major table tennis tournaments, both semi-final losers receive a medal, there is no game for third place.
Winter talks about jumping into the Thames
Germany’s number one Sabine Winter said before the tournament: “Our goal is a medal. If we achieve that, I’m happy to join our new ritual of jumping into the Thames with everyone else on our team.” This goal has now been achieved. But immediately after the match, Winter indicated he was backing down on the “Dyn” microphone: “Only if it’s not too unhealthy and the water is clean enough. Then we’ll jump in there.”
Winter (Dachau), ninth in the world rankings, initially showed nerves against Hong Kong. However, after being down 0-2, she fought back impressively and won against Doo Hoi Kem 3-2 (10:12, 8:11, 11:8, 11:9, 11:4).
Ying Han (Tarnobrzeg/Düsseldorf) also had to go the full distance against Ng Wing Lam and prevailed in a hard-fought match 3:2 (11:9, 7:11, 15:17, 13:11, 15:13).
Businessman with problems
Junior world champion Annett Kaufmann (Kolbermoor) had the biggest problems. After four sets, the 19-year-old lost 1:3 (10:12, 11:8, 8:11, 4:11) to the 17-year-old Su Tsz Tung. Winter finally secured the semi-finals for the German team. The 33-year-old won against Ng 3-0 (11:1, 11:5, 11:6).
In the semi-finals, national coach Tamara Boros’ team will face Japan. The 2024 silver medalists beat Ukraine 3-0 in the quarterfinals on Friday.
