by Simon Daish

Petrissa Solja has endured what could be described as a mixed year on the world stage to date: winning a silver medal at Rio 2016 was one of the high points of 2016 for Solja, but early exits at the Seamaster 2016 Women’s World Cup and the Liebherr 2016 European Championships in the Women’s Singles’ categories have left Solja with plenty to ponder as she moves forward.

However, with the Liebherr 2017 World Championships heading to Düsseldorf in her home country of Germany Solja is feeling excited about the prospects of competing at the tournament:

“I want to make the leap into the top 10 next year and I’m looking forward to the World Championships, of course. It is fun for me to play in front of the home crowd. I like it when the hall is full and in a good mood” – Petrissa Solja (Germany).

Suzhou (China) hosted the previous individuals World Championships where Solja failed to progress beyond the last 64, however, the 22-year-old is hoping to capitalise on the fact that she will have the backing of the home fans next time out at the 2017 World Championships.

“The audience in Düsseldorf will push me and help to rise above me” said Solja before adding, “It would be a shame if you did not catch live the crowning of the next world champion in/from Germany.”