by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Notable performances but did Daniel Kriston, a young man with no current world ranking just have an advantage in his win over Brazil’s Vitor Ishiy, named at no.159 in the current global order? Impressively the Hungarian won in six games (9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8, 11-4).

Sitting courtside in the role of advisor was Tibor Klampar, a stalwart of the Hungarian national team from 1970 to 1982, most notably alongside Istvan Jonyer and Gabor Gergely a member of the outfit that beat China twice en route to winning the Men’s Team title at the 1979 World Championships in Pyongyang.

“To be coached by the Hungarian legend Tibor Klampar during the match was an honour.” Daniel Kriston

“Daniel won this match, giving a very good performance. I told him to constantly change the rhythm and direction of his play. He stuck to the plan during the whole match and played all the important points well.” Tibor Klampar

Success for Daniel Kriston against expectations, it was the same for Marton Szita in opposition to Slovakia’s Bai Yang (11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5), as it was for Daniel Kosiba when facing Spain’s Carlos Franco (11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5).

Presently Marton Szita is named at no.377 on the current Men’s World Rankings, Bai He is at no.168; similarly, Daniel Kosiba stands at no.379, Carlos Franco at no.231.

“I made a great start to the day, a good win helps raise your game. It gave me extra motivation playing in front of a home crowd.” Marton Szita

Meanwhile for the Hungarian threesome that prevailed in line with expectations, Adam Szudi beat Ireland’s Ashley Robinson (11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2, 11-7), Bence Majoros overcame Israel’s Michael Tauber (11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 7-11, 11-5); Nandor Ecseki defeated Serbia’s Valentin Nad Nemedi (11-9, 14-12, 11-9, 11-6).