by Simon Daish
The Greek player, 39, is set to make his sixth appearance at the event with his first outing coming on Swiss soil five years back in Lausanne.
“It’s a tournament playing the best 16 players in Europe and I’m happy that I have taken part so many times…” Panagiotis Gionis
Last year in Montreux Panagiotis Gionis produced a fine comeback display from 1-3 down to beat Ukraine’s Kou Lei 4-3 in the opening round of the competition before going on to achieve an impressive fifth position finish overall.
One year on Gionis is targeting a spot in the semi-finals, a feat that was last achieved by a Greek player in 2015 by Gionis himself. With no niggling fitness issues to worry about Gionis heads to Montreux in good spirit and with confidence on his side.
“My goal is to qualify for the World Cup that means that at least I have to reach the quarter-final but my main goal is to be in the semis. I’m feeling in great shape and I always love to play these kind of tournaments!” Panagiotis Gionis
Hosts last year, Montreux will once again welcome Europe’s finest players for the Europe Top 16 Cup and Gionis is can’t wait to return to the Swiss town in just over a week’s time.
“Montreux I like a lot and I had a very nice tournament last year with great spectators to support me! It is a lovely place and a very nice organised tournament and I’m looking forward to coming back there this year.” Panagiotis Gionis
The ITTF would like to thank Panagiotis Gionis for the quick interview.
