by Ian Marshall, Editor
Success for Simon Gauzy in a contest that was very much a reversal of fortunes; in the past 12 months the Frenchman has not enjoyed the best of fortunes. He started 2018 named at no. 9 on the world rankings, when the listings were announced for January 2019, he had dropped to no.34. Conversely in the same period Liam Pitchford climbed from no.79 to no.16.
“It was a good match for the start of the competition, an especially important win against such as good player as Liam. I could not let Liam take control. I am coming back from injury and I hope my game will improve during the event,” Simon Gauzy
Success Simon Gauzy contrary to status, it was the same from Austria’s Daniel Habesohn, the no.11 seed, he ended the hopes of Portugal’s Marcos Freitas, the no.7 seed and 2014 winner in not too far distant Lausanne. In a tension packed contest, Daniel Habesohn prevailed in seven games (14-12, 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8).
“The win in the opening match has given me great confidence, especially since this is my first appearance here; however, credit to Freitas, he managed to find his way back into the match; it was really close.” Daniel Habesohn.
Players in form and in round two, to be played later in the day they confront each other in the quarter-finals; a most intriguing contest ensues.
