by Ian Marshall, Editor
Listed at no.241 on the men’s world ranking, in the opening round he beat Alberto Miño, named at no.76 and the no.5 seed in Düsseldorf (11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9).
“Alberto Miño is a top 100 player. It is always very nice to win against such a good player. He is difficult to play against but I was able to adjust.” Meng Fanbo
Ever present
Success for Meng Fanbo who has been in action in all three previous tournaments; it was the same for Qiu Dang. Also ever present, the no.4 seed, he overcame Gerrit Engemann (11-9, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5).
“It was a bit easier than I thought. Gerrit was not in such good form today. I think he can play much better.” Qiu Dang
Progress to the quarter-finals for Qiu Dang and Meng Fanbo, it was the same for Tobias Hippler, likewise on duty for the fourth consecutive occasion. The no.8 seed, he emerged successful in the closest match of the round; eventually, he overcame Cédric Meissner in six games (11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9).
“I got in super at the beginning; then I had a false start in the third game and got a little nervous. We know each other very well and therefore a lot happens in our heads.” Tobias Hippler.
Tension feels good
Tentative moments for Tobias Hippler, there were no such moments of great travail for Bastian Steger, making his first appearance in the tournament. He overcame Tobias Slanina (11-6, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8).
“It is very unusual to play a match for the first time after such a long break in competition. There is tension again and that feels good. I’m going into the tournament without too much pressure and I’m looking forward to every game I can play.” Bastian Steger
Meanwhile in the remaining matches Kanak Jha, the top seed, overcame Felix Köhler (11-8, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6); Omar Assar, the no.2 seed, ended the hopes of Nils Hohmeier (11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7).
Live Broadcast
Schedule
Monday 22nd June: Round One
09.30 Kanak Jha (1) bt Felix Köhler 11-8, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6
10.15 Meng Fanbo bt Alberto Miño (5) 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10, 11-9
11.00 Bastian Steger (6) bt Tobias Slanina 11-6, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8
11.45 Omar Assar (2) bt Nils Hohmeier 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7
12.30 Qiu Dang (4) bt Gerrit Engemann 11-9, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5
13.15 Tobias Hippler (8) bt Cédric Meissner 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9
Tuesday 23rd June: Round One
09.00 Steffen Mengel v Kirill Fadeev
Tuesday 23rd June: Quarter-Final
10.15 Benedikt Duda v Tobias Hippler
11.10 Kanak Jha v Bastian Steger
12.05 Omar Assar v Steffen Mengel or Kirill Fadeev
13.00 Qiu Dang v Meng Fanbo
Thursday 25th June
10.00 Semi-Final
11.00 Semi-Final
14.00 Final
Numbers in brackets indicate seeding; times are the earliest the match will be played