2015 European Championships: Dreams Comes True Elizabeta Samara Gives Coach Perfect Birthday Present
Courtesy of ITTF
Crowned European Youth champion in Bratislava in 2007, Romania’s Elizabeta Samara completed her graduation in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg on Sunday October 4th. She won the Women’s Singles title at the Liebherr 2015 ITTF-European Championships.
The no.3 seed, at the final hurdle she overcame the Li Jie of the Netherlands, the no.4 seed, in a full distance seven games encounter (11-6, 9-11, 3-11, 11-7, 12-14, 11-4, 11-4) to secure the top prize and present her erstwhile coach, Viorel Filimon with the perfect birthday present.
“My dream and it came true”, said Elizabeta Samara. “I cannot possibly be happier than I am right now.”
Classic Scenario
It was the classic scenario; it was the attacker versus the defender, the top spin skills of Elizabeta Samara against the stylish backspin play of Li Jie.
Notably, it was the top spin skills that made the better start. Elizabeta Samara won the opening game, Li Jie replied to win the next two before the Romanian levelled at two apiece.
Fifth Game
The fifth game appeared crucial, both players held game points before eventually the decision went in favor of Li Jie; surely the balance of the match had swayed inexorably in favor of the Netherlands.
“The fifth game was very important, I lost it by very narrow margin and I have only myself to blame”, reflected Elizabeta Samara. “I made mistakes with three high balls, I was so angry with myself.”
Mentally Recovered
Nevertheless, Elizabeta Samara brought mind body and soul back together.
She dominated the sixth game; a deciding seventh game beckoned. At the change of ends, Elizabeta Samara led 5-1; consistently directing her forehand top spin attacking strokes towards the forehand of Li Jie, she extended the lead to 9-1.
The next three points went to Li Jie, prudently Elizabeta Samara called “Time Out”.
Emotion
She won the next point and the next; then ran into the arms of coach Viorel Filimon in sheer ecstasy, the birthday boy was visibly, understandably emotional, he had guided Elizabeta Samara to the continent’s highest honor.
History
Success for Elizabeta Samara and although she was seeded one place higher, arguably she was not the favorite.
The two had met on three previous occasions in international competition; on every occasion the decision had gone in favor of Li Jie.
In 2010, she beat Elizabeta Samara in straight games in their quarterfinal duel at the Europe Top 12; one year later it was the same outcome in the Women’s Team event at the Intersport 2011 European Championships in Gdansk/Spot.
Convincing wins but on the most recent occasion much closer. One year ago at the TMS 2014 European Team Championships in Lisbon, when they met in the contest to decide fifth to eight places, the engagement went the full distance. Li Jie recovered from a two games to nil deficit to win by the minimal two-point margin in the decider.
“In Lisbon, I was close, I had a opportunities”, said Elizabeta Samara. “I knew today I had a chance, a good chance.”
Illustrious Names
the chance was taken and in so doing Elizabeta Samara became the third Romanian win the title; she follows in the footsteps of Maria Alexandro who won in London in 1966 and Orillia Bradesco who succeeded in Courmayeur in 2003,
Elizabeta Samara is in illustrious company.
Visit ETTU.org and ITTF.com for results, videos and more information on the 2015 European Championships.
