Romania’s Adrian Crisan has a distinct liking for Qatar, a distinct liking in particular for Doha; on the third day of play at the Erke Qatar Open he was outstanding.

He beat the in form Korean duo of Yoon Jae Young and Joo Se Hyuk.

On the fourth day of play, Friday 21st March 2008, he was in even better form.

Clearly at home in the excellent atmosphere of the Qatar Sports Club, he defeated Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus, very much a man who in 2008 has been the player to watch.

Prior to his meeting with Adrian Crisan he had the perfect 2008 Men’s Singles record on the ITTF Pro Tour; two tournaments completed on the calendar and two titles for Vladimir Samsonov.

He won gold at both the Slovenian Open in January and at the Salwa Cup Kuwait Open on Sunday 16th March.


Deep Affection
A liking for Doha in 2008 but the affection with the Qatari city goes much deeper.

“I think I must have played Vladi seven or eight times and this is only the second time I’ve ever won”, said Adrian Crisan. “The other time I succeeded was in 2005, in the second round of the Men’s Singles event here in Doha!”

So, after all, lightning does strike twice and on the fourth afternoon of play at the 2008 Erke Qatar Open there were flashes of brilliance from both players.

Aggressive
“Today I was aggressive”, said Adrian Crisan. “Also I received service really well; that was vital.”

Always that aspect of table tennis is vital, whatever the pedigree of the players on duty it is the key element of the sport.

Topspin Play
“The last time we played I lost in seven games”, continued Adrian Crisan who had been one of Vladimir Samsonov’s victims en route to his victory in Slovenia I January.

“Today I was confident with my topspin play”, added Adrian Crisan. “I felt good in the rallies; especially with my backhand.”

Very true and the last point of the contest underlined that fact; arguably it was the best point of the whole match; topspin to topspin with the Adrian Crisan backhand very much in evidence, as eventually a Vladimir Samsonov forehand finished in the base of the net.

Tough Opponent
“It’s always really tough playing Vladi”, concluded Adrian Crisan. “He doesn’t make easy mistakes, he’s very consistent; it’s always difficult against him.”

A valid comment but in Doha, the same could be said about Adrian Crisan; he was a very difficult opponent.

Singapore
The victory of Adrian Crisan was the one surprise result in the third round of the Men’s Singles event; in addition the successes recorded by the six Chinese stars on duty, Singapore’s Gao Ning also came through to book his quarter-final place.

In six game he ended the progress of Chinese Taipei’s Chuan Chih-Yuan.

Articol publicat de Ian Marshall pe pagina oficiala a Federatiei Internationale de Tenis de Masa, www.ittf.com.