February 10, 2009
Kuwait Open: No Rhythm but a Dose of the Right Medicine
 Italy’s Mihai Bobocica back on international duty after a six months absence. Photo By: Ayoade Ademakinwa |
Courtesy of ITTF However, top place in his group was in his pocket, following the conclusion of matches on Wednesday February 11, 2009 at the Salwa Cup Kuwait Open. |
A fighting performance was the order of the day.
The fifth highest world ranked player on duty, he beat Egypt’s Mohammed Tarek ElSobky in five games before overcoming Omar Rashid of the United Arab Emirates in a tough seven games encounter.
Difficult Opponents
Both were difficult adversaries with the Egyptian having benefited from the events that form the various competitions that have formed the ITTF Global Junior Program and Omar Rashid being the most improved player in Gulf region of the world.
I would venture to suggest that Kuwait’s Ibrahim Al-Hasan is the only player now superior to Omar Rashid in the Gulf region.
Certainly, Omar Rashid gave Mihai Bobocica food for thought and it was a relieved Italian who wiped the perspiration away from his furrowed brow at the end of the contest.
Not at Home
“He showed good technique and for me I just didn’t feel at home today; owing to my injury it’s six months since I’ve played in an international competition”, explained Mihai Bobocica. “I wasn’t in a rhythm today; I did not feel at all comfortable.”
It was spirit, determination and no doubt wise words from Csilla Batorfi, the former Hungarian international and now National Coach in Italy that steered Bobocica to victory.
Concentration
“In the seventh game I kept my concentration and I service better than in the earlier games; also, both us had problems with the ball stoppoing and not coming through as we expected”, continued Bobocica. “The muscle in my left leg is still weak, it hurts now, I need rest and some medicine.”
Perfect Potion
The rest is necessary and well earned but surely he received the best medicine possible in the playing arena; two wins against very creditable opposition.
Surely there is no better potion.
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