July 26, 2010
Vladimir Samsonov Retains Morocco Hasan II Men’s Singles Crown in Style
 Vladimir Samsonov successful in Rabat once again Photo By: Dr Stephan Roscher |
Courtesy of ITTF Three time European Men’s Singles champion and Men’s World Cup winner while also being anointed Europe Top 12 champion on no less than four occasions; Vladimir Samsonov was imperious in Rabat. |
At the final hurdle he overcame the never-say-die, Jean-Michel Saive of Belgium in impressive fashion.
Straight Games Victory
In a contest between two players who have occupied the coveted no.1 spot on the ITTF Men’s World Rankings, Vladimir Samsonov recorded a clinical straight games victory over his long term adversary.
He won 13-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-6.
The General
It was yet another impressive performance on the ITTF Pro Tour by the stylish Vladimir Samsonov, a player of a different hue to Jean-Michel Saive.
The control exerted by Vladimir Samsonov is now legendary, he has the ability to absorb pressure with his outstanding blocking skills and then turn them to his advantage.
People’s Champion
He is the general, masterminding the downfall of his enemy.
Conversely, Jean-Michel Saive, in many ways is the “People’s Champion”, always willing to converse with spectators and supporters, no pretentions.
He is the hunter, irrepressible, he revels in the heat of the battle; table tennis is his life, the table tennis arena his home.
Mastermind
Against Vladimir Samsonov he played in traditional all action style, fighting for every point as though it was his last but against the Belarus General he ran out of ammunition.
Once again, Vladimir Samsonov masterminded the Belgian star’s downfall as he has done in the past.
The meeting in Rabat was their 18th in world ranking events; it was the 12th time that Vladimir Samsonov had won. The most recent victory for Jean-Michel Saive was in December 2005 in the Chinese city of Fujian, when Jean-Michel Saive beat Vladimir Samsonov in the first round of the Men’s Singles event at the Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand Finals.
Meetings at Liebherr European Championships
Since that meeting, they have met on two occasions; on both occasions victory has gone to Vladimir Samsonov; both meetings – in 2007 and 2008 – were in the Men’s Team event at the Liebherr European Championships and both very close duels.
Full distance contests were the order of the day.
In 2010 at the Morocco Hasan II Open in Rabat, Vladimir Samsonov won again; only this time rather more comfortably.
| Download the latest Flash Player to view content. |