Aligned in a strong position by his coach Boris Abraham, Vladimir Sidorenko, very comfortable in this Elite championship since the start of the season, offered the first point to the Hennebontais by getting the better of the young 17-year-old from Ile-de-France, Flavio Mourier ( 3-1). In difficulty in the first set (5-11), the duel between left-handers then benefited the Russian player, especially in the fourth set won easily (11-2).
In the second match between left-handers, Lim Jonghoon, against Marcos Freitas from Ile-de-France, lost his match in four sets. A logical defeat for the South Korean, despite a second set won (11-9). Not enough to worry the experienced 36-year-old Portuguese, former vice-European champion in men's singles.
Lev Katsman, the right pick!
Preferred over the Romanian Iulian Chirita (world No. 180), freshly returned from the youth world championships with a team bronze medal around his neck, the second Russian player, Lev Katsman, launched an attack on the former Hennebontais Liam Pitchford. Despite a second set conceded (8-11), the Hennebontais fulfilled its mission (3-1), which allowed the Bretons to regain the advantage.
In the following match, Vladimir Sidorenko and Marcos Freitas, who have the best statistics in Pro A, engaged in a battle without any concessions. It was won by the Portuguese international, who has only lost one match this season. In the last match of the evening, Lim Jonghoon, returning to the table, got the better of the young Flavio Mourier, thus offering the Hennebontais an improved victory!
The technical sheet
Match 1 (1-0). Vladimir Sidorenko (Russia, unranked in the world) beats Flavio Mourier (France, world No. 299): 3-1 (5-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-2).
Match 2 (1-1). Marcos Freitas (Portugal, World No. 53) beat Lim Jonghoon (South Korea, World No. 35) : 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8).
Match 3 (2-1). Lev Katsman (Russia, unranked in the world) beats Liam Pitchford (England, world No. 60): 3-1 (13-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-7).
Match 4 (2-2). Marcos Freitas beat Vladimir Sidorenko: 3-1 (5-11, 11-8, 11-8, 13-11).
Match 5 (3-2). Lim Jonghoon bat Flavio Mourier : 3-1 (11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7).
France
