Annett Kaufmann experiences a disappointing absence from the climactic European Championship match in the mixed category dramatically
What a rollercoaster: The German table tennis tandem of Annett Kaufmann and Patrick Franziska fall short of the European Championship final. In a nail-biting semi-final, they managed to save multiple set points and match points in two sets. Unfortunate events transpired when they were in a tight spot with their own match point.
Table tennis whiz Annett Kaufmann and her mixed doubles partner Patrick Franziska missed out on winning the EM title but brought home the bronze medal instead. In a tight semi-final against the local Austrian sensation Sofia Polcanova and Robert Gardos, they lost 2-3 (8-11, 12-10, 14-12, 9-11, 14-16). At 18, Kaufmann had already made history in the adult category by reaching the semi-finals, securing her first individual EM medal.
"It's really tough and bitter to come so close, but afterwards, we'll realize that we played well and managed to win a medal," Kaufmann admitted, initially held back from celebrating her bronze: "I'm really proud of us."
Struggling in the initial stages, Kaufmann and Franziska found their groove against Polcanova and the 45-year-old Gardos, who is also a European champion. In the decisive set, however, they missed out on three match points.
Singles struggles persist
Before the semi-finals, Kaufmann, who is known as a veteran in doubles, lost in the round of 16, competing alongside EM runner-up Nina Mittelham against Swedish duo Linda Bergstroem and Christina Kallberg (1-3). Kaufmann will face Romanian Bernadette Szocs later today (at 6 pm) in the singles, aiming for a spot in the round of 16. Kaufmann has already won two team gold medals with the German women at the EM and all U21 singles titles.
The German men, led by defending champion Dang Qiu and veteran Dimitrij Ovtcharov, will also be tested in the singles this afternoon. Qiu and Benedikt Duda have already started their journey in doubles, successfully defeating Austrian pair Gardos/Habesohn 3-0. Andre Bertelsmeier and Fanbo Meng, as well as Yuan Wan and Sabine Winter, were knocked out.
Despite their semi-final loss at the European Championships, Annett Kaufmann and Patrick Franziska still earned the bronze medal, adding to their impressive table tennis resume. In the upcoming singles event, Kaufmann will aim to secure a spot in the round of 16, continuing her pursuit of further success in the individual European Championships.
The European Championships saw the German women's team, including Annett Kaufmann, bring home multiple gold medals, emphasizing their dominance in doubles and team events. Kaufmann, in particular, has already achieved significant success in these categories, and her singles struggles at this year's tournament represent an opportunity for further improvement and growth.
