Gionis “bent” with a twist in the Saudi Smash qualifiers

With a great performance, Panagiotis Gionis led 2-0 sets against the Spaniard Alvaro Robles, world runner-up in men’s doubles in 2019 and current “golden” Mediterranean champion in men’s singles, he could win even in three sets and finally “bent” with 3-2 in the first qualifier and was eliminated from the continuation of the Saudi Smash table tennis in Jeddah.

In the high-level tournament of the World Table Tennis, which will end on the 11th of the month and brings together the top names of the world firm, Gionis gave everything once again to advance as far as possible and get points for the world (and ‘ expansion Olympic) ranking.

Qualifying for the first round of the competition was his main goal, he proved that he deserved it with the advantage against the first favorite of the qualifying board, but he also lacked luck.

Of course, he continues the difficult effort to qualify for Paris 2024, he has the Pre-Olympic tournament in front of him, as well as serious chances of passing through the ranking list.

In Saudi Arabia, Gionis (world no. 91 today) was set for another tough showdown with Robles (No. 49) following the Spaniard’s memorable 4-3 at the 2021 European Pre-Olympic tournament. Gionis continued strongly after the 3 -1 set of the first qualifier against Liao Chen Ting and put his left-handed opponent in a very difficult position. In the 2-0 set, he also had the mentality to end the match immediately, but he accepted the reduction of the score with the smallest difference.

A very “close” game followed and in the details came the elimination with 3-2 sets before the third and final qualifier.

In the first set, a run by Robles brought him to 7-4, but Gionis, with attack and smart balls in the forehand, won the set with seven consecutive points.

The Spaniard started 3-0 in the second set, pressing on the backhand, but our champion made another comeback with four points in a row. Gionis even reached 6-3 and then saw his left-handed opponent equalize at 7-7. In the crucial follow-up, he had a good serve and low quality balls to make it 2-0.

The third set was also balanced. Gionis maintained his excellent pace and pressing defense, but Robles was very consistent in his attacks after 6-6 and took advantage of his serve at 9-9.

The same picture played out to a large extent after the middle of the fourth set. At 6-5, the athlete from the Iberian Peninsula persisted with attacks in difficult spots and escaped the score to level at 2-2.

Everything was decided in the fifth set, where Gionis found himself up 2-0, but received three straight points from Robles. At the change of sides, the Spaniard was 5-4 in front and at 7-6 he made an elusive “sori” (hit the net and inside). Gionis could not make any dangerous attacks, Robles passed many forehands to the sides and reached the victory (11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 6-11, 8-11).