Timo Boll vs Patrick Franziska | Paris Challenge 2024

German Warm-up for Paris 2024
All rights: TT Cup Germany

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#tabletennis #pingpong #乒乓球

[FJustin]

While it may seem "from recent results (during the course of this year)" that Franziska should be chosen for the Olympics, I can think of a logical reason from the coaches' standpoint as to why they chose not to go with him.

Yes, he probably (most definitely) has a better record against the Chinese this year than Qiu/Dima/Timo.

But in my view, the coaches may have decided to put him as No. 4 as Boll has a better record against the crucial opponents of the German team, i.e. Harimoto and Lin Yunju.

Considering that China is most likely going to get Gold, my suspicion is that the German team's priority is on ensuring that they don't lose the Silver medal at least, which is why Germany's chances against the other top teams like Japan/Korea/Chinese Taipei is very crucial.

But looking at the records, Franziska has (almost) never beaten Harimoto and Lin Yunju. In fact, some of the score lines are unfortunately not very flattering. And if I recall correctly, Franziska lost to Kao Chengjui as well. On the other hand, Boll has shown that he is able to take down Harimoto and Lin Yunju. He also has the wisdom to manage technically strong opponents like Lin Shidong, Jang Woojin and Lee Sangsu.

Yes, Franziska had a good run at a recent WTT tournament, reaching the finals and beating Jang Woojin on the way. But the following tournament after that, he lost to Jang Woojin.

In short, I suspect this decision was made as the coaches are of the view that the other 3 may have better consistency.

Would be keen to hear others' thoughts on the above.

[РусланКантарбаев-зх]

I think Timo just trying to avoid any injuries before Olympics

[alexeykan]

Shame for Germany to choose Timo&Dima over Franz for the Olympics

[lenko]

As a german to be honest, i think it was a fault from Roßkopf. Franziska is in his Prime. His Backhand is top 5 in the World and he improved his forehand massively. Boll and Dima arent looking really fit and on top. This game showed that one more time.

[AyurvedaIsop]

Schon extrem bitter das Patrick Franziska nicht bei Olympia dabei ist. So sehr ich Timo Boll schätze...und einen (zudem aktuell angeschlagenden) Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Die letzten Ergebnisse sprechen so deutlich für Patrick Franziska. Sehr schade und für mich und für viele andere auch, leider die falsche Entscheidung.

[Wisstihrwas]

Whenever Franziska plays a fh, there is no grass growing anymore 😂😂 What absolut rockets 🎉🎉

[vstar]

I was hoping Timo would've thanked everyone for choosing him for the team, but decline it and say that Patrick is more deserving.

[katalysator]

This backhand from Patrick is awesome 😮 poor Timo

[jolle]

Is Timo not in a good shape and preparation for maybe his last Olympics?

[Jamal-gunw]

Franziska is clearly superior, he seems to be the best German player 🥹