The jubilation was huge. France’s mixed team hugged each other after their clear 4:0 victory over Georgia in the final. “We can be really proud of this victory. We didn’t field the strongest team but we still won. The two points from the men, Alexis (Mathieu) and Joan-Benjamin (Gaba), helped us a lot. Both of them really wanted this win,” commented France’s national coach Christophe MASSINA after the award ceremony. Before the start of the final, many had expected a 3:3 draw with a deciding match. But the mixed team Olympic champions from Tokyo were in no danger this Sunday in Zagreb.
“We always have a good team spirit, no matter what formation we play in. For me personally, it was really hard to motivate myself again after my quick first-round exit in the singles. My confidence was completely down,” admitted Margaux Pinaut. “In terms of the World Championships, this success with the team is obviously good for me. Now I’m coming home with a good feeling.”
A few metres further on, surprise man Joan-Benjamin Gaba was beside himself: “After my defeat in the semi-final, I really wanted to win in the final (against Lasha Shavdatuashvili). I kept telling myself that… and it worked. I’m absolutely happy: third place in the singles and now gold with the team. It was a perfect weekend for me.” Postscript: “Of course the Olympic nomination helped me. Now I know that I can be at the World Championships and the home games. This is the absolute highlight of my career.”
Author: EJU Media