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MARIE MIGOT’S INTERVIEW

 

1) How did you learn about the EMC and what made you want to take part?

It’s been too long… I don’t remember… Jean-Denis Constant, who was then in charge of detection, asked me to take part.

2) How many times have you played in the EMC? What results have you got?

This will be the 5th year. The 1st year, I lost all matches. The second, I made it to the last 32 The third, I lost in the last 32 or last 16 against a Spanish girl who played with pimples in the backhand. The 4th year, i.e. last year, I won the gold medal in girls born 98.

3) What is your best memory of the EMC?

My victory last year.

4) What are your feelings about this competition in general? About the level?

I love this competition because it’s the first international tournament I have played in. And you play many games. The level is very high, players are really good.

5) A word on other European players? Who are you afraid of?

I’m afraid of the Romanians. I don’t like to play against them because they all play very fast. You have to find the ‘trick’ that will beat them… you ‘ve really got to play your best… There is also Hao Tin Tin from England, who plays penholder…

6) What is your goal this year? Another medal?

Another victory to make it double.

7) What is your preparation to reach that goal in the EMC? Have you been having specific practice and physical training?

No, I don’t have a specific preparation; but there is always a training period with the French team before the competition.

8) You are part of the ‘ITTF Hopes’ team: – what made you want to join this international team? – how are players selected? – what about the practice? – the competitions you take part in? – the frequency and places at which you get together? – the objectives? – What do you expect from this?

I wanted to go and play abroad, to speak English, to get to know the other girls. There was a training and selection session in Sweden in February. There were many candidates. 9 were selected (5 girls and 4 boys). I also took part in a training period in South Korea for 10 days, then there was the ITTF Hopes Challenge and the Global Junior Circuit (juniors and cadets) tournament in Korea. All this from 15 July to 2 August. I won silver in the ITTF Hopes Challenge: I lost 3/2 in the final to a Korean defender I had beaten 3/0 in the qualifying groups! There’s been Korea, then the EMC tournament is on the ITTF Hopes Team agenda. I’m loving it!

9) Any long-term ambition?

To be European cadet champion; then we’ll see… That first…

credit : Vincent Kovacs / FFTT