Janek, you were 4th in the general rankings. Going there, you said modestly that you wanted to be in the first 8. What are your feelings?
Yeah, I said that and I’m glad that I managed to place better. I’m very happy with the whole experience, organization and care for the fighters were exceptional. As for my performance – it was ok. I’m a little disappointed, because I’ve lost two fights that I could have won. I could have been 4th, at least. But that’s sports for you and sometimes it’s the details that decide. I know now what I have to focus on.
I don’t really understand the point counting in the league, because me and two other guys had 1 loss in left arm, and yet I was 3rd with the smallest number of points. But oh well, I’ll try to clear this up next time.
Which opponent was the hardest to fight for you, in left and in right?
There were no weak opponents there, I can say that everyone was tough. Especially seeing as they all weighed more than me. The hardest fights I had were with Aslanov – the present European champion in +110 kg in right arm. Mirtaleh has a powerful hook and I had to really strain to hold him; the second one was Tsvetkov in left arm, because he has a steel wrist. I had to fight him with an open palm. I won both, but it took a lot of energy.
How would you score your fights – did you have time to think about that?
I would be an ignorant if I haven’t watched some videos of my opponents beforehand. I had some ideas going there, and I verified them at the table. I was very surprised with Semerenko, who turned out to be an amazing fighter when it came to setting himself at the table. When I analyzed that fight afterwards, I saw that I almost gave the whole thing to him on a plate in left arm. But that’s a lesson learned and a proof of his class. I hope I’ll meet him again sometime.
Are you happy with your score? Did you expect it?
I’m very happy, because I got more than I hoped for, taking my shape into account. I regret not having time to prepare for this tournament, but no worries, I’m 100 % happy. I went against the best and I fought them toe to toe. What’s more to want?
What was the atmosphere between the players at the tournament?
As usual in armwrestling, all was friendly and no bad looks were given. The only exception was the hour before the fights, at the main venue. In there we all just avoided each other’s eyes, or at least I felt so.
I want to give great thanks to my girlfriend, Monica, who supports me and withourt whom it would all be much harder, and to two Polish people I’ve met there, Jarek and Anka, who stayed on their holiday a day longer just to see me fight and support me. And to everyone else who cheered for me.
Thank you all!
im