MIKAEL APPELGREN
| Date of birth | 1961 October 15 |
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| Place of birth | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Country | Sweden |
Biggest Success
| ⇒ 1993 | 4-time World Champion (1x doubles, 3x team: 1989–1993) 9-time European Champion (3x singles: 1982–1990, 5x team: 1980–1992, 1x doubles: 1988) World Cup: 1st place singles (1983), 1st place team (1990) 1988 Olympics: Team silver medal (Seoul) |
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Playing style and strengths
Mikael Appelgren is one of the great legends of Swedish table tennis – World Champion, European Champion and an exceptional player with an unmistakable feel for the ball. As part of Sweden’s golden generation alongside Jan-Ove Waldner and Jörgen Persson, he helped shape one of the most successful eras in European table tennis.
At the heart of Appelgren’s game was his exceptional ball control and extraordinary touch. His remarkable consistency allowed him to return even the most difficult shots, often forcing his opponents to take greater and greater risks in order to win the point. DONIC itself describes his game in terms of excellent feel and optimum ball control.
Another trademark was his outstanding footwork, mobility and ability to control rallies even from far behind the table. Appelgren could stay in seemingly impossible points and use his speed and anticipation to turn defensive situations into dangerous counter-attacks.
But Appelgren was much more than a master of control. With variation, spin, intelligent changes of pace and outstanding tactical awareness, he constantly disrupted his opponents’ rhythm and waited for the perfect moment to take the initiative.
His combination of touch, control, mobility, intelligence and remarkable consistency made Mikael Appelgren one of the most complete and fascinating players of his generation.
A World Champion. A master of control. A DONIC legend.
Mikael Appelgren represents table tennis with feel – precise, intelligent and seemingly effortless.
