11 Dec 2012 at 10:27 | Published by: Hans | Views: 15710 | News search

Fredrik Persson, winner of the 2012 European Cup with his Uppsala BGK  (Photo by Vizela 2012)

Interview with Fredrik Persson (FP), Sweden and Uppsala

This interview was done the 11th of December 2012. Interviewer is Hans Bergström (HB).

HB: First of all a big congratulation to your great results in Vizela. How was this year’s win with Uppsala compared to the other victories in the European Cup?

FP: The wins on concrete are always big for us. But all wins are always very pleasing. I just love to win.

HB: Can you tell our readers a little bit on who is Fredrik Persson?

FP: I think I’m a pretty normal guy who is 31 years old. I have been playing Minigolf since 1993. I used to practice a lot, but for the last 5 years prioritizing other things in my life. But I still love to play. Especially when I win ;)

HB: You started off in world record pace in Vizela (22-22) and in the end you were tied second on the individual rankings with Carl-Johan but behind Karel. Are you happy with your own results?

FP: My own results were good enough for winning a team gold medal. So I’m happy with my own results.

HB: How was the feeling in the team the first day when you had to make a team change quite early on and it was tight between four teams in the top?

FP: The team feeling was quite good. Because we knew we could play that much better. So if the other teams didn’t play better than this, it smelled gold already at this time of the competition.

HB: Then you made your move on the fourth lap with a at that time new world record of 148 strokes and all of a sudden you had a lead with 19 strokes. How was the feeling in the team then?

FP: It felt like the train was leaving the station ;)

HB: When did you understand that this would be yet another win for Uppsala?

FP: After half of the first final round. It really felt like we were the strongest team on the course.

HB: It’s an amazing row now for Uppsala with five wins the last six years. Do you think it’s fair to say that Uppsala is the best team in the world at the moment?

FP: I think it would be very unfair to say anything else

HB: How would the current Uppsala team stand out against the best national teams in the world like Germany and Sweden do you think?

FP: I don’t think that the Swedish national team would have any chance in beating us. So I think we stand very good.

HB: Uppsala has now being playing with almost the same players since 2007. Isn’t it time for some fresh blood to enter?

FP: Why change a winning concept. We still want to win more, so no need yet ;)

HB: You haven’t been playing for the national team of Sweden since WC in Odense in 2009. How come you are not playing for Sweden and is there a chance of seeing you in the future?

FP: I would love to play for Sweden, but at this time of my life there is no time for it.

HB: Last year’s WC in Stockholm you had an early plan to try to participate but then changed your mind after the drop off of Anders Olsson. Looking back now at what’s happened with the Swedish Team gold and all the support from the crowds do you regret this decision?

FP: No regrets, only the hat off for the others.

HB: You play quite rarely and mostly team competitions for Uppsala. How can you keep your high level? Do you train a lot in between?

FP: I have the best help in the world. My teammates pick the best ball, and show me how to play. Then it’s a piece of cake ;)

HB: What happens next for you in Minigolf?

FP: Winter hibernation 

HB: Would you like to return to Bad Munder, where you were very successful in 2003, for the next year’s World Championships?

FP: If Carl Johan would play, I would really love to beat him there ;)

HB: If you could choose one international (non-Swedish) player to play for you club Uppsala who would that be?

FP: I really like everyone in my team, so wouldn’t want to change someone. But it would be fun having Harald carrying the water ;)

HB: Thank you for taking this interview and good luck in the future!

FP: Tack själv ;)

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