European Youth Championships | 18 Jul 2015

Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA clinched the gold again

France won silver in Mixed Doubles

Like two years earlier, Romanian Mixed Doubles composed of Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA won the gold medal at the European Youth Championship in Bratislava. In the final, they overcame Romain RUIZ and Oceane GUISNEL of France.

“I am happy that we reached gold once again. It is wonderful feeling,” said MANOLE.

CLAPA was also delighted.

“Our way to the gold was very difficult, we played full five games, match after match. In the final, French pairings were great. They put us under heavy pressure,” said CLAPA.

In the semi final RUIZ and GUISNEL beat Aleksandr KHANIN and Daria TRIGOLOS of Belarus – 3:1 (5, -9, 11, 7). It was the first time that they meet. 

“We never played before, but we were aware how dangerous they could be. It was most important to stay focused, because they are able to seize any opportunity they get,” explained RUIZ.

GUISNEL and RUIZ lost their singles matches, so it was hard to get over defeats. 

“I lost the match only hour ago…”

The same was with GUISNEL:”I was defeated in singles and doubles, so I gave my best to win the doubles. I am so happy after all. RUIZ and I played together last year in Italy and we reached the Round of 16. ”

In other semi final match MANOLE and CLAPA beat Polish - Romanian combination of Patryk ZATOWKA, Adina DIACONU 3:1 (6, -12, 8, 15).

“Two years ago, in the semi final we played against Adina and Darko JORGIC in the semi final and we beat them by same result. We knew what we have to do here,” said MANOLE.

The winners of silver and gold medals in Doubles in Austria and Ostrava, also knew it will be extremely difficult.

“It is always hard to play against Adina. We are in the same team and it is difficult to invent something new that could surprise her. Her top spins are so dangerous,” said CLAPA.


JUNIOR MIXED DOUBLES 

Final

Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA - Romain RUIZ and Oceane GUISNEL 3:2 (11:9, 11:8, 3:11, 7:11, 11:9)

Gold medal

Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA of Romania

Silver medal

Romain RUIZ and Oceane GUISNEL of France

Bronze medal

Patryk ZATOWKA of Poland and Adina DIACONU of Romania

Aleksandr KHANIN and Daria TRIGOLOS of Belarus