European Youth Championships | 14 Jul 2016

Agata ZAKRZEWSKA showed no fear

Whilst the top 16 junior players in the singles had enjoyed their free time for a little while, for the rest it was busy morning at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb.

 

The member of the Czech team who won silver medal in the Team’s Event, Patrik CLOSE faced early departure in the Junior Boys Singles Event. Marco GOLLA of Poland beat him after seven games.

 

“I was very nervous. It is my first Championships. I was two games down, than I managed to level, but in the closing stages it was very close,” said GOLLA.

 

Tibor SPANIK of Slovakia upset the seedings and beat the member of the golden Italian team, Matteo MUTTI in six games. However, it was not that bad day for Italy. Luca BRESSAN no 44 in Europe, overcame Florian CNUDDE of Belgium in full distance thriller. CNUDDE is currently ranked at the position no. 20.

 

In Junior Girls singles Jennie WOLF of Germany beat Hungarian Leonie HARTBRICH.

 

 

“I played very good but it was not easy to me to win. Now, in the second round, I have even harder task to stop Lucie GAUTHIER of France,” said WOLF.

 

Romania’s favorites were mostly free in the morning, but one player suffered in the round of 128 already -Agata ZAKRZEWSKA of Poland beat Mihaela PLAEASU.

 

“I am feeling so tired after this seven games, but I am very happy. My adversary has great service game, with so much spin. I was afraid of her and it was a problem. But in the finish of the match I was not scared, I played good,” said ZAKRZEWSKA.

 

Andrea PAVLOVIC of Croatia had a very impressive start against Agata UNCHAST of Poland.

 

“I did not let her settle into the rhythm and I managed to keep the match under control from the very beginning. I feel little bit under the pressure playing on home soil, but I want to do my best in front of our supporters and family,” said PAVLOVIC.

 

In the opening round of the cadet Boys Singles Event all favorites has trouble free path.

 

Cristian-Stefan BOGDAN of Romania overcame Ziv ITSHAK of Izrael in the Round of 128.

 

“I knew my adversary very well, but still it was difficult match. In the next round I will play against Czech VALENTA, the player who is among top 16 players. I expect that one will be much harder,” said BOGDAN.

 

The duel between Olav KOSOLOSKY of Belgium and Rok TRTNIK of Slovenia concluded in straight games.

 

“I did not expect 4:0 win, because my adversary proved he could be very dangerous. I am pleased with my performance,” said KOSOLOSKY who will meet Portugal’s Tiago LI in the second round.

 

Owen CATHCART of Ireland was also surprised with the straight games victory over Gerasimos CHATZILYGEROUDIS of Greece.

 

“I thought the match will be much closer, but I was on the right way of play. However in next round I could not expect easy matches any more,” said CATHCART.

 

Kirill FADEEV of Germany needed full seven games to beat Ali Can SEKER of Turkey.

 

“Last year I lost in the opening round and I was under pressure not to repeat it. I commenced well, but then SEKER raised the level of his game. In the closing stage I relized I have to change something. I lose up my hand and it paid off,” said FADEEV.

 

In the Cadet Girls Singles Event CHEN Jana BERNARD of Belgum suffered by the hands of CHEN Xingtai of Azerbaijan, whilst Ece HARAC of Turkey prevailed against Croatia’s Klara BARDAC.