European Youth Championships | 16 Jul 2016
JORGIC won the thriller against KHANIN for the medal
Photo: Robert Valai
Junior Boys Events
After dramatic duel in full seven games, top European player, Darko JORGIC of Slovenia booked his place in the semi final of the Junior Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb.
His scream at the end of the match against Aliaksandr KHANIN of Belarus spoke loud about his frustration and the pressure Belarus put on him.
“It is always like that; 3:1 and then drama…Once again KHANIN recovered to level. He has a good feeling for what Darko is playing and he knows how to attack him. KHANIN pushed Darko to the limits, but once again he was better in the closing stages,” explained coach Andrea URH.
Top seed Alexandre CASSIN of France beat Cristian PLATEA of Romania in straight games.
“ I played much better now, comparing to teams event. I made no mistakes. I knew that I can make him furious and that is what happened. Cristian was very angry at the end of second game. I had control in every moment,” explained CASSIN.
French no. one will meet Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. POLANSKY beat Irvin BERTRAND of France.
“Bertrand has a good serve so you have to play perfect return,” said POLANSKY.” Against CASSIN I have to stay calm, relaxed. I will try to limit my epectations. He is no. one, he is favorite. I have nothing to lose tomorrow.”
Andreas LEVENKO of Austria beat Joe SEYFRIED of France.
“I have only one word, it was thriller – a thriller in seven games. There were so many big ups and downs but I stayed focused and I was calmer in the last game. I never expect to much, that is something that helps me ease the pressure.”
In the Round of 16 favorites easily prevailed. CASSIN beat Greek SGOUROPOULOS, JORGIC prevailed against Turkey’s YINGLER, POLANSKI beat KISELEV of RUSSI whilst SEYFRIED overcame SIPOS of Romania. Irvin BERTRAND overcame Mathan SIMON of Izrael and none of winners needed more than four games.
“ The key was that in my aggressive approach. I attacked from the first point. I do not expect to win 4:0 but I am satisfied,” said BERTRAND.
Junior Boys Doubles Event
Tobias HIPPLER and Nils HOHMEIER of Germany reached the semi final of the Junior Boys Doubles Event. In the final they will meet Cristian PLETEA of Romania and Andreas LEVENKO of Austria.
“This was our third tournament. We are very confident in each other,” said PLETEA.
In the lower half of the draw Maxim KISELEV and Denis IVONIN of Russia will meet Italians Daniele PINOTO and Antonino AMATO.
