European Championships | 5 Feb 2017

Chantal MANTZ newly crowned champion in Sochi

2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships

 

In all-German final Chantal MANTZ clinched the crown in Women’s Singles Event at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships in Sochi. At the final hurdle she overcame team-mate and club-mate WAN Yuan (8-11, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7).

 

At the very start of the journey, she beat the top seeded Adina DIACONU of Romania, but she admitted the challenge to play against the adversary she knows so well was a tough challenge too.

 

“It was very difficult. Her backhand is so strong. I had to found a way to stop her. I tried to play more on forehand side and to force her into mistakes,” explained MANZ.

 

WAN Yuan halted progress of Lisa LUNG of Belgium in the penultimate stage after straight games match (11-4, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8).

 

“It was a straight games victory, but it was not easy at all. I attacked with the good service and I tried to surprise LUNG with my returns. I never let her know where it is going to go. I did not play risky, try to keep everything under control and to play safe. However I did not stop attacking and played into the corners to made her less dangerous,” said WAN.

 

In the other semi final Chantal MANTZ beat Maria TAILAKOVA of Russia (14-12, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8).

 

“I felt much better then yesterday. My game was much better, but still it was not as easy as the results predict,” stated MANTZ. ”In two opening games TAILAKOVA was in the lead. She had control and I had to catch up with her. Then I managed to adjust to her game, I aimed to her body; she likes to stay close to the table and I forced her into the mistakes.”