European Youth Championships | 17 Jul 2017

France beat Hungary to meet Russia

Cadet Boy’s Teams Event at the 60th STAG European Youth Championships

 

In the final of the Cadet Boy’s Teams Event at the 60^th STAG European Youth Championships in Guimaraes Russia will meet France tomorrow.

 

Russia’s Maksim GREBNEV and Vladimir SIDORENKO prevailed against Belgium’s Olav KOSOLOSKY and Adrien RASSENFOSSE in straight matches in penultimate stage.

 

“Tomorrow we will have a very strong team in front of us, for sure. Against France we are ready in terms on tactics and we are very motivated. It is going to be close match; both teams have two strong players for singles and for doubles. We know each other very well,” said SIDORENKO.” My coach told me that I would probably struggle to cope with pressure since I was seeded no. one in cadets. Everyone wants to beat me. I guess it is a heavy burden for me, but hopefully I will overcame it.”

 

In other duel France overcame Hungary 3:0. Bilal HAMACHE was forced to play 3:2 against Csaba ANDRAS.

 

“I am playing great table tennis here. In my matches, I felt that my forehand is strong and my receive of service is very good. I had some difficulties at the beginning but I adjusted the way I placed the ball at the table,” said Bilal HAMACHE.

 

Dorian ZHENG was much more effective against Oliver BOTH 3:0.

 

“We know what we had to do beat Russia. It will be difficult to stop SIDORENKO and we are looking for our chance in the match against GREBNEV,” said ZHENG.

 

Only Hungary prevailed in straight matches in the quarterfinal. Csaba ANDRAS and Oliver BOTH beat Germany’s Daniel RINDERER and Felix WETZEL after convincing performance.

 

Belgium inflicted the pain in harts of the host nation supporters. They halted Portugal’s great run toward medal. Olav KOSOLOSKY beat Tiago LI in fourth game. France beat Sweden after five matches and Russia was stretched to full distance against Poland.