European Championships | 10 Mar 2018

Andrei PUTUNTICA had to change his flight tickets

2018 BELGOSSTRAKH European Under 21 Championships

No. one seed in the Men’s Singles Event at the 2018 BELGOSSTRAKH European Under 21 Championships Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic is safely through to the quarterfinal. In the Round of 16 he overcame Vladimir SIDORENKO of Russia (6:11,11:13, 11:3, 11:9, 11:9, 11:7).

 

“I have played with SIDORENKO three or four times already and won each time, so it was not much of a deal now, but I should admit that he is a good player. He has beaten many strong players to get to this level, and I appreciate how he does. I just proceeded in my style even when he was leading 2:0. After those two games, my coach was not nervous or anything, but he told me to change tactics, so I implemented long receives and won points back. My next rival is Csaba ANDRAS from Hungary, I've never play against him before, but his will to win impresses me,” said POLANSKY.

 

In straight games Csaba ANDRAS of Hungary beat Tobias HIPPLER of Germany (11:8, 11:7, 11:8, 11:9): “We have never played against each other before. I just tried to hold on to my tactic and not to let him play his game,” said Csaba.

 

Rares SIPOS of Romania prevailed against Stanislav KUCERA of Czech Republic (9:11, 11:8, 11:7, 11:4, 11:3), whilst Jiri MARTINKO of Czech Republic overcame Andreas LEVENKO of Russia (12:10, 11:6, 8:11, 11:8, 11:13, 11:8).

 

“I started the match well, I was confident. Today I mostly played backhands, and it was fine. My next adversary is Rares SIPOS from Romania, so I ca not say anything definite about what awaits me in the nearest future. All I know is that I am all ready to fight and impose my play, it is unlikely that I will make any serious changes to my tactics,” said MARTINKO.

 

Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS of Greece beat Patryk ZATOWKA of Poland in straight games (15:13, 12:10, 11:9, 11:6).

 

“I was 8:10 in reverse in the opening game and I was down in next, but in both I managed to recover. We have never played against each other before, but recently we have a chance to practice together in Sweden, so I am familiar with his style of play,” said Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS who praised the conditions and the level of play in Sweden. ”I am very pleased with my progress there and I will stay there  for next year too. “

 

Darko JORGIC of Slovenia beat Marek BADOWSKI of Poland in five games (11:7, 6:11, 7:11, 6:11, 6:11): “I made few mistakes in the opening game and gave Marek few easy points. Luckily I raised the rhythm in next game to secure the victory,” said JORGIC.

 

Andrei PUTUNTICA of Moldova beat Russia’s Artur ABUSEV (12:10, 12:10, 11:1, 11:9).

 

“The first two sets went not so well, because I needed time to figure out the right tactics. Then I found my way and finished the match with good results. My adversary is a defender, but I find it comfortable to play with him because he mostly attacks, whereas some defenders master both attacks and defense. Actually, I had a flight home today's morning, but I cancelled it and I am happy with it,” said Andrei.

 

Cristian PLETEA of Romania halted the progress of the last year’s bronze medalists in Sochi Deni KOZUL of Slovenia (11:6, 5;11, 7:11, 11:8, 11:8, 9:11, 11:3)

 

“I had difficulties playing with KOZUL, he's skilled. I have trained with him many times, and he always beat me, so I was a bit afraid before this match, but everything has turned out in my favor. He has great services, and I'm happy I have made it through this game,” said PLETEA.