In lower Groups Maciej KUBIK of Poland secured two wins. He beat Flavien COTON of France and Barish MOULLET of Switzerland. No. 6. seed Kay STUMPER of Germany was forced to withdraw due the illness Andrei ISTRATE of Romani took the leading role in Group F. In straight games he overcame Borgar HAUG of Norway.
Romania’s success continued with Iulian CHIRITA who overcame Hugo DESCHAMPS of France and John OYEBODE of Italy. However it did not go that smooth for Romania’s Darius MOVILEANU. Ivor BAN of Croatia created the upset by beating no. 8 seed in six games. Ivor also prevailed against Miguel NUNEZ of Spain.
Top seeds in singles event joined the best qualifiers from the opening day of the European Under 21 Championships on the second day of play in Sarajevo.
In the opening round no. three seed Csaba ANDRAS of Hungary was under severe pressure in the match against Adam KLAJBER of Slovakia. They went full distance after ANDRAS was 1:3 down.
Top seeded Milosz REDZIMSKI of Poland overcame Andrea PUPPO of Italy in straight games.
Prevailed twice without losing the game. He beat Elias HARDMEIER of Switzerland and Andrea PUPPO of Italy.
“ I feel comfortable playing with this balls and despite that I play for first time on this tables I feel very good here. Only problem is that I feel very tired. I played Polish league went to Portugal for first stage of European Championships where we beat the hosts…and now I am here. No time to rest. I was not challenged so far but I think it will be different tomorrow in the last match of the group. Albert VILARDELL has a really tricky style ” said REDZIMSKI.
What is your goal in Sarajevo?
“To reach the medal rostrum ” said REDZIMSKI.”There few players in very good shape here. Csaba ANDRAS and Eduard IONESCU play very good here.”
French Thibault PORET created the upset by beating reigning champion and no. two seed Samuel KULCZYCKI of Poland.
“I have never played against him before. Maybe in the doubles but that is not the same. I had to study his game and I did a good job. I watched so many videos of him. The key of todays success was to be aggressive. I took the control early in the match.” said PORET.
In the last match PORET will meet Kas VAN OOST of Netherlands.
“I have not played against him neither…I guess I have to study videos tonight again ” said PORET.
No. three seed ANDRAS beat Mateusz ZALEWSKI of Poland and Adam KLAJBER of Slovakia. In the last match he will play against Alexis KOURACHI of France. No 4 seed prevailed against Daniel LINDSO of Sweden and Tomas MARTINKO of Czechia.
