European Youth Championships
Crowned European champions from Bratislava last July team of Russia underlined its prowess in the Cadet Girls Teams Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. They overcame Poland last year’s quarterfinalists. Russia destroyed Polish aspirations for a first ever gold at the European Championships in Cadet Girls Event.
Romania’s progress second year in the row was halted in the semi final. They won bronze medal as well as Slovenia. Slovenia improved their status since the last year they finished the Event ranked at position no. 9.
Anastasia KOLISH imposed her rhythm from the first moments of the opening match against Katarzyna WEGRZYN. She dominates from the beginning to the end. Kristina KAZANTSEVA continued where KOLISH left but in the second game Anna WEGRZYN strikes back. KAZANTSEVA was forced to move to another gear and in close duels she won next two games.
The next contest was very close. In doubles Polish side was the team who imposed their rhythm and Russia was forced to defend their self; however they showed no fear stayed focused and waited for the right moment.
“We are proud of winning the gold medal. Final match was the easy one for us comparing the others in Zagreb. Only double match was close; we are still not that sure in doubles sometimes we won sometimes not. We had confidence because we beat Polish girls before. But we were psychically and emotionally on low level. We felt empty after our won over Azerbaijan ” said KAZANTSEVA.
Comparing the last year’s path to the final KOLISH added:”Last year was much harder. French girls put us under severe pressure.”
It is eighth title for Russia (previously they won in 1993 1995 2000 2005 2007 2011 2015); but before that Soviet Union won 10 (1971 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1982 1989).
Final
Russia – Poland 3:0
Anastasia KOLISH – Katarzyna WEGRZYN 3:0 (11:9 11:5 11:5) Kristina KAZANTSEVA – Anna WEGRZYN 3:1 (11:5 5:11 11:8 11:5) KOLISH KAZANTSEVA- WEGRZYN WEGRZYN 3:2 (11:9 11:13 9:11 11:9 11:9)
