France was in the focus at the final hours of the fourth day of the 57th STERILGARDA European Championships in Riva del Garda. Whilst boys were fighting against Denmark French girls were on big test against Russia. They passed that test and tomorrow in i
France was in the focus at the final hours of the fourth day of the 57th STERILGARDA European Championships in Riva del Garda. Whilst boys were fighting against Denmark French girls were on big test against Russia. They passed that test and tomorrow in in the Junior Girls Team’s Event France will meet Germany.
Laura PFEFER suffered at the very beginning of the match against Ekaterina GUSEVA. Ekaterina also beat Marie MIGOT in the fourth match but Ekaterina CHERNYAVSKAYA could not follow her. Migot beat her in five games and Laura showed patience to repeat the success in ultimate match.
Pauline CHASSELINE also won her encounter.
“I wanted to win so much. The only way to beat Ekaterina is to be aggressive. I had a problem with service and receive had to change tactics…I pushed myself ” said PFEFER who never played in the final before. “I played once in the semifinal and I lost against Russia 2:3. That is why I was so nervous. This was important for us. Against Germany we have nothing to lose. They are clear favorites.”
Good shape “clear favorites” justified in other semi final duel. Romania could not halt their progress. Chantal MANTZ lost her opening encounter against Diana LUPU but all other matches went on German account. Nina MITTELHAM overcame Bernadett BALINT Alena LEMMER overcame Andreea CLAPA before MANZ succeeded against Bernadett.
“We knew what to expect against Romania. After I lost against LUPU it was important Nina’s win against BALINT. After Alena with 2:1 on score sheets I was under less pressure ” said MANZ.
In the quarterfinal stage of the event it was only Russia that had to go through agonizing five matches duel. Lea RAKOVEC was once again main force of the Croatia’s team but she could not stop Russia by herself. Maria MALANINA was first to suffer against Lea on her visit to the table in the opening match. However despite her straight games defeat in the opening game she managed to stay calm and to overcame Dorina SREBRNJAK in the decisive match. Ekaterina GUSEVA showed great performance against Dorina and Daria CHERNOVA overcame Klara CAKOL
The remaining three quarterfinals concluded in straight matches. Romania was in fast lane against Slovenia. Bernadet BALLINT Mihaela LUPU and Andreea CLAPA clear their way to the semis without any pressure.
In the duel between France and Czech Republic Marie MIGOT was forced to go full distance against Karolina MYNAROVA. Pauline CHASSELIN also went through five games against Krystina STEFCOVA. However after France established 2:0 lead Laura PFEFER posted straight games victory.
Top seeds Germany halted the progress of the team that emerged as a biggest surprise of the Event. Estonia started this championship in Level 2 and they were not even seeded at the top position in their Group. However they could not crowned their brave effort with the medal. Chantal MANTZ Nina MITTELHAM and Alena LEMMER proved too strong for Olesja KETSKO Airi AVAMERI and Valeria PETROVA.
