France claimed their 12th Under 19 Boys Teams title at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar, defeating ninth seeds Romania 3-0 in a commanding final. The victory further strengthens France’s status as the most successful nation in the history of the event.
Nathan LAM gave France the ideal start, beating Robert ISTRATE in straight games. Nathan PILARD then moved the French team to the brink of the title with another convincing 3-0 victory over Robert PODAR, before Antoine NOIRAULT sealed the championship by overcoming Andrei TIBIRNA in three close games.
The triumph completed a remarkable run for the eighth seeds, who had already survived a dramatic semi-final against Poland before dominating the final.
“It was an incredible final and a very strong performance from the whole team. We came here with the goal of winning the tournament, but you never know if you can actually achieve it. This title is the result of everything we have done this year, all the hard work in training and all the energy we have put into the team. We are really happy with this victory.
“LAM gave us the perfect start by winning the opening match with a very strong performance. Then PILARD also played at a great level. He wasn’t used to playing in that position, but he adapted really well and won 3-0 in what was also a difficult match.
“It is never easy to go to the table when your team is leading 2-0 and you know you can secure the title. The first game wasn’t easy, but I kept working, found my rhythm and played a really good match. I’m very happy that I could finish it for the team,” said Antoine NOIRAULT.
Nathan PILARD looked back on the key moment of France’s title-winning campaign:
“I think we all agree that the semi-final against Poland was the toughest match of the tournament. The score was 1-1, and Antoine was trailing 0-2 before coming back to win. That victory gave the whole team so much confidence and energy. After that, we all believed even more that we could go on and win the tournament.”
Romania – France 0-3
- Robert ISTRATE – Nathan LAM 0-3 (8-11, 4-11, 7-11)
- Robert PODAR – Nathan PILARD 0-3 (7-11, 7-11, 10-12)
- Andrei TIBIRNA – Antoine NOIRAULT 0-3 (12-14, 7-11, 4-11)
Semi final
Romania – Spain 3-0
- Robert ISTRATE – Francesc CARRERA 3-2 (7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-4)
- Robert PODAR – Luca KHIDASHELI 3-2 (4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-6)
- Andrei TIBIRNA – Dario SALCEDO 3-1 (6-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-9)
France – Poland 3-1
- Nathan PILARD – Samuel MICHNA 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-6)
- Nathan LAM – Marcel BLASZCZYK 1-3 (9-11, 11-5, 7-11, 7-11)
- Antoine NOIRAULT – Mateusz SAKOWICZ 3-2 (9-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9)
- Nathan PILARD – Marcel BLASZCZYK 3-2 (6-11, 12-10, 3-11, 11-3, 11-4)
