Junior Boys Events   After dramatic duel in full seven games top European player Darko JORGIC of Slovenia booked his place in the semi final of the Junior Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb.   His scream at the end of the match against Aliaksandr KHANIN of Belarus spoke loud about his frustration and the pressure Belarus put on him.   “It is always like that; 3:1 and then drama…Once again KHANIN recovered to level. He has a good feeling for what Darko is playing and he knows how to attack him. KHANIN pushed Darko to the limits but once again he was better in the closing stages ” explained coach Andrea URH.   Top seed Alexandre CASSIN of France beat Cristian PLATEA of Romania in straight games.   “ I played much better now comparing to teams event. I made no mistakes. I knew that I can make him furious and that is what happened. Cristian was very angry at the end of second game. I had control in every moment ” explained CASSIN.   French no. one will meet Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. POLANSKY beat Irvin BERTRAND of France.   “Bertrand has a good serve so you have to play perfect return ” said POLANSKY.” Against CASSIN I have to stay calm relaxed. I will try to limit my epectations. He is no. one he is favorite. I have nothing to lose tomorrow.”   Andreas LEVENKO of Austria beat Joe SEYFRIED of France.   “I have only one word it was thriller – a thriller in seven games. There were so many big ups and downs but I stayed focused and I was calmer in the last game. I never expect to much that is something that helps me ease the pressure.”   In the Round of 16 favorites easily prevailed. CASSIN beat Greek SGOUROPOULOS JORGIC prevailed against Turkey’s YINGLER POLANSKI beat KISELEV of RUSSI whilst SEYFRIED overcame SIPOS of Romania. Irvin BERTRAND overcame Mathan SIMON of Izrael and none of winners needed more than four games.   “ The key was that in my aggressive approach. I attacked from the first point. I do not expect to win 4:0 but I am satisfied ” said BERTRAND.   Junior Boys Doubles Event   Tobias HIPPLER and Nils HOHMEIER of Germany reached the semi final of the Junior Boys Doubles Event. In the final they will meet Cristian PLETEA of Romania and Andreas LEVENKO of Austria.   “This was our third tournament. We are very confident in each other ” said PLETEA.   In the lower half of the draw Maxim KISELEV and Denis IVONIN of Russia will meet Italians Daniele PINOTO and Antonino AMATO.  

Cadet Boys Events   In the Cadet Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb two Russia’s representatives fill face the challengers from Italy and Sweden.   In the battles for medal only Truls MOREGRDH was stretched to full distance in thrilling close game against WANG Chen Xi of Azerbaijan.   “I have no words. My coach told me to put the blocks on table and play top spins against his top spins.  Nothing special was in my mind when he had match points. I knew that only I must put ball on the table. I played smart that is only secret ” said Truls MOREGARDH.   Tomorow he will have to repeat same level of play to try to stop Lev KATSMAN of Russia. Russia’s representative beat Bilal HAMACHE of France on his way to semis in five games.   “I played extremely good on my highest level especially last game in which I destroyed my opponent. All French players are good they have good services and it always hard to play against them. But I find the solution for that problem ” said KATSMAN. “MOREGRDH is very fast player. I expect good game tomorrow.”   His teammate Vladimir SIDORENKO beat anther French player Lilian BARDET in six games.   “ I did not start well maybe because I am a little bit tired. But after first two sets my coach has given me the right tactics. Everything changed from that moment. In fourth game it was 10-10 I was nervous but believed in my serves in my long top spins. And my coach told me to play aggressive backhand blocks. That was secret to win.”   SIDORENKO will play against Carlo ROSI of Italy who beat Maksim GREBNEV of Russia.   “I lost against Carlo ROSSI in Italy. Definitely it is going to be good match.”   In the previous Round Lilian BARDET beat KOSOLOSKY of Belgium.   “He is very fast but I had prepared a good tactics. He can nicely control the ball and has good service but I played very good. Only in third set I was not in control but all in all I am satisfied ” said BARDET.   Carlo ROSSI joined him after victory over Franch player CAVAILLE.   “I am better player then my adversary so I won easily in straight games. I think I am mentally stronger. I stayed focused on the top of the game from beginning to the end ” said ROSSI.   Cadet Boys Doubles Event   Top seeds Vladimir SIDORENKO and Maksim GREBNEV reached the medal rostrum. In the semis they will meet Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK of Austria and Vladislav URSU of Modavia. In second semi final Lilian BARDET and Jules CAVAILLE of France will play against Truls MOREGARDH and Martin FRIIS of Sweden.    

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)  

European Youth Championships   Crowned European champions in the Slovakia’s city of Bratislava last July team of Romania defended their title in the Junior Girls Teams Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. In the final they beat team of Serbia. Serbia came from the second division.   Russia and Spain reached the third step at the medal rostrum. Russia repeated their last year’s success by clinching the bronze medal whilst Spain improved their status. Last year at the European Youth Championships in Slovakia they were only 14th .   Europe no. one player Adina DIACONU could not settle into the rhythm against Izabela LUPULESKU in two opening games of the contest. Any hint of passive approach LUPULESKU punished immediately. However a close third game started with Adina’s advantage. Romania’s player had two game balls before LUPULESKU leveled to try to finish the match. Adina stayed calm to underline her status and gained her way back to the match. Keeping the same pace she won next two games.   “In two opening game I could not feel my arms. I was numb. After 2:0 I realized I have to won that game. I was sure I will win the match if I stop LUPULESKU at that point ” said Adina.   Andreea DRAGOMAN was under pressure in the match against Dragana VIGNJEVIC only in the opening stages of the match. Afterwards the contest went in only one direction. DRAGOMAN dominated.   “After Adina’s win I was motivated. I felt good and confident. It gave us extra bust.”   Andreea CLAPA was in driving seat heading in full speed to the victory in the match against Tijana JOKIC but after opening game Serbia’s player strikes back. She could not repeat it so once again after third game Andreea was in the lead.   “I would like to congratulate my team and worthy opponents team of Serbia. I was under pressure because I lost in three previous matches against JOKIC.”   Romania clinched titles in Junior Girls Event 11 times before (1956 1958 1959 1987 1994 2006 2009 2010 2012 2013 2015). Serbia never won gold but former Yougoslavia girls were at the top of the medal rostrum twice (1975 1988)     Romania – Serbia 3:0 Adina DIACONU – Izabela LUPULESKU 3:2 (6:11 8:11 14:12 11:6 11:3) Andreea DRAGOMAN – Dragana VIGNJEVIC (10:12 11:3 11:5) Andreea CLAPA – Tijana JOKIC 3:0 (11:6 3:11 11:8 11:2 )      

European Youth Championships   After three years Italy is at the throne again. Italy beat Czech Republic to claim the title in the Junior Boys Teams Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb.   Belgium and Romania won bronze medals. They improved their last year’s result. Belgium was 11th whilst Romania concluded the Teams Event in Bratislava on position no. 18th.   Jiri MARTINKO played like the man on mission against Matteo MUTTI. The opening contest was very close but Czech was always one step ahead forcing MUTTI to fight to stay in the game. Daniele PINTO failed to put pressure on Tomas POLANSKY. He had his chances in the second game which finished by narrowest margin but POLANSKY was even more precise in the next game. He won third game 11:4.   Luca BRESSAN won the first game for Czech Republic in the third contest of the match. He had beat Vlastimil BUBEN by narrow margin before secured the next game in less close duel. Italy prolonged the end of the match.   On his second return to the table POLANSKY lost his first two games against MUTTI. He recovered to level and in nail biting finish that fired the spectators he could not nail the match. MUTTI moved Italy to deciding contest.   PINTO showed he had hart for decisive match.   “We were 0:2 down when I told MATTEO ‘C’mon you can do it.’ He moved it to another gear and we won. We believed in ourselves but we did not believe we could get so far. It is like dream come true but I think I am still dreaming ” said PINTO. ”In the last duel I stayed calm and focused. My mind was clear. That was the key.”   Czech Republic never had won gold medal before but as Czechoslovakia they clinched 5 (1961 1968 1969 1970 1980). Previously Italy won gold in 2013.         Italy – Czech Republic 3:2 Matteo MUTTI – Jiri MARTINKO 0:3 (10:12 8:11 9:11) Daniele PINTO – Tomas POLANSKY 0:3 (6:11 10:12 4:11) Luca BRESSAN – Vlastimil BUBEN (12:10 11:7 11:6) MUTTI – POLANSKY 3:2 (11:8 11:1 3:11 9:11 11:7) PINTO- MARTINKO 3:0 (11:5 11:7 11:8)  

European Youth Championships   The President of the ETTU Ronald KRAMER had the pleasure to welcome ITTF President Thomas WEIKERT on his visit to the European Youth Championships in Croatian City of Zagreb. During his stay President WEIKERT accompanied with President KRAMER ETTU Deputy President Ivo Goran MUNIVRANA and CTTA President Zlatko POSPIS visited the Croatian Olympic Committee where HOO President Zlatko MATESA welcomed the delegation in Croatia Olympic Committee.   “We are very happy that President WEIKERT find the time in his very busy schedule to visit our Championships. It shows his commitment to development of our sport not only World wide but in Europe as well. Here he has the opportunity to see the first class tournament and I also share his compliments to the organizers ” said President KRAMER.   President WEIKERT underlined the most important reason for his visit.   “I am here for the sport. Despite all of my obligations I am always trying to spend most of my times in the venues close to the sport. I see very good venue here I recognize it from the World Championships 2007 and I am pleased that everything goes smoothly ” said WEIKERT. ”Politically this is the opportunity for me to talk with ETTU Croatian TTA and Croatian Olympic Committee representatives about numerous issues of common interest. “  

European Youth Championships   Coming from the second Division Serbia booked their place in the final of the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. In the contest for gold they will meet Romania.   Serbia beat Spain on their way to the final whilst Romania prevailed against Russia. The architect of Romania’s success once again was Adina DIACONU.   Serbia inflicted the pain in host nation supporters by beating Croatia on their way to the medal rostrum.   “We came from the Second Division so I was afraid to talk about the medal before. However when Belarus beat Romania in the Group Stage they opened the door for our success. We beat Belarus and automatically the draw worked in our favor. The team showed perfect performance Izabela LUPULESKU was at the top of the game but I am very happy by the performance of Tijana JOKIC who beat Klara CAKOL Croatia’s top player ” said coach Nikolaj LUPULESKU.   Croatian coach Nikica VUKELJA added:   “Serbia was one step ahead of us. I am not unhappy. We lost in a very close and good match. My players still need experience. If Klara have won her match the outcome might be different.”   After surprising group defeat Romania is back on tracks. They beat France on their way to the medal.   “No one expects France so soon. The defeat and the fact that we were second in our Group changed everything. We played against France already in the quarters but we were aware it would happen after we lost against Belarus. However now we fell more confident ” said Adina DIACONU.   Spain was stretched to full distance against Azerbaijan.

European Youth Championships   In the In 59 years rich history of European Youth Championships never happened that even one of following nations did not reach the semi final of the Junior Teams Event; Germany Russia Sweden and France all failed to reach the penultimate round. In the final after tonight’s thrilling contests in Zagreb will play Czech Republic and Italy.   Czech Republic beat Belgium on their way to the ultimate stage whilst Italy prevailed against Romania.   “It is great relief now. We were only third in the Group and we made it to the final. I am so happy ” said Daniele PINTO. ”Tonight it was not meter how good my backhand or forehand is. It was only meter to stay calm and not the be afraid. I won against SIPOS in mental game.”   Czech Republic created a big upset by beating the top seeds in the quarters. France departed the Event earlier then their rankings predicted after thrilling four matches duel. The instrumental of Czech success was Tomas POLANSKY who beat both Alexandre CASSIN Europe’s no. two and Joe SEYFRIED. In the fourth match POLANSKY was down two games to one.   “CASSIN is number two in Europe. That fact put a lot of pressure on me. I was not playing at my usual level. However from the point when I realize that I am losing the match I decided to open my game to risk more and to be more relaxed. It paid of. I recovered and win the match ” explained POLANSKY.   Italy beat Germany.   “We had a very poor start of the tournament and now we are finally on right tracks. We lost against Russia and Poland in previous phase to be only third in the Group. Everything changed when MATTEO beat JORGIC and won two points in the duel against Slovenia. That was unbelievable match that gave us new start. We continued in the same rhythm against Germany ” said Daniele PINTO.   Romania beat Spain in straight matches in quarters.   “After we survived very tough encounter against Russia in the Round of 16 everything is easier. Against Russia we showed great team effort and now is only important to continue with the good games ” said Cristian PLATEA. Belgium beat Slovakia 3:1.

European Youth Championships   Following the path of their male compatriots Russia’s cadet girls team booked their place in the final of the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. In the ultimate stage they will meet Poland.   Russia beat Romania in the semis in straight match.   “I am very proud of my team. We came here to win and I am sure we will reach gold ” said Kristina KAZANTSEVA.   Poland’s Katarzyna WERGZYN explained they only had problems against Slovenia at the opening. “At the beginning it was hard but when we settled into the rhythm we had no problems ” said WERGZYN.   Russia showed no mercy on their way to medal rostrum. Hungary could not stop them in the quarters.   Poland overcame Germany in the quarterfinal.   “Despite the straight matches victory it was very hard for us. You cannot lose your goal and focus when you play against Germany. They are very fast but we were self – confident. We were trying to win from a very first moment ” said Julia BARTOSZEK.   Slovenia reached the medal after the duel against England.   “We enjoyed the advantage of the good draw. Earlier England beat France the team that will be much toughest adversary for us “explained Katarina STRAZAR.    

European Youth Championships   In the final of the European Youth Championships in Zagreb in the final of the Cadet Boys Teams Event tomorrow Russia will play against Sweden. Top seeds accounted for Azerbaijan whilst Sweden beat Hungary in the penultimate stage.   Lev KATSMAN Vladimir SIDORENKO and Maksim GREBNEV sealed the duel in straight matches.   “Both players YANG Xinyu and WANG Chenxi were born in China; there is no need to discuss their quality. It was very hard match ” said SIDORENKO.   Truls MOREGARDH and Martin FRIIS need one match more then their tomorrow’s adversaries to beat Patrik JUHASZ and Csaba ANDRAS.   “This was close match but we were sure we can win. Now we can look forward duel’s against Russia ” said MOREGARDH.   Earlier today Russia needed only three matches to overcame Germany.   “It is little bit hard to play under such pressure. We are no. one favorites and everyone is trying to beat us. They have nothing to lose. Against Germany it was not easy as a result predicts. I beat Kay STUMPER in four games but three concluded by narrowest margins ” said Lev KATSMAN.   In full distance thriller Azerbaijan beat Italy whilst Sweden easily prevailed against Portugal.   Hungary upset the favorites and beat France. Coach Ivan VITREH explained.   “France has three players at Top 11 but sometimes in cadets category rankings does not give the realistic picture. I knew France play good but I also knew that if we give our best we could win. Our goal was to reach the Round of 16 and each win after that is big achievement for us ” explained VITREH.