In express way Nina MITTELHAM and Theresa KRAFT of Germany secured gold medal at the Junior Girls Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. In the ultimate stage of the event German pairings overcame Bernadtte BALINT of Romania and Nic, In express way Nina MITTELHAM and Theresa KRAFT of Germany secured gold medal at the Junior Girls Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. In the ultimate stage of the event German pairings overcame Bernadtte BALINT of Romania and Nicole TROSMAN of Israel. Charlotte CAREY of Wales and Kim VERMAAS  of Netherlands won bronze as well as Bernadette SZOCS and Irina CIOBANU of Romania. Very fast 3:0 in the final showed that new European Champions were in superb shape. “We were not in danger at any point of the match. We were very active, aggressive and imposed our game,” said Theresa. Last year’s Junior Girls Doubles champion Bernadett SZOCS, this time in doubles with Irina CIOBANU, failed to reach the final of the event in Ostrava. Nina MITTELHAM and Theresa KRAFT  in impressive style halted their progress in straight games. “Nina played very good in this match, but we had to forget our performance from the Polish open first and to overcome outcome from there,” said KRAFT. Nina added: “We lost in the first round there, so it was better to forget about it.” Against Bernadett SZOCS and Irina CIOBANU they started to play very aggressive from the very beginning. “Very important moment was that we had 5:0 in the opening set and imposed our style. We continued to dominate and to play aggressive to preserve the advantage,” explained Nina. Bernadette BALINT and Nicole TROSMAN  overcame Charlotte CAREY of Wales and Kim VERMAAS  of Netherlands in the semi final. “It was strange. we expected and prepared for the Serbian girls No one expects to see those adversaries. It was difficult cos we did not know how they play,” said Nikole TROSMAN. BALINT said that the match was very strange. “It had a lot of ups and downs. We were nervous, but at he end in crucial moment we were better.” Junior Girls Doubles Final: Nina MITTELHAM and Theresa KRAFT (Germany) – Bernadette BALINT (Romania) and Nicole TROSMAN (Israel) 3:0 (11;9, 11:5, 11:2)

Hungary’s Tamas LAKATOS and Adam SZUDI won the title in the Junior Boys Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. At the final hurdle they overcame Dutch pairings Koen HAGERAATS and Martin KHATCHANOV in four games. In semi final , Hungary’s Tamas LAKATOS and Adam SZUDI won the title in the Junior Boys Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. At the final hurdle they overcame Dutch pairings Koen HAGERAATS and Martin KHATCHANOV in four games. In semi final finalists beat Patryk ZATOWKA and Jakub DYJAS of Poland and Alexandre ROBINOT of France and Joao GERALDO of Portugal. Tamas LAKATOS and Adam SZUDI spoke about the Championships in general. “It was very strange tournament in all. A lot of unsuspecting results happened. It was difficult to reach the final, but we stayed focused at the end even we were losing at the start of the final,” said SZUDI. Koen HAGERAATS and Martin KHATCHANOV  beat Patryk ZATOWKA and Jakub DYJAS of Poland in the semi final and they admitted they were surprised as much as a lot of people in the hall. “We keep on with the surprises and that is good. ZATOWKA and  DYJAS are very good players in doubles, but today we were at the top of the game from the very beginning. We played safe, and tried to put each ball on the table. We slower the game as much as we could, because on fast balls they are better. Our adversaries did not know how to react and when they did they made a lot of mistakes,” said HAGERAATS. Alexandre ROBINOT of France and Joao GERALDO of Portugal has consolation in bronze. Their semi final encounter against Tamas LAKATOS and Adam SZUDI ended in four games. “We were lucky to win this one. we saw their previous matches and they are very dangerous pairings. Our tactcs was to avoid long points because they are better on that “ said SZUDI LAKATOS added: “You can not attack them bedause they are so good in that game, we had to play slow, they block bombs so easily.” Junior Boys Doubles Final: Koen HAGERAATS and Martin KHATCHANOV (Netherlands) – Tamas LAKATOS and Adam SZUDI (Hungary) 1:3 (11:8, 9:11, 7:11, 8:11)

Romania’s Adina DIACONU maintained her patience to overcame defensive skills of Marie MIGOT of France in the final of the Cadet Girls Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. HO Tin Tin of England and Andreea CLAPA of Romania lo, Romania’s Adina DIACONU maintained her patience to overcame defensive skills of Marie MIGOT of France in the final of the Cadet Girls Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. HO Tin Tin of England and Andreea CLAPA of Romania lost their semi final duels.  Adina DIACONU was calm after the final, but she admitted:“This was the hardest match for me here. I had to stayed very focus all the time.” Last year’s runner up Marie MIGOT beat quarterfinalists from last year’s Championships  Andreea CLAPA of Romania in penultimate stage. She prevailed in six games. “I was very focused. I had to be. My adversary seized each opportunity she got. I had 3:1, but when I lost my concentration she took a chance to attack me. I was winning easily and I lost close encounters, but at the end everything was all right. So far I lost against CLAPA two times before and I beat her also two times,” said MIGOT. Semi finalist from Austria, HO Tin Tin of England put Adina DIACONU  of Romania under severe pressure.  “I lost last year in the Round of 16, and I wanted so much to prove myself here in Ostrava. I am happy with my game, but when I become too comfortable with the result, HO took advantage of it and attacked. She raised her game, but I “survived”, stated DIACONU. Cadet Girls Singles final: Marie MIGOT (France) – Adina DIACONU (Romania) 2:4 (11:7, 10:12, 8:11, 13:11, 1:11, 7:11)

Most successful male young player at the European Youth Championships is Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. Tomas clinched gold medals in Team’s Event and Doubles, silver in Mixed Doubles and at the end he topped the cake with the gold in Singles. In, Most successful male young player at the European Youth Championships is Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic. Tomas clinched gold medals in Team’s Event and Doubles, silver in Mixed Doubles and at the end he topped the cake with the gold in Singles. In the final he overcame Maxim CHAPLYGIN of Russia. Aliaksandr KHANIN of Belarus and Andreas LEVENKO of Austria clinched bronze. “At the beginning I thought I could win gold in doubles. I did not expect I will win in singles. That is most valuable medal for me here,” said POLANSKY. Last year’s semi finalist Maxim CHAPLYGIN beat Andreas LEVENKO of Austria to went one step higher in Ostrava. In the semi final he did not leave a space to his adversary to put any pressure on him and he was the first player to secure place in the ultimate stage today in Ostrava. “In first two sets, LEVENKO played very good and I had a problem to maintain the good rhythm. However , after 2:0 he was down. I felt I can beat him and I did it. we never played against each other before so it was hard to set right tactic before the match,” said CHAPLYGIN. Tomas POLANSKY  of Czech Republic  clinched another final after victory over Aliaksandr KHANIN  of Belarus. “I am not so happy with my game. I made few easy mistakes. KHANIN is good player and he accounted on that. However, at the end good tactic prevailed,” said POLANSKY. Czech player had 3:1 advantage, before he lost next game at 9 points. KHANIN levelled to 3:3 after POLANSKY won only one point in sixth game. Junior Boys Singles final: Tomas POLANSKY (Czech Republic) – Maxim CHAPLYGIN (Russia) (11:9, 11:7, 11:5, 11:8)

After struggling, France defended the top of Europe in Junior Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. Enzo ANGLES had rough way to the final, but at the final hurdle he was just unstoppable. Top seeded player overcame Tomislav P, After struggling, France defended the top of Europe in Junior Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. Enzo ANGLES had rough way to the final, but at the final hurdle he was just unstoppable. Top seeded player overcame Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia in straight games. Joao GERALDO  of Portugal  and Alexandre CASSIN of France shared third step at the medal rostrum. “I stayed on right track after hard matches before final. Finally gold, but it was tough journey,” said ANGLES. In semi final Enzo ANGLES played another thriller in singles in Ostrava. In three matches before, he went full distance, and the fact that in semis he played one less, did not reduce the efforts he had to put to win. Joao GERALDO  of Portugal proved as worthy adversary. “I had a better start, but he he was not easy player to beat. He did not give up. He started to play spin on me first, so it was very difficult to overcame him. At 2:2 I started to serve half long strokes, I came closer to table, and played much aggressive. It proved as good tactics,” said ANGLES. Alexandre CASSIN, still cadet reached the semi final of the Junior’s singles Event and then Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia halted his progress after five games. “We prepared good tactics and it is also good that I had a chance to use it,” said PUCAR. Junior Boys Singles final: Enzo ANGLES (France) – Tomislav PUCAR (Croatia) 4:0 (11:6, 11:4, 11:8, 11:5)

We came to the end of another great European Youth Championships. In past few season, this one brought most upsets. The map of the Europe changed in both Team’s and Singles Events. The nation with most of medals is Romania. They won total of 12 meda, We came to the end of another great European Youth Championships. In past few season, this one brought most upsets. The map of the Europe changed in both Team’s and Singles Events. The nation with most of medals is Romania. They won total of 12 medals and five of them are gold. Germany is at the second position with 6 medals, and three gold. Czech Republic made it 4 and there were 3 gold among them. France lost the title in Boy’s Events, but Enzo ANGLES reached the top place at the medal rostrum in Juniors category, whilst he was second with the team. Most successful female player in Junior Category is Nina MITTELHAM of Germany. She won gold in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles as well as silver in Team’s. Cadet Singles, Doubles and Team’s events champion, as well as mixed doubles vice champion Tomas POLANSKY, shine in front of home crowd. Adina DIACONU of Romania also multiplied her medals. She clinched top prize in team’s, singles, doubles events and won bronze in mixed doubles event. In Ostrava played 535 players; we saw 562 team’s duels with 2199 individual matches and 1155 individual matches; which is total of 3354 matches in 10 days, Next edition of European Youth Championships will take place in Riva del Garda (Italy) from 11th to 20th of July 2014. Ostrava (Czech Republic), July 21st, 2013.

There has been a lot of talk about France failed to hit the top place at the medal rostrum in the Junior Boys Team’s Event in Ostrava for a six time in the row, but let’s face it, how many country will “buy” that silver without any, There has been a lot of talk about France failed to hit the top place at the medal rostrum in the Junior Boys Team’s Event in Ostrava for a six time in the row, but let’s face it, how many country will “buy” that silver without any thoughts. The winner of the Junior Boy’s Singles Event Enzo ANGLES is realistic. “We did not succeeded in the final. But we are second and that is big achievement as well. We miss Tristan FLORE, with him it will be better, but this team also showed quality,” said ANGLES. In the final Italy prevailed. “I lost two games and that should not happen. I was not playing good at the beginning. Against Alessandro BACIOCCHI I lost first game and I repeated same thing against Leonardo MUTTI. They are very dangerous when they have advantage. Then, there are 50/50 chances. But maybe it was time that someone else win that trophy,” said ANGLES. French team has strong preparations for the 2013 European Youth Championships, as always. “We worked two weeks before the champs. First, only juniors and in the last week, whole team together with cadets. We went through all the aspects: from physical condition, mental preparation and of course tactics and studying all major players in the moment. We were well prepared.” And it has to payed off at the end. “In singles it was very hard. I started with 4:3 against KHATCHANOV of Netherlands, but that was my fault. Then I played seven games against ZELJKO of Croatia and then against SZUDI of Hungary. It was very hard against Hungarian player. He has very difficult style for me; with lot of spin.” Against GERALDO of Portugal ANGLES needed six games and he beat PUCAR in straight games in the final. So finally, everything falls on its place. Enzo was born in Draguignan and now he is in Paris Center Sport. His club is Issy les Moulineaux. He study informatics, so we were not surprised when he said that the book he choose for Ostrava is “Steve JOBS Life of genius”. “I also love to play football and biking. I do not love to watch football but to play …definitely.”

At age of 9 Nina MITTELHAM exchanged football for table tennis…and here in Ostrava, seven years later, she became most successful girl at the 56th European Youth Championships. With three gold medals and one silver Nina highlighted this year’s compe, At age of 9 Nina MITTELHAM exchanged football for table tennis…and here in Ostrava, seven years later, she became most successful girl at the 56th European Youth Championships. With three gold medals and one silver Nina highlighted this year’s competition with most beloved colour.  Born in Willich, player of Tus Bad Driburg and member of Dusseldorf training team, MITTELHAM conquered Europe in great style this year. She reached the title in Junior Singles Event and halted four years long dominance of untouchable Bernadette SZOCS. She did it semi final. With so much medal clinched this year, asked what would be her first memory of Ostrava, Nina stated: “The title in singles and especially the moment when I beat SZOCS. That is the thing that made me so happy this year. I already felt I can beat her in team’s event. In singles I knew what to do,” said Nina. In the final, Nina beat Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia. “I lost first game, but I stayed focused. That’s make me very happy.” – Haven’t you been afraid? “Oh, yeas. In the final game when I felt I could win, I was shaking. It was incredible.” – Have you thought you can reach three god medals? “At first, not. But it all changed after Team’s event. It was all about SZOCS. When I felt she is nervous and under pressure I took my chance.” – How you start to play table tennis? “My brother took me to the competition for the kids who were not involved in club’s activities. I won and I liked it. Then, Ildiko IMAMURA , Yuko’s mother saw me and took me to her club. She was my coach before I moved to Dusseldorf under guidance of coach Jörg BITZIGEIO four years ago.” – How you spend free time at the championships “I read. I read two books here. I have good time with MANTZ, but I miss Alena LEMMER. She is injured and could not compete in Ostrava.” – Who is the player, you admire the most? “Dimitrij OVTCHAROV. The way he plays and his service is something I enjoy watching,” said Nina MITTELHAM, good who is also good in math.“I have three years more to decide what I will study later, but so far I am the best in math.”

Nina MITTELHAM shined like a star at the end of the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. German player clinched gold medal in the Junior Girls Singles Event to enlarge her already rich collection of top prizes won in Czech Republic. In the final she o, Nina MITTELHAM shined like a star at the end of the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. German player clinched gold medal in the Junior Girls Singles Event to enlarge her already rich collection of top prizes won in Czech Republic. In the final she overcame Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia in five games. Bernadette SZOCS and Irina CIOBANU of Romania won bronze medal. “I was little bit nervous at the start when I lost opening set,” said Nina. Bernadette SZOCS  of Romania lost her last singles match at the European Championships in Pargue 2009. After 4 years reigning champions lost again. She suffered defeat by the hands of Nina MITTELHAM in the semi final. Nina played in fast line. She dominated in all games and only in fourth set, SZOCS managed to make advantage.She had two set balls, before Nina converted it into her advantage. She closed the match after four match balls. “I am so excited. I can not talk. This was final before final and it is hard for me to come down,” said MITTELHAM. In other semi final duel Lea RAKOVAC  overcame Irina CIOBANU and left Romania without final. “It was easier for me, because I already beat CIOBANU in the Tema’s Event here in Ostrava. Also at the World Junior Championshipa I overcame her in very close match. It seams that I have game for Irina,” said RAKOVAC. Nina MITTELHAM (Germany)- Lea RAKOVAC (Croatia) 4:1 (8:11, 11:7, 11:8, 11:4, 11:8)

Kilian ORT and Nina MITTELHAM of Germany clinched the gold medal in the Junior Mixed Doubles Event. They overcame Jakub SEIBERT and Karolina MYNAROVA of Czech Republic in the final. German pairings succeeded last years champions JOST and SOLJA who are not, Kilian ORT and Nina MITTELHAM of Germany clinched the gold medal in the Junior Mixed Doubles Event. They overcame Jakub SEIBERT and Karolina MYNAROVA of Czech Republic in the final. German pairings succeeded last years champions JOST and SOLJA who are not any more eligible to play in juniors category. In the final only in first game host nation double managed to put some pressure on new champions. “We were nervous at the beginning, but latter we managed to control the match,” said ORT. In the semi final Kilian ORT and Nina MITTELHAM  prevailed against Leonardo MUTTI of Italy and Lea RAKOVAC of Croatia. They lost only one game throughout whole tournament and they continued in same “ruthless” style in closing stages. In the opening game against Italian – Croatian combination, German left to adversaries only three points.  In next we saw little bit more fight. Germany was 8:10 in reverse, before recovered and win the set. In third it was 13:11 at the end. “We started really well, but then our adversaries recovered and played much better. The match become close. However, in the tricky situation we were at the top of the game and maintained control,” said Kilian ORT. For Nina MITTELHAM this is second time in the row that she played in the semi final. Last year she was playing with Duda BENEDIKT an won bronze medal. “That is why I was more relaxed. ORT was nervous, but I already been there and I had much more confidence,” said Nina. Jakub SEIBERT and Karolina MYNAROVA  of Czech Republic also concluded their duel in straight games. The combination of Adam SZUDI of Hungary and  Katsiaryna BARAVOK  of Belarus proved too weak for them. “First game was crucial. When we won, we were sure we can make it. It was not easy, each game was very close,” said SEIBERT. Junior Mixed Doubles Final: Jakub SEIBERT, Karolina MYNAROVA (Czech Republic) – Kilian ORT, Nina MITTELHAM (Germany) 1:3 (11:9, 6:11, 10:12, 6:11)