Nathan PILARD of France, Yoan VELICHKOV of Bulgaria, Danilo FASO of Italy and Aleksei SAMOKHIN of AIN secured their places in the semi-finals of the Under 19 Boys Singles event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar. PILARD produced one of the most convincing performances of the round, defeating Sweden’s Noa DAHLSTROM 4-0 (11-9, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7) to guarantee himself a medal. The French player admitted he had not expected to reach the last four but credited his energy and confidence for carrying him through. “Honestly, it was an exceptional match. I never expected to get this far, but I managed to put together a good run to reach this stage. I had a match that gave me a real chance to fight for a medal. After winning my doubles quarter-final, I managed to recover all the energy I had spent there, and I think that was the key. I came into this quarter-final full of energy and determination.” On the tactical side, PILARD kept his approach simple. “The most important thing was to stay relaxed and have confidence in my game. I trusted my shots, let myself play freely and didn’t hold back. I was able to play the way I like, with a lot of freedom and confidence, and I think that’s what made the difference and helped me reach the semi-finals.” Italy’s FASO also advanced with a 4-1 (11-8, 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-2) victory over Poland’s Patryk ZYWORONEK. Although the scoreline looked comfortable, the Italian admitted fatigue had become a major factor after a demanding week of competition. “I’m very happy with this match. I was really, really tired after such a long competition. I had played a lot of matches in the team event, as well as doubles, so physically it wasn’t easy. After the first game, though, I settled into my rhythm. I built up the lead step by step and eventually won 4-1. It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m very happy to have won another medal at this competition.” His tactical focus was equally straightforward. “I was mainly focused on myself. I knew I had to keep my legs moving because that was the key. I tried to use my whole body in every shot and stay active throughout the match. I think that made the difference.” VELICHKOV joined them in the semi-finals after defeating Hungary’s Botond VARGA 4-1 (11-9, 11-6, 12-14, 11-8, 11-4), while SAMOKHIN recovered from dropping the opening game to beat Romania’s Robert ISTRATE 4-1 (7-11, 11-6, 12-10, 14-12, 11-3), sealing victory after edging a crucial fourth game 14-12. Under 19 Boys Singles Quarter-finals

Nina GUO ZHENG and Alexia NODIN of France, together with Zlata TEREKHOVA and Aleksandra BOKOVA of AIN, booked their places in the semi-finals of the Under 19 Girls Singles event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar. GUO ZHENG overcame Eseniia SHIROKOVA of AIN in five games, winning 4-1 (11-8, 11-4, 15-13, 9-11, 11-5). The French player controlled much of the contest, with the third game proving particularly important as she edged it 15-13 before closing out the match. Having lost 3-0 to SHIROKOVA when they met in Tunis in February, GUO ZHENG produced a much more effective tactical performance this time. “I played against her in February in Tunis and lost 3-0. I really had no chance because she was too fast and took the ball very early, almost on top of the table. This time I knew I had to change the rhythm because she likes to play at the same pace and attack every ball. I tried to add more spin and variation instead of giving her the same tempo, and I think that made the difference,” said GUO ZHENG. TEREKHOVA also recovered from losing the opening game to defeat France’s Leana HOCHART 4-1 (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5). “I prepared very seriously for this match because my adversary was not an easy one. She is a French player, and France is one of the strongest countries here. In fact, there are so many strong players at this tournament – every country has a very high level,” said TEREKHOVA. “From my very first match, I was afraid of losing to anyone because this is my first European Championships, so I approached every match with great responsibility. “I am very happy that we were given the opportunity to compete at the European Championships. We had been waiting for this for a very long time and preparing for it, so I fought for every single point. No matter what happened, I wanted to give absolutely everything because I had been working towards competing at an international event like this for about five years.” NODIN secured her place in the last four with a 4-1 (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7) victory over Poland’s Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA. BOKOVA completed the semi-final line-up after edging defending champion Bianca MEI ROSU of Romania in a dramatic seven-game encounter. She prevailed 4-3 (11-9, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 12-10), surviving a spirited comeback from the Romanian before sealing victory in the deciding game. Under 19 Girls Singles Quarter-finals Nina GUO ZHENG (France) – Eseniia SHIROKOVA (AIN) 4-1 (11-8, 11-4, 15-13, 9-11, 11-5) Alexia NODIN (France) – Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA (Poland) 4-1 (12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7) Zlata TEREKHOVA (AIN) – Leana HOCHART (France) 4-1 (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5) Aleksandra BOKOVA (AIN) – Bianca MEI ROSU (Romania) 4-3 (11-9, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 12-10)

The Under 15 Boys Singles event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar has its four medallists. Gorkem OCAL of Türkiye, Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain, Emil ELLERMANN of Sweden and Volodymyr NEVIZHYN of Ukraine all secured their places in the semi-finals and with it guaranteed at least bronze medals. Top seed OCAL produced another commanding display, defeating Poland’s Hubert KWIECINSKI in straight games. The Turkish player controlled the rallies from the outset and never allowed his opponent to find a way back into the contest. Spain’s MAYOROV was equally convincing against Germany’s Tien Nghia PHONG, completing a 4-0 victory. Only the fourth game proved closely contested, but the Spaniard held his nerve to finish the match in four. “I’m very happy to have won another medal, especially because it is my first one in singles,” said MAYOROV. “Tomorrow, I hope to do my best, compete as I have done so far and give everything I can in every match. “I don’t want to think too much about the medals or the possibility of winning three golds. I have to focus on my game, take it one match at a time and do the things that are under my control well. The most important thing is to stay focused. I hope to play at the same level as today, give my best and fight for every point until the end.” Sweden’s ELLERMANN had to recover after dropping the opening game against Nazar BAKIROV of AIN. Once level, however, he took control of the match, winning the next three games comfortably to book his place in the last four. The final semi-final berth went to NEVIZHYN, who ended the hopes of Portugal’s Rodrigo ANDRADE with a straight-games victory. Although the scoreline suggested a comfortable success, the opening game proved crucial, with the Ukrainian edging it 14-12 before maintaining the momentum for the remainder of the match. “The most important part of my game today was my serve and receive,” explained NEVIZHYN. “I played Rodrigo about three years ago and it was a very tough match that I won 3-2. Since then we have both improved a lot, so I knew this would be difficult again. You can never predict who will win matches like this, but today I think I was the better player.” Under 15 Boys Singles Quarter-finals

Sweden’s Siri BENJEGARD and AIN players Amina ILIMBETOVA, Alisa USMANOVA and Varvara TOLMACHEVA secured their places in the semi-finals of the Under 15 Girls Singles event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar, guaranteeing themselves at least bronze medals. BENJEGARD ended France’s hopes in the opening quarter-final, overcoming Albane ROCHUT in five games. After racing into a two-game lead, the Swede briefly lost momentum before reasserting control to book her place in the last four. “The key to the victory was having a very good tactical plan before the match, and I managed to execute it really well,” explained BENJEGARD. “I’ve played against her many times, so I knew what to expect. I focused on sticking to the tactics and fighting for every point. The main idea was to keep the ball short, take the first attack whenever I could and use a lot of variation with my serve. I think that made the difference.” ILIMBETOVA produced the most convincing performance of the round, defeating France’s Lisa ZHAO in straight games. Never allowing her opponent to establish any rhythm, she dictated play from the opening point to reach the semi-finals without dropping a game. “It was a very difficult match because my opponent was very strong, but I felt comfortable throughout and I’m happy with the way I played,” said ILIMBETOVA. The closest encounter of the day came in the all-AIN clash between USMANOVA and Daria KHARLOVA. After building a 3-1 lead, USMANOVA saw her opponent fight back to level the match before producing a composed display in the deciding game to prevail after seven games. In the remaining quarter-final, TOLMACHEVA overcame Lucja KOBOSZ of Poland in six games. The AIN player recovered from losing the second game and held her nerve in a closely contested sixth to complete the semi-final line-up. Under 15 Girls Singles Quarter-finals

France will have two pairs competing for places in the Under 19 Boys Doubles final after an eventful quarter-final session at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar. Alongside the French combinations, Sweden and the Austrian-Bulgarian pairing also secured their places in the last four, guaranteeing themselves at least bronze medals. Nathan LAM and Antoine NOIRAULT overcame Francesc CARRERA and Luca KHIDASHELI of Spain in four games. After edging a marathon opening game, the French pair recovered quickly from dropping the second to take control of the contest and advance. Sweden’s Noa DAHLSTROM and Adam WALLIN also progressed in four games, defeating Croatia’s Gabriel MARJANOVIC and Andrej MRKIC. The Swedish duo dominated the opening two games, briefly saw their opponents extend the contest, but regained control to close out the match. “We hadn’t played any tournaments together before this one, so we didn’t really have any expectations,” said WALLIN. “But we trained together in China before coming here and quickly realised we had good chemistry. Today the key was to keep moving. Earlier in the tournament we were standing too still, but this time my backhand flick created many chances for my partner to attack with his forehand. Tomorrow we’ll simply do our best and hopefully win.” Julian RZIHAUSCHEK of Austria and Yoan VELICHKOV of Bulgaria continued their impressive run with a four-game victory over Italy’s Francesco TREVISAN and Danilo FASO, recovering well after losing the second game to secure a medal. The most dramatic encounter of the round came in the all-French-Romanian clash, where Nathan DOUSSINET and Nathan PILARD fought back from two games down to defeat Robert ISTRATE and Robert PODAR of Romania in five games. After losing the opening two games, the French pair steadily turned the momentum in their favour before sealing victory in a tense deciding game. Under 19 Boys Doubles – Quarter-finals

The Under 19 Girls Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar reached the medal stage, with four pairs advancing to the semi-finals and securing at least bronze medals. France enjoyed a perfect quarter-final session, placing both of its partnerships in the last four. Nina GUO ZHENG and Leana HOCHART produced a commanding display to defeat Germany’s Koharu ITAGAKI and Lisa-Sophie WANG in straight games. Although the second game proved competitive, the French pair maintained control to seal their place in the semi-finals. Their teammates Jade HUYNH and Alexia NODIN had to work considerably harder before overcoming Bianca MEI ROSU of Romania and Maria BERZOSA of Spain in a gripping five-game encounter. After a challenging opening game, the French pair regrouped and gradually turned the momentum in their favour. “Reaching the semi-finals was a huge goal for us because of how difficult our part of the draw was,” explained NODIN. “The start was terrible, we lost the first game 11-2 and we weren’t really into the match. But after that we found our rhythm, especially against the defender. We managed to make our opponents doubt themselves, while we stayed confident, even in the deciding game. We’re very happy to have secured a medal.” The closest contest outside the French victory saw Aleksandra BOKOVA and Anastasiia IVANOVA (AIN) edge past Portugal’s Julia LEAL and Mariana SANTA COMBA in five games. The momentum shifted repeatedly before the AIN combination prevailed in the decider to keep their title ambitions alive. Poland’s Natalia BOGDANOWICZ and Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA completed the semi-final line-up with a convincing straight-games victory over Eseniia SHIROKOVA and Zlata TEREKHOVA (AIN), controlling the match from start to finish. Under 19 Girls Doubles – Quarter-finals

The battle for the Under 15 Boys Doubles title narrowed to four pairings at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar, with the quarter-finals deciding this year’s medal winners. Onur GULUZADE of Azerbaijan and Gorkem OCAL of Türkiye survived one of the closest encounters of the round, overcoming Ondrej MORAVEK and Oliver OLEJNIK of Czechia in four tightly contested games. After surrendering the opener, they responded by edging each of the remaining games to seal victory. Louis FEGERL of Austria and Ladimir MAYOROV of Spain produced the most convincing performance of the quarter-finals, defeating Hubert KWIECINSKI and Jakub TURECKI of Poland in straight games. The second game proved the biggest challenge, but the Austrian-Spanish combination maintained control throughout the contest. Germany’s Tien Nghia PHONG and Lukas WANG also advanced with a four-game victory over Roger QUESADA of Spain and David TORO of Romania. After building a two-game advantage, they saw their adversaries reduce the deficit before closing out the match in a tense fourth game. The final semi-final berth was decided in dramatic fashion as Emil ELLERMANN of Sweden and Peadar SHERIDAN of Ireland completed a remarkable comeback against Marcos GOMEZ and Alexander MALOV of Spain. Trailing by two games, they fought their way back to force a decider and eventually prevailed by the narrowest of margins. Under 15 Boys Doubles – Quarter-finals

The Under 15 Girls Doubles event at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar has reached the semi-final stage, with four pairs guaranteeing themselves at least bronze medals. AIN’s Amina ILIMBETOVA and Varvara TOLMACHEVA recovered from dropping the opening game to defeat Germany’s Amelie Guzi JIA and Anna WALTER in four games. After a closely contested start, the AIN duo took control of the match to book their place in the last four. Poland’s Lucja KOBOSZ and Aleksandra NAWROCKA also came through in four games against Zsófia FEGYVER of Hungary and Kariss SERBAN of Romania. Following a tight opening game, the Polish pair settled into their rhythm to secure a semi-final berth. Germany will also be represented in the medal rounds thanks to Chenhao CHEN and Lotta ROTHFUSS, who overturned a first-game deficit to overcome Switzerland’s Enya HU and Michelle WU in four games. France’s Eva LAM and Albane ROCHUT completed the semi-final line-up with the only straight-games victory of the quarter-finals. They edged a dramatic opening game before taking full control against Adela BRHELOVA and Laura MARSICKOVA of Czechia. Under 15 Girls Doubles – Quarter-finals