The Women’s Doubles medals were decided in emphatic fashion at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships in Cluj-Napoca, with all four quarter-finals ending in straight-games victories as the remaining pairs secured their places on the podium. Top seeds Veronika MATIUNINA of Ukraine and Romania’s Bianca MEI ROSU continued their impressive run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dora COSIC of Croatia and Natalia BOGDANOWICZ of Poland. The favourites controlled the match throughout, winning 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 to guarantee themselves at least a bronze medal. The Ukrainian-Romanian partnership may not have extensive experience together, but their understanding both on and off the table has already become one of their strengths. “We communicate very well away from the table. That helps us on court as well,” explained MEI ROSU. Having entered the tournament with limited experience as a pair, the semi-final appearance already represents their best result together. “We have only played one tournament before this, so reaching the semi-finals here is our best result. Now we are aiming for the final,” said MEI ROSU. MATIUNINA believes there is still plenty of room for growth, particularly as they gain more experience alongside each other. “We play well together. If we continue to play more tournaments as a pair, we will improve naturally because we will understand each other better instinctively,” she said. Their communication during matches remains concise and focused on the tactical details that can make the difference at the highest level. “We keep it very short and simple because there is not much time between points. We focus on tactics,” noted MEI ROSU. MATIUNINA added: “We mainly discuss the service, the receive and the first two touches.” French pair Leana HOCHART and Elise PUJOL were equally convincing. Facing Nicole ARLIA of Italy and Maria BERZOSA of Spain, the French duo delivered strong performance, allowing their opponents little room to settle as they progressed with a 3-0 win (11-5, 11-4, 11-6). Although they have only played together on a few occasions before, the partnership continues to develop well. “This is only our second or third tournament together, but we understand each other very well,” explained HOCHART. Communication remains a key element of their success. During matches, the pair focus on discussing tactical adjustments and preparing the first attack whenever possible. “We mainly talk about tactics and the first ball. That is what we focus on during the match,” said HOCHART. Poland celebrated a medal-winning performance through Anna BRZYSKA and Zuzanna WIELGOS. The pair overcame Czech combination Hanka KODET and Veronika POLAKOVA in straight games. After taking control early, the Polish duo completed an 11-6, 11-4, 11-9 victory to move into the semi-finals. The final medal position went to Alexandra CHIRIACOVA of Moldova and Sara TOKIC of Slovenia. They produced another dominant display against Lilou MASSART of Belgium and Enisa SADIKOVIC of Luxembourg, winning 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 to complete a clean sweep of 3-0 quarter-final victories. PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

A partnership created for the first time in Cluj-Napoca produced one of the biggest surprises of the doubles competition, as Danilo FASO of Italy and Görkem ÖÇAL of Türkiye eliminated the second-seeded Romanian pair of Iulian CHIRITA and Andrei ISTRATE on their way to the quarterfinal. FASO and ÖÇAL recovered after dropping the opening two games to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory (8-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7) and book their place in the next round. “We decided to play together about a month and a half ago. Görkem asked me and I said yes, I would like to. Now we are very happy because we are doing very well,” said FASO. The result added another chapter to a rivalry that has developed over recent years. At the European Youth Championships last year, FASO and ÖÇAL faced each other in the Under 15 Singles final, Doubles final and the Team event final between Italy and Türkiye, with FASO winning on each occasion. This time, however, the two former rivals joined forces and immediately proved a dangerous combination. “We were 2-0 down and we were not playing at our level. They were playing well, but we were not playing very well. Then we started to tell each other, ‘Come on, we can do it, we have to fight for this match.’ We started very well in each of the next games, leading 3-0, and that helped a lot,” said ÖÇAL. Knowing the draw had placed them against the second seeds, the new pair understood the size of the challenge. “When we saw the draw, we were not very happy, but before the match we were very focused. We wanted to beat them because after that we would have a chance to fight for medals,” said FASO. PHOTO By henk HOMMES

Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN secured first place in Group 8 of the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships, continuing his strong run and booking his place in the knockout stage. ABIODUN opened Stage 2 with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Switzerland’s Noe KEUSCH before producing one of the standout performances of the group against Spain’s Daniel BERZOSA. The Portuguese player won 4-1, reversing the outcome of their most recent meeting and taking control of the group standings. He completed the job in the final round with another 4-1 victory, this time against Nikon SHUTOV, finishing the group with a perfect 3-0 record. BERZOSA recovered from his defeat to ABIODUN by overcoming both SHUTOV and KEUSCH to finish second and secure qualification for the knockout phase. SHUTOV claimed his only victory against KEUSCH, while the Swiss player ended the group without a win. For ABIODUN, reaching the knockout stage was the first objective, but his ambitions now extend much further. “It feels great. My goal was to reach the main draw, and now I want to fight for a medal.” The Portuguese player admitted that the busy schedule was beginning to take its toll, but was pleased with the level he produced throughout the group. “I played well. I am a bit tired because yesterday was a tough day. Last time I lost against BERZOSA, so I am happy with the way I played.” Having topped both his Stage 1 group and now Stage 2, ABIODUN arrives in the knockout rounds full of confidence and with a clear target in mind. “What comes next? A medal, I think.” PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

Bulgaria’sYoan VELICHKOV continued his impressive run at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships by winning Group 7 in Stage 2 and securing his place in the knockout rounds. After topping his qualification group in Stage 1, VELICHKOV once again showed consistency when it mattered most. He opened with a 4-1 victory over Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK, followed it with a commanding 4-0 win against England’s Connor GREEN, and then completed a perfect group campaign with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Slovakia’s Damian FLORO. The Bulgarian admitted that simply progressing from the group had been his main objective. “I am feeling amazing. My goal was to get through the group, so finishing first is an even bigger achievement. I am looking forward to the next matches and I hope I can keep this level.” VELICHKOV entered Stage 2 expecting a close battle, having faced many of the players before. “I didn’t have many expectations. With the players in this group, it always felt like 50-50. I just wanted to give my best and let the result follow.” His strong performances have only boosted his confidence ahead of the knockout stage. “It gives me confidence. It shows me that I can play well and that I can compete. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” The Bulgarian has already enjoyed an excellent season, highlighted by victory at the WTT Youth Contender in Bulgaria, national singles and doubles titles, and first place in Germany’s Third League. Behind VELICHKOV, the battle for the second qualifying place remained open until the final round. Slovakia’s Damian FLORO made a flying start by defeating seventh seed Connor GREEN 4-1, one of the notable upsets of Stage 2. However, a 4-1 defeat toMarcel BLASZCZYK left the Slovak needing another result in the final round. Although FLORO pushed VELICHKOV all the way before losing in seven games, it was GREEN who secured second place in the standings thanks to his final-round victory over BLASZCZYK and a superior points ratio. As a result, VELICHKOV and GREEN advanced to the knockout stage, while FLORO narrowly missed out despite his impressive opening-round victory. VELICHKOV will now look to carry his unbeaten run into the knockout rounds, where the level is only set to rise. PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

Poland’s Anna BRZYSKA continued her impressive form at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships, winning Group 8 in Stage 2 and securing her place in the knockout stage. The Polish player has been one of the most consistent performers in the tournament so far. She began her campaign by topping Stage 1 Group 8 with victories over Denmark’s Sofie Khanh-Linh ECKEROTH, Lithuania’s Lukrecija JUCHNAITE and Italy’s Miriam CARNOVALE, advancing with a perfect 3-0 record. BRZYSKA carried that momentum into Stage 2. She opened with a convincing 4-0 victory over Germany’s Josephina NEUMANN before producing another dominant display to defeat Spain’s Maria BERZOSA 4-0. Those results left her in a strong position heading into the final group match against France’s Elise PUJOL. The French player provided BRZYSKA’s toughest challenge of the tournament so far, but the Pole stayed composed in the key moments to secure a 4-2 victory and complete another unbeaten group campaign. Reflecting on her performance, BRZYSKA admitted that the match against PUJOL was her most difficult test. “I am very happy that I won because I had a very strong opponent. Yesterday I won both matches 4-0. It wasn’t easy, but I was happy with the way I played. Today was the hardest match. She played really well and I had to stick to my tactics throughout the match. I’m happy that I managed to win.” Behind BRZYSKA, Germany’s Josephina NEUMANN secured second place in the group. After her opening defeat to the Polish player, NEUMANN bounced back with a 4-2 victory over PUJOL before defeating BERZOSA 4-1 to book her place in the knockout stage. BERZOSA had started strongly by beating PUJOL 4-2 in her opening match, but defeats to BRZYSKA and NEUMANN saw the Spaniard finish third. PUJOL, despite pushing the group winner harder than anyone else, ended the group without a victory. Having now won six matches from six across the opening two stages of the competition, BRZYSKA heads into the knockout rounds full of confidence. “I want to play my best.” PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

France’s Alexia NODIN continued her impressive run at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships by winning Group 7 and securing her place in the knockout stage. The 15-year-old French player has quietly put together one of the strongest campaigns of the tournament so far. Her journey was far from straightforward. NODIN began the championships with a 0-3 defeat against Germany’s Lorena MORSCH in Stage 1, leaving her with little room for error. She responded in style, beating Czechia’s Hanka KODET 3-0 and Finland’s Maria GIRLEA 3-0 to progress to Stage 2. Once there, NODIN raised her level again. Her campaign in Group 7 started with a dramatic comeback victory over Croatia’s Dora COSIC. Trailing 1-3, she recovered to win 4-3 before following up with a 4-0 victory against Portugal’s Mariana SANTA COMBA. The decisive match came against Austria’s Nina SKERBINZ, the highest-seeded player in the group. Although the scoreline ended 4-0 in NODIN’s favour, the French player insisted it was much closer than it appeared. “The games were actually quite close, even though the score was 4-0. I managed to win the important points and didn’t really give her the chance to get into the match. I’m very pleased with how I played.” Reflecting on her group campaign, NODIN admitted the opening match against COSIC had been the toughest challenge. “The first match against COSIC was quite complicated. I found myself trailing 1-3, but I managed to come back and win 4-3. I didn’t panic and stayed calm throughout the match.” Her second victory also carried extra significance. “Against SANTA COMBA, I was playing a girl I had lost to 3-0 not long ago, so I was very happy to win this time 4-0.” The results in Cluj-Napoca continue a strong season for the young French player, who has already made two WTT Youth Star Contender Under 19 finals this year. “I reached two WTT Youth Star Contender finals in the Under 19 category. I think those are my two best results of the year. Considering that I will only turn 16 this year, I’m very happy with that.” After recovering from an opening-day defeat in Stage 1 and then coming through a demanding Stage 2 group, NODIN heads into the knockout rounds with confidence and momentum on her side. Last year at the European Youth Championships NODIN clinched gold medal in doubles partnering Lou -Anne BOCQUET in Under 15 event. PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

The second day of competition at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships saw the top seeds enter the Women’s Singles event, and it did not take long for one of the tournament’s biggest surprises to arrive. In Group 2, Moldova’s Alexandra CHIRIACOVA, seeded No. 18, produced a sensational performance to defeat second seed Veronika MATIUNINA of Ukraine 4-0 (11-3, 12-10, 13-11, 14-12). MATIUNINA arrived in Cluj-Napoca as one of the leading contenders, having won the European Under 21 title in 2024 and finished runner-up last year in Bratislava. Yet CHIRIACOVA showed no signs of nerves, winning three tightly contested games after taking the opener comfortably to big victory of her career. The Moldovan admitted she was far from optimistic when she first saw the draw. “Actually, I was very sad when I saw the draw. In previous years I had difficult draws, and when I saw this group with Veronika MATIUNINA and Bianca MEI ROSU, I thought, ‘OK, I will just do my best and show everyone how I can play.’” CHIRIACOVA also felt that her experience from Stage 1 helped her settle more quickly into the match. “Veronika maybe didn’t feel so comfortable because it was her first match, while I had already played in the previous stage. I was relaxed and I managed to keep the ball on the table.” The other match in the group saw Romania’s Bianca MEI ROSU make an impressive start, defeating Spain’s Eugenia SASTRE 4-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-8, 11-4). Competing in front of a home crowd, MEI ROSU was delighted to begin her Stage 2 campaign with a victory. “It’s very special. I think this is my third time playing here and I really enjoy competing in front of the home crowd. I want to show my best game and prove myself.” The Romanian felt her familiarity with the group helped her approach the match with confidence. “When I saw the group, I knew I could play well because I had already played all three adversaries before. I knew this match would be a tough one, but I managed to focus on my game and my tactics.” Meanwhile, Group 1 largely followed the seeding predictions. Defending champion and top seed Anna HURSEY of Wales opened her title defence with a 4-1 victory over Belgium’s Julie VAN HAUWAERT. After dropping the first game, HURSEY quickly settled into her rhythm and won the next four to secure the win. In the group’s second match, Poland’s Natalia BOGDANOWICZ also recovered from a slow start to defeat Romania’s Alesia Sofia SFERLEA 4-1. With the seeded players now entering the competition and the first major upset already recorded, the battle for places in the knockout stage is beginning to take shape in Cluj-Napoca. In Group 5 Germany’s Koharu ITAGAKI and Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA moved into strong positions in the race for qualification. ITAGAKI was forced to work hard for her victory against Luxembourg’s Enisa SADIKOVIC, eventually prevailing 4-2 in a closely contested encounter. After exchanging games throughout much of the match, the German found the decisive answers in the closing stages to secure the win. Despite falling behind at different moments, ITAGAKI never lost belief. “I was expecting a difficult match. I just told myself to stay calm and that I could still win even if I was behind. I managed to stay positive and that was very important.” According to the German, a tactical adjustment proved decisive. “The key was changing my serve towards the end of the match. It was effective and helped me win some easier points.” The other match in the group produced a convincing victory for Czechia’s Veronika POLAKOVA, who defeated Belgium’s Lilou MASSART 4-0. PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

The second day of play at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships marked the start of Stage 2, with the top eight seeds entering the singles competition for the first time. All eyes were on Group 1, where top seed and home favourite Iulian CHIRITA began his campaign. Last year’s runner-up made a confident start, defeating Luxembourg’s Mael VAN DESSEL 4-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3). In the group’s other match, Turkey’s Görkem ÖÇAL, who advanced from Stage 1, continued his impressive run with a 4-0 victory over Sweden’s Isak ALFREDSSON. For CHIRITA, the opening match brought a mixture of nerves and relief. “It’s very important to start well in such a competition. I was a bit stressed because the first match is always difficult, but I managed to play well. I still have two more matches and I hope to win them.” Despite arriving as the top seed and one of the title favourites, the Romanian remains focused on taking the tournament one step at a time. “I always like to take it match by match, game by game, and not think ahead. I try to give as much as possible in every match. In the end, I will see what the result is.” Playing in front of a home crowd naturally raises expectations, but CHIRITA is determined not to look too far ahead. “It would be the most important title of my career. I never won a European title in cadets or juniors. I lost in the final last year, but I don’t want to think that far ahead, about the semifinals or the final.” While the leading contenders made their entrance, several lower groups produced notable surprises. In Group 7, Slovakia’s Damian FLORO, seeded No. 21, produced one of the biggest results of the round by defeating England’s Connor GREEN, the No. 7 seed, 4-1. In the same group, Bulgaria’s Yoan VELICHKOV, seeded No. 13, justified his ranking with a 4-1 victory over Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK. FLORO was delighted with a victory over one of the tournament’s leading seeds. “It’s very good for me, especially because Connor is playing very well right now. I was 100 percent focused and played very well. This is my second Under 21 Championships and he is in very good form, so this victory means a lot to me.” The Slovak explained that his game plan was built around discipline and taking every opportunity. “I wanted to win every point and take every chance I got because he is a very good player. I had to stay strong in my own game.” Another surprise came in Group 5, where Denmark’s Dominykas SAMUOLIS, seeded No. 20, defeated fifth seed Gabrielius CAMARA of the Netherlands 4-2. In the group’s other encounter, Czechia’s Stepan BRHEL, seeded No. 16, edged Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS, the No. 10 seed, in a dramatic seven-game battle. For SAMUOLIS, the victory was made even more special by the fact that CAMARA is a close friend and teammate. “I am very happy. He is a good teammate of mine. We both live in Sweden and play for the same club. I don’t usually beat him.” The Dane credited a patient and disciplined approach for the result. “I wanted to play very safely and not take too many unnecessary risks. I tried to stay calm and play the shots that would help me win in the long run.” One of the most convincing performances of the opening day of Stage 2 came from Germany’s Andre BERTELSMEIER, who strengthened his position at the top of Group 2 with two impressive victories. The German, who claimed a bronze medal at last year’s European Under 21 Championships, began his campaign with a 4-1 win over Czechia’s Jakub MAKARA before producing an even more dominant display against Italy’s Danilo FASO. FASO had earned his place in Stage 2 by winning his qualification group and opened with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Israel’s Eitay SHUSHAN. However, he found BERTELSMEIER in outstanding form in the evening session, with the German securing a convincing 4-0 victory (11-5, 11-4, 11-2, 11-9). After winning both of his opening matches, BERTELSMEIER was pleased with the way he had settled into the tournament. “It was a very good start. It was tough to get into the first match, but after the first set everything was OK. Now I am ready for the next matches.” The German is also clear about what he hopes to achieve in Cluj-Napoca. “I want to win as much as possible. I want to go home with the gold medal. Last year I won bronze, now I want to lift the trophy.” PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU

The ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships is underway in Cluj-Napoca, with the opening days dedicated to Stage 1 and 2 of the singles events. Under the championship format, the top eight seeded players are placed directly into Stage 2, bypassing the qualification phase. . That meant defending Women’s Singles champion and top seed Anna HURSEY of Wales was not in action on the opening day. Instead, she will begin her title defence when Stage 2 commences today, joining a group that also features Natalia BOGDANOWICZ of Poland, Julie VAN HAUWAERT of Belgium, and Romania’s Alesia Sofia SFERLEA. HURSEY enters the stage looking to defend the title she won so memorably the previous year. When HURSEY returns to Cluj-Napoca, she does so carrying a unique piece of European table tennis history. Twelve months ago in Bratislava, the Welsh star enjoyed the most successful tournament of her young career, becoming the first Welsh player ever to win a European title in a women’s or youth event. She left Slovakia with two gold medals, claiming both the Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles crowns and establishing herself among the leading players of her generation. Now, she returns as the player everyone wants to beat. “I remember the tournament being very successful, winning the singles and doubles event, so I’m very excited to play again and hopefully play my best,” HURSEY said ahead of the championships. The past year has brought new experiences, tougher opponents and further progress. Regular appearances on the senior circuit have helped the Welsh player continue her development, giving her valuable opportunities to test herself against some of the sport’s most established names. “It helps me massively, to have more confidence and experience playing against high-level players,” she explained. Those experiences have also helped shape what she believes is the strongest period of her career so far. “I think I’m in a good place heading into Cluj-Napoca. I feel good physically and emotionally going into the tournament. I’ve had my best results in the last year, so I’m just hoping I can keep building on that over the next years.” The Women’s Singles event promises to be one of the highlights of the championships. Former European Under 21 champion Veronika MATIUNINA of Ukraine is seeded second and eager to reclaim the title she won in 2024. Italy’s Nicole ARLIA, France’s Leana HOCHART, Luxembourg’s Enisa SADIKOVIC and Poland’s Zuzanna WIELGOS are among a strong group of contenders, while a host of emerging talents will be looking to make their breakthrough on the European stage. Yet HURSEY is taking nothing for granted. “I’ve seen there are many good players playing the event. I think everyone I play will be a good challenge for me.” Success in Bratislava may have elevated expectations, but the Welsh player is approaching this year’s tournament with the same determination that carried her to the title twelve months ago. “I’m very happy to have won two gold medals last year and I know it will be a different challenge to do it all again, but I will give it my all.” While defending the Women’s Singles crown remains an obvious objective, HURSEY’s ambitions extend beyond medals. “Of course I want to have good results in Cluj-Napoca, but I also have goals about my play that I want to achieve as well.” With confidence high, valuable senior-level experience behind her and another opportunity to make history ahead, Anna HURSEY arrives in Cluj-Napoca as the player to beat. Whether she can successfully defend her title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Europe’s next generation will be chasing the champion from Wales.

One of the most intriguing stories of the opening day at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships unfolded in Group 1, where Croatia’s Borna PETEK followed up a stunning victory over top qualification seed Mateusz ZALEWSKI with a difficult encounter against home player Robert ISTRATE. Earlier in the day, PETEK produced one of the biggest upsets of Stage 1, defeating Poland’s ZALEWSKI in straight games. The Croatian credited thorough preparation and a clear tactical plan for the victory. “I prepared really well with my coach. We had a good tactic, my adversary didn’t feel so confident and I played very well. In the end, the tactic made the difference.” However, maintaining that momentum proved difficult against ISTRATE, who bounced back strongly after suffering a heartbreaking five-game defeat to Sweden’s Isak ALFREDSSON in his opening match. The Romanian recovered impressively to secure a commanding 3-0 victory over PETEK, keeping his qualification hopes alive. “It was a difficult preparation. In the first match he won 3-0, he was confident. I lost my first match after leading 2-0 and 10-8, so I tried to focus only on this match and do my best.” ISTRATE felt his second performance was built on greater discipline and a stronger mental approach. “My confidence was lower, but the game was better, even though the first match wasn’t bad either. My discipline was higher.” The victory brought obvious relief to the Romanian. “I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to the next match.” After two rounds, Group 1 remains wide open. ZALEWSKI recovered from his opening defeat by overcoming ALFREDSSON 3-1, while ISTRATE’s victory over PETEK ensured that all four players remain in contention heading into the decisive phase of the group. Another surprise followed in Group 2 as Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS was beaten by Turkey’s Görkem ÖÇAL, who secured a convincing 3-0 victory (11-7, 11-3, 11-6) to take an early advantage in the group. While some of the favorites stumbled, Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Italy’s Danilo FASO both opened their campaigns with impressive victories. One of the most convincing performances of the opening session came from Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN, who took control of Group 3 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Finland’s Lassi LEHTOLA (11-2, 11-6, 11-4). In the group’s other encounter, Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK defeated Lithuania’s Ignas SISANOVAS by the same scoreline. ABIODUN arrived in Cluj-Napoca encouraged by his recent progress and believes he is in a strong position to challenge for a medal. ” I recovered my shape after the surgery. I am playing great and I am very happy to be here.” The Portuguese player has placed all of his focus on the singles event. “My goal is to win a medal. I don’t play doubles or mixed doubles because I want to be rested for singles.” Despite his confident start, ABIODUN expects a difficult road ahead. “It’s a 50-50 match every time, very difficult. I think I can manage to go through the main draw.” ABIODUN followed his opening win over Finland’s LEHTOLA with a 3-1 victory against Lithuania’s Ignas SISANOVAS (11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7). The Portuguese player now sits at the top of the group and is well placed to secure qualification for the next stage. In the other Group 3 match, Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK defeated LEHTOLA 3-1 to remain in contention. Italy’s Danilo FASO also opened his campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Switzerland’s Noe KEUSCH 3-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-7) to move to the top of Group 6. The group’s second match proved far more dramatic, with Greece’s Georgios KOSMAS recovering from a two-game deficit to beat Sweden’s Elias SJÖGREN 3-2. Competing in his second Under 21 Championships, FASO was pleased with the way he began the tournament. “I feel good. It’s my second year playing Under 21. I just want to play and I’m happy after this game. Now I have to play a player from Sweden and I hope to play like this and pass the first group. I feel very good after this 3-0 win.” One of the youngest players in the field, the Italian sees the event as an opportunity to test himself against older opponents. “Everybody is older than me, so this is a challenge. I hope to do my best and play very well.” FASO also acknowledged the depth of quality throughout the draw. “It’s hard. The first eight players don’t play the first group and they are very good. The European Under 19 Championships would probably be easier for me because everyone is younger, but I will do my best.” FASO also maintained a perfect record in Group 6. After opening with a 3-0 victory over Switzerland’s Noe KEUSCH, the Italian followed up with a 3-1 win against Sweden’s Elias SJOGREN (11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5). Group 11 produced another surprise as Sweden’s William BERGENBLOCK recovered from an opening-round defeat to upset Austria’s Julian RZIHAUSCHEK in a thrilling five-game encounter. RZIHAUSCHEK had started the day strongly, defeating Germany’s Lleyton ULLMANN 3-1, while BERGENBLOCK suffered a narrow five-game loss to Portugal’s Clement LAINE. However, the Swede bounced back impressively in Round 2, overcoming RZIHAUSCHEK 3-2 (11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5). PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU