2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships
In all-German final Chantal MANTZ clinched the crown in Women’s Singles Event at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships in Sochi. At the final hurdle she overcame team-mate and club-mate WAN Yuan (8-11 11-9 5-11 12-10 11-6 11-7).
At the very start of the journey she beat the top seeded Adina DIACONU of Romania but she admitted the challenge to play against the adversary she knows so well was a tough challenge too.
“It was very difficult. Her backhand is so strong. I had to found a way to stop her. I tried to play more on forehand side and to force her into mistakes ” explained MANZ.
WAN Yuan halted progress of Lisa LUNG of Belgium in the penultimate stage after straight games match (11-4 11-7 11-8 11-8).
“It was a straight games victory but it was not easy at all. I attacked with the good service and I tried to surprise LUNG with my returns. I never let her know where it is going to go. I did not play risky try to keep everything under control and to play safe. However I did not stop attacking and played into the corners to made her less dangerous ” said WAN.
In the other semi final Chantal MANTZ beat Maria TAILAKOVA of Russia (14-12 11-9 11-6 11-8).
“I felt much better then yesterday. My game was much better but still it was not as easy as the results predict ” stated MANTZ. ”In two opening games TAILAKOVA was in the lead. She had control and I had to catch up with her. Then I managed to adjust to her game I aimed to her body; she likes to stay close to the table and I forced her into the mistakes.”
