2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships
Anders LIND of Denmark and Alexander VALUCH of Slovakia are the surprise winners of the Men’s Doubles title at the 2017 STAG European Under 21 Championships. They beat no. two seeds Tomislav PUCAR of Croatia and Janos Bence MAJOROS of Hungary on their way to the highest step on the medal rostrum (11-8 11-5 11-6).
They were in the fast lane from the very start of the match.
“The final and semi final were comparatively easy. On our way to the last day we struggled a lot against POLANSKY and REITSPIES of Czech Republic ” said Alexander VALUCH.
It is only the second time that this pair is playing together.
“We had a really bad start at the Hungarian open. We concluded our journey there in the qualifications. That is why we did not have high expectations here ” said LIND. ”We controlled the game in the final with low shots try to keep them out guard with fast balls and back flips.”
Both semi final matches concluded in straight games. Tomislav PUCAR and Janos Bence MAJOROS overcame Adam SZUDI and Nandor ECSEKI (8-11 9-11 8-11).
“We started to attack them from the beginning. We took full control over the match and we kept the game at the same high level until the end. We were very calm quiet and focused ” explained MAJAROS.
Tomislav PUCAR added that they did not have problem preparing the tactics.
“I am playing with ECSEKI in the club and they are all team-mates so we knew what to expect. We were well prepared.”
Anders LIND and Alexander VALUCH overcame Anton KALLBERG and Simon BERGLUND of Sweden (9-11 5-11 9-11).
“I am very positive. I knew we would win this. We just went straight forward ” said Anders.
VALUCH also underlined they felt no pressure at all.
“We did not make any easy mistakes and we were focused. It is first time that we played against them in doubles but we knew their game from the singles.”
