60th STAG European Youth Championships
Sweden halted England’s progress to book their place in the quarterfinal of the Junior Boys Team’s Event at the 60th European Youth Championships in Portugal. They joined Russia Greece Belgium Russia Italy Germany France and Romania.
England stretched Sweden to full five matches. Tom JARVIS beat Simon SODERLUND and Matthew LEETE overcame Jonathan THIMON but Truls MOREGARDH showed no mercy. He overcame Luk SAVILL and JARVIS. In the decisive match SODERLUND beat SAVILL.
“England played very good but we were prepared for this game and we had a great team spirit that lead us to the victory ” said MOREGARDH. “In next round I think we have a good chance against Greece.”
Greece prevailed against Czech Republic after fierce battle in five matches.
“It is the first time for us to play for the medal. We are so excited. Now we will meet Sweden but we believe we can win. They are favorites but we will fight ” said Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS who overcame Jan VALENTA and Jiri MARTINKO. “I feel confident especially with my backhand and footwork. “
Russia succeeded against Croatia in straight matches and Italy followed their path with 3:0 victory over Hungary. By the same margin Germany beat Slovenia France overcame Spain and Romania beat Slovakia. Belgium needed five matches to overcame Poland.
