STAG 2017 European Youth Championships
European cadet singles champions from 2015 Cristian PLETEA of Romania is in the semi final of the Junior Singles Event at the STAG 2017 European Youth Championships in Portugal. In quarterfinal he halted the progress of Tom JARVIS of England 4:1 (7 10 -5 2 10).
“Tom is very strong both on attack and in defense. He has a many variations on the service. I had to attack him to the middle and also to change my service game ” said PLETEA. “It is my first semis as a junior and I am feeling very well.”
He will meet Simon SODERLUND of Sweden who overcame Carlo ROSSI of Italy (8 9 4 8). Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS of Greece enjoyed his day by playing against Artur ABUSEV of Russia. Last game he won 11:0 (3 9 -6 6 0). He will meet Rares SIPOS оf Romania who beat Gerrit ENGEMANN of Germany (-10 6 -7 10 4 9).
“I avenged my defeat in the Team’s Event against ENGEMANN. Then I was 10:5 in the decisive game and I lost. Now in the Singles I was 2:8 down in the sixth game and I won 11:9.” Explained SIPOS. “Now I felt fresh ENGEMANN had a very safe game so kept my flip under control.”
In the Cadet Boys Singles Event reigning champion Vladimir SIDORENKO of Russia reached the medal rostrum. In the quarterfinal he beat Olav KOSOLOSKY of Belgium 4:1 (8 7 10 -10 3).
“Olav KOSOLOSKY had a very good tactics against me ” said SIDORENKO. “ Against Samuel I played few times before and I know it is going to be a close encounter.”
For the final he will meet Samuel KULCZYCKI of Poland. Polish player overcame Bilal HAMACHE of France 4:0 (7 7 7 9).
“I played incredibly well HILAL was not at the top of his game. So far it is best match that I have played in Portugal. I am so happy I won the medal here ” said Samuel KULCZYCKI.
Maksim GREBNEV of Russia beat Dorian ZHENG of France 4:3 (8 -11 8 -7 8 -10 8). Truls MOREGARDH of Sweden beat Frantisek ONDERKA of Czech Republic 4:1 (7 -5 4 7 7)
