STAG 2017 European Youth Championships
The first stage – group phase of the Cadet Boys Teams Event concluded at the STAG 2017 European Youth Championships. Top two positions in their respective groups are booked by: Russia and Italy in Group A France and Portugal in Group B Hungary and Poland in Group C and Belgium and Germany in Group D.
They will progress directly to the Round of 16 whilst the other teams will go through the play-off matches for remaining places.
In Group A Russia finished at the top without defeat. They succeeded against Italy Turkey and Ukraine. It was same case scenario for France in Group B. They succeed against Portugal Romania and Spain. However the battle for the second position in that Group was the one that kept the spectators at the edge of their seats. Portugal the only host nation representative in top Division played against Romania for the direct place in the top 16.
The back-bone of Portugal’s success was once again Tiago LI. He won two singles and doubles match.
“I was not very confident at the beginning of the game. I decided to play safe and I managed to win. It is Fransico SILVA’s first Championships but from the start we were at the top of the game. That helped me boosted my confidence. Against Andrei TOMICA Romania’s no. one I succeeded in straight games ” said Tiago LI.
LI admitted he wanted to help his team to stay in the top division because it is his last year in cadets.
“We would like to play in the quarterfinal but our real goal is the medal. I hope it will happen.”
In Group C Hungary cruised through the tournament so far. In the last round they beat Poland but they are also safely through whilst Sweden and Denmark will have to play play-off matches.
Belgium overcame Germany Croatia and Austria in Group D.
Olav KOSOLOSKI with two wins in singles and doubles showed good performance today: “I felt confortable from the beginning. I had good feeling with the ball. First contact was good I was happy with the service and receive. We had a good game against Austria today and against Germany yesterday. I hope we will win the medal in team’s event. I also hope for the medal in doubles next week.”
Germany is second. Today they overcame Croatia. Despite two wins Felix WETZEL admitted he did not feel confortable at the beginning.
“I felt little bit shaky with the first balls but it did not take long before I settle into the rhythm. In doubles with Fernando JANZ I played for a first time at the tournament but we were well prepared ” said WETZEL.
