2017 ITTF Challenge Belgosstrakh Belarus Open
Cristian PLETEA clinched the Under 21 Men’s title at the 2017 ITTF Challenge Belgosstrakh Belarus Open. Saki SHIBATA reached the top step of the podium in the Under 21 Women’s Singles competitions.
Romania’s Cristian Pletea entered the Under 21 Men’s Singles draw seeded fourth for the event and the odds were stacked against him in the final as he faced the no.1 seed Yuto KIZUKURI for the title. On his way to the final KIZUKURI beat the third seed Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic
“I was a bit upset when taking to the table because I had suffered the loss in Men’s Singles 40 minutes ago. But I knew that it was crucial to ignore emotions and stand tall. Today I played my 200%. That’s my first victory in an Under 21 international tournament I’m very happy” said Cristian PLETEA.