2017 ITTF World Junior Championships in Riva del Garda
In Romania’s Cluj – Napoca in summer of 2018 at the European Youth Championships one notable name will be missing. Adina DIACONU will no longer be junior. Next summer European singles champion from 2016 and 2015 as junior and 2014 and 2013 as cadet will walk on the path of the success in seniors category.
In a meanwhile she already at the middle of the 2017 ITTF World Junior Championships in Riva del Garda secured nice farewell present. Romania clinched bronze medal in the Team’s Event.
“This is my last year at this circuit and I wanted to leave it with minimum of one medal. I am so happy for the team and for myself ” said Adina. “Every match was very difficult. I gave my best to stay focus in each one. It was important not only for me but for stability in the team. It gave them confidence too.”
On their way to the semis Romania overcame Germany; in Group phase beat Czech Republic and Chinese Taipei. They were halted at the penultimate hurdle in the match against China.
“Against Czech Republic we went full distance. It is always hard to play the first match at the championships. In addition it was our but not Czech’s first match. They already warmed up in the qualification phase. I was on the dangerous ground. First match for me was easy but then I faces BLASKOVA at 1-2 for our adversaries. She played like there is nothing to lose and I have to kept calm and make every stroke as best as I can.”
The match against Chinese Taipei was also full of challenges.
“I won both my matches but in first I was two games to null in reverse. I improved my return of the service but most important I never lose the faith I am better than her. I was confident. In the second one I was aware I am playing for the place in the quarterfinal and not only that my result could make a difference for our position in the draw. I had a very good tactic and I did my best from very first ball.”
Against Germany in quarter finals Romani won 3-1
“First match I played against SCHREINER it was first time for me to play gains her so it was little bit strange. The fact that I saw how good she was night before against Russia did not help at all. Against WOLF was also difficult task. She beat me last time but at this Championships I felt more confident and my game was really good. I put a lot of spin on each ball.”
China eventually halted the perfect run.
“We tried to play our best but they were playing amazing; we enjoyed the game and we use the match to learn from them . They proved in the final that they are the best and won first place in team beat Japan 3-1 in the final”.
DIACONU is only on half way through.
“I want 2 or 3 medals on this Worlds. First medal I took in teams; in mixed doubles we are in 16 now if we will keep played with focus and calm I think we can make a good result. In girls double we had also good draw. After last year’s title I hope for another one. In singles I would like very much to take one medal but it is much harder than last year. I feel very good and prepared at this world mentally and physical also.”
