The 2018 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Japan’s Tottori
On the ultimate day of the Team’s Events at the 2018 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Japan’s Tottori Europe team clinched the bronze medal in Cadet Boys Teams Event whilst Girls concluded their journey at the position no. 5.
In match for third position Maciej KUBIK of Poland Myshaal SABHI of France and Mike HOLO of Germany beat North America‘s Edward LY of Canada Sid NARESH of USA and his compatriot Nikhil KUMAR. In semis Japan prevailed against Europe in straight matches.
In Group’s phase Europe suffered only by the hands of Asian representatives and beat Oceania and Hopes team.
In Cadet Girls Teams Event Elena ZAHAROVA of Romania Elizabet ABRAMIAN of Russia and Rebecca MUSKANTOR of Sweden beat Sophie ERLEY of Ireland Emily TAN of USA and LEE Xin of Malesia in the match for the fifth position.
In Group phase Europe overcame Africa but lost against North America and Japan.
“Girls were step from being true heroes but misfortunate schedule and course of events brought them to the position no. five. In the group stage they were only few points away from beating newly crowned champions Japan. It was 2:2 and ABRAAMIAN lead 2:0 and 7:1 against Japan’s no. 1 SUGASAWA. She failed to seize that opportunity and lost the match. The girls were devastated that match was already their. They cried and unfortunately only 25 minutes later they had to play against North America. Girls just could not be at their best after such hard disappointment ” explained ETTU Development Manager Neven CEGNAR.
The competition is the hardest in past 10 years.
“The competition is really fierce. Asian representatives are in full power here ” said CEGNAR.” Boys were also great. Against Asia yesterday we were close to 2:0 Myshaal had 1:0 and 8:5 against Chinese player. We lost but the boys showed brave face and true quality in the match for bronze.”
