CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux
In the final of the CCB Europe Top 16 Cup Montreux Germany’s Petrissa SOLJA will meet Bernadette SZOCS of Romania. In the semi final SOLJA overcame Sofia POLCANOVA of Austria (13:15 11:4 7:11 11:3 10:12 9:11) whilst SZOCS beat Natalia PARTYKA of Poland (8:11 11:9 8:11 12:10 12:14 11:9 2:11).
In first semi final two times runner up at the Top- 16 (in 2017 and 2015) SOLJA needed time to build up her game but even I tough moments she stayed calm.
“I needed time to wake up ” commented Petrissa with the smile.” POLCANOVA had a much better start. It took time before I settled into the rhythm. However I did not lose my self-confidence. I lost few easy balls in second and fourth game. I could not put the ball on the table but Sofia played very offensive and she did not give much time. She is very quick.”
SOLJA also said: ”I played twice in the final I know what to expect. The most important thing is think about it like about any other match.”
Few weeks ago at the Hungarian Open SOLJA beat POLCANOVA but in the quarterfinal of the European championships in Alicante Austria’s player was better.
Three times Paralympics Games medalist Natalia PARTYKA stretched title holder in Montreux to full seven games but could not halted her progress.
“I won the title in the same venue last year and that gave confidence even in the hardest moment of the match. I played at the top level for the past three years and a lot of things changed. I already played against PARTYKA for a five times. She was always better but at the last encounter at the World Teams Championships I beat her. I reached the new level now ” said SZOCS.
Bernadette SZOCS spoke about the final match as well: “ SOLJA is my good friend. I am happy we will meet.”
