Russia clinched gold medals in both Junior Boys and Cadet Boys Team’s Event. In the final of the junior’s they overcame Azerbaijan whilst cadets prevailed against Romania.
Beating Azerbaijan was a special task. So far at the tournament they showed very few weak spots so Russia could not afford any mistakes.
“Both Vladimir SIDORENKO and Maksim GREBNEV had to win their matches against Azerbaijan’s no. two YANG Xinyu. That was must- to situation and that is why the match between Lev KATSMAN and WANG Chenxi was so crucial. We did not have space for any mistake our third player must have scored ” said coach Vadim AHMEDOV.
Exactly that happened. Lev overcame WANG and Maxim GREBNEV won the decisive match in three games. Two opening games concluded by 12-10 margin.
Russia beat Hungary in the Round of 16 and already in quarters met one of the strongest candidates for gold – Sweden.
“They are very strong; it was difficult one. However throughout the Event we proved that not only have strong individuals we justified our values as a team.”
GREBNEV had a chance to finish the job at 2-1 against Truls MOREGARD but he lost. SIDORENKO won both his points. However GREBNEV managed to came back stronger for the final. In the semi final Russia beat Germany.
In the Cadet Boys Event Russia’s Vladislav MAKAROV Denis IZUMRUDOV and Sergey RYZHOV overcame Romania. On their way to the final they beat Ukraine Czech Republic and Germany.
