BUTTERFLY Under 21 European Championships
In the semi final of the Women’s Singles Event at the BUTTERFLY Under 21 European Championships tomorrow will play Maria MALANINA of Russia against Tania PLAIAN of Romania and Adina DIACONU of Romania against Nadezhda BOGDANOVA of Belarus
Highest ranked player on duty after Russia’s Valeria SCHERBATYKH faced early exit in Round Stage Lisa LUNG of Belgium lost against Maria MALANINA of Russia.
“I won in straight games but it was not easy at all. When I was preparing for this match I had our last encounter in mind. I beat her three years ago in a very close match and I was cautious today. I know I have to be very focused ” explained MALANINA.
In straight games Adina DIACONU overcame Oceane GUISNEL of France.
“It was much harder then the result predicts. Every game was close but I was much better in finish. I was motivated and I gave my best that my adversary sees that. Of course there is always a huge pressure when you play for medal but I did not let it overcame me ” said DIACONU.
Nadezhda BOGDANOVA also finds it hard to cope with pressure in final moments of the match against Andreea DRAGOMAN of Romania. However she kept her nerve and prevailed.
“We played against each other long time ago and I was not orientated on her tactics very much. My main task was to keep my focus and to stay calm. I managed to stick to that tactics until 3:0 and 6:3 in fourth game but then I realized how close I am to win the medal. I started to shake and I am still shaking. I lost one game before I settled in my rhythm and concluded the match ” said BOGDANOVA.
Tania PLAIAN stayed longest in the field after being forced to play all seven games against Audrey ZARIF of France.
“I knew I can beat her even before the match although she was the favorite. Few things worked in my favor. I am younger and I was under less pressure I knew my game is difficult for her and I had my service game perfectly tuned. We went full distance but I always felt I am in control ” said Tania.
In Round of 16 seeded only at the position no. 53 Tania PLAIAN beat Christina KALLBERG of Sweden no. 30 seed to reach the quarterfinal. Audrey ZARIF prevailed against Karoline MISCHEK of Austria. Maria MALANINA halted the progress of no. 6 seed Daria TRIGOLOS of Belarus whilst Lisa LUNG prevailed against Sophia KLEE of Germany after five games.
Romania’s Adina DIACONU preserved some energy by beating Slovakia’s Tatiana KUKULKOVA in straight games on her way to quarters. In same superb style Andreea DRAGOMAN overcame Marie MIGOT of France. Nadezhda BOGDANOVA of Belarus beat Leonie HARTBRICH of Hungary and Tin-Tin HO of England suffered by the hands of Oceane GUISNEL.
