LIEBHERR European Championships
Winner of the bronze medal at the European Singles Championships in Alicante year earlier Sofia POLCANOVA shined at the beginning of the LIEBHERR European Championships this year as well. Austria’s top player was the backbone of team’s success against Bulgaria in the opening match of the Women’s Team’s Event on her 25thbirthday. Poland overcame Turkey 3-0. In Men’s Team Event Serbia overcame Belgium 3-2 and Romania beat Hungary 3-1.
POLCANOVA succeeded against Polina TRIFONOVA and Maria YOVKOVA Amelie SOLJA beat Kalina HRISTOVA whilst LIU Jia lost to YOVKOVA.
“This is the best present for my birthday ” said POLCANOVA.” The defeat of LIU Jia was not expected but we managed to secure the victory. LIU had 2-0 advantage but it seamed that she lost the focus. It is nothing strange we are among top European teams and everyone can beat everyone here. Every mistake can be punished.”
Romania beat Hungary in four matches. Cristian PLETEA overcame Tamas LAKATOS and Bence MAJOROS whilst Rares SIPOS prevailed against Adam SZUDI. Bence MAJOROS proved too strong for Ovidiu IONESCU.
“It was great team’s effort and I hope we will continue the same way against Sweden. I get great deal of self confidence after victory over World’s no. five HARIMOTO so I am looking forward next challenge ” said PLETEA. “I was confident. I knew even if I lost my match IONESCU will play the decisive match.”
Serbia created upset by beating Belgium. Whilst figures worked in favor of favorites experienced proved as crucial for Serbia’s win.
“They are better on rankings but we are always more dangerous when it comes to team’s effort. This is not Singles event so our chances are greater than the numbers predicted ” said Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC.
Cedric NUYTINCK beat Zsolt PETO in straight games but in next match Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC leveled against Florent LAMBIET by same margin. The crucial match was the one that Marko JEVTOVIC won against Robin DEVOS. PETO overcame LAMBIET in decisive match. NUYTINCK preserved unbeaten status.
“That one was important. He made this victory possible. I hope it will be the same against Poland. They have two juniors and one young senior so we will be in the same position ” explained KARAKASEVIC.
Poland faced no difficulties against Turkey. Led by no. 5 in Europe LI Qian Natalia PARTRYKA and Natalia BAJOR prevailed against Sibel ALTINKAYA Ozge YILMAZ and Ece HARAC.
“It was difficult match in terms that is always hard to play first duel at the Championships for the rest we were ready. We study the adversaries and prepare good tactics ” said PARTYKA.
Next challenge is to face Sweden.
“The decisive match will between LI Qian and Matilda EKHOLM. We know each other well we played against each other many times in singles events. In team’s it was always close ” added PARTYKA.
