In Group A6 in the Stage 1 of the European Championships Slovenia overcame Ukraine whilst in the Group A4 Austria prevailed against Spain.
Slovenia recorded one win so far against Ukraine and they lost one match against the unbeaten team in the Group Romania.
Tonight Ukraine played their home match in Slovenia due the current circumstances. “Guests” prevailed in straight matches. Deni KOZUL overcame Nazar TRETIAK (11:2 11:7 11:6) Darko JORGIC prevailed against Mykyta ZAVADA (11:8 15:13 11:2) and Anton LIMONOV failed to make the match longer. He lost to Peter HRIBAR in four games (6:11 11:6 3:11 6:11).
“This is very important win for us tonight. Now we are one step closer to the place in the final stage in Malmo ” said JORGIC.”Deni gave us very good start with good match against TRETIAK. He faced no problems. In the second match I was under little pressure in the two opening games but thanks to my routine I managed to end it in straight games. At the end HRIBAR played against Ukraine’s best player tonight. He dominated from the beginning until the end.”
There is no time for break. Slovenia will meet Ukraine again at the same place tomorrow.
“We need only two games to secure our pass but nevertheless we will fight and give our best to win ” Said JORGIC.
In Group A 4 Spain lost the opening match against Croatia. Tonight in Granada they suffered against Austria in five matches.
Alvaro ROBLES gave Spain dream start with the victory over Andreas LEVENKO (11:6 8:11 11:3 11:6).
“I felt very comfortable with my game in the opening match. I controlled the game and stayed focused by playing point by point ” said ROBLES.
The advantage did not last for long. Joan MASIP put great effort he was 0:2 in reverse before he recovered but Robert GARDOS withstood his spirited comeback to level the match at 1:1 (9:11 11:13 12:10 11:7 7:11).
Carlos CABALLERO lost to David SERDAROGLU (4:11 11:5 8:11 5:11) before ROBLES added second win on his score line and beat GARDOS (11:8 11:4 9:11 11:7). In the decisive match Andreas LEVENKO overcame Joan MASIP (14:12 11:7 7:11 12:14 11:9).
“It was really difficult match. We struggled even before the start because HABESOH got sick and could not play and he could not come. He got sick on Sunday as well as I and I was out of the trainings for five days with 39 fever and antibiotics. However it was not far for me to come to play so I was at the match but I practiced only once ” explained GARDOS.
The team was prepared for a five matches duel.
“It was difficult to beat ROBLES so we did not count on that two matches” said GARDOS ”I am happy that I won close one against MASIP despite the difficulties related to recent illness.”
