In the Group A6 in the Stage 1 of the European Championships Slovenia overcame Ukraine for a second time in two days. In Group A 2 in Kovilovo England prevailed against Serbia.
So far Slovenia beat Ukraine twice and suffered defeat by the hands of Romania’s players. The second leg against Romania is scheduled for the start of 2023.
Daro JORGIC gave Slovenia quick lead after the victory over Andrii GREBNIUK (11:4 11:3 11:6) and Deni KOZUL continued in the same pace against Anton LIMONOV (11:7 11:7 11:1). In the third match Peter HRIBAR needed four games to overcame Mykyta ZAVADA (11:5 10:12 11:7 11:6).
“We secured the place in the final stage of the European Championships in Malmo and we are very happy. Now we have only one match to play against Romania but the main job was done as we planned ” said JORGIC.” We were also little lucky because Ukraine came here without two main players with young team.”
In Kovilovo after more than three hours of play England beat Serbia 3:2. It was almost history repeated but England managed to halt the re-run of the scenario they have faced on their way to Nantes 2019.
Dimitrije LEVAJAC created upset at the beginning of the match by beating Paul DRINKHALL. More than 130 places difference at the World rankings did not prevent LEVAJAC of wining the opening match (4:11 11:9 11:8 11:3). He also overcame no.24 in the World Liam PITCHFORD (6:11 11:8 8:11 11:9 11:8). Marko JEVTOVIC lost Liam PITCHFORD (9:11 11:5 7:11 9:11) and DRINKHALL (8:11 9:11 11:5 11:7) whilst Pete SZOLT suffered by the hands of Tom JARVIS (12:14 11:9 5:11 6:11).
“We always had difficult matches between our teams but this one was very good match. We had points where we were on top and controlled as well as they. At the end it was very close match it could go either way. I managed to get into the good position and stay at the top of the last game ” said DRINKHALL who answered that Liam’s defeat was not a huge surprise. “We know that Liam is fantastic player but so it is everybody here. Maybe two or three years ago you could say this is surprise but now with changes: the tables balls different equipment it is a very challenging changes for the players. It brings levels closer.”
