Hana ARAPOVIC of Croatia clinched her first title in singles at the European Under 21 Championships in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the final she overcame Sophia KLEE of Germany (9 3 8 -5 9). Bronze medalists are Nicole ARLIA of Italy and Mia GRIESEL of Germany.
In the final Hana was focused on success.
“I tried to be as calm as I could. I played until the last point for the title like it was first. I managed to have the full control over the match ” said ARAPOVIC.
In the semi final Sophia KLEE was in fine run against Nicole ARLIA of Italy (1 7 9 5). Last year’s runner up in doubles failed to produce the game to stop KLEE.
“I was two times European teams champion in Under 19 event and I have a title in Under 15 doubles at the Europeans but so far this is my first medal in singles and I am very proud of it ” said KLEE.
Sophia was absent for a while from the tournaments and this success is even more important for her.
“Last year from January to April I was completely out of game I did not come near the table. My knee cap was broken so it took time before I recovered. Eventually I returned and I worked very hard. Now I am so proud and I am happy to be able to win medal again ” said KLEE.
Sophia did not give a lot of chances to ARLIA.
“I guess she was little bit more nervous than me at the begining. It is not easy we are playing at one table now and the pressure is much higher but I took it better. In general I felt very well and I have been focused ” explained KLEE.
In other semi final Hana ARAPOVIC overcame Mia GRIESEL of Germany in another straight games duel (8 7 3 9). Hana finally made a breakthrough in singles at the European Championships.
“In three previous Championships in Under 15 and Under 19 I lost in the quarterfinals in singles. This is my first medal and I am so proud ” said Hana.
The begining of the game was very close.
“ I beat her last year in Top 10 when I won gold but it was very close seven games match which could easily went both sides. I was 3:1 up before she leveled. However then I learned what I can expect and I was ready for tactics. It helped me here ” said the European championships doubles gold medal winner ARAPOVIC.
