The singles events at the European Under 21 Championships in Skopje reached the knockout stage after three days of fights in groups. Reigning champion Hana ARAPOVIC of Croatia faced no difficulties on her way to the Round of 16 but for a few favorites it was a shaky road.
ARAPOVIC overcame Anastasia STERNER of Austria Mari BALDWIN of England and Matilda HANSSON of Sweden.
“I do not feel any pressure. I don’t expect anything; I just go into the next match and focus on that match only. We will see how it goes. Before the match there is preparation on tactics. However when a match starts I just focus on that one and play like every other one ” said ARAPOVIC who won the European Top 10 two years ago and will play in Busan at the World Championships next month.
In Group B two players upset the rankings: Luciana MITROFAN of Romania and Elise PUJOL of France both exceeded their seedings and reached the knockout stage.
Elena ZAHARIA of Romania justified her status in Group C where Leana HOCHART of France created an upset and reached the next stage.
Helena SOMEROVA of Czechia recorded all three wins including the one over the No. 4 seed Martine TOFTAKER of Norway and Maria BERSOZA of Spain.
“I hope again to win in the next match and I am so happy now. My expectations are to reach the quarterfinals maybe but I am very happy because I won against BERSOZA who is a surprise of this tournament. She played so well but what made the difference was my successful attack ” said SOMEROVA.
In the same group Matilde PINTO of Portugal also booked her place in the third stage. She joined Zuzanna WIELGOS of Poland and Veronika MATIUNINA of Ukraine.
The No. 6 seed Sophia KLEE also won all three matches in her group. The final victory in her line of successes was against Ilona SZTWIERTNIA of Poland.
“Since the beginning of stage two it’s been really difficult but now I am really happy to win the group and go to the best of 16. I am happy that I could manage this and I am looking forward to the next stage. I am ready to play to have fun and really looking forward to playing the following matches ” said KLEE.
Germany’s player was the European Doubles champion in the U15 category won the Europe top 10 and U19 in teams. Her best results include the runner-up position last year at the European U21 Championship.
“A year and a half ago I started living in Dusseldorf where I practice with the women’s national team and my whole life right now is about table tennis. I practice twice a day and fight to improve to get better… and yes this is a very important tournament for me; it is my last one in this category.”
