The opening day of the ORLEN European Youth Championships brought fierce battles and upsets from the very beginning. In Gliwice well-known young aces are on duty but there are also many rejuvenated teams. There is no doubt that we are looking forward to the next 10 exciting days of play.
Croatia led by the Under 21 European Champion from Sarajevo Hana ARAPOVIC commenced their journey in Gliwice successfully. In the opening round of the Under 19 Girls’ event Hana Dora COSIC and Zrinka REBIC overcame Moldova in straight matches. Unlike Croatia France the leading team in Group D had to play a full five matches against Ukraine.
Hana has had a very busy year so far. After clinching the crown in Sarajevo ARPOVIC reached the quarterfinals at the WTT tournament in Montenegro and went to Durban South Africa.
“It was my first World Championships and it was a very nice experience for me. I lost in the first round but I think it is important that I felt the atmosphere of such a big event. I did not feel the pressure ” said Hana ARAPOVIC.
When asked about her goals in Gliwice ARAPOVIC remained reserved.
“We finished seventh last year in the team event and I do not want to think too far ahead. We take it match by match. We have Dora COSIC who is now eligible to play for Croatia after playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I think we have a very good team ” said ARPOVIC who is playing her last year in the Under 19 category.
Hana returned to Poland after her recent participation at the European Games. Three weeks ago she played in nearby Krakow. In the round of 32 ARAPOVIC lost to Hana MATELOVA 3-4 after being up 3-1.
“All the games were close but her experience prevailed in crucial moments ” said Hana who will continue her career this season in Weil am Rhein Germany.
