At the ORLEN European Youth Championships the Netherlands created a top-rated upset by defeating the second-seeded Poland on their home soil. It is the best result for the Under 15 Boys’ team since 2009. In the quarterfinals they will meet France.
In a five-match drama that ended with tears of joy and screams from the winners Brent RONDE was unable to speak after leaving every ounce of energy in the Gliwice Arena. He won the decisive game of the decisive match by the narrowest of margins (21-10 6-11 11-8 4-11 11-9). RONDE beat Mateusz SAKOWICZ who also struggled against Ivan KAHN. The RONDE and KAHN double combination also scored points today.
“It was tough but I managed to stay calm and play my game ” said the almost speechless RONDE.
Coach Boris DE VRIES was also overwhelmed: “They fought like animals. It was an amazing clash. We reached the quarterfinals after finishing second in the group and winning the playoff match against Bulgaria.”
The last time the Netherlands had a representative in the quarterfinals was in 2012 when Britt EERLAND played in the youth category.
In the quarterfinals the Netherlands will meet France. Sandro CAVAILLE and Nathan PILARD overcame Czechia in straight matches.
“It was a good game and I am happy that we managed to win. Czechia has a strong team ” said CAVAILLE.
Germany suffered at the hands of Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN Dinis YE and Carlos GONCALVES.
“I knew that I had to win both of my matches. I had more experience than my teammates ” said captain ABIODUN. “Also the key was the point from the doubles. That’s why Carlos and I played very aggressively to reach that goal.”
In another thrilling match that went the full distance Ukraine’s Nazarii SOLODKYI and Yehor BORSHCHEVSKYI defeated Sweden. They will now face Romania.
Aleandru ISTRATE and Robert PODAR faced a big challenge in the duel against the Europe Under 13 champions from Zagreb two months ago. Türkiye’s Kenan KAHRMAN and Gorkem OCAL put pressure on the Romanian team.
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