Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (6) – Natalia BAJOR of Poland (14) 4-0 (11-6 11-9 11-3 11-5)
Bernadette SZOCS’ tactical masterclass left Natalia BAJOR without an answer in the second semifinal of the day. The fact that BAJOR had played and struggled in previous encounters against SZOCS did not work in Natalia’s favor.
“I was at the top of my game. I played very aggressive. Simply put my tactics were perfect and my self-confidence was at its highest level. I just felt that I could not lose. Even when I lost a few points it did not disturb me. This was ‘my’ match and I could not lose it ” stated SZOCS.”
Women’s Event semifinals
Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania (8) – YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco (4) 0-4 (9-11 5-11 9-11 4-11)
In the first semi-final YANG Xiaoxin defeated Elizabeta SAMARA improving her European Games record. Four years ago in Minsk YANG was stopped in the penultimate stage in a match against HAN Ying of Germany and then lost the bronze medal match to NI Xia Lian of Luxembourg.
In today’s match YANG dominated and left little room for Samara to make a comeback.
“I am very happy to be in the final. I played exceptionally well today especially in crucial moments which is always what I strive for. SAMARA has been performing excellently in the Games so I prepared well and was ready for the battle ” stated YANG.
In the third game SAMARA had an opportunity to extend the match with a 7-3 lead.
“I was a bit surprised by my service fault in the third game. It caught me off guard and I needed some time to recover mentally. However I managed to regain my focus and played exceptionally well until the end. I am fully prepared for the final this evening and I will give it my best ” added YANG.
On the ultimate day of play in the Singles event at the 2023 European Games in Krakow the final of the Women’s event will feature YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco against Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (6:30 pm) while Portugal’s Marcos FREITAS will meet Felix LEBRUN of France (7:20 pm).
In the match for the bronze medal Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania will face Natalia BAJOR of Poland (4:30 pm).
However the match for the bronze medal will not be played as Andrej GACINA of Croatia suffered a back hamstring injury and was forced to withdraw after his defeat against Felix LEBRUN. Consequently Alexis LEBRUN secured the bronze medal.
Men’s Event semifinals:
Alexis LEBRUN of France (5) – Marcos FREITAS of Portugal (18) 2-4 (9-11 11-7 11-8 10-12 8-11 6-11)
In a display of aggressive defense from both sides Marcos FREITAS and Alexis LEBRUN kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. Both players showed power performances but Marcos had greater control over the match.
“I am very happy with my performance today. It was a physical match with a lot of long rallies. We have never played before and I can see why he is winning against many good players. He has a lot of variety in his game and executes some incredible shots. I am glad I stayed focused and now I just need to rest a bit and prepare for the final ” said FREITAS.
Felix LEBRUN of France (8) – Andrej GACINA of Croatia (7) (11-9 11-4 11-3 13-11)
Felix LEBRUN was in safe run against Andrej GACINA.
“I am very happy to be in the final. I played really well and now I want to win it ” stated the younger of the LEBRUN brothers.
Felix dominated the match stating “I have a playing style that bothers GACINA.”
Despite playing his semifinal match just a few minutes after his brother suffered defeat against FREITAS Felix mentioned that he has already learned how to stay calm in situations like this.
“Unfortunately my brother lost so I will not play against him in the final. I watched Alexis’ match this morning against Marcos to prepare. There is a bit of pressure because it is a big match in front of me but I will play with confidence just as I have been playing since the beginning of the tournament.
I am used to playing after Alexis so I know how to refocus when he finishes. I put myself in my own bubble.”
