Austria’s men’s team made it into the final round of the European Championship as group winners which will take place in Malmö (Swe) in mid-September. Two times winner tonight Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK and local hero David SERDAROGLU who scored once brought the packed Alte Au to a boil.
World champion Werner SCHLAGER praised young player: “Maciej was in a good mood and showed that he can fill the role of No. 1.”
Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK was the hero of the last European Championship group game in Stockerau: against Spain the newly crowned Austrian vice-champion started with a 3:1 win against Alberto LILLO after a 8:11.
“I was nervous at the beginning but I stopped making simple mistakes after the first game. The confidence I got from the national championship also helped. I’m happy when I can do my best for Austria ” said the U21 European Championship bronze medalist after his debut victory in the national team.
Then David SERDAROGLU set a milestone towards success with a 3-0 win against Miguel PANTOJA. The first game was decisive in which he saved two set points and won 12:10. Then the man from Stocker won the second tight heat with 13:11 and made it 2:0 for Austria with a 3:0.
“I was able to vary my systems well and I thank Dr. Raschner who was able to make me fit despite my injury.”
Andre KASES then had no chance in the 3-0 draw against Carlos CABALLERO: “It was a difficult game he put a lot of pressure on. Now that I’m looking at the U21 European Championship in Sarajevo on April 5 I know that I have to play more actively and stay closer to the table.”
Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK sealed the deal with a 3-0 win against Joan MASIP.
Austria – Spain 3:1
Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK – Alberto LILLO 3:1 (8:11 11:7 11:3 11:5)
David SERDAROGLU – Miguel Angel PANTOJA 3:0 (12:10 13:11 11:3)
Andre Pierre KASES – Carlos CABALLERO 0:3 (1:11 6:11 7:11)
Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK – Miguel Angel PANTOJA 3:0 (11:3 11:8 14:12)
