The Europe Youth Series 2023 Czech Open in Plzen kicked off today with team events for players in the Under 15 and Under 13 categories. Teams from Austria Belgium Czechia Germany Hungary Ireland Switzerland and Sweden competed in the group stage matches.
In the Under 15 event Austria 1 represented by Benjamin GIRLINGER and Tobias TISCHBERGER achieved four wins in as many matches all concluding in straight games. Hungary 1 secured the second spot.
“We arrived in Pilsen with a fairly large team. We have teams in three categories: girls Under 15 boys Under 15 and boys Under 13. Despite the current financial situation and the fact that we are nearing the end of the season we managed to secure funding for our participation in this tournament and I am very pleased about that. The tournament’s playing format is excellent for these age groups. Young players get to play numerous matches throughout the day. They may be tired but they need not fear elimination after just two losses and that’s the biggest advantage. Players can improve with every game without the worry of heading home early ” said Jarek KOLODZIEJCZYK the coach of Team Austria.
When discussing the opening day Coach KOLODZIEJCZYK remarked “The Austrian teams performed well on the first day. I had slightly higher expectations for our girls but I’m not disappointed. The U15 boys have yet to suffer a defeat and the U13 boys’ team is also performing admirably. Nevertheless I believe that the final results are not the most critical aspect here. It’s a means to earn points for the European ranking and assess your abilities. I genuinely appreciate the environment in Pilsen. The brand-new hall with ten tables in a row is also quite intriguing. With this in mind I believe everyone will leave very satisfied.”
You can see the results here
Pictures here
