ZELENGOWSKI: I’m trying not to have big expectations

The opening rounds in the Men’s Group Stage at the European Under 21 Championships in Skopje announced exciting proceedings of the Championships in North Macedonia. A few favorites were already defeated or faced fierce challenges.

However the top-seeded player in qualifications Frenchman Flavien COTON was not among those who suffered. He overcame Miguel PANTOJA of Spain in straight games (6 10 9). In Group 2 Simon BELIK of Czechia also recorded a win over Daniel BERZOSA of Spain (9 9 12) but in the same group Mateusz ZELENGOWSKI of Poland was forced to go the full distance in the duel against Sharpel ELIA of Cyprus (-8 2 8 -6 8).

“I didn’t know much about the adversary because there weren’t videos on Youtube so I didn’t know what to expect. I was too nervous during the match. I was winning in the first game 6:2 and then the game was just lost. I lost the shape and the tactics started receiving badly and that was the key why the match was that tough ” explained ZELENGOWSKI who clinched the title at the WTT Youth Contender Linz 2023.

“Last year I won the title in Skopje in Mixed doubles but in singles I was pretty bad; I have to admit that but I really like the atmosphere here the city… For 2024 most likely I will try to qualify for the European Championships U19 and continue playing on a good score in the German league. Here I try not to have big expectations because when I create them they always disappear in the first rounds of the tournament. That was pretty close to happening today ” admitted ZELENGOWSKI.

A player who suffered an unpleasant fate in the opening round was the no. 14 seed Tom CLOSSET of Belgium who lost to no. 40 seed Wim VERDONSCHOT of Germany (-9 9 5 7). Adam KLAJBER of Slovakia the No. 15 seed lost to Petek BORNA of Croatia no. 38 seed (6 7 -8 12) and no. 44 seed Aljaz GODEC of Slovenia overcame Kas VAN OOST of Netherlands no. 18 seed (6 10 7).

Related News

Next Generation on Stage: Top Under 13 Players Ready to Write New Chapter in Kosta

The European Under 13 Championships will be held in Kosta, Sweden, bringing together teams from more than 30 countries (24th to 28th September). The event features both mixed team and...

Read more

Eurotalents Development Camp II set for Izvorani

The European Table Tennis Union, together with the Romanian Table Tennis Federation, will host the Eurotalents Development Camp II in Izvorani, Romania, from 5–11 October 2025 The camp will bring...

Read more

Continental Stars Ready for Battle at the European Team Championships in Zadar

In just over a month, the top continental players will gather for another edition of the European Team Table Tennis Championships. The city of Zadar, Croatia, will host the Championships...

Read more

U23 Para-Eurotalents Development Camp in Havířov

From September 7 to 12, the U23 Para-Eurotalents Development Camp is taking place at the National Training Center in Havířov. 25 players from 10 European countries are participating. This is...

Read more

Contact

About Us

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body of the sport of table tennis in Europe, and is the only authority recognized for this purpose by the International Table Tennis Federation. The ETTU deals with all matters relating to table tennis at a European level, including the development and promotion of the sport in the territories controlled by its 58 member associations, and the organization of continental table tennis competitions, including the European Championships.

Powered By

All Competitions

Senior Competitions

Club Competitions

Youth Competitions

More Competitions