Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA of Romania went one step further this year in the Cadet Mixed Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. MANOLE and CLAPA played in the final last year and lost against Can AKKUZU and Audrey ZARIF of ,
Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA of Romania went one step further this year in the Cadet Mixed Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. MANOLE and CLAPA played in the final last year and lost against Can AKKUZU and Audrey ZARIF of France, but this year they clinched top prize. In the ultimate stage Romanian pairings beat Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic and HO Tin TIN of England.
New champions were stretched to full distance, but nor very good pairings at the opposite side, nor enthusiastic host crowd who cheered their favourites could not stop them. “It was strange match. I know POLANSKY very well and I knew it will not be easy,” said MANOLE.
In the semi final Alexandru MANOLE and Andreea CLAPA had very difficult task. They faced teammate Adina DIACONU who played with Darko JORGIC of Slovenia. Opening game was close affair with 14:12 in favour of MANOLE and CLAPA. When they sealed that game in their favour, everything went easier latter. “The hardest thing was to stop Adina. It is very hard to play against the play from your own country,” said MANOLE. Andreea added:“And she is such good player.”
Tomas POLANSKY and HO Tin TIN played for a first time in Ostrava together but they showed impressive performance. In penultimate stage they overcame Maxim CHAPLYGIN and Maria MALANINA of Russia after full distance duel that ended with 12:10 in decisive game. “I had to change my tactics. Usually I play more aggressive, but we made a different approach here. I played much more safe,” said HO Tin Tin.
Cadet Mixed Doubles Final: Tomas POLANSKY, HO Tin TIN (Czech Republic, England) – Alexandru MANOLE, Andreea CLAPA (Romania) 2:3 (11:7, 8:11, 11:8, 3:11, 9:11)
