European Youth Championships | 19 Jul 2015

Title for Irvin BERTRAND and Lilian BARDET

French pairings overcame Romania’s Doubles

Irvin BERTRAND and Lilian BARDET of France succeeded to the highest step at the medal rostrum in the Cadet Boys Doubles Event at the European Youth Championships in Bratislava. In the final they overcame top seeds Cristian PLETEA and Rares SIPOS of Romania 3:1 (-5, 7, 9, 4).

‘We found the good tactics. We played every ball to the backhand. That was most important,” said BERTRAND.

In the semi final, PLETEA and SIPOS prevailed against Leo DE NODREST and Jules ROLLAND of France 3:1 (11, 7, -7, 1). After very tense start, Romania’s pairing settles in the better rhythm,

“Opposite to the Team’s Event, now I finally can tell that I am feeling good. I am not tired nor nervous; my game is at the top level,” said SIPOS.

PLETEA added that he feels the same way.

“I was not happy with my performance in previous days, now we can challenge even the top French pairings,” said PLETEA.

However, against DE NODREST and ROLLAND, already, it was not easy.

“Tacitly we had to play very good. We had to prevent them from playing top spin on top spin game, also to avoid the long balls. That would give us less chances,” said SIPOS.

No. two seeds, BERTRAND and BARDET beat Vladimir SIDORENKO and Maksim GREBNEV of Russia in straight games (8, 7, 7).

“It was difficult. We had to attack them with good service, to minimize their chances. After very good start it was much easier,” said BERTRAND.

BARDET added: ”We are playing together for a four months, but we have not played at the tournaments.”



CADET BOYS DOUBLES EVENT 

Gold medal

Irvin BERTRAND and Lilian BARDET of France

Silver medal

Cristian PLETEA and Rares SIPOS of Romania

Bronze medal

Vladimir SIDORENKO and Maksim GREBNEV of Russia

Leo DE NODREST and Jules ROLLAND of France