European Youth Championships | 16 Jul 2016

Gold for Lev KATSMAN and Kristina KAZANTSEVA

Cadet Mixed Doubles Event

 

Last year’s bronze medalists, Russia’s Lev KATSMAN and Kristina KAZANTSEVA clinched gold medal in the Cadet Mixed Doubles at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. In the final they overcame Vincent PICARD and Prithika PAVADE of France.

 

“It is my second gold medal, first was in teams event. We are so happy. We knew that French boy is strong in Doubles. He has good service game, good return and flip too. But we find the solution to stop him,” said KAZANTSEVA.

 

In the semi final YANG Xinyu and ZHOU Chuy of Azerbaijan had a better start against Vincent PICARD and Prithika PAVADE, but when French pairings settle into the rhythm Azerbaijan’s players could not find much answers to their game.

 

“We are playing for a first time together, but we enjoy it very well. We wanted to win this match,” said Vincent PICARD.” It was important that our service game stay on high level.”

 

Prithika PAVADE added: ”My service had to be good. We had to play on first ball. With second we did not have the chance.”

 

In second penultimate stage match Lev KATSMAN and Kristina KAZANTSEVA beat Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK of Austria and Tania PLAIAN of Romania.

 

“Last year we were third at the European youth Championships. This time we came for gold. We had very strong adversaries, but we were not afraid,” said KATSMAN.

 

Kristina KAZANTSEVA admitted she was under pressure.

 

“To play against Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK was very hard for me. His service game is very good.”

 

Cadet Mixed Doubles

 

Final

 

Vincent PICARD, Prithika PAVADE (France) - Lev KATSMAN, Kristina KAZANTSEVA (Russia) 1:3 (11:6, 6:11, 5:11, 9:11)

 

Semi Final

 

YANG Xinyu, ZHOU Chuyi (Azerbaijan)- Vincent PICARD, Prithika PAVADE (France) 2:3 (11:7, 10:12, 4:11, 11:3, 6:11)

 

Maciej KOLODZIEJCZYK (Austria), Tania PLAIAN (Romania)- Lev KATSMAN, Kristina KAZANTSEVA (Russia), 1:3 (7:11, 6:11, 11:8, 10:12)