European Youth Championships | 17 Jul 2016

Maria TAILAKOVA defended her crown

Cadet Girls Singles Event

Reigning champion in Cadet Girls Singles Event Maria TAILAKOVA defended her crown at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. In the final she beat Kristina KAZANTSEVA in all-Russian final.

 

“We played against each other so many times before and every time it was close. Now I am very happy I won, because I had so much problems during the preparations and I was unable to come here fully ready,” said TAILAKOVA.

 

Kristina KAZANTSEVA beat Zdena BLASKOVA of Czech Republic in the penultimate stage. She needed six games.

 

“Last time when we played against each other I beat her. It was straight games victory in Poland. That gave me confidence before the match and stability in crucial moments. However, it was not that easy as it was in Poland. BLASKOVA played very good here and she never gave up. Even when I made little advantage she was always after me; few times she recovered to level, but I never let her took the control,” said KAZANTSEVA.

 

After seven games thriller against ZHOU Chuyi of Azerbaijan, Maria TAILAKOVA succeeded to the ultimate stage.

 

“In first three games I had problems with the pimples. I lost five points in the row in second game. My coach gave me the new tactics and I knew that I have to put all balls on table. It was receipt and I successfully played in closing stage,” said TAILAKOVA.

 

 

 

 

Final

 

Kristina KAZANTSEVA (Russia) - Maria TAILAKOVA (Russia) 1:4 (9:11, 11:7, 10:12, 12:14, 9:11)

Semi Final

 

Zdena BLASKOVA (Czech Republic)- Kristina KAZANTSEVA (Russia) 2:4 (13:11, 9:11, 5:11, 11:8, 7:11, 9:11)

ZHOU Chuyi (Azerbaijan) - Maria TAILAKOVA (Russia) 3:4 (9:11, 11:9, 4:11, 11:9, 11:8, 8:11, 9:11)