European Youth Championships | 12 Jul 2016

Russia defended their crown in the Cadet girls Event

European Youth Championships

Photo: Robert Valai

 

Crowned European champions from Bratislava last July, team of Russia underlined its prowess in the Cadet Girls Teams Event at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. They overcame Poland, last year’s quarterfinalists. Russia destroyed Polish aspirations for a first ever gold at the European Championships in Cadet Girls Event.

 

Romania’s progress, second year in the row was halted in the semi final. They won bronze medal, as well as Slovenia. Slovenia improved their status, since the last year they finished the Event ranked at position no. 9.

 

Anastasia KOLISH imposed her rhythm from the first moments of the opening match against Katarzyna WEGRZYN. She dominates from the beginning to the end. Kristina KAZANTSEVA continued where KOLISH left, but in the second game Anna WEGRZYN strikes back. KAZANTSEVA was forced to move to another gear and in close duels she won next two games.

 

The next contest was very close. In doubles, Polish side was the team who imposed their rhythm and Russia was forced to defend their self; however they showed no fear, stayed focused and waited for the right moment.

 

“We are proud of winning the gold medal. Final match was the easy one for us comparing the others in Zagreb. Only double match was close; we are still not that sure in doubles, sometimes we won, sometimes not. We had confidence because we beat Polish girls before. But we were psychically and emotionally on low level. We felt empty after our won over Azerbaijan,” said KAZANTSEVA.

 

Comparing the last year’s path to the final KOLISH added:”Last year was much harder. French girls put us under severe pressure.”

 

It is eighth title for Russia (previously they won in 1993, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2015); but before that Soviet Union won 10 (1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1989).

 

 

Final

Russia – Poland 3:0

Anastasia KOLISH - Katarzyna WEGRZYN 3:0 (11:9, 11:5, 11:5), Kristina KAZANTSEVA - Anna WEGRZYN 3:1 (11:5, 5:11, 11:8, 11:5), KOLISH, KAZANTSEVA- WEGRZYN, WEGRZYN 3:2 (11:9, 11:13, 9:11, 11:9, 11:9)