European Championships | 11 Mar 2018

Mariia TAILAKOVA sealed Russia’s fantastic tournament with gold

2018 BELGOSSTRAKH European Under 21 Championships

 

Last year semi finalist’s in Sochi Mariia TAILAKOVA of Russia beat her teammate in all-Russia’s final. Valeria SHCHERBATYKH failed to produce any pressure could threat TAILAKOVA. It was generally perfect tournament for Russia. Three out of four semifinalist were from that country.

 

After the final against SHCHERBATYKH tahat lasted only four games (11:3, 11:7, 11:4, 11:8) TAILAKOVA said:

 

“Usually, I am nervous when playing against the girls from my team, but the situation was different today. In this final game with SHCHERBAKOVA I was calm and steady, unlike when I opposed KOLISH in the previous match. Moreover, we played without a coach now, so I had to take my own decisions and play as I decided. It's the first time that I've made it to the finals and through, I've never got farther than semifinals before.”

 

In the semi final of the event Mariia TAILAKOVA beat her teammate Anastasia KOLISH (11:1, 11:5, 9:11, 11:9, 11:9).

 

“I failed to win in the previous match against KOLISH some time ago. Nonetheless, we train together, we are in one team, so I know her weaknesses and realize how to use them to my advantage. Today, I have chosen the right tactics, figured out the strategy of my rival and defeated her,” said TAILAKOVA who played in the semi final of the European Championships in Sochi last year.

 

Natalia BAJOR of Poland suffered by the hands of Valeria SHCHERBATYKH (6:11, 9:11, 9:11, 11:9, 11:3, 14:16).

 

“I was leading 3:0 when I let my thoughts drift, lost focus and missed two sets in a row, which was a high price to pay for the mistake. In sixth game Natalia BAJOR had made it 5-2 when I finally managed to bring back focus and regain control over the situation. Actually, I struggled with myself today. In this match my attack prevailed, performed with power spins. In the finals I will play against Mariia, which makes me feel anxious, as we seldom play against each other,” said Valeria after the semi final.