European Youth Championships | 10 Jul 2019

In breathtaking finish Romania joined Russia in cadets’ final

European Youth Championships in Ostrava

Russia booked the place in the final of the Cadet Boys Team’s Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. In the match for gold they will meet Romania.

 

Romania overcame France in the semi final 3-2. In narrow finish of decisive game of the decisive match, Darious MOVILEANU recovered from 6-9 in reverse to win the game and the match 11-9 against Felix LEBRUN. LEBRUN won at the beginning against Eduard IONESCU, but Thibault PORET lost his singles against Darius. Darious MOVILEANU won another point for Romania partnering Andrei TOMICA. PORET beat IONESCU.

 

"It was a very tough match and I am so happy that I managed to win the fifth encounter against Felix Lebrun 3:2. But in the last set I was 6:9 down. Then I changed my entire game I had to play something different because he knows how I play. And it worked well. I still hope that we can win the gold medal tomorrow," said Darious MOVILEANU.

 

 

Photo: Rémy Gros

 

Russia overcame Germany 3-1 in the penultimate stage. Vladislav MAKAROV gave Russia a good start with the victory over Felix KOHLER, but Denis IZUMRUDOV faced tough challenge against Mike HOLLO he lost two games at 11-13 and 16-18. Germany managed to level the match. Sergey RYZHOV joined MAKAROV to secured the point from the doubles 3-1. And in the last match MAKAROV beat HOLLO 3-1.

 

“I felt under pressure at the beginning. The match against HOLLO was very difficult, but as the game progressed I felt more and more confident. The team spirit and great support from my teammates helped me to build my confidence and to regain the control over the match,” said MAKAROV.

 

IZMURUDOV had few chances against HOLLO.

 

“I had the lead in three games, but it was very difficult,” said IZMURUDOV.