European Youth Championships | 7 Jul 2019

Russia in great shape in Ostrava

European Youth Championships in Ostrava

 

Title holders from 2018 Cluj Napoca, Russia’s Vladimir SIDORENKO, Maksim GREBNEV and Lev KATSMAN recorded two wins at the opening day of the European Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

 

In Group A, Russia prevailed against Switzerland in the morning session. They recorded straight matches win. Against Italy they needed four matches. Carlo ROSSI overcame KATSMAN, but SIDORENKO in another five games thriller prevented him of pushing Italy into the decisive match.

 

During the last ball i saw it was edge, my adversary saw it as well, but referee not. Something similar happened to me last year on European championship. It was 2:2, 11:10 and I was to emotional, then I apologised to referee,” explained Vladimir SIDORENKO the controversial moment of his match against ROSSI. “During all the matches I was focusing on my game, didn't speak with my teammates, with my coaches.”

 

Azerbaijan was in charge for surprises in same group. They are also unbeaten after two matches. Seeded only at the position no. three in Group A, Azerbaijan beat Italy in the full distance duel. Carlo ROSSI and John OYEBODE scored for Italy, whilst YANG Xinyu, YU Khinhang and WANG Chenxi, all contributed to Azerbaijan’s victory. In the second match they overcame Switzerland.

 

“Next match against Azerbaijan will be very difficult, because there are China-born players playing. We need to maintain the focus, listen to our coach and then we can win,” said SIDORENKO. 

 

In Group B Vincent PICARD, Lilian BARDET and Myshaal SABHI overcame Slovakia, but top seeds failed to repeat the success against Germany. Kirill FADEEV, Kay STUMPER and Dominik JONACK were stretched to full distance before they recorded second victory of the day. They left the venue as top team at the group standings. In the first round they beat Romania, who also lost against Slovakia.

 

“I am very happy that we defeat the European champions from last year, it is unbelievable. Every match was very close and at the end we were little bit luckier. I think we beat France because in the close situations we all made good decisions, the coach gave us the right advices. The first day was very hard, we are tired, but we will relax and give 100% for tomorrow to win again,” said KaySTUMPER. 

 

In Group C top seeded Poland overcame Spain. Maciej KUBIK, SAMJUEL KULCZYCKI and Jan ZANDECKI prevailed in straight matches. They also beat Hungary, but not before they were under severe pressure. Csaba ANDRAS gave Hungary a dream start with the victory over KUBIK and he also beat KULCZYCKI, but it was insufficient to secure the victory. Spain’s Francisco Miguel RUIZ, Alberto LILLO and Marc GUTIERREZ beat Denmark.

 

“My adversary in last match played very well, fast and his service was good. After second game I started to serve better and my game improved. From the two games the first one was harder for me. I am still getting used to this hall and I believe I will play better in the next days. For tomorrow we as a whole team need to stay focused,” said Maciej KUBIK .

 

 

Photo: Rémy Gros

 

In Group D everything went according to rankings in the opening round. Belgium’s Adrien RASSENFOSSE, Olav KOSOLOSKY and Nicolas DEGROS overcame Serbia, but on their second exit to the table Sweden had other plans. Jonatan MCDONALD, Truls MOREGARD and Martin FRIIS prevailed to record second win on the day. They also overcame Greece.

 

Truls MOREGARD won both matches but both of them started with lone game in reverse.

 

“Honestly, I don't know. But it was my first game here and the first practice as well, first time with the new balls. I play lot of tournaments in Asia know with different balls and I am little bit tired now, but it is always nice to win these matches. I hope I will play better in next days. I have a lot of energy and I will fight for Sweden to win the group,” promised MOREGARD. 

 

In Cadet Boys Team’s Event Poland created upset by beating top seed in Group D, Belgium in the opening match. Dawid KOSMAL, Milosz REDZIMSKI went full distance before they overcame Louis LAFFINEUR and GILTIA. Dawid won both his singles and doubles match.

 

 

 

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