European Youth Championships | 10 Jul 2019

SIDORENKO led Russia to the final

European Youth Championships

 

 

In the final of the Junior Boys Teams Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava Azerbaijan will meet Russia.

 

Russia secured the final in great match against Germany. Vladimir SIDORENKO proved as a real leader of the generation, by adding two more points to Russia’s scoreboard. He beat Dominik JONACK and Kay STUMPER. Lev KATSMAN beat Felix WETZEL, whilst Maksim GREBNEV lost against STUMPER.

 

Before SIDORENKO commenced to talk about his matches, first he reflected on GREBNEV’s duel.

 

“It was difficult situation for Maksim. In the quarterfinal he lost against Truls MOREGARD 2-3 after he had 9-3 lead. Swede recovered and that took the confidence out of Maksim. He was not at his usual level for the match against Germany, but I am sure he will recover for tomorrow’s duel against Azerbaijan,” said SIDORENKO.

 

Vladimir continued:” My coach was confident I can win two points and we knew Lev is able to produce another one on third position. We were very confident despite great pressure. It still hurt the defeat against Romania in the last year’s semi final. This time we were stronger as a team.”

 

KATSMAN’s contribution was vital.

 

“It was important match. I played against Felix WETZEL after 1-1 and we knew if I win our victory is sealed. Luckuly, everything come to its place in this match. I was not feel good with the balls and with my game so far, but today I managed to won points after long rallies and I enjoyed my game,” said KATSMAN.

 

 

Photo: Rémy Gros

 

Belgium could not halt Azerbaijan’s progress to the final. Adrien RASSENFOSSE had a good start against YANG Xinyu, but it was the only point Belgium managed to win. Olav KOSOLOSKY lost against YU Khinhang, Nicolas DEGROS suffered by the hands of WANG Chenxi and YU proved too strong for RASSENFOSSE.