European Youth Championships | 2 Aug 2021

Annett KAUFMANN won the title in young- SAMSONOV's style

Annett KAUFMANN of Germany is crowned champion of the Under 15 Girls Singles Event at the GAZPROM European Youth Championships in Varazdin. In the final she overcame Ukraine's Veronika MATIUNINA. Bronze went to Agathe Anne AVEZOU of France and Sophie EARLEY of Ireland.

Throughout all the Championships, during seven days of the tournament in Team's and Singles Events, Annett KAUFMANN lost only four games. The superb run she justified with the express win on the last hurdle. In very much Vladimir SAMSONOV's style she cruised the competition. In doubles she lost only two games.

“ I can't describe how happy and proud I am.. It was an easier match than in the semifinals. I couldn't even imagine it would be like that .”

Sophie EARLEY rewrites history books at this Championships. Soon after she become first player from Ireland to win the medal at youth or senior European Championships, she won another one. She added the medal in singles to one she already clinched in doubles. Like in doubles, EARLEY was halted in the penultimate stage of the Singles Event. Annett KAUFMANN ended her progress with 4:1 win in the semi final.

“The match was not easy because my adversary played very well and she played some balls really amazing. When I changed tactics, she couldn't return the balls so well. After that, it was easier for me to win,” explained KAUFMANN.

In other match in the penultimate stage Veronika MATIUNINA was 0:3 down against Agathe Anne AVEZOU before she made a remarkable recovery with more aggressive approach.

“I was 0:3 in reverse, but then I changed tactics, calmed down and won 4-3. It is amazing for me to play in the final of the European Championship,” said MATIUNINA.

In the quarterfinal Agathe Anne AVEZOU overcame Matilde PINTO of Portugal in straight games.

“I already did a great job by securing the medal. I am also happy that I did it in very close and difficult match. My service game was very good and PINTO failed to find the answer to that,” said AVEZOU.

Veronika MATIUNINA needed six games against Clea DE STOPPELEIRE of France

“I stayed calm and focused even when Clea managed to recover and to level the match. I kept the high level of my play,” said MATIUNINA.

Sophie EARLEY overcame Gaetane BLED of France in straight games to secure second medal for Ireland.

“I knew it is going to be difficult match because BLED's style is something I am not used at all. I am happy I managed to pulled this of,” said Sophie EARLEY.”I feel the difference by being the first medal holder in Ireland at the Europeans. I am very happy above all.”

Annett KAUFMANN overcame Russia's Anastasiia IVANOVA of Russia after a shaky start.

“ I was at the pressure at the beginning of the match and I wasn’t focused enough in the opening game. After that I found my rhythm and won,” said Annett KAUFMANN.

 

Final

Annett KAUFMANN (Germany) - Veronika MATIUNINA (Ukraine) (11:2, 11:1, 11:1, 11:7)

Semi finals

Agathe Anne AVEZOU (France) - Veronika MATIUNINA (Ukraine) 3:4 (14:12, 11:5, 11:7, 2:11, 4:11, 6:11, 5:11)

Sophie EARLEY (Ireland) - Annett KAUFMANN (Germany) 1:4 (11:9, 7:11, 2:11, 9:11, 6:11)

Quarterfinals

Agathe Anne AVEZOU (France) - Matilde PINTO (Portugal) 4:0 (15:13, 16:14, 11:8, 11:9)

Veronika MATIUNINA (Ukraine) - Clea DE STOPPELEIRE (France) 4:2 (11:4, 11:6, 9:11, 8:11, 11:8, 11:6)

Anastasiia IVANOVA (Russia) - Annett KAUFMANN (Germany) 1:4 (12:12, 6:11, 1:11, 7:11, 6:11)

Sophie EARLEY (Ireland) - Gaetane BLED (France) 4:0 (11:9, 11:5, 11:5, 12:10)