European Youth Championships | 24 Jul 2021
Elizabet ABRAAMIAN dominated the Under 19 Girls Singles in pursuit for gold
Elizabet ABRAAMIAN of Russia is the the champion of the Under 19 Girls Singles Event at the GAZPROM European Youth Championships in Varazdin. In the final she overcame Natalia MALININA (11:6, 11:5, 11:5, 11:1). Russia enriched their treasury for two more medals. In addition, a first time in history of the European Youth Championships, two sisters clinched the medal at the same event in the same Championships. Camille LUTZ and two years younger Charlotte concluded the competition at the third position.
“In 2017 I won the European cadets title in singles, and after that I was second in cadets and fifth in juniors. Always so close but never at the top. I wanted so much to win this medal. This is my dream come true,” admitted Elizabet.”I played so many times against MALININA at Russian and International tournaments and we know each other well. I knew that I must stayed calm, little lack of focus could cost me losing the match.”
Previously ABRAAMIAN overcame Camille LUTZ of France to secure her place in the ultimate stage (-11, 3, 5, 6, 11).
“ I was focused on every ball and every point. I knew how to play and I was trying to play what I needed to win this match. I had good tactics, I was a little nervous, but I knew if I stayed focused I would win,” said ABRAAMIAN.
Her teammate Natalia MALININA overcame Charlotte LUTZ in hard seven games match (-10, 5, 6, -10, 4, -10, 7).
The outcome of the quarterfinal duels brought two Russia's and two French players to the medal rostrum. French sisters LUTZ had different paths but both wins. Older, Camille beat Darya KISEL of Belarus in close seven games encounters (10, 12, -5, -6, -10, 9, 5).
“It was incredible match. We met many times before, but it never was like this. I play very good against the players with the defensive style, but this time KISEL adapted quickly and she recovered to take the lead. She did not miss anything any more after she lost two opening games. I had to fight fort each ball and. I had to play each of it at top level. At 2:3 I was so scared; I thought I could lose the match,” said Camille.
Charlotte LUTZ denied Hana ARAPOVIC of Croatia the medal and thus she inflicted the pain in the heart of the host nation supporters (6, -7, 1, 15, 11).
“Hana is a very good player and I never beat her before. I am very happy that I finally managed it. In the last game I had 10:6, but I did not manage to use 4 match balls. Eventually I succeed,” explained LUTZ.
Elizabet ABRAAMIAN proved too strong for Radmila TOMINJAK of Serbia (-7, 2, 4, 2, 2).
“I was very nervous before the match. I knew that I am stronger and that I have bat her, but it was difficult for me be calm. The match was so important for me,” said ABRAAMIAN.
ABRAAMIAN's teammate Natalia MALININA overcame Anna BRZYSKA of Poland (-11, 9, 7, 5, -5, -10, 3).
