European Veterans Championships | 2 Jul 2022

Happy and emotional moments at the end of the EVC in Rimini

The STAG European Veterans Championships concluded at Rimini Fair after five days of fierce matches and after six days of unforgettable tournament.
In her first ever participation, Finland's Marina DONNER won the singles Over 40 thanks to a fantastic PERFORMANCE. In the final, she beat Janne JENSEN 3-1 (11-2, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6).
“I'm really happy. This is the first time I played this kind of competition. I knew I had a chance to win and I am happy for playing my best. I like to attack and not wait for others to make mistakes. I take the initiative and attack at the first chance. I feel mentally strong. I will play with the Finnish national team in the next competition and as a veteran I will compete in the World Championships in Oman, “said DONNER.

Belgium's Cédric MERCHEZ in the Over 40 singles doubled the title from 2019 in Budapest. In the finals he defeated in straight games (11-6, 11-4, 11-5) Poland's Artur DANIEL.
“It was an incredible week, I didn't expect to win for the second time. The level was very high and all the points were difficult. I think I played my best, I gave everything. I feel in great shape and I feel like when I beat Samsonov in 2002. It's unbelievable. I love the Italian people and I love being here”.
Sweden's Mats KALLBERG triumphed in the singles Over 50, by accounting for Latvia's Sandijs VASILJEVS in a beautiful match which ended in four games (11-7, 11-6, 14-16, 11-9).
“It was very difficult. I lost to VASILJEVS last time in the semifinals and this time I am happy because I was able to beat him. I was number two in the seeding so I thought I could go far, but this win is incredible. Here it was a beautiful competition, beautiful place, beautiful weather. My father was in Rimini in 1986 for the World Veterans Championships, so am excited to have the opportunity to play in the same place. Next year I will be no doubt in Norway”.
Ukraine's Halyna TELNA was the protagonist of a super victory against Hungary's Krisztina SPENGLER 3-1 (11-6, 10-12, 11-6, 11-7) in Over 45 singles.
“This is my premiere at the European Championships and I had to fight hard to win because it was not easy. I had to take away some of the tension I had, otherwise I am happy with my game.”
Her dedication pushed her to the limits and in the emotional moment at the end, the victory brought her to the tears: “The dedication goes to the Ukrainian people and this is the victory of our country because our country cannot be beaten”, stated TELNA.