European Youth Championships | 14 Jul 2022

Iulian CHIRITA and Annett KAUFMANN clinched gold in Under 19 Mixed Doubles

Romania's Iulian CHIRITA and Germany's Annett KAUFMANN reached the top of the medal rostrum in the Under 19 Mixed Doubles Event at the 2022 Dunav Osiguranje European Youth Championships.

In the final they overcame Milosz REDZIMSKI and Wiktoria WROBEL of Poland (1, 13, -6, 9) .

“It is first time that we are playing together and I am so happy that we won gold. There were so many good pairings on our way to the title. In two opening matches against Tom CLOSSET and Sara TOKIC and then against Mauro SCHARRER and Sara DEVOS was really difficult, but when we settled into the rhythm everything was easier. Hardest challenge was the semi final against Romania's pairings,” said CHIRITA.

In the penultimate stage, earlier today, Milosz REDZIMSKI and Wiktoria WROBEL of Poland overcame Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIC of Croatia without due alarm (11:7, 12:10, 11:9).

“Match was very tough. The most important tactical moment was to receive good Ivor BAN's service. His service game is amazing, but we were focused and hungry for medals and especially gold. The last game was very important,” said REDZIMSKI.

BAN and HANA eliminated second seeds PUPPO and ARLIA of Italy on their way to the semis.

Top seeds Darius MOVILEANU and Elena ZAHARIA of Romania had a match ball at 2:1 against

Iulian CHIRITA and Annett KAUFMANN but Romania's / Germany's combination prevailed (13:11, 4:11, 11:7, 11:13, 8:11).

“It is unbelievable; the match was very close. It was the hardest duel for us throughout the tournament. I am so proud that we managed to win it. We communicate very well and we enjoy playing together. After we were 1:2 in reverse and when we recovered after 9:10 to win fourth game, we took over the control. We were able to play much freely,”said Annett.