European Championships | 8 Nov 2022

Romania recorded third win in the European Teams Championships Stage 1

Romania beat Slovenia in Crnomelj to record third win in Group 6 in the Stage 1 of the European Teams Championships. Previously, Romania overcame Ukraine in both matches played in Bucharest earlier in October.

Tonight, Cristian PLETEA paved the road to success with the victory over Darko JORGIC. Currently ranked at the position no. 10 in the World Rankings, JORGIC suffered in five games against World’s no. 137 – 3:2 (11:8, 8:11, 8:11, 11:7, 11:8).

“It seemed like “deja-vu” for me. It was unreal feeling, playing against Darko. I cannot remember how many matches we played against each other back in cadet and juniors days. We also were together in the training center in Saarbrucken,” explained PLETEA.”When I reached the last point for the victory it was fantastic. To beat Top 10 player in the World is amazing.”

In next duel Julian CHIRITA beat Deni KOZUL (8:11, 11:9, 11:9, 5:11, 11:5). Slovenia was 0:2 down in matches and Peter HRIBAR was losing 0:2 against Darius MOVILEANU before he managed to recover to level his match. He gave Slovenia the hope but in the decisive game Darius withstood HRIBAR’s spirited comeback to seal the match 3:2 (11:5, 11.9, 6:11, 9:11, 11:9).

“Youngsters are just fantastic. Junior’s coach did a great job with them. CHIRITA is only 17 and Darius in 18…Playing against KOZUL is not an easy task. Those victories are very important,” stated PLETEA.

Overall score for Romania, in group of three is 9:0. Cristian could not hide the pride with current standings.

“We have good young team,” said PLETEA.”Personally, I feel very well. Finally I find some stability in my trainings in Germany. I am most of the time in Bremen. In addition I am injury-free for a while and after I stabilized my game at club, I hope it will be the same at the international level.”