European Youth Championships | 18 Jul 2023

Romania Regains Title in Under 19 Girls Category

Romania emerged victorious in the Under 19 Girls event at the ORLEN European Youth Championships, reclaiming their title after a one-year break. The final saw Romania triumph over Germany. The Romanian team, comprising Elena ZAHARIA, Ioana SINGEORZAN, Bianca MEI ROSU, Evelyn UNGVARI, and Adela STRUNA, proved their exceptional skills. Meanwhile, the silver medal went to a strong German team represented by Mia GRIESEL, Lea LACHENMAYER, Naomi PRANJKOVIC, Eireen KALAITZIDOU, and Melanie MERK.

Securing the bronze medal were France, with Clea DE STOPPELEIRE, Elise PUJOL, Agathe AVEZOU, and Lea MINNI, and Poland, represented by Zuzanna WIELGOS, Wiktoria WROBEL, Anna BRZYSKA, Natalia BOGDANOWICZ, and Ilona SZTWIERTNIA.

In the final we saw Romania's resilience as they fought back from a 0-2 deficit to claim victory. Elena ZAHARIA expressed her joy and pride in the team's accomplishment, stating,

"Our dream has come true. We came here determined to reclaim our title, and we did it. I am incredibly happy and proud of my team. Despite being two matches down, all three of us won crucial points. It was exceptional teamwork. Bianca MEI ROSU turned the tide of the match, and Ioana SINGEORZAN delivered an outstanding performance in the decisive match."

Bianca MEI ROSU faced a challenging moment when she joined the game at 0-2. However, her belief in the team's abilities and the effective tactics set by the coach propelled them to victory.

"I had faith in this team, and I believed we could still win. I fought hard, and with our coach's guidance, we succeeded," said MEI ROSU.

Ioana SINGEORZAN demonstrated her maturity and composure as she overcame Lea LACHENMAYER's defensive skills. Reflecting on her mindset during the game, SINGEORZAN said,

"I focused on executing the coach's instructions and remained fully engaged. I didn't dwell on the result or the magnitude of the final. My goal was to stay patient and determined against my opponent's defensive strategy."

In their journey to the gold medal, Romania overcame tough challenges from France, Slovakia, and Italy in the main draw.

While the Soviet Union holds the record with 15 titles in this category, Romania's impressive record includes 13 titles (1956, 1958, 1959, 1987, 1994, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021) and 10 finals lost (1986, 1988, 1990, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2017, 2022). Germany, with 3 titles (2000, 2003, 2019) and 5 additional finals (1991, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014), also holds a notable record in the category.

Final

Germany – Romania 2-3

Mia GRIESEL - Ioana SINGEORZAN 3-1 (11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 13-11)

Lea LACHENMAYER - Elena ZAHARIA 3-2 (5-11, 11-9, 13-15, 19-17, 11-4)

Naomi PRANJKOVIC - Bianca MEI ROSU 1-3 (11-9, 4-11, 3-11, 8-11)

Mia GRIESEL - Elena ZAHARIA 0-3 (9-11, 7-11, 8-11)

Lea LACHENMAYER - Ioana SINGEORZAN 1-3 (11-13, 3-11, 13-11, 10-12)