European Games | 27 Jun 2023

Bernadette SZOCS newly-crowned champion in Krakow

The newly crowned champion of the Women's singles at the European Games in Krakow is Bernadette SZOCS of Romania. YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco finds consolation in the silver medal after a breathtaking final tonight in Poland. Elizabeta SAMARA won the bronze medal in the duel against Natalia BAJOR of Poland.

In the ultimate hurdle of the event, SZOCS made a remarkable comeback from 1-3 down to win the match in a furious style in the decisive game. YANG initially dominated the early stages of the match.

"This was a final, and I knew I had to fight until the last moment. Even when I was down 1-3, I didn't allow myself to give up. YANG was my clubmate for four years, and she beat me in every match we played. But I felt like this was 'my' tournament. I felt great here, and I simply felt like I had to win it," said SZOCS.

When asked about her remarkable comeback, SZOCS said, "I didn't feel her pimples, but at 3-1, I pushed myself to play more aggressively. I told myself not to think that I was in reverse, and I played as if it was 0-0."

Bernadette is now looking forward to new challenges. "Now I'm looking forward to the Olympics, and I know I can aim for a medal there. This is my first 'big' medal, and I made it to the gold. My dream has come true. It has boosted my confidence," said SZOCS.

Romania's coach, Viorel FILIMON, explained what happened during the match. "Players start with their tactics, but when Bernadette started to lose, I told her to change her service. The only way to halt YANG was to use the long service to her backhand. She started doing it and immediately slowed down YANG. YANG was not able to play as aggressively as she was at the beginning, and Bernie took control. This is a great day for Romania. Even though Samara had a chance to be in the final, she still has a medal," stated FILIMON.

For YANG, it was hard to find the words after the defeat. "For sure, Bernadette played a great match, but when I was leading 3-1, I stopped analyzing the match, and my focus went away. I was more focused on the result than the tactics itself. I had never lost against her, so I am very disappointed."

In the match for the bronze medal, Elizabeta SAMARA withstood Natalia NAJOR's spirited comeback after taking a 3-1 lead, ultimately winning the match in the seventh game.

"We knew each other very well. We are clubmates, and her national coach is my club coach. In our two previous matches in the Polish league, Natalia beat me twice. She did n't give me a chance," said SAMARA.

This time, however, the scenario was different. The opening game was very close but went in favor of SAMARA.

"She had an advantage in the first game, and I kept coming back. In the close finish, I won it, and that was the key moment. I lost the next game, but I was able to control the match. Everything was going my way until 3-1," stated Elizabeta.

BAJOR heated up the atmosphere in the Hutnik Arena by mounting a comeback when the match seemed to be quickly ending.

"I simply can't say what happened to me. I had a lead in the fifth game, but I just lost it. In the sixth game, I had another chance at 10-9..."

In the decisive game, SAMARA had a 5-1 lead before BAJOR leveled the score. However, this time Romania's player defended her lead and sealed the match.

"We weren't used to playing matches for the third position, so it was a little strange experience. But I am proud that I made it to the medal podium. I proved to myself that I can still play at the highest level and that I still belong in the game."

In the morning hours, YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco defeated SAMARA in the semifinals, but Elizabeta managed to recover from the defeat.

"I didn't have time to think about it. I rushed to the hotel to eat and take a shower..."

Match for the gold medal

YANG Xiaoxin of Monaco (4) – Bernadette SZOCS (6) 3-4 (11-4, 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-13, 9-11, 3-11)

Match for the bronze medal

Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania (8) - Natalia BAJOR of Poland (14) 4-3 (11-9, 4-11, 13-11, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7)