Development | 12 Oct 2023

Swiss Under 13 Team Concludes First Stage at the Top of the Standings

The first stage of the team events at the Europe Youth Series 2023 Czech Open in Plzen has concluded. The teams placed in the first and second positions in their respective groups will play the final match tomorrow for the title.

In the Under 13 Girls' Event, Switzerland's first team, composed of Akhyata PATRA and Ilvi ULRICH, won the opening stage. They recorded seven wins, with five of them in straight matches. The Swiss team will face Czechia 1, represented by Adela BRHELOVA and Laura MARSICKOVA, who lost only one match. Germany's second team, composed of Linyun WEI and Rouqi WEI, finished in third place.

Swiss girls' team coach Pedro PELZ provided an overview of his team's performance in the opening days of the tournament.

"Back in Serbia at the Youth Series tournament in Dimitrovgrad, we reached the team's final with Akhyata PATRA, who won all her singles matches. It was only in the final that she lost one against FAZEKAS. She played with Enya HU at that time. Now, Akhyata is playing with Ilvi ULRICH, and Enya HU (2013) is partnered with Michelle WU (2013). The level is slightly higher than in Serbia, I would say, due to the presence of teams from Germany and the Czech Republic in the competition. Akhyata and Ilvi consistently displayed a high level in their singles matches with a 12:2 record, and they won all their doubles matches. It was crucial to secure victories in those two matches," reported coach PELZ. "So, it's a significant goal to know that you have an excellent chance to win the doubles if necessary."

Speaking about their opponents, PELZ noted that the hosts presented a significant challenge to PATRA and ULRICH, the very same team they will meet in the final.

"The toughest match was against Czechia 1. The result was 3:0, but every single match was challenging to win. So we'll see how it goes in the final tomorrow. There, they'll need to secure three points, and you never know which player you'll face first. I believe we have a very good chance to win this team tournament if both our players prepare well for the final and play tactically. Of course, they'll have to fight for every ball."

At the Under 13 European Championships in June, Akhyata and Ilvi won almost all their matches in the team competition, which is why we finished in 10th place.

"Switzerland's younger girls' team with Enya and Michelle is also performing well. Both of them have a 4:3 record in their singles matches, which is very impressive. I believe they both have the potential to reach a top level in Europe in the U15 category."

Coach PELZ praised the organizers in Plzen.

"The tournament is very well organized. The playing conditions for the players in the main and practice hall are excellent. Additionally, the food, accommodations, and the transportation from the hotel to the hall are well-organized. There's really nothing to complain about."