European Championships | 8 Sep 2023

Bernadette SZOCS wants the title back

Seeded at position number two in the STUPA European Championship in Malmö, Romania is in pursuit of their sixth title in the history of the Championships. In 2021, Germany halted their quest for a place in the history books with a third consecutive gold, but this year, at the 2023 European Games in Krakow, Romania struck back with a win in the final after more than 3 hours of play. They took the title from the defending champions, Germany, in a thrilling five-match clash.

Romania is led by the singles champion from the Krakow Games, Bernadette SZOCS, and the experienced bronze medal winner from Poland, Elizabeta SAMARA, Adina DIACONU, Andreea DRAGOMAN, and Elena ZAHARIA.

Bernadette has never lacked confidence or lofty goals, but the latest title won in a duel against the number one seeds, Germany, has boosted their aspirations.

"After winning the European Games with my team, we have much more confidence. Now we are ready for the big fight again and for the gold medal! It will not be easy, but we have a strong team, so I believe that we can reach the top again," said SZOCS.

Bernadette had only a short break after Poland before a series of WTT events.

"I did not have a holiday after the European Games; I just took 3 or 4 free days to enjoy a little bit of sun and refresh my body and mind."

SZOCS was on duty at four tournaments in the past two months. In the Slovenia Open, she reached the quarterfinals by beating CHEN Szu-Yu of Taipei, Adriana DIAZ of Puerto Rico, Manika BATRA of India before losing to CHEN Meng of China. In Lima, Peru, Bernadette finished as the runner-up. Her winning path included wins over CHEN Szu-Yu of Taipei once again, ZENG Jian of Singapore, Adriana DIAZ of Puerto Rico, Miyuu KIHARA of Japan before losing to SHIN YUBIN of Korea. In Rio de Janeiro, on her way to the semifinals, Bernadette beat Maria XIAO of Spain, Margaryta PESOTSKA of Ukraine, and CHEN Szu-Yu of Taipei.

"I am unhappy with my result in Kazakhstan at WTT Contender Almaty last week, but I am already focused on the next challenge. In a day or two, we start with practice in the hall and fitness training, and we will continue to work toward fulfilling our ultimate dream – winning a medal at the Olympic Games," stated Bernadette.

Romania is in Group B with Slovenia and Croatia.

"The group is good. We have to be focused and play very carefully in every match. Regardless of our position in the standings, all teams want to win against us, and they are also well-prepared for this tournament. I am ready for everything; I have played very well in the last few tournaments, so I am confident. I feel ready for the big fight with my team. I have already played in Malmö, and I am sure that everything will be set at the highest level in Sweden," concluded SZOCS.