European Youth Championships | 13 Jul 2013

Netherlands and Sweden clinched the top

Croatia was the only team who damaged the French flawless series of wins at the Junior Boy’s Teams Event at the 56th European Youth Championships in Ostrava. However, even strong Croatian team could not did more but to win one singles match against

France is at the top of the Group A at the end of the first phase of the competition. They beat Russia and Belgium as well. “I do not regret I am not be able to defend my title in cadet Singles Event. I am feeling so good playing against juniors,” said best ranked cadet boy in the hall, CASSIN. Croatia finished second, Russia third and Belgium at fourth position.

In Group B nothing went according to “plan”. Netherlands seeded only at the position no. three emerged at the top, Hungary, seeded no. one finished second. Italy from position no. two slipped to spot no. four and Slovakia is third. Laurens TROMER, Rajko GOMMERS, Martin KHATCHANOV and Koen HAGERAATS beat Hungarian players and Slovakia’s representatives, but suffered by the hands of Italians. At the end they were only Italian’s casualties. In Group C favourites also stumbled. Sweden’s Anton KALLBERG, Viktor GORMAN and Carl AHLANDER JOHANSSON reached the top from the third position. Poland fell from top spot to third place. Portugal is second.

In Group D Germany’s Marc RODE, Kilian ORT, Florian SCHREINER and QIU Liang recorded all three victories. Host nation booked second position, whilst thanks to victory over Romania, Serbia went one place higher then the rankings predicted. “It was easier then we thought before the tournament. Marc RODE was at the real leader of the generation. He was not so impressive on the opening day, but today he was very good. Rode proved he is important player for the team,” said Klaus SCHMITTINGER.