Top seed Danilo FASO of Italy lived up to expectations in the Under 15 Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava, capturing the gold medal with a strong performance against second seed Görkem ÖÇAL of Türkiye. The Italian star added this singles title to the gold he had already claimed in the team and doubles events, completing a remarkable treble.
Bronze medals were awarded to Jonas RINDERER of Germany and Francesco TREVISAN of Italy.
In the final, ÖÇAL started better and took the opening game, but FASO responded immediately and soon took control of the match. Although ÖÇAL managed to narrow the gap with a tight fourth game, FASO proved too strong and sealed a 4-2 victory.
“This was by far the most difficult match of the tournament for me. ÖÇAL played really well. I lost the first game 9-11 and started to feel the pressure, but then I adjusted my tactics. I played more aggressively and changed the rhythm of the game,” said FASO. “I feel great, I’m proud to have won three gold medals here: in the team, doubles, and now singles.”
FASO reached the final by defeating Germany’s Jonas RINDERER in straight games, though the match was tighter than the scoreline suggested.
“I won 4-0, and I feel really good about my performance. The second game was the toughest, it ended 13-11, and I think it was the key moment. I’ve played him before on the WTT circuit and won 3-2, so I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I was well prepared and knew exactly how to play him.”
An all-Italian final was a possibility, but it wasn’t to be. In the other semi-final, second seed Görkem ÖÇAL overcame Francesco TREVISAN in what was a significant personal victory.
“It was a tough match. I had never beaten TREVISAN before, so I’m even happier with this win,” said ÖÇAL.“I knew he plays with a lot of control and safe balls, so I had to be patient, slow down a bit, and make sure I kept every ball on the table. This was my first U15 final—I’ve been U13 champion before—and I really wanted to give my best. I’ll always try to win!”
Final
- Danilo FASO of Italy – Görkem ÖÇAL of Turkey 4-2 (9-11, 11-8, 11-1, 11-9, 5-11, 11-4)
Semi final
- Danilo FASO of Italy – Jonas RINDERER of Germany 4-0 (11-5, 13-11, 11-9, 11-7)
- Görkem ÖÇAL of Turkey – Francesco TREVISAN of Italy 4-2 (14-12, 8-11, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6, 12-10)
