The stage is set for a blockbuster Under 19 Girls Teams final at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar, with top seeds France and second seeds Romania progressing through contrasting semifinal battles. France completed a 3-0 victory over Germany despite three highly competitive matches, while Romania overcame fourth seeds Portugal 3-1 to keep their title hopes alive.
France opened the semifinal with an assured performance from Nina GUO ZHENG, who defeated Koharu ITAGAKI in straight games, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5, to give the favourites the early advantage.
Leana HOCHART then moved France within one point of the final by overcoming Lisa-Sophie WANG in four games. After dominating the opening two games, HOCHART briefly saw WANG fight back by taking the third, but the French player quickly regained control to seal the victory 11-5 in the fourth.
The final point came after the closest contest of the tie. Alexia NODIN established a two-game lead against Lorena MORSCH, only for the German to level the match with an impressive comeback. NODIN responded strongly in the deciding game, winning 11-4 to complete France’s 3-0 success.
Leana HOCHART was delighted to see France return to the title match.
“I’m very happy with the victory. Although we won 3-0, every match was competitive and the overall level was very high. There was a great atmosphere, and we’re really happy to have reached the final.
I had played against my opponent before, although I don’t remember exactly when. I think I won that match, but every match is different. I felt comfortable because she is a defensive player, and I actually enjoy playing against that style. We have a defensive player on our own team as well, so I can practise against that type of game before matches, and I think that helped me.
I also believe it’s an advantage to have a defensive player in the team because it changes the rhythm and makes it harder for opponents to prepare. They never know exactly what to expect. We have four strong players with different styles, and I think that variety is one of our strengths.”
Romania secured the second place in the final after defeating Portugal 3-1.
Bianca MEI ROSU recovered from dropping the opening game against Mariana SANTA COMBA to claim the next three and hand Romania the first point.
Alesia Sofia SFERLEA then doubled the advantage in another four-game battle. Julia LEAL took the opening game, but SFERLEA edged the next two 11-9 before closing out the match 11-7.
Portugal stayed alive through Beatriz PINTO, who bounced back after losing the first game to defeat Andreea BAIASU in four games and reduce the deficit.
MEI ROSU, however, ensured there would be no comeback. Facing LEAL, she delivered another composed performance, winning 11-8, 12-10, 11-7 to send Romania into the final, where they will challenge France for the European title.
Germany – France 0-3
- Koharu ITAGAKI – Nina GUO ZHENG 0-3 (7-11, 8-11, 5-11)
- Lisa-Sophie WANG – Leana HOCHART 1-3 (6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 5-11)
- Lorena MORSCH – Alexia NODIN 2-3 (8-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-8, 4-11
Romania – Portugal 3-1
- Bianca MEI ROSU – Mariana SANTA COMBA 3-1 (4-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8)
- Alesia Sofia SFERLEA – Julia LEAL 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7)
- Andreea BAIASU – Beatriz PINTO 1- 3(11-5, 6-11, 5-11, 8-11)
- Bianca MEI ROSU – Julia LEAL 3-0 (11-8, 12-10, 11-7)
