In the final of the Mixed Teams Event at the European Under 13 Championships in Kosta, France will face Switzerland.
France were the first to book their place in the final, overcoming Bulgaria with a commanding 3–0 win. Simon CLIN and Lisa ZHAO gave the French side the perfect start, defeating Lachezar HRISTOV and Kalina STEFANOVA in straight games. Albane ROCHUT followed up with a solid performance against Polina ENCHEVA, before Tim ESCUDIER was pushed to the limit by Stefan BONCHEV but eventually prevailed in five games to seal the overall triumph.
“A very solid performance from the team. They look stronger with every match and are acting very serious and focused, especially considering their age. At this level we are hard to beat,” said French coach Stephane HUCLIEZ.
Looking ahead to the final, HUCLIEZ added:
“We just need to continue on this path. As I said, we are improving with every match, so if we stay focused and aggressive, we can hopefully reach an even higher level tomorrow and clinch the victory. It will certainly be tough, so we must keep our strong team spirit and push each other.”
Switzerland joined them in the title clash after defeating Poland 3–1. The opening doubles set the tone, as Arthur LOUSTALOT and Enya HU edged out Ignacy SLAWINSKI and Julia SZARMACH in five games. Michelle WU kept the momentum going with a confident straight-games win over Nicol BARTOSZKO.
Poland responded through Olaf GLANERT, who impressed with a commanding 3–0 victory against Silas STALDER. However, Enya HU proved decisive in the fourth match, overcoming Julia SZARMACH to clinch the overall victory for Switzerland.
Pedro PELZ ahead of final versus France: “Fance is a really strong team, so we will need to carefully consider the best options regarding who plays which match. Since the singles event is still ongoing, we want the players to stay focused on their individual campaigns for now. As the final gets closer, we will shift the focus back to the team and get everyone ready. This final is very special for us, and we want to enjoy the moment.”
Semi-Finals
Poland – Switzerland 1-3
- Ignacy SLAWINSKI, Julia SZARMACH – Arthur LOUSTALOT, Enya HU 2-3 (11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11)
- Nicol BARTOSZKO – Michelle WU 0-3 (3-11, 8-11, 13-15)
- Olaf GLANERT – Silas STALDER 3-0 (11-5, 11-4, 11-9)
- Julia SZARMACH – Enya HU 1-3 (11-9, 7-11, 4-11, 7-11)
Bulgaria – France 0-3
- Lachezar HRISTOV, Kalina STEFANOVA – Simon CLIN, Lisa ZHAO 0-3 (4-11, 2-11, 7-11)
- Polina ENCHEVA – Albane ROCHUT 0-3 (3-11, 3-11, 5-11)
- Stefan BONCHEV – Tim ESCUDIER 2-3 (11-7, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6, 7-11)
