In the Under 15 Girls Team Event, Germany clinched their third consecutive title at the European Youth Championships. They added to a rich legacy that already includes gold medals from 1994, 1998, 1999, 2009, 2012, and 2021.
In the final, Josephina NEUMANN and Koharu ITAGAKI (with Amelie Guzi JIA and Anna WALTER also listed in the team) halted the progress of the French team consisting of Lou-Anne BOCQUET, Lisa ZHAO, Eva LAM, and Albane ROCHUT. France is still waiting for gold in the girls’ category since 2019, when Prithika PAVADE led the team. This time, they had to settle for silver.
The bronze medals went to Czechia, represented by Adéla BRHELOVÁ, Hanka KODET, Simona HOLUBOVÁ, and Laura MARSICKOVÁ; and to Italy with Manon LOTH, Sofia EPISCOPO, Gioia Maria PICU, and Matilde BUZZONI.
The final was a one-sided affair, with Germany fully in control from start to finish. Josephina NEUMANN and Koharu ITAGAKI kept the momentum and composure throughout. Both players had already featured in last year’s gold-winning team in Malmö. On their way to the final, Germany dropped only one point, against Spain in the quarterfinals.
France had an impressive run to the final, with their toughest test in the semifinal clash against Italy.
NEUMANN lost only one match during the event, against Spain’s Renata SHYPSHA.
“In my match against BOCQUET, I had the most trouble with her serves. She’s a left-hander, and I don’t practice often against left-handed players, so the beginning was a bit difficult for me. But I managed to handle it and won 3-0.”
ITAGAKI remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
“I played against ZHAO and won 3-0, but every game was so close. I was a little nervous because the last two times I played her, it went to 3-2. So I knew it wouldn’t be an easy match.”
Both players reflected on their doubles performance:
“The doubles were really good. We didn’t discuss tactics or anything — we just played and enjoyed it. We trusted in our pairing and are really happy that we made it.”
Speaking about previous matches, both players found common ground:
“I think every match was difficult, but mentally, the toughest was definitely against Czechia. We knew KODET is a really strong player, and it would be hard to play against her. On the other hand, the most tactically challenging match was against France — we had no idea how they would play. Fortunately, we made it through and we’re very happy,” said ITAGAKI.
NEUMANN added:
“We were nervous before the final — but honestly, we were more nervous in the earlier matches.”
FINAL
Under 15 Girls Final: France – Germany 0-3
- Lou-Anne BOCQUET – Josephina NEUMANN 1-3 (3-11, 11-3, 6-11, 10-12)
- Lisa ZHAO – Koharu ITAGAKI 0-3 (9-11, 6-11, 9-11)
- Eva LAM, Albane ROCHUT – Koharu ITAGAKI, Josephina NEUMANN 0-3 (8-11, 7-11, 10-12)
Semi final
Germany – Czechia 3-0
- Koharu ITAGAKI – Simona HOLUBOVA 3-0 (11-8, 11-1, 11-6)
- Josephina NEUMANN – Hanka KODET 3-1 (11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6)
- Koharu ITAGAKI, Josephina NEUMANN – Simona HOLUBOVA, Hanka KODET 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 11-7)
Italy – France 2-3
- Manon LOTH – Lou-Anne BOCQUET 1-3 (11-9, 10-12, 4-11, 5-11)
- Sofia EPISCOPO – Eva LAM 0-3 (2-11, 5-11, 2-11)
- Manon LOTH, Gioia Maria PICU – Eva LAM, Albane ROCHUT 3-1 (7-11, 13-11, 11-6, 11-8)
- Manon LOTH – Eva LAM 3-1 (11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6)
- Sofia EPISCOPO – Lou-Anne BOCQUET 0-3 (3-11, 5-11, 6-11)
