One of the most intriguing stories of the opening day at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships unfolded in Group 1, where Croatia’s Borna PETEK followed up a stunning victory over top qualification seed Mateusz ZALEWSKI with a difficult encounter against home player Robert ISTRATE.
Earlier in the day, PETEK produced one of the biggest upsets of Stage 1, defeating Poland’s ZALEWSKI in straight games. The Croatian credited thorough preparation and a clear tactical plan for the victory.
“I prepared really well with my coach. We had a good tactic, my adversary didn’t feel so confident and I played very well. In the end, the tactic made the difference.”
However, maintaining that momentum proved difficult against ISTRATE, who bounced back strongly after suffering a heartbreaking five-game defeat to Sweden’s Isak ALFREDSSON in his opening match.
The Romanian recovered impressively to secure a commanding 3-0 victory over PETEK, keeping his qualification hopes alive.
“It was a difficult preparation. In the first match he won 3-0, he was confident. I lost my first match after leading 2-0 and 10-8, so I tried to focus only on this match and do my best.”
ISTRATE felt his second performance was built on greater discipline and a stronger mental approach.
“My confidence was lower, but the game was better, even though the first match wasn’t bad either. My discipline was higher.”
The victory brought obvious relief to the Romanian.
“I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to the next match.”
After two rounds, Group 1 remains wide open. ZALEWSKI recovered from his opening defeat by overcoming ALFREDSSON 3-1, while ISTRATE’s victory over PETEK ensured that all four players remain in contention heading into the decisive phase of the group.
Another surprise followed in Group 2 as Slovakia’s Samuel ARPAS was beaten by Turkey’s Görkem ÖÇAL, who secured a convincing 3-0 victory (11-7, 11-3, 11-6) to take an early advantage in the group.
While some of the favorites stumbled, Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Italy’s Danilo FASO both opened their campaigns with impressive victories.
One of the most convincing performances of the opening session came from Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN, who took control of Group 3 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Finland’s Lassi LEHTOLA (11-2, 11-6, 11-4). In the group’s other encounter, Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK defeated Lithuania’s Ignas SISANOVAS by the same scoreline.
ABIODUN arrived in Cluj-Napoca encouraged by his recent progress and believes he is in a strong position to challenge for a medal.
” I recovered my shape after the surgery. I am playing great and I am very happy to be here.”
The Portuguese player has placed all of his focus on the singles event.
“My goal is to win a medal. I don’t play doubles or mixed doubles because I want to be rested for singles.”
Despite his confident start, ABIODUN expects a difficult road ahead.
“It’s a 50-50 match every time, very difficult. I think I can manage to go through the main draw.”
ABIODUN followed his opening win over Finland’s LEHTOLA with a 3-1 victory against Lithuania’s Ignas SISANOVAS (11-9, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7). The Portuguese player now sits at the top of the group and is well placed to secure qualification for the next stage. In the other Group 3 match, Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK defeated LEHTOLA 3-1 to remain in contention.
Italy’s Danilo FASO also opened his campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Switzerland’s Noe KEUSCH 3-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-7) to move to the top of Group 6. The group’s second match proved far more dramatic, with Greece’s Georgios KOSMAS recovering from a two-game deficit to beat Sweden’s Elias SJÖGREN 3-2.
Competing in his second Under 21 Championships, FASO was pleased with the way he began the tournament.
“I feel good. It’s my second year playing Under 21. I just want to play and I’m happy after this game. Now I have to play a player from Sweden and I hope to play like this and pass the first group. I feel very good after this 3-0 win.”
One of the youngest players in the field, the Italian sees the event as an opportunity to test himself against older opponents.
“Everybody is older than me, so this is a challenge. I hope to do my best and play very well.”
FASO also acknowledged the depth of quality throughout the draw. “It’s hard. The first eight players don’t play the first group and they are very good. The European Under 19 Championships would probably be easier for me because everyone is younger, but I will do my best.”
FASO also maintained a perfect record in Group 6. After opening with a 3-0 victory over Switzerland’s Noe KEUSCH, the Italian followed up with a 3-1 win against Sweden’s Elias SJOGREN (11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5).
Group 11 produced another surprise as Sweden’s William BERGENBLOCK recovered from an opening-round defeat to upset Austria’s Julian RZIHAUSCHEK in a thrilling five-game encounter.
RZIHAUSCHEK had started the day strongly, defeating Germany’s Lleyton ULLMANN 3-1, while BERGENBLOCK suffered a narrow five-game loss to Portugal’s Clement LAINE. However, the Swede bounced back impressively in Round 2, overcoming RZIHAUSCHEK 3-2 (11-5, 6-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5).
PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU
