Antoine NOIRAULT and Leana HOCHART of France claimed the Under 19 Mixed Doubles title at the European Youth Championships in Gondomar, defeating Romania’s Robert ISTRATE and Bianca MEI ROSU 3-1 in a high-quality final. Bronze medals were awarded to France’s Nathan LAM and Jade HUYNH, and Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Mariana SANTA COMBA.
The final lived up to expectations, with three of the four games decided by the narrowest of margins. After edging a tense opening game 13-11, the French pair responded to dropping the second by taking both the third and fourth games 12-10 to seal the title.
NOIRAULT and HOCHART had booked their place in the final with a commanding straight-games victory over teammates Nathan LAM and Jade HUYNH. Although the scoreline looked one-sided, NOIRAULT explained that facing fellow French players brought its own challenges.
“It was a difficult match because we were playing against another French pair, and it’s never easy in that situation. But I think we prepared really well together and played a very good match. We had a clear strategy, we stuck to it throughout, and it worked really well for us. We’re very happy with this victory, and now our goal is to win the title. We’re delighted to keep our run going and have the chance to fight for gold.”
The Romanian finalists reached the title match after overcoming Portugal’s Tiago ABIODUN and Mariana SANTA COMBA in a gripping five-game semi-final, using a well-prepared tactical plan to neutralise the home favourites.
MEI ROSU explained that varying the rhythm was central to their success.
“We knew before the match that it was going to be very tough because we know our opponents well. Tiago is a very strong player, so before the match we discussed our tactics and stuck to the plan throughout. The main idea was to change the rhythm, especially against Tiago. We also wanted to keep the rallies short and keep the ball close to the table, because he likes to stay well behind it. That was our game plan, and it worked well.”
The partnership of ISTRATE and MEI ROSU has been playing together for around three years, but Gondomar marked their first European Youth Championships as a pair, and already their best result.
ISTRATE highlighted the importance of executing their tactical approach.
“The key was to keep the ball short and make sure we were the ones starting the rallies, not our opponents. We knew we were facing two very strong players. If they were able to attack first, it would have been very difficult for us. I think we followed our plan well and that made the difference.”
Final
- Antoine NOIRAULT, Leana HOCHART (France) – Robert ISTRATE, Bianca MEI ROSU (Romania) 3-1 (13-11, 4-11, 12-10, 12-10)
Semi-finals
- Antoine NOIRAULT, Leana HOCHART (France) – Nathan LAM, Jade HUYNH (France) 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-6)
- Robert ISTRATE, Bianca MEI ROSU (Romania) – Tiago ABIODUN, Mariana SANTA COMBA (Portugal) 3-2 (11-5, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7)
