David SZANTOSI of Hungary has been crowned champion in the Under 19 Boys Singles Event at the European Youth Championships in Ostrava. In the final, he overcame Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK, while the bronze medals went to Dragos BUJOR of Romania and Tiago ABIODUN of Portugal.
The final between 4th seed SZANTOSI and 9th seed BLASZCZYK was a somewhat unexpected matchup, but it delivered plenty of excitement and intensity.
“I’m speechless, I still can’t believe it,” said SZANTOSI after the win. “I can’t even describe how I feel. I went into the match determined to win because I had played really well in the earlier rounds. Honestly, I didn’t play my best table tennis in the final, but I believed in myself, and I managed to pull through. I had lost to him 0-3 in the team event, but it’s a big difference playing in a final, there’s much more pressure. Back then I was tired, but this time I felt fresh! This is my first medal in singles, and in my last year in Under 19, it’s the perfect way to finish this category. It’s definitely the biggest achievement of my career.”
In the semi-final, SZANTOSI lived up to his seeding by defeating Dragos BUJOR, who had earlier stunned the top seed Daniel BERZOSA of Spain.
“This was my first Under 19 singles final, so I was really excited,” said SZANTOSI. “The fourth game was the most difficult—it’s always tough to win four games in a row. But I won 4-1, and I’m really happy. I hoped I could win, especially knowing that BUJOR had played a doubles semi-final earlier, which might have made him a bit tired. We know each other well, we were teammates in Romania. The last time we played, I won 4-3, so I knew it would be close.”
On the other side of the draw, Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK pulled off a surprise by defeating second seed Tiago ABIODUN of Portugal in the semi-final.
“I don’t even know what to say, I still can’t believe it. This is the best tournament of my career,” said BLASZCZYK. “Before the match, I was a bit nervous, but I knew I was ready, and after yesterday I felt great and confident. I played against Tiago before and won 3-2, and today I think I was just better. My coach and I had a tactic, though that stays a secret! This was my first final, and I can’t even describe how happy I am. I faced SZANTOSI in the team event and beat him 3-0, but I know a final is a different story, and the pressure is much higher. Still, I believed I could win and gave it my all.”
Final
- David SZANTOSI of Hungary – Marcel BLASZCZYK of Poland 4-2 (5-11, 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3, 12-10)
Semi final
- David SZANTOSI of Hungary – Dragos BUJOR of Romania 4-1 (11-7, 11-4, 11-4, 5-11, 11-3)
- Marcel BLASZCZYK of Poland – Tiago ABIODUN of Portugal 4-2 (11-7, 11-8, 10-12, 11-13, 11-5, 11-6)
