Bulgaria’sYoan VELICHKOV continued his impressive run at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships by winning Group 7 in Stage 2 and securing his place in the knockout rounds.
After topping his qualification group in Stage 1, VELICHKOV once again showed consistency when it mattered most. He opened with a 4-1 victory over Poland’s Marcel BLASZCZYK, followed it with a commanding 4-0 win against England’s Connor GREEN, and then completed a perfect group campaign with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Slovakia’s Damian FLORO.
The Bulgarian admitted that simply progressing from the group had been his main objective.
“I am feeling amazing. My goal was to get through the group, so finishing first is an even bigger achievement. I am looking forward to the next matches and I hope I can keep this level.”
VELICHKOV entered Stage 2 expecting a close battle, having faced many of the players before.
“I didn’t have many expectations. With the players in this group, it always felt like 50-50. I just wanted to give my best and let the result follow.”
His strong performances have only boosted his confidence ahead of the knockout stage.
“It gives me confidence. It shows me that I can play well and that I can compete. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Bulgarian has already enjoyed an excellent season, highlighted by victory at the WTT Youth Contender in Bulgaria, national singles and doubles titles, and first place in Germany’s Third League.
Behind VELICHKOV, the battle for the second qualifying place remained open until the final round. Slovakia’s Damian FLORO made a flying start by defeating seventh seed Connor GREEN 4-1, one of the notable upsets of Stage 2. However, a 4-1 defeat toMarcel BLASZCZYK left the Slovak needing another result in the final round.
Although FLORO pushed VELICHKOV all the way before losing in seven games, it was GREEN who secured second place in the standings thanks to his final-round victory over BLASZCZYK and a superior points ratio.
As a result, VELICHKOV and GREEN advanced to the knockout stage, while FLORO narrowly missed out despite his impressive opening-round victory.
VELICHKOV will now look to carry his unbeaten run into the knockout rounds, where the level is only set to rise.
PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU
