Junior Boys Singles Event
Last year’s silver medalist Alexandre CASSIN of France went one step higher this year at the European Youth Championships in Zagreb. CASSIN beat Andreas LEVENKO of Austria in the final of the Junior Boys Singles Event.
Winner needed only four games to seal the title.
“We played before; I beat him at Top 10 so I knew what to do. I did not let him surprise me. I had to be calm and focused and maintain control constantly ” explained CASSIN.
Previously Andreas LEVENKO overcame Europe’s no. one Darko JORGIC of Slovenia in surprisingly straight matches.
“I was ready. My coach Jarek and I study his game very much; we watched videos and talked. I also played so many times before against him and our record is 3:3 so I know how to beat him. I was very focused and that was my main weapon. Tactically he is very strong so I was careful. I played more in the middle and on his forehand trying to avoid his backhand ” said LEVENKO.
Alexandre CASSIN avenged his defeat in the Team’s Event. He overcame Tomas POLANSKY of Czech Republic.
“He beat me here in very close match. It was 50/50 but at the end he won 3:2. We played so many times before and Tomas is very dangerous player. I do not like playing against him. His backhand is very strong so I had to be focused and to stay calm. All this things put pressure on me at the beginning so I started bad. I improved my game as the match progressed I did not panic ” explained CASSIN.
Final
Alexandre CASSIN (France) – Andreas LEVENKO (Austria) 4:0 (11:1 11:9 11:4 11:8)
Semi final
Alexandre CASSIN (France) – Tomas POLANSKY (Czech Republic) 4:1(11:13 11:3 11:7 11:9 13:11).
Andreas LEVENKO (Austria) -Darko JORGIC (Slovenia) 4:0 (13:11 11:7 11:8 11:3 11:7 11:9 13:1)