The inaugural European Under-13 Championship in Zagreb concluded with Danilo FASO from Italy justifying his status and clinching the gold medal in the Boys Singles event. In an all-Italian final he overcame the second-seeded Francesco TREVISAN.
“Before the competition began I hoped to reach the semifinals. That was my goal. However I knew I was capable of more. I am happy that I also performed well dropping only one game on the way to the gold. My match against Morel-Gonzales was the toughest but we prepared a good strategy ” highlighted FASO.
The top-seeded Danilo FASO has already won three titles in the WTT Contenders this year. He triumphed in the U15 event in Vila Real and the Under 13 event in Varazdin in Linz. FASO also reached the semifinals of the Under 15 event in Linz.
His teammate Francesco TREVISAN had clinched the title at the WTT Contender in the Under 13 event in Wladyslawowo and he was a finalist in Linz and Berlin.
“Danilo and Francesco entered this European Championship as the first and second seeds but the rankings heavily depend on tournament activity. Being ranked number one or two does not necessarily mean being the strongest player especially at this age. Many players do not participate in WTT tournaments but join the European Championship. I had confidence in the abilities of my players but I was uncertain about the level of competition and the possibility of surprises. We recently competed in a tournament in Havirov where the competition was quite strong. For example I first saw that left-handed player from Türkiye there and he is a very dangerous player. This is definitely a fantastic result and I am overjoyed. It is a dream come true ” stated coach DELSANTE.
In the final the Italian coaches enjoyed the match from the sidelines as Faso and Trevisan battled for the championship.
“This is my first singles final in the European Championships and it was definitely the easiest final. I hope every final will be like this ” joked DELSANTE continuing “I am glad that we managed to stay mentally strong. We have been here for five or six days and each day has been challenging and competitive. In this format every match is important and the boys have been truly excellent. Faso’s toughest match was the one to reach the quarterfinals against Morel-Gonzales while Trevisan faced a tough challenge against MRUGALA.”
“Last year in Podgorica FASO lost in the quarterfinals in a fifth game with a score of 11-9. Danilo does not like to lose. Well nobody likes to lose but he is special in that regard. While we watched the final I told him to remember the podium and let it be his motivation in the future. Especially because he will have a new opportunity in Zagreb next year ” shared an interesting anecdote from coach DELSANTE.
It seems Faso remembered that podium well as he ascended to the top step of the victory podium in Zagreb.
In the semifinals Danilo FASO defeated Kenan KAHRAMAN from Türkiye in straight games. Kenan was the finalist in the Under 15 events in Antalya and the Under 13 event in Havirov. He also reached the semifinals of the Under 13 event in Antalya.
In the other semifinal match Francesco TREVISAN overcame Jan MRUGALA from Poland.
“It was a very intense semifinal. Francesco had played against him two months ago in Poland where they also faced each other in the semifinals. It was a tough match but as before Faso emerged victorious. Jan is a strong player growing stronger and more powerful whereas Francesco does not possess that kind of power yet. Therefore he cannot rely on strength alone but must focus on technique playing with his mind and heart ” emphasized Italian coach Emmanuele DELSANTE.
DELSANTE did not watch the other semifinal only briefly following the score as he wanted to remain focused on their own match.
Jan MRUGALA won the WTT Contender Under 13 event in Metz and he was a semifinalist in Wladyslawowo.
Final Boys
Danilo FASO of Italy – Francesco TREVISAN of Italy 3-0 (11-3 11-8 11-2)
Semi Final
Danilo FASO of Italy – Kenan KAHRAMAN of Turkiye 3-0 (12-10 11-6 11-8)
Francesco TREVISAN of Italy – Jan MRUGALA of Poland 3-1 (13-11 11-7 10-12 11-5)
