European Championships | 8 Mar 2020

Vladimir SIDORENKO at the top of the Europe

Photo: M. NOVOSEL

European Under 21 Championships

Vladimir SIDERENKO of Russia is the new champion of the Men's Singles Event at the European Under 21 Championships. In Varazdin he overcame Rares SIPOS of Romania in the final (9:11, 7:11, 11:9, 5:11, 4:11). Laurens DEVOS of Belgium and Andrei PUTUNTICA of Moldova won bronze medals.

“I am not the player who wins his matches easily. I have to work hard for every victory and this Championships was very difficult for me. There was a lot of pressure on in the final, I am happy I was the one who win” said SIDORENKO

Previously, Rares SIPOS of Romania survived turbulent penultimate stage and in the game full of ups and downs overcame Laurens DEVOS of Belgium (6:11, 7:11, 12:10, 6:11, 11:8, 12:14).

“I was so nervous. I have been so many times in situations like this; after being only step away from the medal, final...my mind has blocked my body. It looked like it could be the case in Varazdin too, but I came back. I was brave, I played with more courage then I usually do,” said SIPOS.

SIDORENKO overcame in other semi final match Andrei PUTUNTICA of Moldova. Last time they met at Under 21 Championships in Minsk two years ago and then it was 4:3 for SIDORENKO.

“We are good friends and we know each other very well. Even before the start of the Championships I knew that the odds that we will meet each other in the semis or in the final are great. I was ready for him. In addition, he already beat Lev KATSMAN here so the information from my teammate helped me to “update” my tactics against him,” explained SIDORENKO.”For me, it is very important that I had some time to regain my energy. I did not play in the Mixed Doubles nor in the Doubles, so I was very fresh today. To keep the focus on one event is essential for me.”