European Youth Championships | 12 Jul 2024

Germany Dominates and Czech Singles Champion Remains Unbeaten on Opening Day in Under-15 Girls' Event

Reigning champions in the team event last year in Poland, Team Germany secured a convincing 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in the Under-15 Girls' event. Germany's Koharu ITAGAKI, Lisa-Sophie WANG, and Elisa NGUYEN overcame Azerbaijan's Shabnam MANSUROVA and Yaghmur MAMMADLI in a duel where the favorites won all matches without losing a game.

In the opening round of the event, Czechia, the number 4 seed, overcame the number 12 seed Sweden in a match that featured two European champions in action. Reigning Under-15 European champion Hanka KODETOVA overcame reigning Under-13 champion Siri BENJEGÅRD.

"It is always tough to play the opening match. I hope it will be even better in the next one," said KODETOVA.

As the titleholder in the singles event, KODETOVA mentioned that she does not think about last year's title. "I am completely focused on what is happening now," said the winner of the WTT tournament in Germany last month.

In the opening duel of the match, BENJEGÅRD overcame Simona HOLUBOVA, while KODETOVA remained unbeaten in both singles and doubles.

Spain, the number 9 seed, upset the rankings and overcame Hungary, seeded at number 3. Sophie BARCSAI and Nora DOHOCZKI suffered at the hands of Irina Gimeno FONT and Renata SHYPSHA.

"I was so excited when I got the opportunity to play against Hungary. It was very important to secure the victory in the opening duel at the Championships, and the chance to overcome the favorite is a great plus," said SHYPSHA. "I am so happy now."

Renata SHYPSHA remembered playing against Sophie BARCSAI. "Last time I lost 0-3 against her, but this time I came well prepared. I watched videos and set the right tactics with my coach. We talked a lot about what to do. However, it was very important to be calm and mentally strong. All the games were close."