European Youth Championships | 21 Jul 2024

Hanka KODETOVA Defends Title at Under 15 Girls Singles

At the Under 15 Girls Singles at the European Youth Championships in Malmö, Hanka KODETOVA of Czechia defended her title, leaving Siri BENJEGARD of Sweden with the consolation in silver. Bronze medalists are Mariia LYTVYN of Austria and Koharu ITAGAKI of Germany.

Ranked only at position 42, Siri, reigning Under 13 champion, put the defending champion under severe pressure, producing fantastic resistance.

KODETOVA: “I am very happy about this win. The match was so tough because she played a really good backhand and I play more to the backhand, so yes, it was tough. I am glad that I made it.”

In the semi-final, Siri BENJEGARD overcame Mariia LYTVYN in straight games. Mariia is seeded only at position 19 but still much higher than Siri.

BENJEGARD: “I was a little bit nervous before the match, but I have good self-confidence right now. I thought that I played well and it felt stable. I'm looking forward to the final and it will be both fun and tough whoever I'll meet.”

Unlike the first semis, the other match went the full distance. The reigning champion was once again put to a severe test. No. 3 seed Koharu ITAGAKI forced KODETOVA to play all seven games, but Hanka's resilience was admirable.

KODETOVA: “I am very happy that I won this match; it was very hard. I think in the start it was better for me, but then she changed her tactic and played better, so I had to change my tactic again, and it worked.”

Under 15 Girls Singles event

Final

Hanka KODETOVA Czechia - Siri BENJEGARD Sweden 4-2 (11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 16-18, 11-7, 11-4)

Semi final

Hanka KODETOVA Czechia - Koharu ITAGAKI Germany 4-3 (11-5, 14-12, 9-11, 6-11, 4-11, 11-5, 12-10)

Siri BENJEGARD Sweden - Mariia LYTVYN Austria 4-0 (11-9, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5)