European Youth Championships | 21 Jul 2024
In an Explosion of Emotions, Patryk ZYWORONEK Clinched Gold
Photo: Manfred SCHILLINGS
Last year's finalists at the European Youth Championships in Malmö went one step higher, clinching gold in the Under 15 Boys Singles event. Patryk ZYWORONEK of Poland beat Robert ISTRATE of Romania to secure the title. Bronze medalists are Aleks PAKULA of Poland and Sandro CAVAILLE of France.
In an explosion of emotions, ZYWORONEK celebrated the gold after a strong performance in the final.
Patryk ZYWORONEK: “I can't believe that I just won the European Youth Championships singles title! I'm so happy right now. This has been my goal for a long time and last year I lost the final against a better opponent. I played my best match this season today, so you can really say that I was the best when I needed it the most.”
Last year's finalist ZYWORONEK overcame his teammate Aleks PAKULA in the semi-final. He needed only five games.
“Last time I played against Aleks I lost 3:0, so this is a very good result for me. I'm very happy. In the beginning, I was a little bit stressed because it’s my teammate and we know how to play against each other. But I found a good tactic against him. During the match, I was thinking a little bit that it doesn’t matter if I win or lose; one of us is going to be in the final and it’s going to be great anyway,” said ZYWORONEK.
At that point, when the name of the other finalist was unknown, the top seed was aware of the danger if Robert ISTRATE won.
“In the final, I think I will play against ISTRATE. In the Team Event, I lost 2:3, and we always have close matches when we play against each other.”
The other semi-final went six games, with Robert ISTRATE overcoming Sandro CAVAILLE of France.
Robert Alexandru ISTRATE: “It was a tough match, I fought hard and I'm very proud of myself. I have practiced with my opponent before, so I knew what he likes and what he doesn't. I'm looking forward to the final with good confidence. I have been winning against the Polish player the last three times that we have met.”
Under 15 Boys Singles
Final
Patryk ZYWORONEK Poland - Robert ISTRATE Romania 4-2 (11-5, 12-10, 4-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-4)
semi final
Patryk ZYWORONEK Poland - Aleks PAKULA Poland 4-1 (11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 13-11, 11-6)
Sandro CAVAILLE France - Robert ISTRATE Romania 2-4 (6-11, 8-11, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9, 3-11)
