European Youth Championships | 19 Jul 2024

PAKULA and RAJKOWSKA Secure Title in Under 15 Mixed Doubles

Photo: Manfred SCHILLINGS

Polish pair Aleks PAKULA and Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA clinched gold in the Under 15 Mixed Doubles event at the European Youth Championships in Malmö, marking Poland's 21st title in the 66 editions of the EYC. In the final, they overcame their compatriots Marcel BLASZCZYK and Zuzanna WIELGOS. Bronze medals were awarded to Nolan JOHNSTON and Lisa ZHAO of France, and Robert Alexandru ISTRATE and Andreea BAIASU of Romania.

PAKULA commented, “It feels very good. Before the tournament, I hoped we would get the gold, so we are very happy right now. We cannot celebrate too much today because we have more important matches tomorrow.”

Under 15 - Final

Jan SKALDA, Hanka KODETOVA (Czechia) - Aleks PAKULA, Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA (Poland) 1-3 (9-11, 10-12, 11-4, 6-11)

Aleks PAKULA and Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA of Poland swiftly secured their spot in the final, defeating Romania's Robert Alexandru ISTRATE and Andreea BAIASU in straight matches.

"It feels good. Somehow it was an easy match, and I don't think they came up to their best level. We hope to play well in the final. Before this event started, our goal was to win the gold medal. If we win, we would be very happy," said PAKULA.

In the other semifinal, Jan SKALDA and Hanka KODETOVA of Czechia overcame Nolan JOHNSTON and Lisa ZHAO in a thrilling five-game match. Despite losing two games narrowly, the Czech pair rallied to secure the win.

KODETOVA commented, "In Czechia, we have played tournaments together, but never in the national team. The final against Poland will be really tough, but if we have good tactics, I think we can win."

Mixed doubles Under 15 semi final

Nolan JOHNSTON, Lisa ZHAO (France) - Jan SKALDA, Hanka KODETOVA Czechia 2-3 (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 5-11, 5-11)

Robert Alexandru ISTRATE, Andreea BAIASU (Romania) – Aleks PAKULA, Katarzyna RAJKOWSKA (Poland) 0-3 (5-11, 1-11, 4-11)