European Youth Championships | 14 Jul 2024

Top Seeds Poland put under severe test against Spain in the Under-15 Boys' Team Event

Top seeds in the Under-15 Boys' Team Event, Poland, secured their place in the quarterfinals of the European Youth Championships in Malmö by defeating Spain in straight matches. Despite the straightforward result and seeding positions suggesting an easy match, the duel was anything but ordinary. A thrilling encounter and impressive performances raised more than a few eyebrows today in the Round of 16.

The most attention-grabbing match was between Poland's Patryk ZYWORONEK, the top-seeded player in singles, and Spain's Ladimir MAYOROV. Although MAYOROV will only turn 11 next week, he put the 15-year-old ZYWORONEK to a severe test. The young Spanish player did not give ZYWORONEK time to breathe, presenting a game that was both logical and creative, earning much respect. MAYOROV, a semifinalist in the Under-13 European Championships last month in Bucharest, eventually lost the opening match but not without forcing ZYWORONEK to go the full distance. It was only ZYWORONEK'S experience and power that pushed the Polish player forward.

Samuel MICHNA overcame Dario SALCEDO in another close encounter before the Polish doubles sealed the duel, but not before going the full distance once again. The 3-0 match lasted one hour and 45 minutes.

Ladimir comes from a table tennis background, with his father, Eduard MAYOROV, being present in Sweden as a coach. His mother, Svetlana MAYOROVA formerly BAKHTINA, played with Elena TIMINA and Irina PALINA.

Next, Poland will face Romania. Today, Robert Alexandru ISTRATE and Mihai NAGY overcame Sweden's Sigge HEDBLAD and Adam WALLIN.

"It feels very good right now. It was a really tough match and we are very happy with the result we managed to achieve. We had a very good team spirit and supported each other all the way. The rest of the tournament will be really tough; we will face very strong players, but we are ready to fight for every point and see what we can do," said ISTRATE.

The clash between Germany and Portugal ended in favor of Jonas RINDERER and Lukas WANG, who overcame Dinis YE and Carlos GONÇALVES in the singles, while Alexander UHING and Ivo QUETT prevailed in doubles. The match went the full distance, and in the decisive clash, RINDERER won the second game against GONÇALVES 23-21.

"In my last match, it was very important to win the second game 23-21. Both of us were nervous and made easy mistakes. After that, it was easier, and it feels very good to win," said RINDERER.