With the 2018 European Championships in less than a month, our best players are preparing for this great event with extra training and playing other tournaments. Most of these players are currently playing Orleans Masters. The best British players are currently heading to Australia for the Commonwealth Games. Then there are some European stars who will come in action at the Croatian International tomorrow.
One of these players is Mariya Mitsova (Bulgaria), who is definitely the favourite to win the tournament in women’s singles. She will also play mixed doubles with Dimitar Yanakiev at both the Croatian International and the European Championships .
- I’m really pleased to be number 1 seed but I’m also focused. I’ve been training on a few particular things which I hope I can implement in my game this week.
In the first round she faces Austrian player Carina Meinke.
- I will definitely give my best to fulfill my seeding!
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COE-players in action
Matthew Abela (Malta, pictured above. Photo: Mark Phelan) and Murad Bayramov (Azerbaijan, pictured below. Photo: Mark Phelan), who are training at the Centre of Excellence, will also play Croation International. Abela got promoted to main draw and will come in action on Thursday.
- I have been practicing well in the centre and had a very positive week. Now it's time to perform and then see from there.
Bayramov will come in action in the qualification tournament tomorrow against Leo Woxberg (Sweden).
- I hope I will win all my matches in qualification and play in main draw.
Other COE-player to follow in Croatia is Sander de Decker (Belgium). He will also play his first match in the qualifications.
Read: Jonathan Persson's progress and ambitions for the year
European Championships in sight
Matthew Abela is also selected to play the European Championships.
- my main aim for both of these tournaments is to give everything I got and play the best badminton I can. The level at the European Championships is very high so I am happy that I can keep learning by playing against top players.
Mariya Mitsova is also looking forward to the European Championships
- It is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year!
- My coach has made a good preparation plan for me, so I hope I will be in best shape there!
Find all the matches of the Croatian International here.