Determined to reclaim the title they won back in 2015, Spain’s campaign at the European Junior Team Championships 2020 was off to a perfect start today. Following Lithuania’s unfortunate withdrawal, Spain has almost ensured a quarterfinal spot after a convincing 4-1 win over Italy.
After dropping the first game, Jacobo Fernandez turned the tables as he controlled the next two games to win the first match 16-21, 21-14, 21-15 for Spain. The 16-year-old praised his opponent’s game.
- Luca played very well throughout the match. However, I played better than him in the second and the third game, he said.
- It was the first match of the competition. I am happy with my performance. The first victory is good for our team. We need to go for the next two, Fernandez rejoiced.
Indeed, he was correct. In the women’s singles, Lucia Rodriguez overwhelmed Judith Mair 21-15, 21-12 and soon extended the lead to 2-0.
Winning the tie
Fernandez took the court again, this time with his men’s doubles partner Ruben Garcia. Within the next 27 minutes, the tie was decided as the Spanish duo beat Alessandro Gozzini/ Matteo Massetti in straight games 21-15, 21-18.
It was a relief for Italy as Katharina Fink/Yasmine Hamza got their team on the scoreboard by winning 21-9, 21-16.
An incredible comeback
In the last match, Luca Zhou/ Martina Corsini failed to convert two match points as Ruben Garcia/ Candela Arcos managed to extend the victory for Spain to 4-1. They won 18-21, 22-20, 21-15.
A quarterfinal spot
The Spaniards next face the third seeds Serbia on Saturday. Nevertheless, the players are confident of making the quarterfinals for the first time in five years.
- I think we can reach the quarterfinals, Fernandez asserted.