A very satisfying win for Czech pair Tadeas Brazda/ Martin Dostal, who two years ago lost to the Austrians, Gustav Andree/ Tobias Rudolf, in their own back yard at the Czech U17 International, 23-21 in the decider. This time it was they who were smiling at the end.
Today they had an equally tight match but were able to secure a victory over the number eight seeds, 22-10, 21-19.
-We are of course really happy to win. Two years ago, it was a pity that we lost that match, but we are really happy today.
In the first game, the Czechs reached 20-18, but hesitated. At 20-20, they rallied again to take this ultimately vital game 22-20.
-It was tough, but we were able to win and it gave us a good opportunity to win the match.
Thinking about what was different this time around for them, Martin said.
-What we have been focusing on in training is net plays, so I think that was the biggest positive from today.
Two Finnish pairs in round three
Safin Emran/ Juuso Kuoppala, playing against Portugal’s Rodrigo Dias/ David Dilva, managed to put together a solid 21-18, 21-17 win. Standing in their way to the quarterfinals are the second seeds, William Boe/ Mads Vestergaard.
Robin Jantti/ Niilo Nyqvist showcased a dominant performance against Scotland’s Kenneth Cheung/ Michael McGuire. Similar to the Austrians, perhaps the lack of court time in the hall due to not playing in the team event was a factor, with the match ending 21-14, 21-17.
-We are really happy that we managed to get the victory, it was not our best match, but we are still happy that we managed to win, Robin stated.
The 2020 European Junior Championships is, of course, a really big deal for Finnish players. Echoing this, Niilo, Nella’s older brother, thoughtfully said.
-We like to play at home, but it is a big shame family and friends are not allowed to come and watch.
In the next round, the Finnish pair, like Emran/ Kuoppala, will face a Danish pair. The fourth seeds Christian Kjaer/ Marcus Rindshøj will be a tricky opponent for the home favourites, but they are fully aware of that.
-They are obviously going to be tough opponents, but we are going to prepare well, and we are looking forward to it, Robin ended.