A lot of badminton has been played over the past few weeks, and now in the individual event we are ready to crown the champions of Europe.
Men’s doubles
It will be the battle of the top two seeds that settles who is crowned European Junior Champion.
Danes William Boe/ Mads Vestergaard are yet to drop a game in this year’s Championships 2020. In today’s semifinal, the second seeds had a simple win over the Serbian pair Sergej Lukic/Mihajlo Tomic.
The Danes rushed through the opening game to win 21-10. Lukic/ Tomic played better in the second game and drew level at 9-9. However, Boe/ Vestergaard were always in control as they sealed the match 21-16 to book a finals spot tomorrow.
- We are very happy. I think we played a very good game. We played with very high focus and speed, Boe said.
The Serbians settle for a bronze, which is a historic moment for them and their country.
- Right now, we are quite disappointed. I think it will better tomorrow and I will have a smile on my face, Tomic stated.
In the other semifinal, the Russians stopped the motivated Germans.
With an abundance of talent and surprises throughout the tournament, the top two seeds managed to make it to the final only in the men’s doubles. The Danes will face the top seeds Egor Kholkin/ Georgii Lebedev tomorrow. The Russians overcame a stiff challenge from Kilian Ming-Zhe Maurer/ Matthias Schnabel, 21-19, 21-16.
- It’s so amazing that we are in the final. It was our goal from the beginning. I hope we can get the title now, Boe was confident.
Women’s doubles
Number one seeds Alena Iakovleva/ Anastasiia Boiarun continued their run of dominant performances when defeating Clara Løber/ Mette Werge 21-11, 21-17.
Meeting them in the final will be German duo, Leona Michalski/ Thuc Phuong Nguyen, who managed to fend off the high-energy Ukrainian pair of Polina Buhrova/ Mariia Stoliarenko, 22-20, 21-10.
- I think when I go out from here I will cry because I am so happy, Michalski said tearing up.
When leaving the interview and hugging her partner, Nguyen, and coach once more, she did exactly that. Tears of joy that demonstrate how much this means to the players.
Mixed doubles
The surprise Swedish combination could not be stopped by Christo Popov/ Flavie Vallet in the early mixed doubles clash. After winning the opening game, the French looked like they turned the tide in their favour. But it was the Swedes that had what it takes in the decider.
- It is an amazing feeling. We played a great match and we followed the tactics that we spoke about before the match. It just feels amazing, Bjorkler said.
They will face number four seeds Matthias Kicklitz/ Thuc Phuong Nguyen who managed to defeat the top seeds Barinov/ Boiarun in a nail-biting three-game thriller, ending 24-22 in the decider.
On her opportunity to win two golds for Germany tomorrow, Nguyen said.
-I feel really great because in the team event Germany did not get a medal, so I am really happy.