In the final match of the 2021 European Championships in Kyiv, Ukraine, Gabriela Stoeva/ Stefani Stoeva backed up their status as the best in Europe.
The Bulgarian stars were all smiles after their two-game win over English pair Chloe Birch/ Lauren Smith, 21-14, 21-19.
-It sounds pretty good; it is an amazing feeling. We are happy about it and we are happy we can share this moment with our family and our coach.
Birch/ Smith fought back and nearly forced a decider.
-Of course, we are disappointed. I think we really found our level towards the end of the second game and I think it was anyone’s to take, and they took it. They were brave in the big points and we didn’t quite convert, Birch explained.
The future
The English pair are improving all the time and will take a lot from their time in Kyiv.
-We should be proud of this week, we’ve done some great stuff. We’ve beaten pairs we’ve never beaten and that’s really credit to us.
In a unique and memorable medal ceremony, the winners received medals via drones!
-I was shaking and afraid when the drones were coming because of this ‘bzzz’ [drone sound] and I was so nervous not to throw my medal on the floor. My hands were shaking, the Stoevas stated together.
-The new technology coming more and more, Gabriela joked.
Antonsen is European Champion
Due to the walkover in the men’s singles final, resulting from a positive Covid-19 test from Viktor Axelsen.
Anders Antonsen is the 2021 European Champion and will go on towards the Olympics and World Championships with this title.