Estonia has proven to be a happy hunting ground for 20-year-old Russian Olga Morozova, The Moscow based player won the women’s doubles in 2015 and this afternoon in Tallinn justifiably stole all the headlines lifting both the mixed and women’s doubles alongside partners Anastasia Chervyakova and Alexandr Zinchenko, a first title for both pairs on the Badminton Europe circuit.
After beating the second seeded Swedish pair Myhren and Wengberg in the second round of the mixed doubles the Russians instantly became one of the pairs to beat and their finals success over Kersaudy and Palermo of France topped off a great weeks work for the pair. A two game win 21-19 21-18 set Morozova up nicely for an assault on a very rare doubles these days.
In that women’s doubles Morozova and partner Chervyakova (main picture) blitzed the field in Tallinn and cruised to the title without dropping a singles game. While there was joy for the Russian duo there was disappointment for the home Estonian fans as it was European junior bronze medallists Kuuba & Ruutel that fell to the Russians in today’s final.
“It's been really tough week in Tallinn this week. We've played many good matches especially in mixed doubles. The second round against second seeded from Sweden was one of those good matches for us. We managed to keep our focus all week which was important in today’s final against Kersaudy and Palermo. There was a lot of pressure on us in the final so I am pleased with the way we managed to cope with that. I'm also pleased the way we've played women’s doubles as we were concentrated in every match and tried to do our best and we came out on top. These titles are the first for me with Anastasia and Alexandr which is a great feeling also.” Said Morozova exclusively to Badminton Europe after her finals success
The Russian was also quick to point out that the tournament itself was impeccably run which made life for all the players so much easier.
“I also have to say that the organization of the tournament was perfect. The organizers did an amazing job and should be very proud of the way the tournament was run. It made the experience great for all the players I think.”
A win of considerable relief for Lang
It was not so long ago Ville Lang was lifting Grand Prix titles in Scotland. After that 2014 success, 2015 proved to be a little bit hit and miss on the courts for the Finnish number 1. Today in Tallinn the effervescent Finn lifted a long overdue to title as the Race to Rio heads into a most critical period.
Lang came through in two games against one of the circuits most improved players of the last 6 months. Lucas Clearbout. The Frenchman had beaten hot favorite and one of the hottest players on the circuit Raul Must in the semifinal which by deduction classifies the Finn’s final win as a very welcomed return to form.
“It was a nice victory indeed. After pretty poor first half of my campaign to Rio I got to start the year with a bang and remind everyone that they should never count me out in Olympic year. I am rapidly heading towards the sunset of my career and this will probably be my last year so with that in mind it is my plan to end on a high” commented Lang (pictured above)after his victory.
Probably the most relaxed player on the circuit, Lianne Tan lifted the women’s singles title as the Belgian heads to qualifying for her second Olympics in succession and all done with the biggest of big smiles permanently on her face.
Tan had beaten local favorite Kati Tolmoff in the semifinal and took care of top seed Maria Ulitina in two games in today’s tournament decider.
"I prepared well for this tournament as I had been practicing hard with my brother over Christmas. The semi final was difficult I got kicked hard in the second set and was 5-0 down in the third against Kati (Tolmoff). I managed to fight back from that and that gave me great motivation for today's final. It was a good win today and with it I got some important ranking points" said Tan
In the men’s doubles final German duo Josche Zurwonne and Jones Ralfy Jansen continued the trend of winning in two games on finals day. The Germans beat Scottish duo MacHugh and Campbell 21-15 21-18 to round off the first circuit tournament of 2016 in what proved to be another superbly organized and run tournament in Tallinn.
For all result from Tallinn click
HERE
Article by Mark Phelan for Badminton Europe. Photos: courtesy of Estonian International.