It was moving day at the European U17 team championships in Prague where the likely quarter finalists established their grip on their respective quarter final spots. Sweden and Russia came through their sub groups 8a and 8b, the first time a sub group system was needed at a European Championships due to the large number of entries.
Russia as expected cruised through their group without dropping a singles game as they beat Romania, Faroe Islands and Greece in three consecutive 5-0 wins. Sweden on the other hand were made fight hard for their sub group shootout spot in a group that had not one single 5-0 white wash.
Sweden beat Switzerland 4-1 before being take the distance against Spain to secure a 3-2 win. In the final match of the evenings play on day 2 the Swedes came out on top against near neighbours Finland 3-2 and will now go into the winner take all match agasint the mighty Russians as underdogs.
Jule Petrikowski (foreground) and Emma Moszczynski (rear) starting to look the real deal for Germany
Danes and Germans on hunt for medals
As expected team Denmark effectively wrapped up group 1 with a 5-0 win over Lithuania. The Danes now play for top spot in the group against Estonia who today had an equally impressive 3-2 win over Hungary.
“It was a fun match to play today against the Hungarians” said Estonian women’s doubles pair Catlyn Kruus and Ramona Uprus. “Tomorrow against Denmark it is a whole new day but they are for sure the big favourites for the match but we also have nothing to loose.”
Danish men’s doubles pair Oskar Sunekaer and Axel Parkhoi were upbeat about their chances in the competition with the young Danes being a breath of fresh air this week in Prague. “We are favourites and sometimes that can bring some pressure.” said Parkhoi. “It is such a great experience to be here in Prague and representing Denmark. We have a great spirit in the team and everyone has the same goal, to win a medal.”
Team Germany look to be a major threat to the podium after a few short years in the junior doldrums. The powerful Germans skipped past Belgium today and with Emma Moszczynski in their ranks look to have a real star for the future.
“These tournaments are so fun to play. All the players from all countries know each other so well it is sometimes like a family.” Said Moszczynski. “We are feeling confident after these match as 5-0 in both is really good for us. This is also the best win we have ever had against Belgium so the feeling is good”
Turkey added a second 5-0 win in their group campaign defeating Poland this evening and now have one foot in the quarter final draw. France beat Ukraine 3-2 to virtually guarantee themselves top spot in group 3. The French however did loose their big star Christo Popov to injury in his men’s doubles match. However, word on the street is that the damage is not severe and the French starlet will be ready for the individual event.
To review all the results from today's day two action in Prague click
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For a photo gallery from today's #EU17C17 play click
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To watch all the matches on demand via our YouTube channel click
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