Spain and Czechia added 18&U Summer Cups titles to their victories in last month's 14&U competition on the final day of the European junior team competition.
Valerio/Galea Cup: Boys’ Final
SPAIN vs. SERBIA – Lyon, France
Facing Marko Maksimovic of Serbia, Spaniard Rafael Jodar had an intense and challenging first set, which he eventually managed to wrap up 7-5. With that advantage, he quickly won the second set and secured the victory 7-5, 6-0.
Izan Almazan Valiente also didn’t let his opponent get his hopes up, maintaining control throughout his match against Ognjen Milic and securing a great win for Spain, 6-3, 6-3.
It's been 10 years since the Spanish boys won the gold at the Summer Cups in this age category. The nation also triumphed at the 14 & Under boys' championship in Valencia recently.
Spain’s road to the title:
Qualifying Rounds: Bye; def. Slovakia 3-0; def. France 2-0
Final Rounds: QF def. Slovenia 3-0; SF def. Italy 2-0
Final Standings:
1. Spain 2. Serbia 3. Italy 4. Romania 5. France 6. Finland 7. Germany 8. Slovenia
Soisbault/Reina Cup: Girls’ Final
CZECHIA vs. SPAIN – St. Valery en Caux, France
The final match was a re-match of the final round of qualifying, from which Spain emerged victorious, taking first place in their group. This time, however, the Czech girls fought for a different outcome.
Unlike in other age categories, Czechia hadn’t reached the 18&U Summer Cups finals since 2002. This year, the team of Lucie Urbanova, Eliska Tichackova, and Magdalena Smekalova emerged victorious and secured the gold medals. Today’s win didn’t come easy, as Kaitlin Quevedo of Spain convincingly defeated Lucie Urbanova 6-1, 6-2. Meanwhile, Eliska Tichackova came back from one set down against Ruth Roura Llaverias to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. For the decisive doubles match, Tichackova teamed up with Magdalena Smekalova, winning 7-5, 6-2 and bringing the celebration - and a second team title of the summer - to Czechia.
Czechia’s road to the title
Qualifying Rounds: def. Ireland 3-0; def. Austria 2-1; lost to Spain 1-2
Final Rounds: QF def. Ukraine 2-1; SF def. Italy 2-1
Final Standings:
1. Czechia 2. Spain 3. Italy 4. Romania 5.Ukraine 6. Sweden 7.Portugal 8. Serbia
For complete results, photos and more click here.