Szocs and Flore Victorious Youths!

Bernadette Szocs won her second consecutive singles title at the European Youth Championships in Schwechat just recently. Ironically it was also the second consecutive title for France's Tristan Flore and a match of pure quality to take him there.

The Women's Singles was fairly one sided with Szocs taking command of the match early and keeping it throughout the match. Germany's Petrissa Solja appeared to have no answer. With no shortage of passion, Bernadette stayed focus throughout the match and went all out to claim the title 4-0.

For Tristan Flore the match was much closer. Teammate and top French junior Simon Gauzy was his opposition, and a highly skilled one at that. The match went all the way to seven sets, the full mile to claim the championship. It was fortune in the end that halted a late comeback in the final set by Gauzy, a back edge ball gave Flore the set 11-9 and a 4-3 victory. Luck had stolen the dream for Gauzy, this was apparent, but for Flore, victory was just as sweet.

Precious moments for French teammates Flore and Gauzy
Image from ETTU