Great battles sealed wonderful event Six days of fierce battles and great camaraderie are behind us. Lovely Liberec left us with full hart and great memories – another European Veterans Championships came to the end.

We have 32 new title holders, and among them there are a lot of former champions. Claus PEDERSEN of Denmark regain gold medal he won in Porec two years earlier. In the final Dane overcame Matti LAPPALAINEN of Finland. In 65-69 Jaroslav KUNZ of Germany clinched the title in singles and with Reinhard LAHME Germany in Doubles as well.

The most attractive category 40-49 concluded with the victory of Anton KUTIS of Slovakia in the match against Jozsef SZOCS of Hungary. However, the greatest battle has been seen in epic duel between YI Ding of Austria and Miroslav CECAVA of Czech Republic. Czech coach of women national team won after full distance final.

Curt OSTERHOLM of Sweden added two more gold on hiss account that already has 14 medals. In oldest category Swede won both finals in Doubles and in Singles. Now he equals his record of gold medals on overall list with Leslie D’ARCY of England.

In Women’s Category Valentina POPOVA of Slovakia shined at the tournament. Former USSR and Slovakia’s player, now national coach won both titles in Liberec. POPOVA overcame Elmira ANTONYAN BRUNNER of Switzerland in the final of Singles Event only hour after she received gold for the triumph in Doubles Event with Larisa FARINA of Russia. Marianne BLASBERG of Germany is the player with the most medals at the Veterans Championships. Before Liberec she had 9 gold, four silver and bronze. Now she enriched her treasury with another gold in Singles and bronze in doubles.

In top Women’s category 40-49 at the final hurdle Elena LAMONOS of Germany beat Larisa LAVRUKHINA of Russia after five epic games.

Liberec, June 25th, 2011
More about the event on www.ettu.org or www.evc2011.com

Click here for the medal winners.

By ETTU