Photo by: Tamasu Butterfly
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I’m very proud, you must give them every respect”, said a delighted Spanish coach Peter ENGEL. “They respond so well, it’s not just today, they’ve prepared thoroughly for the tournament and they are playing at their best.
Peter ENGEL had every right to be proud of his two young players, Galia DVORAK and Sara RAMIREZ. They had both won their third round matches in the Girls’ Singles event at the 3rd World Junior Championships in Linz, Austria on Friday 16th December 2005. |
The first to finish had been Sara RAMIREZ, she beat Russia’s Marina SHAVYRINA 10-12, 11-3, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8; less than five minutes later Galia DVORAK was full of smiles. She had defeated Japan’s Moemi TERUI 15-13, 4-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4.
Europe’s Future
“They are both very promising for Europe’s future, their behaviour and their play is exemplary”, continued Peter ENGEL. “Galia has amazing willpower; her mental energy is incredible, unbelievable.” She is the player you want in your team, you know that in a crisis she will respond, she will be brave. “She responds so well to stressful situations”, ENGEL continued. “Perhaps she’s had the advantage of having good advice from her parents.” Both parents were international players for the former Soviet Union, mother Flera and father Vladimir.
“It’s so easy to deal with both girls, we are very lucky to have such people in our team, they are very good friends, they accept criticism because they know it is for their benefit”, continued Peter ENGEL. “They are so honest, very open with each other, for me it couldn’t be a better situation, I’m lucky to be in such a situation.”
Example
The two young ladies set a splendid example, both conduct themselves magnificently, they give total commitment and they are hungry for more success. Furthermore, they are pleased for each other, they are delighted if their close friend succeeds, the friendship is genuine, it is sincere.
Sara RAMIREZ, as ever, sped about the court at breakneck speed seeking to play her favoured forehand topspin at every opportunity; since her successes at the World Junior Circuit Finals in Santo Domingo in October 2005, there is a new found confidence about her play. She now believes. “I’d played Marina before in the European Youth Championships and I won by four games to two”, said Sara RAMIREZ. “In the first game, I was a little nervous, perhaps a little afraid but after that I was fine.”
The girl from Barcelona rose in stature as the match progressed; she was positive and used her forehand topspin to good effect. Meanwhile, Galia DVORAK remained close to the table, attacked at every opportunity and matched the speed of Japan’s Moemi TERUI.
Last Year
“Last year I played her in Kobe at the World Junior Championships and I lost”, said Galia DVORAK. “The Japanese players are so fast, I couldn’t match her for speed, I had to change direction at every opportunity and not play too hard. “ The comment reflects the growing maturity of Galia DVORAK, help from the coach but the intelligent young lady had thought for herself. “It was important that I concentrated on putting the ball on the table, she killed me at the start”, continued DVORAK. “Last year when I lost I played too hard against her, I knew today that I couldn’t play too fast. “
Playing fast close to table is one of the Spaniard’s strong points. “I think mentally I’m as strong as I was last year”, she added; some comment, could anyone be mentally stronger than Galia DVORAK, I doubt it! “I think my forehand is better than last year”, she continued. “Also, when it comes to topspin to topspin rallies I think I’m better.”
Quarter-Finals
It was a fine performance by DVORAK, who now meets top seed, China’s DING Ning in the quarter-finals, whilst in the opposite half of the draw, RAMIREZ plays Germany’s ZHENQI Barthel. In the round of the last eight, DING Ning defeated Romania’s Elizabeta SAMARA whilst ZHENQI Barthel overcame Japan’s Yuri YAMANASHI.
In the remaining quarter-final contests, Korea’s SHIM Se Rom overcame China’s LIU Kailun, Slovakia’s Lenka KMOTORKOVA ended the hopes of Korea’s CHOI Sun Hwa, the latter’s colleague CHO Ha La defeated Japan’s Shiho ONO, whilst China’s PENG Xue used her undoubted skills to good effect to beat Chinese Taipei’s LIM Chia-Hui.
Galia DVORAK and Sara RAMIREZ are both in fine form in Linz; not only have they excelled in the Girls’ Singles event, they are also through to the semi-finals of the Girls’ Doubles. A medal is assured and that was coach Peter ENGEL’s goal before the tournament started .
Photo by Tamasu Butterfly
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