The mixed doubles event at European Games 2023 Kraków-Malopolska which is also the sport's first European championships took off with 16 pairs at the historic site of the Polish city.

The day on table one kicked off with a close fight between the Moldovan Laura-Maria Mereuta and Dimitro Munteanu, and the Austrian Nina Steinbauer and Daniel Neuhold in group A, ending with the victory of the latter by 2:1.

The group stage brought more exciting moments, as in group D Karina Zustakova and Branislav Rodman emerged as winners in a nail-biting clash against Katalin Dako and Szabolcs Ilyes winning by only two and one point in their two sets. The Czech side with this victory gave a hint of how far they could advance in the tournament, eventually winning their group and thus qualifying for the quarterfinals.

In group C Gabriela Zachova and Lukas Flaks struggled a bit first against their Portugalian opponents and then they showcased a non-compromising performance facing the Danish pair of Mira Fænø Dahlmann and Mathias Landen Jeppesen reaped a great triumph (12:9, 5:12, 12:10), hence finishing on top of their group.

As the day evolved in Krakow, besides the Hungarian duo of Lea Vasas and Balazs Katz, Maja Umicevic and Nikola Mitro, starting their journey in group B, emerged from the field. Along with the home „team” of Alicja Barnticka and Marek Pokwap, who could gain the advantage of the home crowd,
making their way into the semi-final, where they eventually lost, which was the biggest combat of Friday. The Polish side closed the day with a bronze medal sitting on their chests after they defeated in a close fight the Czech Gabriela Zachova and Lukas Flaks.

The home team, Marek Pokwap & Alicja Barnticka in the semifinal against Maja Umicevic & Nikola Mitro from Serbia.

Marek Pokwap, the 17-year-old young talent was ecstatic and praised the home crowd after their triumph in the bronze match. „I am more than happy that I managed to experience this side of success at such a young age. Of course, I want to achieve much more, towards which I will work even
harder. Here, today, in front of one of the best audiences in the world, I am very proud we became a European Games and European bronze medalist."

The Hungarian duo of Lea Vasas and Katz Balazs swept through the group phase with one clear win showing absolute dominance in the other two combats as well. Then in the quarterfinals, the 3rd and 16th ranked teqers shined against the Slovakian pair Karina Zustakova and Branislav Rodman –
who made an upset with their performance on Friday –, by letting their opponents reach only five points in two sets.

The Hungarian pair of Lea Vasas and Balazs Katz, who recently teamed up, showing off only one big tournament in their joint record, played a more action-filled final against the Serbian Maja Umicevic and Nikola Mitro, the latter sitting on top of the men’s doubles world ranking.

Lea Vasas, 1st in mixed doubles World Ranking and possessing a WCh title from last year, managed to grab the title with his new companion at the EG in Krakow meaning they are the first-ever European Champions in mixed doubles among teqers.

Balázs Katz/Lea Vasas from Hungary (in green).

Final, mixed doubles:

Vasas/Katz (HUN) - Mitro/Umicevic (SRB) 2-0 (-6,-8)

Despite the defeat, Maja Umicevic was not disappointed, she confessed they knew the Hungarian duo was better than them, yet together with her teammate, Nikola Mitro, cannot be anything but proud and content as they showed off a great team spirit and performance. „We came here for a
medal, which we eventually managed to win. I am proud I represent my beloved country, Serbia and I am grateful for all the support the Serbian Olympic Committee is providing to reach our goals."

Lea Vasas was filled with joy after the final clash, confessing they came to Krakow to take the gold medal home, also stressing and praising their solid performance throughout the day. She also added „This victory at the European Championships and the European Games means more than anything, I
cannot recall such a happy moment from my life so far as holding this medal now in my hands.”