United States Continues Historic Run at World Youth Championships
by Nick Hains
Nandan Naresh at the World Youth Games in Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal. December 2, 2021. Credit WTT
(Colorado Springs, CO - December 4, 2021)- The United States is continuing its success, taking on the World Youth Championships in Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal. Thursday the Women's U19 team kicked off the day with convincing wins over Portugal (3-0) and India (3-1), quickly advancing them to Friday’s semifinal versus Romania. They would fight for a narrow 3-2 win, moving on to the final against China, for a chance at a Gold medal. Losing in straight sets (0-3), the United States U19 Women still managed to secure a historic Silver Medal.
The U15 Boys also found success, narrowly edging Hungary on Thursday (3-2), allowing themselves an opportunity to take on France in the semi-final Friday. Another hard-fought match saw the U15 Boys beat France (3-2), advancing them to the Finals for a chance against the Russian Federation. Nandan Naresh won his first match 3-1 (7-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8), but they would go on to lose the next 3, losing to the Russian Federation (1-3) and again, securing a historic Silver Medal.
Team USA with their medals after the official ceremony in Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal. December 3, 2021. Credit WTT
USA’s U15 Girls rallied Thursday past Ukraine (3-1) to meet Japan in the semi-final Friday. After a 3-1 win from Sally Moyland (14-12, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2) the USA and Japan were even 1-1 but would go on to lose the next two, falling to Japan 1-3, who would then go on to win 3-0 in the final. With the addition of the Bronze medal from the Girl’s U15, the United States goes into Saturday with 3 total medals, looking to add more in the coming days. Live updates and information on upcoming events: World Youth Games Results