Simpson & De Rycke Win European Junior Titles

Favourites Chris Simpson, from England, and Charlie de Rycke, from Belgium, claimed the men's and women's titles, respectively, in the 16th European Junior U19 Championships after victories over second seeds in the finals at the Bellevuestadion in Malmo, Sweden.

Simpson, 17, from Brighton in Sussex, beat Simon Rosner - the first German to reach the final for at least nine years - 9-5 9-2 9-10 9-3. Rosner, also 17, from Wurzburg, was the first player to take a game from the Englishman in the event.

Simpson was the tenth English winner of the men's title since the inaugural championship in 1989.

Charlie de Rycke became only the third player in history to successfully defend the women's title. In her second successive victory over an English opponent in the final, the 17-year-old from Ghent defeated 18-year-old British Junior champion Jenna Gates 9-4 9-4 9-4.

Men's final:
[1] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt [2] Simon Rosner (GER) 9-5, 9-2, 9-10, 9-3

Women's final:
[1] Charlie de Rycke (BEL) bt [2] Jenna Gates (ENG) 9-4, 9-4, 9-4