Jans Downs Stateczny For 14th European Crown

Wendy Jans claimed a record extending 14th EBSA European Championship crown following a 4-1 defeat of Germany’s Diana Stateczny in Albania.

The Belgian star entered the tournament with an incredible record that had seen her reach at least the final on all but one of her 21 previous appearances (2019), winning the title on 13 occasions, most recently against England’s Jamie Hunter last autumn.

Once again, the world number 10 made serene progress through the 24-player draw, defeating Mariia Isaienko, Angelique Vialard and Dalia Alska in the knockout stages without the loss of a frame.

Awaiting her was Diana Stateczny, winner of the event in 2019 and a former World Championship quarter-finalist in 2016, who had defeated Monica Manolache, Ophélie Laval and Anna Prysazhnuka to reach the title match for a third time.

The final itself was to prove a close contest, with each frame proving to be hard fought, but it was Jans who claimed the opening three frames to seize control of the match. Although Stateczny would win the fourth to keep her hopes alive, Jans – who was also celebrating her birthday on final day – was not to be denied as she took the next frame to secure another record-extending title.

The victory represents her 14th success from 22 appearances and her eighth from the past nine stagings dating back to 2013.

View more information about this year’s tournament at the EBSA website.