Elizabet Abraamian

Armenian table tennis player Elizabet Abraamian defeated Germany’s Annett Kaufmann 4 to 3 on Sunday to capture the women’s singles title at the European Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The 23-year-old, who represents Russia, entered as the No. 35 seed and became the first qualifier ever to win a European singles title. 

The title decider delivered everything expected of a European Championships final, with dramatic momentum swings, outstanding rallies and two exhausted players refusing to surrender.

Her road to gold included an injury, visa complications and lost luggage before the tournament even began. On the final day, Abraamian saved a match point against France’s Prithika Pavade in the semifinals before winning another seven-game battle against Kaufmann.

In the final match, Abraamian took the opening game 15 to 13 and extended her advantage with an 11 to 5 second game. Her opponent Kaufmann responded by winning the next two games, including the third after recovering from a 3 to 9 deficit, to level the contest.

The fifth game proved another turning point. Kaufmann led 10 to 8, but Abraamian fought back to claim it 12 to 10. The German refused to give up, winning the sixth 11 to 6 to force a decider.

In the seventh game, Abraamian found the strength and composure to finish the contest 11 to 6 and become European champion.

“I think this is the best match I’ve ever played,” Abraamian said after the final.