06/09/2009 - For the forth time Aleksandar KARAKASEVIC and Ruta PASKAUSKIENE won the European mixed doubles title. Today in Subotica they defended the gold from the Belgrade 2007 when the Championship was the last time the part of the Single's Events.

Serbian-Lithuanian pairings crowned their partnership with four gold and one silver, but at the beginnings it was the planed double mix. "In 2000 in German's Bremen Ruta's mother asked our head coach lazar KURTES is it possible that Ruta and Slobodan GRUJIC played together. At that time I was not interested in the mixed doubles event, but Lazar though that it will be better than Ruta play with me. I am left-hander and he figured out it will be much better combination. Thankfully she accepted the proposal, and at the very first Championship we won the title," said KARAKASEVIC.

They won another in 2005. in Aarhus and since then they are unbeaten. "We are the perfect match. I stay close to the table, KARAKASEVIC receive the service good. The best example how we complete each other was today's ultimate stage. "

There are not only good sport pairings. "We are very good friends now. We stayed in contact in between tournaments and we can talk to each other about everything" explained Ruta.

Both players showed good form and it is a good sign for Serbian and Lithuanian teams in the eve of the LIEBHERR European Championship in Stuttgart. Ruta has another crown to defend, the singles title. Also after long time Lithuanian Women's team is in the Premiere division of the European Championships. They will play against Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland.

"We can not expect the great results in Team's event, but I hope that I have a chance again in singles and of course in the Doubles Event with Russia's FADEEVA," announced PASKAUSKIENE.

On the other side, KARAKASEVIC'S hopes lays on the Team's Event.  "Serbia will play against Belarus, Slovenia and Romania. It is hard to beat Belarusian side when we all know that Vladimir SAMSONOV will win two points against any team in the hall, but we are seeking for our chances in the matches against Romania and Slovenia."

(by Milica NIKOLIC, EWT)