August 07, 2022
Ana Bogdan, "Luceafărul" of the first edition "BCR Iasi Open"
Malvina Cservenski, the founder of Malvensky, the jewelry house that provided the gold-plated trophies for the champions and finalists at the BCR Iași Open, said that when she created this trophy jewelry she was inspired by one of the most beloved Romanian symbols, Luceafărul lui Mihai Eminescu.
In the final of the first edition, attended by over 1,500 spectators, our player Ana Bogdan had something of the brilliance of Luceafăr. With a brilliant game like the golden trophy that sat in the place of honor, waiting for the champion, Ana prevailed against Panna Udvardy, from Hungary, after 2 hours and 20 minutes of spectacular tennis, full of suspense, score 6-2, 3 -6, 6-1 and went home with "Luceafarul".
Ana Bogdan, 29, WTA No. 75, third favorite in Iasi, collected a $15,000 check after this success, and 160 WTA points, while finalist Panna Udvardy, 23, world No. 93, the second favorite, she was left with $8,000 and 95 WTA points.
It was an incredible final, with an atmosphere worthy of a Grand Slam tournament, and at the end Ana Bogdan admitted that she had never experienced anything like this before on a tennis court.
The first set was clearly won by Ana Bogdan, 6-2, after a start with three breaks. Ana decisively broke away at 4-1 and won her first act 6-2.
Udvardy started the second set very well, leading 3-0, and this advantage turned out to be decisive, the Hungarian player managed to prevail 6-3. It was a crazy act, with a lot of breaks. Udvardy led 4-2, Ana broke back at 3-4 but was unable to restore parity and lost serve again, eventually going down 3-6.
In the decider, driven frantically by the more than 1,500 spectators in the stands, Ana Bogdan clearly dominated her opponent and prevailed in an exciting manner, 6-1.
A very pompous and emotional ceremony followed for Ana, who could hardly hold back tears as she began her speech. "This trophy has a special place in my soul. I will never forget this week spent in Iasi. It's the most emotional match in my career", declared Ana Bogdan at the end.
Andreea Roșca and Russian Darya Astakhova, doubles champions
Shortly after the award ceremony, the doubles final followed, at the end of which another Romanian, Andreea Roșca, was crowned with the title of "Luceafăr" of the first edition at the BCR Iași Open.
Andreea Roșca and her partner Darya Astakhova, from Russia, who defeated Ana Bogdan in the semi-finals, won against the Hungarian couple Panna Udvardy/Reka Luca Jani, favorite no. 4, score 7-5, 5-7, 10-7 and they took possession of the Luceafarul trophies.
At the end, the champions Andreea and Darya had tears in their eyes.
"Your energy was extraordinary. Thank you tutor for everything. I congratulate you on the organization, it was an incredible event and I am very happy to be here", said Darya Astakhova, who deserved a trophy in Iași, after winning five matches in singles and four in doubles.
For her part, Andreea Roșca declared: "You were a wonderful audience, I felt very good in Iași. Thanks to my boyfriend, the ball kids, the organizers, the family, the staff. I want to dedicate the tour to my mother, who is no longer here".