The first-ever Petrocub Tennis Cup tournament has concluded at the National Tennis Center of Moldova. Held for the first time this year, it immediately attracted a wide range of participants.
The co-organizer of the tournament, along with the Moldovan Tennis Federation, was the football club “Petrocub” (Hincesti), represented by its owner, businessman Mihail Usatii. The tournament lasted all week and brought together players of nearly all ages — from the U12 category to adult athletes, both men and women.
Many exciting and intense matches took place on the courts of the National Tennis Center. Leading representatives of Moldovan youth and junior tennis took part in the tournament, and the atmosphere in the stands was truly lively — parents and spectators actively supported the players.
Key matches of the tournament were observed by the head coach of the National Tennis Center, Vadim Shuster, who closely monitored the players’ level and drew professional conclusions throughout the competition.
Winners and key matches
The tournament turned out to be not only large-scale but also highly competitive — in several categories, matches went down to the deciding sets.
In the Seniori B category, Barbuta Adrian became the winner, defeating Stratulat Eugeniu in the final — 6:4, 6:3. Bronze in a tense three-set match went to Calugar Dragos-Alexandru, who won 2:6, 7:5, 6:4.
In the U18 Boys category, Terekhin Vincent won, defeating Ursu Artiom in a quick final with a score of 6:0, 6:1. Bronze went to Baciu Gabriel.
In the U16 Boys category, Vainberg Mark claimed the title, confidently progressing through the tournament and winning the final against Condratiuc Nichita — 7:5, 6:4. Bronze went to Florinta Nicolai.
In the U14 Boys category, Bogdan Andrei emerged victorious, defeating Caraus Bogdan-Vasile in the final — 6:4, 6:2. Bronze went to Saban Alexandru.
In the younger U12 Boys category, Muntean Stanislav secured a confident victory, winning the final against Pogor Kiril with a score of 6:0, 6:3. Bronze went to Vainberg Robert-Natan.
Among the girls in the U18 category, Zarecinaia Vasilisa won, defeating Iurina Eva in a three-set final — 3:6, 6:2, 6:3. Bronze went to Ulianovschi Madalina.
In the U16 Girls category, Zanoci Milena claimed the title, confidently defeating Cazacu Iuliana in the final — 6:2, 6:1. Bronze went to Chiriac Polina.
In the U14 Girls category, Caniusin Sofia won, defeating Malcocean Anghelina in the final — 6:3, 6:2. Bronze went to Gaugas Antonia.
In the U12 Girls category, Nour Andreea became the strongest, confidently winning the final against Josan Anastasia — 6:3, 6:2. Bronze went to Seremet Amelia-Elena.
It is worth noting that the tournament had a real prize fund — along with traditional cups and certificates, athletes who placed in prize positions received cash prizes. Branded scarves from the Petrocub football club were also presented as part of the awards, adding a special touch to the ceremony.
At the closing ceremony, the Secretary General of the Moldova Tennis Federation, Natalia Belibova, noted the high level of tournament organization and expressed confidence that the Petrocub Tennis Cup would become a regular event in the calendar.
On behalf of the Petrocub football club, Mikhail Usaty emphasized his satisfaction with the level of competition and expressed his readiness to continue developing the project in the future.
The tournament’s chief referee, Oleg Ivashko, also noted the good organization and discipline of the participants, expressing hope that such tournaments would contribute to the further growth of Moldovan tennis.
The participation of the football club “Petrokub” and Mikhail Usatii in the project deserves special attention. As a football club owner, he actively supports tennis as well — largely because he is genuinely passionate about the sport. There is no contradiction in this: tennis and football are much closer than they might seem at first glance — both involve dynamics, coordination, game thinking, footwork, and split-second decision-making. It is no coincidence that many professional tennis players enjoy playing football and use it as part of their training process.
Support for children’s and junior sports in general should not be limited to a single discipline — and the example of the Petrocub Tennis Cup clearly shows that sports development is possible when there are people willing to invest in it more broadly. It is precisely such initiatives that create an environment where a new generation of players can grow.
The tournament concluded with a traditional awards ceremony and a group photo of participants and winners.
Photos from the tournament are available in our photo gallery. Look here and here.
