European Championships | 25 Sep 2014

Unexpected outcome of Women’s first phase

The conclusion of the Groups stages in Women’s Teams Event at the TMS European Championships in Lisbon was very dramatic. In two groups the three teams were equal in terms of wins. In Group D, Czech Republic, Belarus and Sweden, all three concluded the fi

The conclusion of the Groups stages in Women’s Teams Event at the TMS European Championships in Lisbon was very dramatic. In two groups the three teams were equal in terms of wins.

In Group D, Czech Republic, Belarus and Sweden, all three concluded the first phase with two wins each. However, at the end, Sweden had better ratio better in individual matches 5:4, Belarus was second 4:4 and Czech Republic after thrilling five matches duel against Belarus lost their position for quarters. They beat Ukraine 3:2, but it was not enough for place among best eight. However, Sweden was in charge for the greatest upset. They are first and they did it in great style. Today, Sweden beat Belarus in four matches. LI Fen and Matilda EKHOLM were the driving force behind the success.

“Even for me was the big surprise to beat Viktoria PAVLOVICH. No one could expect 3:0 victory,” admitted EKHOLM.”I moved very well and I was patient. That is something I learned in the Werner SCHLAGER Academy. I have a chance now to play against the players with the defensive style, so I gained experience that helped me. I learned to wait for the right ball, for the right moment before I attack.”

In Group C, in last round, Hungary overcame Luxembourg 3:1 to secure the leading position. Netherlands concluded with the same points, as well as Russia and at the end games ratio was decisive thing.

Georgina POTA lost against LI Xia Lian, before she beat Sarah DE NUTTE in the fourth match. “It was very important game for us. Our goal was to reach the quarterfinal and now we are happy we did it, ” said POTA. ”Last time I played against Sarah I won, but was down in the final game so I know how dangerous she can play.”

Dutch team also needed four matches to seal their path to quarters. LI Jie won both her matches, against Polina MIKHAYLOVA and Maria DOLGIKH.

Top seeds, Germany is safely through after three wins in their Group, followed by Austria. “We are on the right track. Even without HAN today, we won. I lost against HU Melek very close game, but the most important thing is that we won the match at the end,” said Sabine WINTER, who overcame Ipek KARAHAN in the fourth match

.In Group B, Poland is at the top, with Romania at the second position. Poland beat Spain, whilst Romania succeeded against Portugal. Like Germany Poland is unbeaten in three rounds. “We are second now in the Group, but we regained our confidence. Today I was focused, 100 percent in the match. I am extremely happy because I beat FU Yu. For a first time I played against her and I was worried at the beginning,” said Elizabeta SAMARA.

Milica NIKOLIC, EWT, Milica NIKOLIC, EWT

OFFICIAL ETTU PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS

ETTU OFFICIAL PARTNERS

ETTU SUPPLIERS POOL MEMBERS