The knockout stage of the Team World Championships in London got underway today, and Sweden’s women made a confident start. In the round of 32, they overcame Kazakhstan 3-1 to secure their place in the last 16, where the toughest possible challenge now awaits – China. Sweden couldn’t have asked for a better opening. Linda BERGSTRÖM gave the team a dream star with a composed straight-games win over Sarvinoz MIRKADIROVA, delivering one of her strongest performances of the tournament so far. Kazakhstan hit back in the second match through Zauresh AKASHEVA, who edged Cristina KÄLLBERG in a tight five-game battle. KÄLLBERG grew into the match after a slow start and pushed it all the way, even saving match points, but AKASHEVA held her nerve to level the tie. That response didn’t shake Sweden. Filippa BERGAND, back after earlier illness, handled Anel BAKHYT with authority, keeping full control throughout to restore the lead. With a 2-1 advantage, BERGSTRÖM returned to the table to face AKASHEVA again and this time she made sure there would be no complications. After dropping a narrow opening game, she took control with sharp movement and clear tactical execution, sealing a 3-1 win and the overall victory for Sweden. BERGSTRÖM highlighted her physical condition as a key factor. “I felt really good on my feet today. The movement was there, and that always gives confidence. I also had a clear game plan, and I’m happy I could contribute with two wins for the team.” Next up is China a side that has yet to drop a single game in the tournament. Still, Sweden will look to approach the match with belief rather than caution. “We know how strong they are, but we have to go in without too much respect and play our game. If we get a good start, things can open up,” BERGSTRÖM added. Sweden – Kazakhstan 3-1 (Women’s Round of 32) Linda BERGSTRÖM – Zauresh AKASHEVA 3-1 (10-12, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7)

Croatia matched their Busan achievement by once again reaching the Round of 16 at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London. In a tense and close tie, they overcame Italy 3-2 after a match that swung back and forth. The opening phase belonged to Croatia. Andrej GACINA set the tone with a confident straight-games win over John OYEBODE, and Tomislav PUCAR followed with another 3-0 victory against Matteo MUTTI to give his team a strong 2-0 lead. But Italy refused to back down. Danilo FASO pulled one point back with a 3-1 win over Ivor BAN, and OYEBODE kept his team alive by edging PUCAR in a dramatic five-set battle to level the tie at 2-2. The deciding match once again came down to GACINA – and the experienced Croatian delivered. He held his nerve against MUTTI, winning 3-1 to seal the victory and send Croatia through. “The match started very well for us with a quick 2-0 lead, but it’s rarely that simple,” said GACINA. “The third match was very open. Ivor was close to coming back, he even had a game point to make it 2-2, but he lost his rhythm a bit, especially with the service and some decisions. The pressure was high.” He continued: “Tomislav had match points in the fourth match but couldn’t close it. So it all came down to the last match. I knew what I had to do. Mutti played very aggressively, but I stuck to my tactics.” PUCAR added: “With his experience, GACINA really carried us through. I managed to beat MUTTI earlier, especially as he was struggling a bit with his serve. We know each other well from the Italian league. Against OYEBODE I had a match point, but couldn’t finish it. In the end, Andrej stepped up again, and that made the difference.” Italy – Croatia 2-3