LINZ AG Froschberg claimed a valuable 3-2 away victory over MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada in the opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup semi-final, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return match scheduled for Saturday 25th April.
The Spanish side struck first, with Guo RUICHEN delivering a composed 3-0 win against Britt EERLAND. However, Suthasini SAWETTABUT quickly restored parity, overcoming Olga VOROBEVA in four games to level the tie.
A crucial turning point came in the third match, where Ivana MALOBABIC edged past Anastasia KOLISH in a hard-fought five-game encounter, giving Linz a 2-1 lead. Guo RUICHEN responded once again for the hosts, narrowly defeating SAWETTABUT in another decider to bring the teams level at 2-2.
In the decisive fifth match, Britt EERLAND held her nerve to secure a 3-1 victory over VOROBEVA, sealing an important away win for the Austrian side.
“Yes, I think it was important that we didn’t rush. We knew we were playing well and had a good feeling in the hall. But none of the wins came easy, in a semi-final, nothing is given. In the end, it was a hard-fought and well-deserved victory, and we will aim to bring the same level and spirit on Saturday,” said EERLAND.
With a narrow advantage secured on Spanish soil, Linz AG Froschberg will look to finish the job on home ground in the second leg.
MIRÓ Ganxets Costa Durada – Linz AG Froschberg 2-3
- Guo RUICHEN – Britt EERLAND 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-9)
- Olga VOROBEVA – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 1-3 (9-11, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11)
- Anastasia KOLISH – Ivana MALOBABIC 2-3 (7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 2-6)
- Guo RUICHEN – Suthasini SAWETTABUT 3-2 (5-11, 11-9, 11-3, 4-11, 6-3)
- Olga VOROBEVA – Britt EERLAND 1-3 (10-12, 9-11, 11-6, 9-11)
