Luxembourg came through one of the most gripping matches of the Women’s Team Round of 32, edging Brazil 3-2 in a tie that swung back and forth until the very last point.
Brazil made the stronger start, with Bruna TAKAHASHI putting her team in front after a solid win over Sarah DE NUTTE. But Luxembourg quickly found their rhythm. NI Xia Lian responded in style, fighting past Giulia TAKAHASHI in a five-game battle to level the score.
The turning point seemed to come in the third match, when Enisa SADIKOVIC held her nerve in another decider against Laura WATANABE to push Luxembourg ahead. Still, there was no sense the match was settling. Bruna TAKAHASHI returned and once again delivered for Brazil, edging NI Xia Lian in five tight games to bring everything back to 2-2.
With everything on the line, Sarah DE NUTTE stepped up in the deciding match. This time there was no hesitation. She produced a composed and confident performance, beating Giulia TAKAHASHI in straight games to seal the win and send Luxembourg into the Round of 16.
For NI Xia Lian, the victory was all about the team:
“It’s a very happy and exciting moment. I’m really proud of our team – everyone won a point, and that shows our strength. We have great team spirit and we fought together. It’s a wonderful result.”
At the same time, she was honest about her own feelings:
“I feel I should have won my second match, so I’m not completely satisfied. But after one year of injury, I’m still finding my rhythm mentally. Matches like this help. In the end, what matters most is the team – and today we were strong together.”
Sarah DE NUTTE admitted it wasn’t easy to stay calm as the drama unfolded:
“I was really nervous watching Xia Lian’s match. I didn’t know if I would need to play, so I just tried to stay focused and ready. At one point I thought it was over, but then Brazil came back and I had to switch quickly into match mode.”
She also carried the memory of a painful defeat:
“Two years ago we lost to Brazil in a very similar situation, so this time it feels like revenge. I really wanted to finish it, and I’m happy I could do it for the team.”
Beyond the result, the sense of unity stood out:
“It’s special to be part of this team. Xia Lian and I have been here for many years, and now the younger players are stepping up too. When everyone contributes, it means even more.”
Luxembourg now face a huge challenge in the next round:
“Japan is one of the strongest teams, so it will be very tough. But matches like this are great experiences. We’ll go there, enjoy it and give our best.”
Luxembourg – Brazil 3-2
- Bruna TAKAHASHI – Sarah DE NUTTE 3-1 (11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9)
- Giulia TAKAHASHI – NI Xia Lian 2-3 (11-9, 10-12, 6-11, 11-9, 8-11)
- Laura WATANABE – Enisa SADIKOVIC 2-3 (9-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-9, 7-11)
- Bruna TAKAHASHI – NI Xia Lian 3-2 (11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 12-10)
- Giulia TAKAHASHI – Sarah DE NUTTE 0-3 (9-11, 7-11, 4-11)
