The first phase of the 2025 European Teams Championships Stage 1 concluded, with the top four teams from each group advancing to the Main Stage (positions 1–16), forming four new groups of four teams each. The fifth and sixth-placed teams will compete for positions 17–21 in a round-robin format.
There were no surprises in the top-seeds department. Greece, led by Ioannis SGOUROPOULOS, Konstantinos ANGELAKIS, and Georgios STAMATOUROS, dominated Group A with victories in all four matches, overcoming Switzerland, Latvia, Cyprus, and Moldova. Despite being ranked fifth in the group, Moldova finished in second place.
“We had our toughest match at the very beginning of the Championships. Moldova, with Vladislav URSU and a very strong No. 2 player, Andrei PUTUNTICA, was a tough adversary despite their rankings. We knew if we beat them, we would justify our first place in the group,” said ANGELAKIS.
Moldova lived up to expectations, with URSU winning both his matches and putting Greece under immense pressure. However, the top seeds showed their depth, relying on all three players to secure a narrow win. In all other matches, Greece recorded straight-match victories.
When asked to evaluate the competition, ANGELAKIS highlighted several dangerous teams.
“Spain is very dangerous. Hopefully, we will avoid them in the next stage of the Championships if they finish first in their group. They are favorites for the spot in Zadar, with very strong players in all three positions. Norway with Borgar HAUG is a threat, as is Bulgaria with three solid players,” added ANGELAKIS.
Bulgaria showed their strength by pushing Spain to the brink in Group C. Spain needed just one point to remain on top of the standings, but Bulgaria had other plans. Vladimir PETKOV defeated Daniel BERZOSA, and Yoan VELICHOV overcame Juan PEREZ. However, Rafael DE LAS HERAS secured a crucial win over Denislav KODJABASHEV in five grueling games (12-10 in the decisive game), ensuring Spain retained the top position in the group.
From Group A, Greece, Moldova, Switzerland, and Cyprus advanced to the next stage, while Latvia moves to the 17–21 playoff. In Group B, Finland, Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland secured progression, with Estonia heading to the playoff.
From Group C, Spain, Türkiye, Bulgaria and Scotland moved forward, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will play in the 17–21 bracket. Group D saw Norway, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Wales advancing, while San Marino and Greenland will compete in the playoff.
The winner of each group in phase two qualifies directly for the ETC Final Stage.
The second-placed teams will play an additional match to secure the final two spots in the Final Stage.
Positions 17-21
One group of five teams in a round-robin format.
See pictures of Day 3 here
