Croatia Claim Win Over Sweden, FRANZISKA beat World No. 1, as Europe Battles Through a Challenging Day

December 5, 2025
2:16 pm
ITTF

It was a mixed and demanding day for European teams in the Stage 2 of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2025, but Croatia delivered the standout performance, defeating Sweden 8–1 .

Croatia started strongly through Ivor BAN and Hana ARAPOVIĆ, whose composed and well-balanced mixed doubles display earned the opening point against Kristian KARLSSON and Christina KALLBERG.

Momentum continued with an exceptional win from Lea RAKOVAC, who overcame Linda BERGSTRÖM 3–0 by smartly adjusting her tempo and exploiting the chopper’s variations.

The decisive blow came from Tomislav PUCAR, who dominated Anton KALLBERG in straight games. Mixing his trademark backhand power with timely forehand attacks, PUCAR ensured Croatia completed a confident and controlled victory—one of their strongest performances of the tournament.

France fell 8–7 to Hong Kong, China, despite strong singles wins from Charlotte LUTZ and Simon GAUZY.

Germany lost to China 4-8, despite the Patrick FRANZISKA’s superb win over World No. 1 Wang Chuqin.

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