Russia performed at highest level but failed to produce the surprise
Reigning champions team of Germany inflicted the pain into the hearts of the host nation supporters. In three matches they overcame Russia to secure the way to the final of the Women’s Teams Event at the 2015 LIEBHERR ITTF European Championships.
In titanic battle that kept spectators in Ekaterinburg Expo on the very edges of their seats YIN Hang World’s no. 11 needed 46 minutes to find the way to prevailed against more then determined Yana NOSKOVA World’s no. 99 – 3:2 (11:3 7:11 8:11 11:5 11:7). Pressure of playing in almost full venue in front of more then enthusiastic supporters brought the best of young player. Her fighting spirit was to admire but at the end it was YIN’s defensive skills that prevailed.
SHAN Xiaona overcame Polina MIKHAYLOVA (8:11 11:7 11:6 12:10). Despite being severely tested against the player who reached the fourth day of the tournament unbeaten SHAN justified her rankings.
Petrisa SOLJA silenced the crowd completely. In the meter of minutes their match headed to one direction with Ana MIKHAILOVA completely disarmed by her adversary 3:0 (11:4 11:6 11:3).
“We are highly motivated. We are now enjoying our victory and then we will prepare for Romania. I’ve been throughout the year in a good shape ” said Petrissa SOLJA.
Germany’s coach SCHOPP praised the spirit of her team.
“We knew that it would be very difficult. Russia has played way over their usual level even in the semi-final against Portugal. YING and Nana showed great fighting spirit ” stated coach Jie SCHÖPP.
In the final Germany will meet Romania.
”I can still remember the finals in 2013 in Schwechat. This was a match on a high level technically and tactically. At that time especially our strong will have made the difference. We have tomorrow definitely play our best table tennis and show a strong will again.”
