PAVLOVICH: BALTUSHITE showed strong character

ITTF-European Teams Championships

Belarus women`s team recorded very important win in the Stage 1 Round 4 of the ITTF-European Teams Championships defeating Russia 3:2 at home. Marharyta BALTUSHITE managed to reverse the score from 0-2 to 3-2 against Valeria SHCHERBATYKH in the decisive fifth encounter.

“I am pleased with our girls. Marharyta showed strong character fought for every ball despite the fact she was two sets behind. I really liked the game – it was a tough emotional but we won” explained Belarus captain Viktoria PAVLOVICH who overcame Anastasia KOLISH.

It was a good team work of host side while Yana NOSKOVA took both points for Russian side against Marharyta BALTUSHITE and Nadezhda BOGDANOVA. Guests have played without their best player Pilina MIKHAILOVA.

During the post-game press conference Viktoria PAVLOVICH explained that she was forced to change her mental approach during the clash against Anastasia KOLISH:

“I do not know the reason but for me it is very difficult to play at home. I started the match with wet hand being very excited. During the meeting I said to myself: I’m better and I must prove it against Anastasia. “

You can see full results and standings link here

Belarus head coach Tatyana PETKEVICH pays tribute to the Russian team:

“It`s always difficult to play against Russian team and we must fight for every point. This time we played a good match against a very worthy opponent. For us three sets will be enough to secure the place at the European Team Championship in 2019”.

Belarus – Russia 3:2

Nadezhda BOGDANOVA – Valeria SHCHERBATYKH 3:1 (10:12 11:7 11:7 12:10)

Marharyta BALTUSHITE – Yana NOSKOVA 1:3 (11:8 7:11 2:11 13:15)

Viktoria PAVLOVICH – Anastasia KOLISH 3:1 (8:11 11:6 11:2 11:7)

Nadezhda BOGDANOVA -Yana NOSKOVA 2:3 (15:13 11:7 7:11 6:11 8:11)

Marharyta BALTUSHITE – Valeria SHCHERBATYKH 3:2 (6:11 3:11 11:8 11:6 11:9)