European Championships | 7 Sep 2019

Reigning champions from Romania in the final again

Photo: Rémy Gros

Liebherr European Championships

Romania is in the final again. Reigning champions justified their status and beat Poland in the semi final of the Women’s Team’s Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships in Nantes. They need four matches to secure their place in tomorrow’s final.

Elizabeta SAMARA was first player on duty for Romania. Her encounter against Natalia PARTYKA was much easier affair than the previous one and she managed to close it in four games (11-4, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3).

“We needed both good opening and closing match and it was not an easy task. PARTYKA beat me last time in the Champions League, so I knew I have to play at the top level,” said SAMARA.

Daniela DODEAN MONTEIRO moved to second position in team’s line up to meet LI Qian. Reigning European Champion showed no weakness against Daniela (3-11, 7-11, 11-13).

“I know how to play against LI and I had win against her, but today it did not work. She changed her tactic against me. In the end it was really hard to win because she led 2 :0 and so she was very relaxed during the game. So I maybe should have focused more from the beginning to win, but generally I am happy with the performance of the team, ” said DOEDEAN MONTEIRO and joked.” I have to get up earlier next time.”

Bernadette SZOCS faced pressure at the beginning of the match against Natalia BAJOR. She won the opening one, but Natalia took the next before SZOCS settled in more familiar rhythm (11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 13-11).

“I knew that my match was a very important one so I really wanted to win for the team. Of course my teammates did a great job so I am really happy and I hope that we can defend our title tomorrow,” stated SZOCS.

Elizabeta SAMARA maintained her patience to overcome the defensive skills of LI Qian in fourth match (11-8, 11-7, 11-7).

“I love to play against players with the defensive style of play. Also, we know each other from playing together in Tazrnobrzeg and it was additional challenge today. Despite the result it was big match and hard for both of us,” added SAMARA.