European Championships | 8 Sep 2019

Romania won the title in Nantes

Liebherr European Championships

Romania clinched fifth title in Women’s Team’s Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships in Nantes. In the final they overcame Portugal in straight matches. They defended the trophy from Luxembourg and added to the ones won in 2005, 2002 and 1992.

Bernadette SZOCS gave Romania dream start with victory over SHAO Jieni (11-7,8-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6). She too the opening game without facing any pressure, but the game become closer in the next one and in third SHAO took over the control. Before 0-6 errors flowed, frustration was evident and SHAO dominated the game. Good service game, change of the rhythm and from fourth game Bernadette was in driving seat again. SHAO failed to find the response and to stop Bernadette.

“I was focused; I know how dangerous she is. There was no place for the mistake,” said Bernadette SZOCS.

The gap at the rankings between Europe’s no 10 YU Fu and no. 50 Daniela DODEAN MONTEIRO was something we did not saw in the arena when those two met. For third year in the row DODEAN MONTEIRO denied YU from win at the European Championships. Then fact that Daniela beat YU in two previous occasions at the European Singles in Alicante and year earlier in Luxembourg at Team’s, was good point when coach FILIMON was composing the team for this duel. Once again she justified that trust (7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 6-11, 11-3).

“I felt very confident. My game was on the highest level. Even when I was down, I did not feel she can close the gap,” said Daniela.

In the third duel Elizabeta SAMARA needed three games to close the match and to seal the victory for Romania who will head for het trick in two years in Cluj. SAMARA delivered solid performance against Leila OLIVEIRA (11-9, 11-7,11-6).

“I felt the pressure just from the thought that Dana and Bernie did a great job and that I can not allow any mistake in my duel. I had to finish that match. We have fantastic team that deserved this victory,” added SAMARA.