Europe Cup Women | 14 Feb 2023

SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club secured opening leg advantage

In Czech Republic, Hungarian SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club record win over Moravsky Krumlov in the opening leg semifinal of the Europe Cup Women. Georgina POTA was the key player tonight.

Valeriia SHCHERBATYKH gave hosts perfect start with the victory over Adel Helga DARI (11:9, 11:7, 4:11, 11:5). However, hopes for hosts did not last long. Georgina POTA overcame Ekaterina CHERNYAVSKAYA in straight games (11:8, 11:8, 11:5), before Maria FAZEKAS gave SH-ITB Budaörsi Sport Club further push by beating Lenka HARABASZOVA (11:2, 10:12, 11:1, 11:7).

In the closest duel in the match, Valeriia SHCHERBATYKH forced POTA to go full distance. Eventually, POTA won by sudden death point (10:12, 11:4, 16:14, 8:11, 6:5).

"It's great that we won 3-1 because this result gives us a great chance to advance to the final. It would be a great success for our club and we have taken an important first step. But we have to keep our focus and to keep fighting. I am glad I helped with two points. I did not play my best table tennis today, but in the second singles I tried to play my best at the end with good receive and the first ball in the game," explained POTA.

TT Moravský Krumlov coach Jindřich BÍLA said: "We could have won the match because I think our player would have been the favorite in the fifth singles match. But Georgina POTA was against it. She won the match after she faced three match points in a row and proved that she is a great player. She played excellent balls and decided the whole match. We have no choice but to fight for a 3-0 or 3-1 win in Hungary and force the golden game."