European Championships | 27 Sep 2014

Austria and Germany in Women’s final

In the final of the tomorrow’s Women’s Teams Event at the TMS European Championships in Lisbon, title holders Germany will meet Austria, the team who won first ever teams medal at the Continental gatherings. Today, in semi final, Austria beat Poland in ea

In the final of the tomorrow’s Women’s Teams Event at the TMS European Championships in Lisbon, title holders Germany will meet Austria, the team who won first ever teams medal at the Continental gatherings.

Today, in semi final, Austria beat Poland in early morning hours. Young Sofia POLCANOVA gave Austria perfect start with the straight games victory over Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA. So far POLCANOVA won few titles at World Series U 21 events but still without big ones in senior category.

LIU Jia could not follow her immediately at the beginning of the match, but after she lost opening game, European champion from Aarhus 2005 and winner of Top-12 in Rennes same year, reigning champion from DHS 2014 Europe Cup, settled in good rhythm and overcame LI Qian. “It is amazing how LI managed to comeback in perfect shape after just six months. She gave birth and she was absent for two years, but still she is very dangerous,” said LIU.

LIU showed the patience to overcame LI’s defensive skills. “I improved my game against defenders. We played so many times before, but this was the first time that I beat her,” added LIU.

Amelie SOLJA lost her duel against Paralympic champion Natalia PARTYKA, so once again LIU had to return to the table. “It was hard for me to find the good rhythm after the match against defense. Katarzyna GRZYBOWSKA is very dangerous. She has not weak points. Every stroke is good. I could not count on easy points against her. I had to build my game slowly.”

Austria will play against Germany. Defending champions overcame Sweden in straight matches. Sweden played without LI Fen, but even knowing that, German team expected tough match. “We saw them playing against Romania last night. We knew it is going to be hard to beat them, so we were prepared,” said Petrissa SOLJA.

SOLJA will be in specific situation. Tomorrow in the final she might meet her sister Amelie on the other side of the table. “That is only sport. I cannot run from the fact that we know each other very well. We practice together; we play against each other even in Austria league…I will not build my game thinking of her. I will try to do my best and I will think about my strokes,” said Petrissa.

Irene IVANCAN, silver medalists in singles, never won medal with Women’s team. “I am here to take gold. If I will play I will “pull” the team, if I will be on the bench, I will “push”. All in all, I will give my best wherever I stand,” explained IVANCAN. ”Austria has very strong team. POLCANOVA is in great run. She matured for sure. Of course LIU JIa played here in perfect shape. It will be hard to beat them.”