Following a successful start to the ETTU Champions League Women Stage 2 and a 3–1 away victory over Poland’s PGE Fibrain KU AZS Politechnika Rzeszów, French side Metz TT continued their strong run by defeating Italy’s ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari at home.
Last season’s runners-up in the ETTU Champions League Women, and finalists twice in the past three years, the French club once again demonstrated their quality with an impressive team performance.
Egypt’s 18-year-old prodigy Hana GODA (World No. 23) gave Metz the perfect start, overcoming China’s Hengyu MA to put the hosts in front. The lead was extended in an all-Russian encounter, as Mariia TAILAKOVA (European ranking No. 154) defeated Elizabet ABRAAMIAN (European ranking No. 126), strengthening the position of the No. 2 seeds.
The tie was sealed in an all-Romanian clash, with Europe’s No. 26 Adina DIACONU defeating No. 111 Tania PLAIAN in straight games.
“The Italian team is very strong and has quality players, which makes this victory even more valuable,” said DIACONU. “We are happy with our performance, and especially pleased that we could celebrate Hana’s 18th birthday in this way. We tried to give her the best present possible with this win.”
Reflecting on facing her national teammate, DIACONU added that PLAIAN is still in the process of returning from injury.
“Tania and I have been teammates in the national team for many years, and we know each other very well. She is coming back slowly after a recent injury.”
Metz TT – ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari 3–0
- Hana GODA – Hengyu MA 3–0 (11–6, 12–10, 13–11)
- Mariia TAILAKOVA – Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 3–1 (9–11, 11–6, 11–6, 12–10)
- Adina DIACONU – Tania PLAIAN 3–0 (11–8, 12–10, 13–11)
PHOTO: Let’s go METZ
