Metz TT secured a valuable 3-1 home victory over Saint-Denis TT 93 in the opening leg of the Champions League Women quarterfinal, taking the early advantage in the all-French duel.
Saint-Denis struck first as Jie LI defeated Hana GODA in four games to silence the home crowd. Metz responded immediately through Charlotte LUTZ, who overcame Hana ARAPOVIC to level the tie. Mariia TAILAKOVA then put the hosts in front after a tense five-game battle against Prithika PAVADE.
GODA sealed the overall victory in the fourth match, avenging her earlier defeat with a straight-games win over ARAPOVIC to give Metz a crucial cushion ahead of the return leg.
“Very happy about the win. We managed mentally and, in our game, to turn the match around after losing the first one. We had a good spirit during the match and I think it helped a lot. We will try to keep the same energy for Sunday,” said Charlotte LUTZ.
Opening leg results:
Metz TT (FRA) – Saint-Denis TT 93 (FRA) 3-1
- Hana GODA – Jie LI 1-3 (11-4, 9-11, 7-11, 7-11)
- Charlotte LUTZ – Hana ARAPOVIC 3-1 (9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7)
- Mariia TAILAKOVA – Prithika PAVADE 3-2 (11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 13-11, 6-3)
- Hana GODA – Hana ARAPOVIC 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 11-5)
