Romania secured their place in the quarterfinals of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London after overcoming Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic and closely contested Round of 16 encounter.
The European side appeared in control after strong performances from Bernadette SZOCS and Elizabeta SAMARA, but Egypt fought back through an inspired display by Hana GODA to push the tie to a deciding fifth match.
SZOCS gave Romania the perfect start with a straight-games victory over Dina MESHREF. The Romanian controlled the rallies from the beginning and handled the pressure well in the key moments to put her team ahead.
Egypt responded in spectacular fashion through teenage star GODA. Facing Andreea DRAGOMAN, she recovered after losing the opening game to claim an impressive 3-2 victory and level the tie.
Romania regained the advantage thanks to the experience of Samara, who produced a composed performance against Farida BADAWY. Samara edged a tense opening game before taking full control to move Romania within one point of victory.
However, GODA once again kept Egypt alive. The young Egyptian delivered another excellent performance, this time defeating SZOCS in four games to force the tie into a deciding match.
Everything came down to DRAGOMAN against MESHREF, and the Romanian held her nerve in a tense five-game battle. After losing a dramatic opening game 17-19, Dragoman fought back twice from behind before sealing victory in the deciding game to send Romania into the last eight.
“We knew from the beginning that it would be a tough match and we were ready for it. I am happy I managed the match very well at 2-2 and that I helped my team secure the victory,” said DRAGOMAN after the win.“It feels amazing. I tried to stay focused and think about what I needed to do during the match. I can say I am very proud,”
Romania – Egypt 3-2
- Bernadette SZOCS – Dina MESHREF 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8)
- Andreea DRAGOMAN – Hana GODA 2-3 (11-8, 5-11, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11)
- Elizabeta SAMARA – Farida BADAWY 3-0 (14-12, 11-6, 11-7)
- Bernadette SZOCS – Hana GODA 1-3 (6-11, 11-6, 9-11, 7-11)
- Andreea DRAGOMAN – Dina MESHREF 3-2 (17-19, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8)
