England made to work hard for their win Date: 12/12/2020 7:31 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
The second and third most successful nations in European Mixed Team Championships history, England and Sweden, faced off in the final match of Group 1.
This perhaps should have been a match to decide who qualifies from the group but following Sweden’s 3-2 defeat to Estonia on day one, it was just pride at stake.
In the mixed doubles, world number nine and reigning European Games Champions, Marcus Ellis/ Lauren Smith, made no mistake against Melker Z-Bexell/ Johanna Magnusson. Following their straight-game victory, Marcus spoke about despite not reaching the podium last year, they are bringing a lot of confidence to Finland next year.
England get the job done against Hungary Date: 12/10/2020 8:15 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
In the second match of the opening day for Group 1, hosts England took on Hungary to get their qualification campaign underway.
Players arriving in England two days before the start were subjected to the increasingly familiar COVID-19 restrictions necessary in competitive sport. England had a brief scare when a squad member received a positive test on-site. Subsequently, three players had to pull out from the squad.
England has a lot of strength in depth, which was on display today against a determined Hungarian team.
The singles categories were up first with Toby Penty facing Gergely Krausz. Three years previously, it was a smooth victory for the English left-hander. Today, by his own admission, it was not his best game.