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.
Estonia finish a successful outing with a win Date: 12/12/2020 2:54 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
The last day of Group 1 kicked off with a battle between Hungary and Estonia. Hungary fought against the impending wooden spoon and Estonia aimed to secure what would be a satisfying second place in the group.
The mixed doubles commenced proceedings with Kristjan Kaljurand/ Helina Rüütel, who after their narrow three-game loss against Sweden, seek a win together. Gergely Krausz, a singles player, completes a hattrick of appearances in all possible categories, partnering Daniella Gonda in the mixed doubles.
The Estonians had to come from behind after a slow start to get the win. Kaljurand explains how they changed it.
Date: 12/11/2020 8:44 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
It was the clash of the winners from yesterday’s opening day of Group 1. England took on Estonia in an attempt to all but secure qualification from the group.
With England’s strength in depth, changes were made in both singles and the mixed doubles. Chloe Birch also played with her usual partner, Lauren Smith.
First up was the men’s singles with the young talent of Harry Huang against Mikk Järveoja. The 2016 double European U15 Champion took just 21 minutes to reach 21 twice in a dominant performance ending 21-7, 21-8.
- I was trying to not get worried about what he was going to do and focused on my game.
Sweden bounce back strongly against Hungary Date: 12/11/2020 3:11 PM Published by : Alan Raftery
Day two of European Mixed Team Championships Qualification Group 1 saw Sweden take on Hungary, an important match for both teams.
Defeated nations yesterday, both Sweden and Hungary were looking to score their first win on the board. The first two singles matches looked like the ones that will dictate which way the tie will go.
In the end, they were split 1-1, with Gergely Krausz continuing his good form here, stunning Felix Burestedt in two games.
-I am quite happy about yesterday and today. He has a really good ranking and results. I am training hard in Hungary and I am happy that I could get this point for my country.
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.